arXiv subjects

Djordje Minic

Publications and source records attributed to Djordje Minic.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Dynamics of the Density Cube

Density cube theory extends the canonical quantum density matrix $ρ_{ij}$ with the addition of an extra index to $ρ_{ijk}$. The elements of the density cube with two different indices, $ρ_{iij}$ and $ρ_{ijj}$, correspond to the real and imaginary parts of the off-diagonal element $ρ_{ij}$ of the density matrix and describe double-path interference, while those with three different indices describe non-canonical triple-path interference. In this letter, we propose an equation of motion for the density cube, obtained from the quantization of ternary Nambu dynamics, and find that pairs of triple-path interferences oscillate into each other.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2026

Information Metrics and Possible Limitations of Local Information Objectivity in Quantum Gravity

Local information objectivity, that local, independent observers can infer the same information about a model upon exchange of independently acquired experimental data, is fundamental to science. It is mathematically encoded via Cencov's theorem: the Fisher information metric is the unique metric invariant under the assumptions of independent, identically distributed sampling and sufficient statistics. However, quantum gravity typically violates these assumptions, permitting contextual deviations from the Fisher metric that reflect the dynamical experimental and environmental configurations. This yields a possible extension of spacetime general covariance to information geometry. Since compatibility with the metric on probability spaces heavily restricts the form of the Born rule for quantum mechanics, deviations from the Fisher metric also can induce modifications of the Born rule, leading it to vary between observers. We explain some possible variations, advocate for experimental tests, and suggest a new quantum gravity approach based on generally covariant information geometry.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2026

Quantum Spacetime, Quantum Gravity and Gravitized Quantum Theory

General relativity is a background-independent theory of a dynamical classical spacetime geometry. Quantum theory is formulated in a classical spacetime, as an intrinsically probabilistic, contextual theory of non-classical, interfering probabilities, with a fixed Born rule for computing those probabilities. We argue that the quantum nature of spacetime, which includes a non-commutative dual companion to the (observed) classical spacetime, is the reason behind an intrinsically probabilistic and contextual nature of quantum theory, with the fixed Born rule. In quantum gravity, we claim, quantum theory is gravitized into a background-independent structure with dynamical and contextual quantum probabilities. This proposal implies intrinsic triple and higher-order interference in the context of massive quantum probes, which sheds light on string theory and the observed vacuum energy as well as the masses of elementary particles.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2025

Physical limits on information metrics and quantum gravity as gravitized quantum theory

There is a long history in both general relativity and quantum mechanics of removing fixed background structures, thereby making observed objects and measurement processes dynamical. We continue this evolution by combining central insights from both theories to argue that physical limits on information collection resulting from quantum gravity coupled with general covariance preclude the fixed information geometry still assumed in both information theory and quantum mechanics. As a consequence there must be a gravitized, generally covariant extension of both theories. We also propose a novel experimental test involving intrinsic triple and higher order quantum interferences that would provide evidence for dynamical information metrics and a dynamical Born rule.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2025

Dynamical Dark Energy, Dual Spacetime, and DESI

In this paper we discuss possible consequences of a manifestly non-commutative and $T$-duality covariant formulation of string theory on dark energy, when the correspondence between short distance (UV) and long distance (IR) physics is taken into account. We demonstrate that the dark energy is dynamical, \textit{i.e.}, time-dependent, and we compute the allowed values of $w_0$ and $w_a$, given by $w(a) = w_0+w_a(1-a)$, which compare favorably to the most recent observations by DESI. From this point of view, the latest results from DESI might point to a fundamentally new understanding of quantum spacetime in the context of quantum gravity.

hep-th↗

arXiv2025

On the Emergent "Quantum" Theory in Complex Adaptive Systems

We explore the concept of emergent quantum-like theory in complex adaptive systems, and examine in particular the concrete example of such an emergent (or "mock") quantum theory in the Lotka-Volterra system. In general, we investigate the possibility of implementing the mathematical formalism of quantum mechanics on classical systems, and what would be the conditions for using such an approach. We start from a standard description of a classical system via Hamilton-Jacobi (HJ) equation and reduce it to an effective Schrödinger-type equation, with a (mock) Planck constant $\mockbar$, which is system-dependent. The condition for this is that the so-called quantum potential VQ, which is state-dependent, is cancelled out by some additional term in the HJ equation. We consider this additional term to provide for the coupling of the classical system under consideration to the "environment." We assume that a classical system could cancel out the VQ term (at least approximately) by fine tuning to the environment. This might provide a mechanism for establishing a stable, stationary states in (complex) adaptive systems, such as biological systems. In this context we emphasize the state dependent nature of the mock quantum dynamics and we also introduce the new concept of the mock quantum, state dependent, statistical field theory. We also discuss some universal features of the quantum-to-classical as well as the mock-quantum-to-classical transition found in the turbulent phase of the hydrodynamic formulation of our proposal. In this way we reframe the concept of decoherence into the concept of "quantum turbulence," i.e. that the transition between quantum and classical could be defined in analogy to the transition from laminar to turbulent flow in hydrodynamics.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2024

