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Tejinder P. Singh

Publications and source records attributed to Tejinder P. Singh.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
arXiv2020

Octonions, trace dynamics and non-commutative geometry: a case for unification in spontaneous quantum gravity

We have recently proposed a new matrix dynamics at the Planck scale, building on the theory of trace dynamics. This is a Lagrangian dynamics in which the matrix degrees of freedom are made from Grassmann numbers, and the Lagrangian is trace of a matrix polynomial. Matrices made from even grade elements of the Grassmann algebra are called bosonic, and those made from odd grade elements are called fermionic: together they describe an `aikyon'. In the present article we provide a basic definition of spin angular momentum in this matrix dynamics, and introduce a bosonic (fermionic) configuration variable conjugate to the spin of a boson (fermion). We then show that at energies below Planck scale, where the matrix dynamics reduces to quantum theory, fermions have half-integer spin (in multiples of Planck's constant), and bosons have integral spin. We also show that this definition of spin agrees with the conventional understanding of spin in relativistic quantum mechanics. Consequently, we obtain an elementary proof for the spin-statistics connection. We then motivate why an octonionic space is the natural space in which an aikyon evolves. The group of automorphisms in this space is the exceptional Lie group $G_2$ which has fourteen generators [could they stand for the twelve vector bosons and two degrees of freedom of the graviton? ]. The aikyon also resembles a closed string, and it has been suggested in the literature that 10-D string theory can be represented as a 2-D string in the 8-D octonionic space. From the work of Cohl Furey and others it is known that the Dixon algebra made from the four division algebras [real numbers, complex numbers, quaternions and octonions] can possibly describe the symmetries of the standard model. In the present paper we outline how in our work the Dixon algebra arises naturally, and could lead to a unification of gravity with the standard model.

hep-th↗
arXiv2020

The pollen and the electron: a study in randomness

The random motion of a pollen grain in a glass of water is only apparently so. It results from coarse-graining an underlying deterministic motion - that of the molecules of water colliding with the grain. Not observing degrees of freedom on smaller scales can make deterministic evolution appear indeterministic on larger scales. In this essay we attempt to make the case that quantum indeterminism arises in an analogous manner, from coarse-graining a deterministic (but non-unitary) evolution at the Planck scale. The underlying evolution is described by the theory of trace dynamics, which is a deterministic matrix dynamics from which quantum theory and its indeterminism are emergent. One consequence of the theory is the Karolyhazy uncertainty relation, which implies a universal upper bound to the speed of computing, as noted also by other researchers.

physics.pop-ph↗
arXiv2020

Nature does not play dice at the Planck scale

We start from classical general relativity coupled to matter fields. Each configuration variable and its conjugate momentum, as also space-time points, are raised to the status of matrices [equivalently operators]. These matrices obey a deterministic Lagrangian dynamics at the Planck scale. By coarse-graining this matrix dynamics over time intervals much larger than Planck time, one derives quantum theory as a low energy emergent approximation. If a sufficiently large number of degrees of freedom get entangled, spontaneous localisation takes place, leading to the emergence of classical space-time geometry and a classical universe. In our theory, dark energy is shown to be a large-scale quantum gravitational phenomenon. Quantum indeterminism is not fundamental, but results from our not probing physics at the Planck scale.

gr-qc↗
arXiv2020

From quantum foundations, to spontaneous quantum gravity: an overview of the new theory

Spontaneous localisation is a falsifiable dynamical mechanism which modifies quantum mechanics, and explains the absence of position superpositions in the macroscopic world. However, this is an ad hoc phenomenological proposal. Adler's theory of trace dynamics, working on a flat Minkowski space-time, derives quantum (field) theory, and spontaneous localisation, as a thermodynamic approximation to an underlying non-commutative matrix dynamics. We describe how to incorporate gravity into trace dynamics, by using ideas from Connes' non-commutative geometry programme. This leads us to a new quantum theory of gravity, from which we can predict spontaneous localisation, and give an estimate of the Bekenstein-Hawking entropy of a Schwarzschild black hole.

quant-ph↗
arXiv2020

Why does the Kerr-Newman black hole have the same gyromagnetic ratio as the electron?

