Speaker
Thomas Mertens
(Ghent University)
Description
In this talk, I will construct a definition of diff-invariant bulk observables in lower-dimensional JT gravity. I will use these to define quantum accelerated observers and a generalization of the Unruh effect. After the gravity path integral, this leads to a finite matter thermal entropy of bulk quantum fields. Finally, I will discuss a definition of infalling observers, and derive how quantum gravity effects lead to a violation of the equivalence principle, but an absence of a firewall. Based on constructions started in 1902.11194, and revisited more recently in 2507.20983 and 2607.XXXXX.