Black Hole Cross-Section at the LHC

Abstract

Black hole production at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) was first discussed in 1999. Since then, much work has been performed in predicting the black hole cross section. In light of the start up of the LHC, it is now timely to review the state of these calculations. We review the uncertainties in estimating the black hole cross section in higher dimensions. One would like to make this estimate as precise as possible since the predicted values, or lower limits, obtain for the fundamental Planck scale and number of extra dimensions from experiments will depend directly on the accuracy of the cross section. Based on the current knowledge of the cross section, we give a range of lower limits on the fundamental Planck scale that could be obtained at LHC energies.

Probing TeV gravity with the ATLAS detector

“…This approximation can be modified by a number of effects depending on mass, angular momentum, electric charge, colour, and finite size of the incoming particles. The current results, though far from complete, indicate that the simple geometric cross section is correct if multiplied by a formation factor of order unity [17]. A striking feature of the black disc cross section is its rise with the centre-of-mass energy which distinguishes black hole production from any perturbative process.…”

Production of tidal-charged black holes at the Large Hadron Collider

“…For example, initial-state beam radiation or radiation during a balding phase could reduce the cross section by several orders of magnitude (see Ref. [25] for a review of the ADD case).…”

Effect of charged partons on black hole production at the Large Hadron Collider

“…The effects of finite size have been examined [12,13] and only recently have angular momentum [14] or charge been discussed [15]. Although these results are far from complete, they do indicated that the simple geometric cross section is correct if multiplied by a formation factor of order unity [16].…”