Quantum Gravity as Gravitized Quantum Theory

Starting from a new understanding of the vacuum energy problem based on the combination of the phase space regularization and the holographic bound, we argue that quantum gravity should be understood as gravitized quantum theory, that is, quantum theory wherein the geometry and topology of the state-space if fully dynamical, in analogy with the dynamical nature of spacetime in Einstein's general relativity. Apart from the vacuum energy problem viewed as a quantum gravity problem, we discuss the "smoking gun" experiments involving higher order quantum interference, as well as experimental probes of the statistics of spacetime quanta. Finally, we address the conundrum of the intricately patterned spectrum of masses of elementary particles as well as their mixing angles, as another telltale problem of quantum gravity viewed as gravitized quantum theory.

hep-th↗

arXiv2024

Universal Acceleration and Fuzzy Dark Matter

Observations of velocity dispersions of galactic structures over a wide range of scales point to the existence of a universal acceleration scale $a_0\sim 10^{-10}$ m/s$^2$. Focusing on the fuzzy dark matter paradigm, which proposes ultralight dark matter with mass around $10^{-22}$ eV and de Broglie wavelength $λ\sim {\rm few}\times10^{2}$ parsecs, we highlight the emergence of the observed acceleration scale from quantum effects in a fluid-like description of the dark matter dynamics. We then suggest the possibility of a natural connection between the acceleration scale and dark energy within the same paradigm.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2023

Constraints on a Generalization of Geometric Quantum Mechanics from Neutrino and $B^0$-$\overline{B^0}$ Oscillations

Nambu Quantum Mechanics, proposed in Phys. Lett. B536, 305 (2002), is a deformation of canonical Quantum Mechanics in which the manifold over which the "phase" of an energy eigenstate time evolves is modified. This generalization affects oscillation and interference phenomena through the introduction of two deformation parameters that quantify the extent of deviation from canonical Quantum Mechanics. In this paper, we constrain these parameters utilizing atmospheric neutrino oscillation data, and $B^0$-$\overline{B^0}$ oscillation data from Belle. Surprisingly, the bound from atmospheric neutrinos is stronger than the bound from Belle. Various features of Nambu Quantum Mechanics are also discussed.

hep-th↗

arXiv2023

String Theory Bounds on the Cosmological Constant, the Higgs mass, and the Quark and Lepton Masses

We elaborate on the new understanding of the cosmological constant and the gauge hierarchy problems in the context of string theory in its metastring formulation, based on the concepts of modular spacetime and Born geometry. The interplay of phase space (and Born geometry), the Bekenstein bound, the mixing between ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) physics and modular invariance in string theory is emphasized. This new viewpoint is fundamentally rooted in quantum contextuality and not in statistical observer bias (anthropic principle). We also discuss the extension of this point of view to the problem of masses of quarks and leptons and their respective mixing matrices.

hep-th↗

arXiv2023

Triple Interference, Non-linear Talbot Effect and Gravitization of the Quantum

Recently we have discussed a new approach to the problem of quantum gravity in which the quantum mechanical structures that are traditionally fixed, such as the Fubini-Study metric in the Hilbert space of states, become dynamical and so implement the idea of gravitizing the quantum. In this paper we elaborate on a specific test of this new approach to quantum gravity using triple interference in a varying gravitational field. Our discussion is driven by a profound analogy with recent triple-path interference experiments performed in the context of non-linear optics. We emphasize that the triple interference experiment in a varying gravitational field would deeply influence the present understanding of the kinematics of quantum gravity and quantum gravity phenomenology. We also discuss the non-linear Talbot effect as another striking phenomenological probe of gravitization of the geometry of quantum theory.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2023

The Vacuum Energy Problem in Quantum Gravity and the Masses of Elementary Particles

This talk summarizes a new understanding of the cosmological constant problem, which essentially relies on a phase-space-like computation of the vacuum energy, both in the realm of quantum field theory coupled to gravity, and in the realm of a consistent formulation of a quantum theory of gravity and matter, such as string theory, combined with central properties of gravitational entropy as captured by the Bekenstein bound. This new understanding of the vacuum in a quantum theory of gravity and matter sheds light on the Higgs mass as well as the masses of quarks and leptons.

hep-th↗

arXiv2023

The Vacuum Energy Density and Gravitational Entropy

The failure to calculate the vacuum energy is a central problem in theoretical physics. Presumably the problem arises from the insistent use of effective field theory reasoning in a context that is well beyond its intended scope. If one follows this path, one is led inevitably to statistical or anthropic reasoning for observations. It appears that a more palatable resolution of the vacuum energy problem requires some form of UV/IR feedback. In this paper we take the point of view that such feedback can be thought of as arising by defining a notion of quantum space-time. We reformulate the regularized computation of vacuum energy in such a way that it can be interpreted in terms of a sum over elementary phase space volumes, that we identify with a ground state degeneracy. This observation yields a precise notion of UV/IR feedback, while leaving a scale unfixed. Here we argue that holography can be thought to provide a key piece of information: we show that equating this microscopic ground state degeneracy with macroscopic gravitational entropy yields a prediction for the vacuum energy that can easily be consistent with observations. Essentially, the smallness of the vacuum energy is tied to the large size of the Universe. We discuss how within this scenario notions of effective field theory can go so wrong.

