arXiv subjects

Daniele Oriti

Publications and source records attributed to Daniele Oriti.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

arXiv2024

The quantum gravity seeds for laws of nature

We discuss the challenges that the standard (Humean and non-Humean) accounts of laws face within the framework of quantum gravity where space and time may not be fundamental. This paper identifies core (meta)physical features that cut across a number of quantum gravity approaches and formalisms and that provide seeds for articulating updated conceptions that could account for QG laws not involving any spatio-temporal notions. To this aim, we will in particular highlight the constitutive roles of quantum entanglement, quantum transition amplitudes and quantum causal histories. These features also stress the fruitful overlap between quantum gravity and quantum information theory.

physics.hist-ph↗

arXiv2024

The emergence of spacetime: what role for functionalism?

Among the various attempts to formulate a theory of quantum gravity, a class of approaches suggests that spacetime, as modeled by general relativity, is destined to fade away. A major issue becomes then to identify which structures may inhabit the more fundamental, non-spatiotemporal environment, as well as to explain the relationship with the higher-level spatiotemporal physics. Recently, it has been suggested that a certain understanding of functionalism is the proper tool to suitably account for the recovery of spacetime. Here the viability and usefulness of such a conceptual strategy is explored, by looking at the various levels of spacetime emergence a theory of quantum gravity is expected to deal with. Our conclusion will be that, while its viability is clear also in a quantum gravity context, the import of spacetime functionalism remains rather unsettled.

physics.hist-ph↗

arXiv2024

Hydrodynamics on (mini)superspace, or a non-linear extension of quantum cosmology

We outline the content and theoretical support for the proposal of "hydrodynamics on (mini)superspace" (or a non-linear extension of quantum cosmology) as an effective framework for quantum gravity in a cosmological context. The basis for the proposal is a general correspondence between hydrodynamics and cosmology, and a picture of the universe as a quantum gravity condensate. The support comes from several directions. One is from mathematical physics: the hydrodynamics of quantum fluids can be mapped to relativistic cosmological dynamics, and both share the same conformal symmetries, which can be unraveled via geometric methods in superspace. The second is that the proposed framework is realized in quantum gravity formalisms like group field theory, in which an emergent cosmological dynamics can be extracted from the hydrodynamics of fundamental quantum simplices in a condensate phase. The same proposal can be motivated from the idea of 3rd quantization of gravity and from recent work on quantum cosmology, as an effective way of incorporating topology changing processes or cosmological inhomogeneities, respectively. A key conceptual ingredient is the relational understanding of space and time, which makes superspace the natural arena for gravitational dynamics, as opposed to the "spacetime" manifold, together with the general idea of emergent spacetime. The proposal and the results supporting it suggest an exciting dialogue between quantum gravity, the theory of quantum fluids and cosmology, as well as a new direction for analogue gravity simulations in the lab.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2024

Holographic properties of superposed quantum geometries

We study the holographic properties of a class of quantum geometry states characterized by a superposition of discrete geometric data, in the form of generalised tensor networks. This class specifically includes spin networks, the kinematic states of lattice gauge theory and discrete quantum gravity. We employ an algebraic, operatorial definition of holography based on quantum information channels, an approach which is particularly valuable in settings, such as the one we consider, where the relevant Hilbert space of states does not factorize into subsystem Hilbert spaces due to gauge invariance. We apply random tensor network techniques (successfully used in the AdS/CFT context) to analyse information transport properties of the bulk-to-boundary and boundary-to-boundary maps associated with this superposition of quantum geometries, and produce typicality results about the average over the geometric data colouring the fixed graph structure. In this context, one naturally obtains a nontrivial area operator encoding the dominant contribution to entropy calculations. Among our main results is the requirement that one can only isometrically map a bulk region onto boundaries with fixed total area. We furthermore inquire about similar state-induced mappings between segments of the boundary, and discuss related conditions for isometric behaviour. These generalisations make further steps towards quantum gravity implementations of tensor network holography.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2023

Schrödinger Symmetry in Gravitational Mini-Superspaces

We prove that the simplest gravitational symmetry reduced models describing cosmology and black holes mechanics are invariant under the Schrödinger group. We consider the flat FRW cosmology filled with a massless scalar field and the Schwarzschild black hole mechanics, construct their conserved charges using the Eisenhart-Duval (ED) lift method and show that they form a Schrödinger algebra. Our method illustrates how the ED lift and the more standard approach analyzing the geometry of the field space are complementarity in revealing different set of symmetries of these systems. We further identify an infinite-dimensional symmetry for those two models, generated by conserved charges organized in two copies of a Witt algebra. These extended charge algebras provide a new algebraic characterization of these homogeneous gravitational sectors. They guide the path to their quantization and open the road to non-linear extensions of quantum cosmology and quantum black holes models in terms of hydrodynamic equations in field space.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2023

