Scientists have built a black and white hole simulator – it will help create the electronics of the future and more

Distant and incomprehensible black holes are difficult to consider as objects for active experiments. Therefore, for laboratory experiments, scientists have created an optical analogue of a black and even a hypothetical white hole. The developed device behaves like a black or white hole – absorbing or reflecting light depending on polarization. It can help in the study of space phenomena and the creation of future technologies.

Image source: University of Southampton

In Einstein’s general theory of relativity, black holes are known for their ability to absorb light and matter, warping space-time and creating a boundary beyond which even light cannot escape. Strictly speaking, black holes are still considered hypothetical objects, although their existence is almost certainly believed. White holes, which are hypothesized to block light and matter from entering, are known solely as theoretical constructs that “exist” in solutions to Einstein’s equations.

A team of researchers from the University of Southampton has developed a revolutionary optical device that simultaneously simulates the physics of black holes and their mysterious twins, white holes, but only in the optical range. The true gravity of black holes remains elusive in the lab.

These “optical analogs” use the principle of coherent perfect absorption to either absorb or reflect light depending on polarization, similar to how black holes absorb matter and hypothetical white holes emit it. This opens up new possibilities for studying distant cosmic phenomena in the laboratory and for developing advanced technologies such as energy conversion systems and stealth materials.

By generating a standing wave and directing it at an ultra-thin absorbing material, the device can either absorb almost all the light or let it pass through — mimicking the behavior of black holes or the supposed reflective behavior of white holes. In essence, it’s a laboratory system that can trap or repel light depending on its polarization.

Externally, the device is a double prism with a thin film in the middle. The film imitates the optical behavior of a black and white hole, and does so mathematically accurately. This means that experiments can now be conducted that reproduce the behavior of real astrophysical objects.

Experiments conducted by the team of researchers have confirmed that the concept works: the device manipulates electromagnetic waves in a way that truly mirrors the behavior of gravitational black and white holes. Simulations showed no reflection from the device — as in the case of a black hole analogue — and the formation of a standing wave due to the interference of incident and reflected light — as in the case of a white hole.

The scientists note: “Our optical device can be used as an analogue for studying the physics of these distant celestial phenomena, as well as a practical basis for a range of potential applications related to the adaptation of electromagnetic waves and the enhancement of light-matter interactions – such as detection, energy conversion, multispectral camouflage, stealth technologies and much more.”