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T. Banks

Publications and source records attributed to T. Banks.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
arXiv2026

Why There is No Memory Burden in Holographic Space-time Models of Black Hole Formation and Evaporation

Recent papers\cite{dvali} have claimed that general quantum information considerations put macroscopic constraints on the properties of large black holes, which can affect their lifetimes in cosmologically and astrophysically interesting ways. We examine black hole evaporation in Holographic Space Time (HST) models\cite{hstbh}, which appear to have the {\it memory burden} effect responsible for these deviations from semi-classical expectations, and explain why, in those models, no such effect exists. It is basically a consequence of Fermi's Golden Rule/The Principle of Detailed Balance, but depends crucially on both the definition of energy in HST models and the way in which causality is implemented.

hep-th↗
arXiv2026

Singularities, Entropy and the Arrow of Time, {\it or} Is CRT a Gauge Symmetry in Quantum Gravity?

We examine the question of whether the discrete transformation CRT is a gauge symmetry of ``Quantum Gravity". Since the phrase in quotes is not yet completely well defined, we first try to define specific frameworks in which one might ask the question. We find that the general answer is NO. In asymptotically flat and AdS spaces, CRT is an asymptotic gauge symmetry in the same sense that the continuous parts of the Poincare/AdS isometry groups and scalar internal symmetries are. In eternal dS space it can be considered a spontaneously broken gauge symmetry if a certain ``Alice String" configuration is allowed in the Thermofield double Hilbert space. This requires an extension of the conventional Chern-Simons rewriting of $2 + 1$ dimensional gravity. This interpretation only makes sense if we consider the underlying quantum mechanics to be time independent. General quantum measurement and semi-classical gravitational restrictions on measuring devices put {\it a priori} limits on the existence of detectors with clocks that can actually measure proper time along a classical dS geodesic.

hep-th↗
arXiv2026

On the Unitarity of the Gravitational S-Matrix in High Dimension

We argue that for finite energy windows, the final states in gravitational scattering in dimension $d > 4$ are normalizable coherent states in Fock space. However, as the center of the energy window goes to infinity, black hole physics predicts that these states become orthogonal to every state with a finite number of particles. Given that the spectral measure in energy is determined by Poincare invariance, the S-matrix cannot be a unitary operator in Fock space, despite having finite matrix elements in Fock space, and satisfying perturbative unitarity, to all orders in string perturbation theory. We identify regimes in the BFSS matrix model\cite{bfss} and the definition of the S-matrix as the limit of CFT correlators\cite{polchsuss}, which point to the same conclusion. We review a scattering theory based on the quantum mechanics of a finite number of fermionic oscillators, whose algebra formally converges to the Super-Poincare covariant Awada-Gibbons-Shaw\cite{ags} algebra, and argue that a certain class of limiting states on that algebra satisfy all the properties required by physical unitarity in the algebraic formulation of quantum mechanics. The only missing ingredient for a consistent theory is a proof that the S matrix amplitudes themselves are Poincare invariant. We provide suggestive arguments, but no real proof, that this is so.

hep-th↗
arXiv2026

What is a Gravitational Path Integral? {\it or} Gravitational Path Integrals as Fluctuating Gravito-Hydrodynamics

We show how Gravitational Path Integral formulae for various quantities that have been computed in the literature, follow from a few coarse grained hydrodynamic assumptions about the relations between space-time geometry, entropy, and fluctuations of the modular Hamiltonian of causal diamonds. These remarks have implications for the way we think about such path integrals in relation to a more fundamental model of quantum gravity, and to questions about which space-time topologies are actually summed over in real models.

hep-th↗
arXiv2025

Finite Entropy Implies Finite Dimension in Quantum Gravity

Quantum Field Theory (QFT) introduced us to the notion that a causal diamond in space-time corresponded to a subsystem of a quantum mechanical system defined on the global space-time. Work by Jacobson\cite{ted95}, Fischler and Susskind\cite{fs} and particularly Bousso\cite{bousso} suggested that in the quantum theory of gravity this subsystem should have a density matrix of finite entropy. These authors formalized older intuitive arguments based on black hole physics. Although mathematically, Type II von Neumann algebras admit finite entropy density matrices, the black hole arguments suggest that the number of physical states in these subsystems is finite. The conjecture that de Sitter (dS) space has a finite number of physical states was first made in\cite{tb}\cite{wf}. ``String theory constructions" of ``meta-stable dS states" always involve a model with an infinite number of states. The real challenge of such models is to define the asymptotic correlation functions of the space-time to which the dS space decays, and show how to isolate properties of the dS ``resonance" from those correlators. We argue that the theory of the resonance itself is adequately described, on time scales shorter than its lifetime, by a model with a finite number of states.