hep-th↗

arXiv2023

On the Inevitable Lightness of Vacuum

In this essay, we present a new understanding of the cosmological constant problem, built upon the realization that the vacuum energy density can be expressed in terms of a phase space volume. We introduce a UV-IR regularization which implies a relationship between the vacuum energy and entropy. Combining this insight with the holographic bound on entropy then yields a bound on the cosmological constant consistent with observations. It follows that the universe is large, and the cosmological constant is naturally small, because the universe is filled with a large number of degrees of freedom.

hep-th↗

arXiv2023

On de Sitter Spacetime and String Theory

We review various aspects of de Sitter spacetime in string theory: its status as an effective field theory spacetime solution, its relation to the vacuum energy problem in string theory, its (global) holographic definition in terms of two entangled and non-canonical conformal field theories, as well as a realization of a realistic de Sitter universe endowed with the observed visible matter and the necessary dark sector in order to reproduce the realistic cosmological structure. In particular, based on the new insight regarding the cosmological constant problem in string theory, we argue that in a doubled, T-duality-symmetric, phase-space-like and non-commutative generalized-geometric formulation, string theory can naturally lead to a small and positive cosmological constant that is radiatively stable and technically natural. Such a formulation is fundamentally based on a quantum spacetime, but in an effective spacetime description of this general formulation of string theory, the curvature of the dual spacetime is the cosmological constant of the observed spacetime, while the size of the dual spacetime is the gravitational constant of the same observed spacetime. Also, the three scales associated with intrinsic non-commutativity of string theory, the cosmological constant scale and the Planck scale, as well as the Higgs scale, can be arranged to satisfy various seesaw-like formulae. Along the way, we show that these new features of string theory can be implemented in a particular deformation of cosmic-string-like models.

hep-th↗

arXiv2022

On black holes as macroscopic quantum objects

The relative flow of the Schwarzschild vs. the proper time during the classical evolution of a collapsing shell in the Schwarzschild coordinates practically forces us to interpret black hole formation as a highly non-local quantum process in which a shell/anti-shell pair is created within the incipient horizon, thus canceling out the original collapsing shell exactly at the horizon. By studying quantum fields in the black hole background, we reveal similar non-local effects. Among other things, the outgoing member of the Hawking pair very quickly becomes entangled with the black hole geometry (and not its partner), which is in contrast with the usual assumption that the Hawking pair is maximally entangled according to the local geometry near the horizon. Also, an infalling wave affects the black hole geometry even before it crosses the horizon. Finally, we find that a particle takes a finite amount of time to tunnel in and out of the black hole horizon, and thus avoids infinite blue and redshift in processes happening exactly at the horizon. These findings strongly support the picture of a black hole as a macroscopic quantum object.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2022

Interaction of cosmological domain walls with large classical objects, like planets and satellites, and the flyby anomaly

Cosmological domain walls can be formed as a result of symmetry breaking at any epoch during the evolution of our universe. We study their interaction with a classical macroscopic object, like Earth or a satellite in Earth's orbit. We set up an action that includes the interaction term between the massive classical object and the scalar field that the domain wall is made of. We use numerical calculations to solve the coupled equations of motion which describe the crossing between the domain wall and the classical object. Depending on the strength of the interaction, relative velocity and size, the object can be either stopped by the wall, or it can pass through it inducing deformations in the wall that cost energy. At the same time, the coupling to the scalar filed might change the object's mass during the crossover. The fact that satellites in Earth's orbit (or planets in Sun's orbit) can change their mass and/or lose energy interacting with walls can be used as a new domain wall detection probe. For example, a typical velocity precision of a satellite is about $0.5$ mm/s, which directly puts an upper limit on its mass change to $ΔM/M \lessapprox 5\times 10^{-17} $. Alternatively, a known satellite flyby anomaly can easily be explained as an interaction with a closed domain wall. We also show that the presence of matter modifies the scalar filed potential and can locally create a bubble of the true vacuum, and thus trigger the decay of the false vacuum. For a critical bubble which is able to expand, such an interaction with the domain wall must be strong enough.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2022

Quantum Gravity Phenomenology in the Infrared

Quantum gravity effects are traditionally tied to short distances and high energies. In this essay we argue that, perhaps surprisingly, quantum gravity may have important consequences for the phenomenology of the infrared. We center our discussion around a conception of quantum gravity involving a notion of quantum spacetime that arises in metastring theory. This theory allows for an evolution of a cosmological Universe in which string-dual degrees of freedom decouple as the Universe ages. Importantly such an implementation of quantum gravity allows for the inclusion of a fundamental length scale without introducing the fundamental breaking of Lorentz symmetry. The mechanism seems to have potential for an entirely novel source for dark matter/energy. The simplest observational consequences of this scenario may very well be residual infrared modifications that emerge through the evolution of the Universe.

gr-qc↗