We study a simple version of the AdS/CFT correspondence, where operators have integer conformal dimensions. In this model, bulk causality follows from boundary analyticity, even in nontrivial black hole backgrounds that break the underlying conformal symmetry. This allows a natural set of quasilocal bulk observables to be constructed. Estimates of finite central charge corrections to semiclassical correlators are made. These corrections are used to determine the regime of validity of effective field theory in the bulk spacetime. The results are consistent with black hole complementarity.

• Received 20 March 2009

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevD.79.106008