hep-th↗
arXiv2025

A Comprehensive Study of Czernik 41 and NGC 1342 Using CCD UBV and Gaia DR3 Data

In this study, the structural, astrophysical, kinematic, and Galactic orbital parameters of the open clusters Czernik 41 and NGC 1342, as well as their dynamical evolution, are investigated using CCD UBV photometry and Gaia data. By applying the UPMASK algorithm to Gaia astrometric data for the estimation of cluster membership probabilities, we have determined that 382 stars in Czernik 41 and 111 stars in NGC 1342 exhibit the highest statistical likelihood of being cluster members. Fundamental parameters (including reddening, metallicity, distance, and age) were derived using both classical methods, where parameters are determined separately, and Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) methods, where parameters are estimated simultaneously. The results obtained from both approaches are in agreement, confirming the reliability of the derived parameters and demonstrating their robustness against potential degeneracies. The distances to Czernik 41 and NGC 1342 were determined as 2485$\pm$151 pc and 645$\pm$42 pc, respectively, while their ages were estimated to be 69$\pm$10 Myr and 1000$\pm$50 Myr. The metallicity values ([Fe/H]) were found to be 0.07$\pm$0.09 dex for Czernik 41 and -0.14$\pm$0.07 dex for NGC 1342. The stellar mass functions for both clusters were derived, yielding slopes of $\Gamma$=1.67$\pm$0.23 for Czernik 41 and $\Gamma$ =1.56$\pm$0.41 for NGC 1342. Kinematic orbit analysis indicates that Czernik 41 originated within the Solar circle, whereas NGC 1342 formed outside it.

astro-ph.GA↗
arXiv2025

A Multi-Data Approach to Open Clusters: Roslund 3 and Ruprecht 174 in CCD UBV and Gaia DR3 Context

A detailed analysis of the structural, astrophysical, kinematic, and dynamical properties of the open clusters Roslund 3 and Ruprecht1 74 is carried out using CCD UBV photometry in conjunction with astrometric and photometric data from Gaia DR3. Membership probabilities were computed via the UPMASK algorithm applied to Gaia proper motions and trigonometric parallaxes, leading to the identification of 198 likely members for Roslund 3 and 397 for Ruprecht 174. Astrophysical parameters were derived using both the classical approach, where parameters are independently determined, and a MCMC technique, which estimates them simultaneously. The agreement between the results from both methods confirms their reliability and highlights the robustness of the classical method. The reddening values were determined as $E(B-V)=0.410\pm 0.046$ mag for Roslund 3 and $E(B-V)=0.615\pm 0.042$ mag for Ruprecht 174. The estimated distances are $d=1687 \pm 121$ pc for Roslund 3 and $d=2385 \pm 163$ pc for Ruprecht 174. Both clusters exhibit metallicities close to the solar value, with [Fe/H] = $0.030 \pm 0.065$ dex for Roslund 3 and [Fe/H] = $0.041 \pm 0.064$ dex for Ruprecht 174. The corresponding ages were found to be $\tau=60\pm 6$ and $\tau=520\pm 50$ Myr, respectively. The present day mass function slopes were found to be $1.18 \pm 0.13$ for Roslund 3 and $1.53 \pm 0.30$ for Ruprecht 174, consistent with the canonical Salpeter value within uncertainties. Galactic orbital analyses indicate that both clusters are thin-disk members confined within the Solar circle. Additionally, relaxation times and spatial distributions of stars suggest that both clusters have reached dynamical relaxation and exhibit clear signs of mass segregation.

astro-ph.GA↗
arXiv2025

The Hydrodynamic Approach to Quantum Gravity

Several papers from the mid to late 1990s suggest that Einstein's equations should be thought of as the hydrodynamic equations of a special class of quantum systems. A classical solution defines subsystems by dividing space-time up into CAUSAL DIAMONDS and Einstein's equations are the hydrodynamics of a system that assigns a density matrix to each diamond whose modular Hamiltonian K has expectation value and fluctuation both given by A/4G. A is the maximal d-2 volume on the boundary of the diamond and G is Newton's constant. These properties define the EMPTY DIAMOND STATE, the analog of the quantum field theory (QFT) vacuum, in the background geometry. The assignment of density matrices to each diamond enables one to define the analog of half sided modular flow along geodesics in the background manifold, as a unitary embedding of the Hilbert space of a given diamond into the next one in a nesting with Planck scale time steps. We conjecture that this can be enhanced to a full set of compatible unitary evolutions on a Hilbert bundle of the space of time-like geodesics, using a QUANTUM PRINCIPLE OF EQUIVALENCE defined in the text. The compatibility of this formalism with the experimental success of QFT is discussed, as well as the theoretical mechanism by which QFT emerges from this version of quantum gravity. This is a slightly expanded version of an essay that won Honorable Mention in the Gravitation Research Essay Contest for 2025.

