Lab Breakthrough Simulates Black Hole Energy Extraction Process

WHO:

Science Daily - Researchers involved in the study are physicists.

Phys.org - Sir Roger Penrose is mentioned as the original theorist of the energy extraction concept.

WHAT:

Science Daily - Researchers have recreated the physics of extracting energy from a spinning black hole.

Phys.org - The concept involves a particle entering a black hole's ergosphere, splitting into two, with one part falling into the black hole and the other escaping with more energy.

WHERE:

Science Daily - The experiment was conducted in a laboratory setting.

WHEN:

Phys.org - The theoretical idea was proposed more than half a century ago.

WHY:

Science Daily - The achievement could inspire new advances in optics, wireless communications, and quantum science.

HOW:

Science Daily - The researchers used a stationary device that produces synthetic ultrafast rotation to simulate the energy extraction process.

Phys.org - Yakov Zel'dovich's prediction involved a wave interacting with a sufficiently fast, rotating object to extract and amplify energy.

(UPDATED July 12, 2026 14:23 UTC)

Researchers have successfully recreated the physics of extracting energy from a spinning black hole in a laboratory setting, a concept originally theorized by Sir Roger Penrose over half a century ago. The process involves a particle entering the black hole's ergosphere, where it splits into two, with one part falling in while the other escapes with increased energy. This groundbreaking achievement could pave the way for advancements in optics, wireless communications, and quantum science, utilizing a stationary device that simulates ultrafast rotation to mimic the energy extraction process.