We have recently proposed a deterministic matrix dynamics at the Planck scale, for gravity coupled to Dirac fermions, evolving in the so-called Connes time. By coarse-graining this dynamics over time intervals much larger than Planck time, we derived the space-time manifold, quantum theory, and classical general relativity, as low energy emergent approximations to the underlying matrix dynamics. In the present article, we show how to include Yang-Mills gauge fields in this Planck scale matrix dynamics. We do this by appropriately modifying the fundamental action for the previously introduced `atom' of space-time-matter [which we now call an `aikyon']. This is achieved by modifying the Dirac operator to include a `potential' for the Yang-Mills aspect, and a `current' for the Yang-Mills charge. Our work opens up an avenue for unification of gravity with gauge-fields and Dirac fermions. We show how spontaneous localisation in the matrix dynamics gives rise to general relativity coupled to gauge-fields and relativistic point particles, in the classical limit. We use this formalism to explain the remarkable fact that the Kerr-Newman black hole has the same value for the gyromagnetic ratio as that for a Dirac fermion, both being twice the classical value.

gr-qc↗
arXiv2020

Dark energy as a large scale quantum gravitational phenomenon

In our recently proposed quantum theory of gravity, the universe is made of `atoms' of space-time-matter (STM). Planck scale foam is composed of STM atoms with Planck length as their associated Compton wave-length. The quantum dispersion and accompanying spontaneous localisation of these STM atoms amounts to a cancellation of the enormous curvature on the Planck length scale. However, an effective dark energy term arises in Einstein equations, of the order required by current observations on cosmological scales. This happens if we propose an extremely light particle having a mass of about $10^{-33} \ {\rm eV/c^2}$, forty-two orders of magnitude lighter than the proton. The holographic principle suggests there are about $10^{122}$ such particles in the observed universe. Their net effect on space-time geometry is equivalent to dark energy, this being a low energy quantum gravitational phenomenon. In this sense, the observed dark energy constitutes evidence for quantum gravity. We then invoke Dirac's large number hypothesis to also propose a dark matter candidate having a mass halfway (on the logarithmic scale) between the proton and the dark energy particle, i.e. about $10^{-12}\ {\rm eV/c^2}$.

gr-qc↗
arXiv2020

Black hole entropy from trace dynamics and non-commutative geometry

Spontaneous localisation is a falsifiable, phenomenological, mechanism for explaining the absence of macroscopic position superpositions, currently being tested for in the laboratory. The theory of trace dynamics provides a possible theoretical origin for spontaneous localisation. We have recently proposed how to employ non-commutative geometry to include gravity in trace dynamics, and suggested the emergence of classical space-time geometry via spontaneous localisation. In our theory, which we call non-commutative matter gravity, a black hole arises from the spontaneous localisation of an entangled state of a large number of `atoms of space-time-matter [STM]'. Prior to localisation, the non-commutative curvature of an STM atom is described by the spectral action of non-commutative geometry. By using the techniques of statistical thermodynamics from trace dynamics, we show that the gravitational entropy of a Schwarzschild black hole results from the microstates of the entangled STM atoms and is given (subject to certain assumptions) by the classical Euclidean gravitational action. This action, in turn, equals the Bekenstein-Hawking entropy (Area/$4{L_P}^2$) of the black hole. We argue that spontaneous localisation is related to black-hole evaporation through the fluctuation-dissipation theorem.

gr-qc↗
arXiv2019

Spontaneous quantum gravity

This article gives an elementary account of the recently proposed theory of spontaneous quantum gravity. It is argued that a viable quantum theory of gravity should be falsifiable, and hence it should dynamically explain the observed absence of quantum superpositions of space-time geometries in its classical limit.

physics.pop-ph↗
arXiv2019

Path integrals, spontaneous localisation, and the classical limit

We recall that in order to obtain the classical limit of quantum mechanics one needs to take the $\hbar\rightarrow 0$ limit. In addition, one also needs an explanation for the absence of macroscopic quantum superposition of position states. One possible explanation for the latter is the Ghirardi-Rimini-Weber (GRW) model of spontaneous localisation. Here we describe how spontaneous localisation modifies the path integral formulation of density matrix evolution in quantum mechanics. (Such a formulation has been derived earlier by Pearle and Soucek; we provide two new derivations of their result). We then show how the von Neumann equation and the Liouville equation for the density matrix arise in the quantum and classical limit, respectively, from the GRW path integral. Thus we provide a rigorous demonstration of the quantum to classical transition.

quant-ph↗
arXiv2019

Proposal for a new quantum theory of gravity III: Equations for quantum gravity, and the origin of spontaneous localisation