Schrödinger symmetry of Schwarzschild-(A)dS black hole mechanics

We show that the dynamics of Schwarzschild-(A)dS black holes admits a symmetry under the 2d Schrödinger group, whatever the sign or value of the cosmological constant. This is achieved by reformulating the spherically-symmetric reduction of general relativity as a 2d mechanical system with a non-trivial potential controlled by the cosmological constant, and explicitly identifying the conserved charges for black hole mechanics. We expect the Schrödinger symmetry to drive the dynamics of quantum Schwarzschild-(A)dS black holes. This suggests that Schrödinger-preserving non-linear deformations (of the Gross-Piteavskii type) should capture universal quantum gravity corrections to the black hole geometry. Such scenario could be realized in condensed matter analogue models.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2023

Spherically-symmetric geometries in a matter reference frame as quantum gravity condensates

Candidate microstates of a spherically symmetric geometry are constructed in the group field theory formalism for quantum gravity, for models including both quantum geometric and scalar matter degrees of freedom. The latter are used as a material reference frame to define the spacetime localization of the various elements of quantum geometry. By computing quantum geometric observables, we then match the quantum states with a spherically symmetric classical geometry, written in a suitable matter reference frame.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2023

Generalised Amit-Roginsky model from perturbations of 3d quantum gravity

A generalised Amit-Roginsky vector model in flat space is obtained as the effective dynamics of pertubations around a classical solution of the Boulatov group field theory for 3d euclidean quantum gravity, extended to include additional matter degrees of freedom. By further restricting the type of perturbations, the original Amit-Roginsky model can be obtained. This result suggests a general link (and possibly a unified framework) between two types of tensorial quantum field theories: quantum geometric group field theories and tensorial models for random geometry, on one hand, and melonic-dominated vector and tensorial models in flat space, such as the Amit-Roginsky model (and the SYK model), on the other hand.

hep-th↗

arXiv2023

A minimalist account of agency in physics

We adopt a top-down approach to agency aimed at developing a minimalist, scalable and naturalized account of it. After providing a general definition, we explore some possible extensions and refinements, domain of applicability, as well as a comparison with other recent accounts of agency, and possible objections to our proposal. With respect to what we classify as strong (such as Tononi's) and weak (such as Rovelli's) characterizations, our notion of agency situates itself in a middle position - our intent being precisely that of spelling out the advantages of this median account within a variety of contexts, such as the interpretation of quantum mechanics, the debate on the nature of physical laws and Bayesianism.

physics.hist-ph↗

arXiv2023

Transition Amplitudes in 3D Quantum Gravity: Boundaries and Holography in the Coloured Boulatov Model

We consider transition amplitudes in the coloured simplicial Boulatov model for three-dimensional Riemannian quantum gravity. First, we discuss aspects of the topology of coloured graphs with non-empty boundaries. Using a modification of the standard rooting procedure of coloured tensor models, we then write transition amplitudes systematically as topological expansions. We analyse the transition amplitudes for the simplest boundary topology, the 2-sphere, and prove that they factorize into a sum entirely given by the combinatorics of the boundary spin network state and that the leading order is given by graphs representing the closed 3-ball in the large N limit. This is the first step towards a more detailed study of the holographic nature of coloured Boulatov-type GFT models for topological field theories and quantum gravity.

hep-th↗

arXiv2023

Mean-field phase transitions in TGFT quantum gravity

Controlling the continuum limit and extracting effective gravitational physics are shared challenges for quantum gravity approaches based on quantum discrete structures. The description of quantum gravity in terms of tensorial group field theory (TGFT) has recently led to much progress in its application to phenomenology, in particular cosmology. This application relies on the assumption of a phase transition to a nontrivial vacuum (condensate) state describable by mean-field theory, an assumption that is difficult to corroborate by a full renormalization group flow analysis due to the complexity of the relevant TGFT models. Here we demonstrate that this assumption is justified due to the specific ingredients of realistic quantum geometric TGFT models: combinatorially non-local interactions, matter degrees of freedom and Lorentz group data together with the encoding of micro-causality. This greatly strengthens the evidence for the existence of a meaningful continuum gravitational regime in group-field and spin-foam quantum gravity, the phenomenology of which is amenable to explicit computations in a mean-field approximation.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2023

Phase transitions in TGFT: a Landau-Ginzburg analysis of Lorentzian quantum geometric models

In the tensorial group field theory (TGFT) approach to quantum gravity, the basic quanta of the theory correspond to discrete building blocks of geometry. It is expected that their collective dynamics gives rise to continuum spacetime at a coarse grained level, via a process involving a phase transition. In this work we show for the first time how phase transitions for realistic TGFT models can be realized using Landau-Ginzburg mean-field theory. More precisely, we consider models generating 4-dimensional Lorentzian triangulations formed by spacelike tetrahedra whose quantum geometry is encoded in non-local degrees of freedom on the non-compact group $\mathrm{SL}(2,\mathbb{C})$ and subject to gauge and simplicity constraints. Further we include $\mathbb{R}$-valued variables which may be interpreted as discretized scalar fields typically employed as a matter reference frame. We apply the Ginzburg criterion finding that fluctuations around the non-vanishing mean-field vacuum remain small at large correlation lengths regardless of the combinatorics of the non-local interaction validating the mean-field theory description of the phase transition. This work represents a first crucial step to understand phase transitions in compelling TGFT models for quantum gravity and paves the way for a more complete analysis via functional renormalization group techniques. Moreover, it supports the recent extraction of effective cosmological dynamics from TGFTs in the context of a mean-field approximation.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2022

