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arXiv · 1903.11066

Quantum gravity as an emergent phenomenon

Shounak De·Tejinder P. Singh·Abhinav Varma
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Abstract

There ought to exist a reformulation of quantum theory which does not depend on classical time. To achieve such a reformulation, we introduce the concept of an atom of space-time-matter (STM). An STM atom is a classical non-commutative geometry, based on an asymmetric metric, and sourced by a closed string. Different such atoms interact via entanglement. The statistical thermodynamics of a large number of such atoms gives rise, at equilibrium, to a theory of quantum gravity. Far from equilibrium, where statistical fluctuations are large, the emergent theory reduces to classical general relativity. In this theory, classical black holes are far-from-equilibrium low entropy states, and their Hawking evaporation represents an attempt to return to the (maximum entropy) equilibrium quantum gravitational state.

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Shounak De, Tejinder P. Singh, Abhinav Varma. 2019-03-26. Quantum gravity as an emergent phenomenon. https://doi.org/10.1142/s0218271819440036

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