Are Black Holes Elementary Particles?

Abstract

Quantum black holes are the smallest and heaviest conceivable elementary particles. They have a microscopic size but a macroscopic mass. Several fundamental types have been constructed with some remarkable properties. Quantum black holes in the neighborhood of the Galaxy could resolve the paradox of ultra-high energy cosmic rays detected in Earth's atmosphere. They may also play a role as dark matter in cosmology.

Comments: Lecture delivered in Conference on Particle Physics, Astrophysics and Quantum Field Theory: 75 Years since Solvay, 27 -29 November 2008, Nanyang Executive Centre, Singapore. 10 pages