The Complete Barrett-Crane Model and its Causal Structure

The causal structure is a quintessential element of continuum spacetime physics and needs to be properly encoded in a theory of Lorentzian quantum gravity. Established spin foam (and tensorial group field theory (TGFT)) models mostly work with relatively special classes of Lorentzian triangulations (e.g. built from spacelike tetrahedra only), obscuring the explicit implementation of the local causal structure at the microscopic level. We overcome this limitation and construct a full-fledged model for Lorentzian quantum geometry the building blocks of which include spacelike, lightlike and timelike tetrahedra. We realize this within the context of the Barrett-Crane TGFT model. Following an explicit characterization of the amplitudes via methods of integral geometry, and the ensuing clear identification of local causal structure, we analyze the model's amplitudes with respect to its (space)time-orientation properties and provide also a more detailed comparison with the framework of causal dynamical triangulations (CDT).

gr-qc↗

arXiv2022

Frontiers of Quantum Gravity: shared challenges, converging directions

Understanding the quantum nature of spacetime and gravity remains one of the most ambitious goals of theoretical physics. It promises to provide key new insights into fundamental particle theory, astrophysics, cosmology and the foundations of physics. Despite this common goal, the community of quantum gravity researchers is sometimes seen as divided into sub-communities working on different, mutually exclusive approaches. In practice however, recent years have shown the emergence of common techniques, results and physical ideas arising from different sub-communities, suggesting exciting new prospects for collaboration and interaction between traditionally distinct approaches. In this White Paper we discuss some of the common themes which have seen a growing interest from various directions, and argue that focusing on them will help the quantum gravity community as a whole towards shared objectives.

hep-th↗

arXiv2022

Effective dynamics of scalar cosmological perturbations from quantum gravity

We derive an effective dynamics for scalar cosmological perturbations from quantum gravity, in the framework of group field theory (GFT) condensate cosmology. The emergent spacetime picture is obtained from the mean field hydrodynamic regime of the fundamental theory, and physical observables are defined using a relational strategy applied at the same level of approximation, in terms of suitable collective states of the GFT field. The dynamical equations we obtain for volume and matter perturbations lead to the same solutions as those of classical general relativity in the long-wavelength, super-horizon limit, but differ in other regimes. These differences could be of phenomenological interest and make contact between fundamental quantum gravity models and cosmological observations, indicating new physics or limitations of the fundamental models or of the approximations leading to the effective cosmological dynamics.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2022

Tensorial Group Field Theory condensate cosmology as an example of spacetime emergence in quantum gravity

We summarize the main ideas behind TGFT condensate cosmology and sketch the technical steps that bring from the fundamental theory to the effective cosmological dynamics. This framework is presented as an explicit illustration of (and possibly a general template for) the emergence of spacetime from non-spatiotemporal quantum entities in quantum gravity, and the many aspects involved in it.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2022

Effective cosmology from one-body operators in group field theory

We propose a new method for obtaining an effective Friedmann-Lemaître-Robertson-Walker (FLRW) cosmology from the quantum gravity dynamics of group field theory (GFT), based on the idea that an FLRW universe is characterised by a few macroscopic observables. Rather than relying on assuming a particular type of quantum state and computing expectation values in such a state, here we directly start from relations between macroscopic observables (defined as one-body operators) and formulate dynamics only for those observables. We apply the effective approach to constrained quantum systems (as developed by Bojowald and collaborators) to GFT, providing a systematic expansion in powers of $\hbar$. We obtain a kinematical phase space of expectation values and moments, which does not require an a priori choice of clock variable. We identify a gauge fixing of the system which corresponds to choosing one of the cosmological variables (with the role of extrinsic curvature) as a clock and which allows us to rewrite the effective dynamics in relational form. We show necessary and sufficient conditions for the resulting dynamics of expectation values to be compatible with those of classical FLRW cosmology and discuss the impact of quantum fluctuations.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2022

Emergent Cosmology from Quantum Gravity in the Lorentzian Barrett-Crane Tensorial Group Field Theory Model

We study the cosmological sector of the Lorentzian Barrett-Crane (BC) model coupled to a free massless scalar field in its Group Field Theory (GFT) formulation, corresponding to the mean-field hydrodynamics obtained from coherent condensate states. The relational evolution of the condensate with respect to the scalar field yields effective dynamics of homogeneous and isotropic cosmologies, similar to those previously obtained in $\text{SU}(2)$-based EPRL-like models. Also in this manifestly Lorentzian setting, in which only continuous $\text{SL}(2,\mathbb{C})$-representations are used, we obtain generalized Friedmann equations that generically exhibit a quantum bounce, and can reproduce all of the features of the cosmological dynamics of EPRL-like models. This lends support to the expectation that the EPRL-like and BC models may lie in the same continuum universality class, and that the quantum gravity mechanism producing effective bouncing scenarios may not depend directly on the discretization of geometric observables.

gr-qc↗