Near-extremal quantum cross-section for charged fields and superradiance

Abstract: We study the scattering and absorption properties of charged scalar fields on a near-extremal Reissner-Nordstr\"om black hole background. We show that in this low-temperature regime the near-horizon throat experiences large quantum fluctuations, whose leading contribution is described by the one dimensional Schwarzian effective action, while the soft $U(1)$ gauge modes can only contribute to subleading order. We investigate the role of the leading quantum effects both inside and outside the superradiant regime. These effects result in an enhanced reflection coefficient within the superradiant regime, while causing a suppression in the non-superradiant regime. On the other hand, the absorption cross-section increases in both regimes. Additional physical features appear as kinks in the reflection coefficient and absorption cross-section plots, corresponding to the shutdown of absorption in the superradiant regime and of stimulated emission in the non-superradiant regime.