SOLUBLE MODELS IN 2-DIMENSIONAL DILATON GRAVITY

A one-parameter class of simple models of two-dimensional dilaton grav ity, which can be exactly solved including back-reaction effects, is i nvestigated at both classical and quantum levels. This family contains the RST model as a special case, and it continuously interpolates bet ween models having a flat (Rindler) geometry and a constant curvature metric with a nontrivial dilaton field. The processes of formation of black hole singularities from collapsing matter and Hawking evaporatio n are considered in detail. Various physical aspects of these geometri es are discussed, including the cosmological interpretation.