An algebra for covariant observers in de Sitter space

Abstract

In $d$-dimensional de Sitter spacetime, consistency of perturbative expansion requires imposing all second-order gravitational constraints associated with the $SO(1,d)$ isometry group, rather than restricting to the $\R\times SO(d-1)$ subgroup, to address linearization instability. Since generic de Sitter isometries do not preserve a fixed static patch, these constraints cannot be implemented within a fixed local algebra. We develop a framework that imposes all $SO(1,d)$ constraints while incorporating multiple observers on arbitrary timelike geodesics. We introduce the covariant observer whose geodesic transforms covariantly under the isometry group. Upon quantization, the observer is described by a superposition of geodesics, with associated static patches fluctuating, providing a quantum reference frame $L^2(SO(1,d))$. We realize this structure in an action model where a particle carries conserved charges corresponding to generators of de Sitter isometries, which parametrize its geodesic and upon quantization lead to a fluctuating geodesic. Inspired by the timelike tube theorem, we propose that the observable algebra accessible to a covariant observer is generated by all degrees of freedom within its fluctuating static patch, including quantum fields and other observers treated as part of the matter system. Imposing the $SO(1,d)$ constraints yields a gauge-invariant algebra given by an averaged modular crossed product algebra over static patches and configurations of other geodesics, generalizing a local algebra associated with a fixed region to that of a fluctuating region. We show this algebra is type II by constructing a faithful normal trace, leading to an observer-dependent notion of von Neumann entropy. For semiclassical states, imposing a UV cutoff in QFT and proposing a quantum generalization of the first law, we show agreement between algebraic and generalized entropies.