Can quantum gravitational forces stop gravitational collapse?

Abstract

We consider, in lowest order of the gravitational coupling constant G, the gravitational potential between two neutrons. As we have previously pointed out [1],the quantum (including spin) contributions to the gravitational field dominate for distances smaller than the Compton wavelength of the neutron. At such distances the gravitational force between two neutrons may be repulsive. In particular, the gravitational forces which are analogous to the familiar Darwin and Fermi forces of quantum electrodynamics are capable of stopping gravitational collapse. Our discussion is within the framework of Einstein's theory, but on a microscopic level. We conclude that gravitational collapse may be halted without the necessity of extending Einstein's theory à la Cartan or otherwise.