Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 14, 2025

Author Spotlight: Unveiling the Potential of VSFG Microscopy in Studying Mesoscopically Heterogeneous Self-Assembled Structures
Published on: December 1, 2023
Fuzzball Shadows: Emergent Horizons from Microstructure
Fabio Bacchini1, Daniel R Mayerson2, Bart Ripperda3
1Centre for mathematical Plasma Astrophysics, Department of Mathematics, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200B, B-3001 Leuven, Belgium.
Abstract:
We study the physical properties of four-dimensional, string-theoretical, horizonless "fuzzball" geometries by imaging their shadows. Their microstructure traps light rays straying near the would-be horizon on long-lived, highly redshifted chaotic orbits. In fuzzballs sufficiently near the scaling limit this creates a shadow much like that of a black hole, while avoiding the paradoxes associated with an event horizon. Observations of the shadow size and residual glow can potentially discriminate between fuzzballs away from the scaling limit and alternative models of black compact objects.
Related Concept Videos
Uncertainty: Overview
First Law: Particles in Two-dimensional Equilibrium
Newton's first law tells us about...
Fermi Level Dynamics
Electron affinity in semiconductors refers to the energy gap between the minimum of its conduction band and the vacuum level and it is a critical parameter in determining how easily a semiconductor can accept additional electrons.
The work...
Reflection of Waves
Equipotential Surfaces and Field Lines
Potential Due to a Polarized Object

