Entropy and black hole horizons
arXiv:hep-th/9507009 · doi:10.1016/0370-2693(95)01020-Q
Abstract
The standard approach of counting the number of eigenmodes of $N$ scalar fields near the horizon is used as a basis to provide a simple statistical mechanical derivation of the black hole entropy in two and four dimensions. The Bekenstein formula $S={A\ov 4G\h}$ and the two-dimensional entropy $S=2M/Å\h $ are naturally obtained (up to a numerical constant of order 1). This approach provides an explanation on why the black hole entropy is of order $1/\h $ and why it is independent of the number of field-theoretical degrees of freedom.
13 pages, harvmac, 1 figure (section 2 expanded)