Toroidal black holes and topological censorship

Abstract

Recent theorems regarding topological censorship are in apparent conflict with simulations of the collapse of rotating matter to form toroidal black holes. The geometry of a temporarily toroidal event horizon is analyzed and shown to be completely consistent with the theorems. A simple flat space model provides insight into the geometry of a toroidal black hole. \textcopyright{} 1995 The American Physical Society.