hep-th↗
arXiv2025

Note on Type $III_1$ Algebras in $ c= 1$ String Theory and Bulk Causal Diamonds

We argue that the Leutheusser-Liu procedure of isolating a von Neumann algebra in the $N = \infty$ limit of string theories, leads to the algebra of relativistic fermion fields on a half line for the $c = 1$ string theory. This is a Type $I$ von Neumann algebra, since it is the algebra of the Rindler wedge in the Rindler vacuum state. Subalgebras of finite regions are Type $III_1$. The argument uses the elegant results of Moore and of Alexandrov, Kazakov and Kostov. This model is well known to be integrable and have no black hole excitations. We have speculated that adding an interaction invisible in perturbation theory to a large finite number, $M$, of copies of the model, produces a non-integrable model with meta-stable excitations having all of the properties of linear dilaton black holes. The algebra of fields is the tensor product of $M$ copies of the $c = 1$ model's algebra, whether or not we add the non-integrable interaction. We argue that the infinite dimensional $c = 1$ algebras are analogous to those of the boundary field theory in AdS/CFT, even though they appear to encode bulk causal structure. An IR cutoff on the boundary renders them finite and causal structure must be formulated in terms of an analog of the Tensor Network Renormalization Group. This is a time dependent Hamiltonian flow, embedding smaller Hilbert spaces into larger ones. It is the analog of one sided modular inclusion in quantum field theory.

hep-th↗
arXiv2025

Dumbbell Fermions and Spin Models on Honeycomb Lattices

We express Kitaev's exact solution of spin models on the honeycomb lattice as a special case of a higher dimensional duality between staggered Majorana fermions and Pauli spins. General models with bilinear nearest neighbor couplings of spins and external magnetic fields are soluble in this way. Each model gives rise to an infinite number of single particle fermion Schrodinger equations, depending on the choice of discrete gauge field flux.

cond-mat.str-el↗
arXiv2025

Hilbert Bundles and Holographic Space-time: the Hydrodynamic Approach to Gravity

Results of Jacobson, Carlip and Solodukhin, from the 1990s, suggest a hydrodynamic approach to quantum gravity in which a classical solution of Einstein's equations determines the density matrices of subsystems associated with causal diamonds in the "empty diamond" state of a corresponding quantum system. The subsystem operator algebras are finite dimensional and correspond to a UV cutoff $1 + 1$ dimensional field theory of fermions living on a "stretched horizon" near each diamond's holographic screen. The fields can be thought of as fluctuations of solutions of the screen's Dirac operator around that of the background geometry, expanded up to a maximal Dirac eigenvalue determined by the Carlip-Solodukhin relation between area and central charge. This cutoff renders the screen geometry "fuzzy". Quantum dynamics is defined in a Hilbert bundle over the space of time-like geodesics on the background geometry. A nesting of diamonds along a given geodesic defines a series of unitary embedding maps of diamond Hilbert spaces into each other, analogous to half sided modular flows in quantum field theory. These can be extended into a consistent set of unitary maps of each fiber Hilbert space into itself by a quantum version of the principle of relativity. According to the QPR, the largest diamond in the overlap between any two diamonds is identified with a tensor factor in each individual diamond Hilbert space, and must have the a density matrix with the same entanglement spectrum no matter which fiber dynamics is used to compute it. This brief review summarizes how these ideas play out in a variety of contexts in different dimensions.

hep-th↗
arXiv2025

Note on 't Hooft's Shock Wave Commutators From Near Horizon Conformal Field Theory

We construct a finite model of 't Hooft's shock wave commutation relations from the ansatz\cite{Carlip}\cite{Solodukhin}\cite{BZ} that the quantum degrees of freedom in a causal diamond in a solution of Einstein's Equations are those of a (cut-off\cite{BZ}\cite{hilbertbundles} ) 1 + 1 dimensional conformal field theory (CFT) with central charge related to the area of the diamond's holographic screen by equating Cardy's formula with the generalized Bekenstein-Hawking formula\cite{ted95}\cite{fsb}. The particular CFT is an exactly marginal perturbation of free massless fermions, as motivated by the Holographic Space-Time\cite{hilbertbundles} (HST) program. The momentum cutoff in $1 + 1$ dimensions and the Dirac eigenvalue cutoff on the transverse geometry, modify the 't Hooft relations when the area of the diamond is finite and remove all coincident point divergences in predictions derived from these commutation relations.

