Quantum fields as Cosmic Censors in $(2 + 1)$-dimensions
Résumé
We discuss the effect of quantum fields on classical background spacetimes which contain timelike singularities. We do so for the case that the background is a (2 + 1)-dimensional BTZ spacetime, whether corresponding to a rotating black hole (M > 0) or to a naked conical singularity (M < 0). In the black hole case, scalar quantum fields render its Cauchy horizon unstable, while for the conical geometry, they produce a horizon around the naked singularity. Thus, quantum effects improve the predictability of the spacetime acting as effective Cosmic Censors.