Gravitational Waves May Constrain Black Hole Entropy Corrections

Recent research by Parthasarathi Majumdar examines the potential for gravitational wave (GW) data from binary black hole (BBH) mergers to provide constraints on corrections to the Bekenstein-Hawking entropy. The study, titled "Can BBH Merger GW Data Constrain Corrections to Bekenstein-Hawking Entropy?" and available on arXiv, investigates how classical and quantum modifications of general relativity could affect black hole entropy.

The Bekenstein-Hawking entropy is a fundamental concept in black hole thermodynamics, linking the entropy of a black hole to its event horizon area. This research highlights that the entropy of black holes must adhere to the Generalized Second Law of Thermodynamics. In the context of binary black hole coalescence, the study identifies a measurable difference in corrections to the entropies of the inspiral and remnant black holes. This difference is constrained by the corresponding Bekenstein-Hawking entropies, which have been measured through gravitational wave observations.

Majumdar's findings suggest that if the calculated corrections to entropy align with the patterns dictated by the Hawking Area Theorem, they will be consistent with observational bounds. Conversely, if these corrections deviate from expected patterns, they will face significant constraints based on observational data. This research could have implications for our understanding of black hole thermodynamics and the fundamental laws governing black holes.

The full paper can be accessed at arXiv:2408.13820.