hep-th↗
arXiv2024

Unveiling the Origins and Dynamics of the Hierarchical Triple Star System CN Lyn

In this study we present a detailed analysis of CN Lyn, an overlooked triple star system, by combining spectroscopic data from the literature, photometric \textit{TESS} data, and kinematic techniques. We updated the fundamental parameters of the known eclipsing components in the system with high precision. The chemical composition of both eclipsing components (Aab) and the third component (B) in the system were calculated with great accuracy. According to our analysis the mass, radius, and metallicity of the eclipsing components are $1.166_{-0.012}^{+0.013}\,M_\odot$, $1.786_{-0.014}^{+0.013}\,R_\odot$, and $-0.78_{-0.02}^{+0.02}$ dex for Aa and $1.143_{-0.012}^{+0.013}\,M_\odot$, $1.651_{-0.013}^{+0.014}\,R_\odot$, and $-0.55_{-0.02}^{+0.03}$ dex for Ab. The pair's age is $3.89_{-0.10}^{+0.10}$ Gyr. The mass, radius, metallicity, and age for B are $0.85_{-0.23}^{+0.23}\,M_\odot$, $1.436_{-0.023}^{+0.026}\,R_\odot$, $-1.83_{-0.11}^{+0.09}$ dex, and $12.5_{-2.5}^{+2.5}$ Gyr, respectively. It is also found that the triple system (AabB) satisfies the stability criteria for the hierarchical triple system. Kinematic and Galactic orbital parameters of CN Lyn were obtained from the astrometric and spectroscopic data of the system. Dynamical orbital analyses, taking into account the ages of the component stars in the central binary system (A) show that the CN Lyn originated at the metal-poor edge of the Galactic disk. The third component of the system was found to be a member of the halo population in terms of age, $\alpha$ elements and metal abundance. Given the different chemical abundances and age of B compared to A, this suggests that the third component was captured by the central system in a region with weak gravitational interactions far beyond the Galactic disc.

astro-ph.SR↗
arXiv2024

Physics, Philosophy, Observers and Multiverses

We comment on the fact that certain mathematical models that have been proposed in the quantum gravity literature, may not be subject to experimental checks, even if they turn out to be mathematically well defined. This means that they would be indistinguishable from other models, with a smaller number of quantum states. These considerations follow from very general properties of quantum measurement theory and classical gravity.

hep-th↗
arXiv2023

Fluctuations and Correlations in Causal Diamonds

We argue that the correlation between the modular Hamiltonians of two causal diamonds related by a finite time translation is equal to the uncertainty in the modular Hamiltonian of the diamond in their overlap. In a separate section we investigate the relation between entropy fluctuations in a diamond, and length fluctuations calculated from the 't Hooft commutation relations.

hep-th↗
arXiv2023

CCD UBV and Gaia DR3 Analyses of Open Clusters King 6 and NGC 1605

A detailed analysis of ground-based CCD UBV photometry and space-based Gaia Data Release 3 (DR3) data for the open clusters King 6 and NGC 1605 was performed. Using the pyUPMASK algorithm on Gaia astrometric data to estimate cluster membership probabilities, we have identified 112 stars in King 6 and 160 stars in NGC 1605 as the statistically most likely members of each cluster. We calculated reddening and metallicity separately using UBV two-color diagrams to estimate parameter values via independent methods. The color excess $E(B-V)$ and photometric metallicity [Fe/H] for King 6 are $0.515 \pm 0.030$ mag and $0.02 \pm 0.20$ dex, respectively. For NGC 1605, they are $0.840 \pm 0.054$ mag and $0.01 \pm 0.20$ dex. With reddening and metallicity kept constant, we have estimated the distances and cluster ages by fitting PARSEC isochrones to color-magnitude diagrams based on the Gaia and UBV data. Photometric distances are 723 $\pm$ 34 pc for King 6 and 3054 $\pm$ 243 pc for NGC 1605. The cluster ages are $200 \pm 20$ Myr and $400 \pm 50$ Myr for King 6 and NGC 1605, respectively. Mass function slopes were found to be 1.29 $\pm$ 0.18 and 1.63 $\pm$ 0.36 for King 6 and NGC 1605, respectively. These values are in good agreement with the value of Salpeter (1955). The relaxation times were estimated as 5.8 Myr for King 6 and 60 Myr for NGC 1605. This indicates that both clusters are dynamically relaxed since these times are less than the estimated cluster ages. Galactic orbit analysis shows that both clusters formed outside the solar circle and are members of the young thin-disc population.

astro-ph.GA↗