Black holes in higher dimensions, black strings, and the Gregory-Laflamme instability

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Black Holes are a major prediction of Einstein's general relativity. Today there is strong observational evidence for the existence of astrophysical black holes. On the other hand string theory, a major candidate for the quantum theory of gravity and the unification of all interactions, predicts in its low energy limit additional fields and also requires higher dimensions for mathematical consistency. As a result, essential properties of black holes can change dramatically. In this project we want to investigate the properties of black holes in higher dimensions and study how they are affected by the compactification of extra dimensions. In particular, we intend to investigate black holes and black strings, i.e. black objects with different types of horizon topologies, present in higher dimensional spacetimes with or without compact dimensions. We intend to resolve the important issue of topology changing transitions, when e.g. black strings evolve into black holes. We will put emphasis on the question of stability of these black objects. In particular, we will address the Gregory-Laflamme instability, associated with the emergence of new branches of black objects. We also intend to enlighten the relation of thermodynamic stability and classical gravitational stability of these black objects. Addressing finally black holes in braneworld models, we intend to contribute significantly to questions of observability of extra dimensions in lab experiments.