Slimhole

Slimhole is a term used in theoretical discussions of spacetime to describe a slender wormhole-like structure. In this concept, the throat of the hole has a small cross-sectional area, yielding a narrow tunnel that connects two distant regions of space or different times. The geometry of a slimhole differs from that of a traditional, broader wormhole, with higher length-to-throat ratios that influence tidal forces and stability during transit.

The idea arises in attempts to model traversable shortcuts through spacetime within general relativity and quantum gravity frameworks. Some proposals invoke exotic matter or modified gravity to keep the throat open, while others appeal to higher-dimensional effects or quantum fields that could stabilize a slender geometry. Because the throat is narrow, tidal stresses along the tunnel would vary, potentially making traversal more difficult or dangerous than in wider wormholes. Theoretical studies often focus on energy conditions, stability criteria, and possible formation mechanisms, such as fluctuations in the quantum vacuum or gravitational collapse in primordial conditions.

There is no observational evidence for slimholes, and they remain speculative. If they exist, their detectable signatures might include unusual gravitational lensing, transient gravitational waves, or effects on nearby matter, but such signals would be challenging to distinguish from other compact objects. The concept serves as a tool for exploring spacetime topology and the implications of quantum gravity for wormhole-like structures.

Related concepts include wormholes, traversable wormholes, micro black holes, and spacetime topology.