Speaker: Ignacio Reyes (University of Amsterdam)
Title: Quantum field theory and relativistic stars
Abstract: What are the essential aspects of quantum theory needed in order to understand compact relativistic objects? Relying solely on universal properties of QFTs at high energies, we show that as a star contracts towards its Buchdahl (rather than its Schwarzschild) radius, the effects of the trace anomaly become macroscopic at densities much below the Planck scale. The consequences of this may be observable, as we illustrate with minimally coupled scalar waves.