Researchers model intensity and polarization of rotating Konoplya-Zhidenko black holes

Researchers conducted computer simulations of a rotating Konoplya-Zhidenko black hole surrounded by a geometrically thick, optically thin accretion flow, revealing distinct intensity and polarization features. The team combined analytical calculations with numerical modeling to generate images of the black-hole shadow and its linear-polarization signatures. According to Sciencecast, the simulated intensity patterns displayed bright regions aligned with the flow’s structure.

The polarization maps showed variations that depended on the black hole’s spin, deformation parameter, and the observer’s viewing angle. These results outline how future high-resolution observations could test the theoretical predictions for Konoplya-Zhidenko versus Kerr metrics.