We present a new, falsifiable, quantum theory of gravity, which we name Non-commutative Matter-Gravity. The commutative limit of the theory is classical general relativity. In the first two papers of this series, we have introduced the concept of an atom of space-time-matter [STM], which is described by the spectral action in non-commutative geometry, corresponding to a classical theory of gravity. We used the Connes time parameter, along with the spectral action, to incorporate gravity into trace dynamics. We then derived the spectral equation of motion for the gravity part of the STM atom, which turns out to be the Dirac equation on a non-commutative space. In the present work, we propose how to include the matter (fermionic) part and give a simple action principle for the STM atom. This leads to the equations for a quantum theory of gravity, and also to an explanation for the origin of spontaneous localisation from quantum gravity. We use spontaneous localisation to arrive at the action for classical general relativity [including matter sources] from the action for STM atoms.

gr-qc↗
arXiv2019

Proposal for a new quantum theory of gravity II: Spectral equation of motion for the atom of space-time-matter

In the first paper of this series, we have introduced the concept of an atom of space-time-matter [STM], which is described by the spectral action of non-commutative geometry, corresponding to a classical theory of gravity. In the present work, we use the Connes time parameter along with the spectral action, to incorporate gravity into trace dynamics. We then derive the spectral equation of motion for the STM atom, which turns out to be the Dirac equation on a non-commutative space.

gr-qc↗
arXiv2019

Quantum gravity as an emergent phenomenon

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.

gr-qc↗
arXiv2019

Proposal for a new quantum theory of gravity

We recall a classical theory of torsion gravity with an asymmetric metric, sourced by a Nambu-Goto + Kalb-Ramond string . We explain why this is a significant gravitational theory, and in what sense classical general relativity is an approximation to it. We propose that a non-commutative generalisation of this theory (in the sense of Connes' non-commutative geometry and Adler's Trace Dynamics) is a `quantum theory of gravity'. The theory is in fact a classical matrix dynamics with only two fundamental constants -- the square of the Planck length and the speed of light, along with the two string tensions as parameters. The guiding symmetry principle is that the theory should be covariant under general coordinate transformations of non-commuting coordinates.The action for this non-commutative torsion gravity can be elegantly expressed as an invariant area integral, and represents an atom of space-time-matter. The statistical thermodynamics of a large number of such atoms yields the laws of quantum gravity and quantum field theory, at thermodynamic equilibrium. Spontaneous localisation caused by large fluctuations away from equilibrium is responsible for the emergence of classical space-time and the field equations of classical general relativity. The resolution of the quantum measurement problem by spontaneous collapse is an inevitable consequence of this process. Quantum theory and general relativity, are both seen as emergent phenomena, resulting from coarse-graining of the underlying non-commutative geometry. We explain the profound role played by entanglement in this theory: entanglement describes interaction between the atoms of space-time-matter, and indeed entanglement appears to be more fundamental than quantum theory or space-time. We also comment on possible implications for black hole entropy and evaporation, and for cosmology.

gr-qc↗
arXiv2019

Outline for a quantum theory of gravity

By invoking an asymmetric metric tensor, and borrowing ideas from non-commutative geometry, string theory, and trace dynamics, we propose an action function for quantum gravity. The action is proportional to the four dimensional non-commutative curvature scalar (which is torsion dependent) that is sourced by the Nambu-Goto world-sheet action for a string, plus the Kalb-Ramond string action. This `quantum gravity' is actually a non-commutative {\it classical} matrix dynamics, and the only two fundamental constants in the theory are the square of Planck length and the speed of light. By treating the entity described by this action as a microstate, one constructs the statistical thermodynamics of a large number of such microstates, in the spirit of trace dynamics. Quantum field theory (and $\hbar$) and quantum general relativity (and $G$) emerge from the underlying matrix dynamics in the thermodynamic limit. The statistical fluctuations that are inevitably present about equilibrium, are the source for spontaneous localisation, which drives macroscopic quantum gravitational systems to the classical general relativistic limit. While the mathematical formalism governing these ideas remains to be developed, we hope here to highlight the deep connection between quantum foundations, and the sought for quantum theory of gravity. In the sense described in this article, ongoing experimental tests of spontaneous collapse theories are in fact also tests of string theory!

gr-qc↗
arXiv2018

Testing spontaneous collapse through bulk heating experiments: estimate of the background noise

Models of spontaneous wave function collapse predict a small heating rate for a bulk solid, as a result of coupling to the noise field that causes collapse. This rate is small enough that ambient radioactivity and cosmic ray flux on the surface of the earth can mask the heating due to spontaneous collapse. In this paper we estimate the background noise due to gamma-radiation and cosmic ray muon flux, at different depths. We demonstrate that a low-temperature underground experiment at a depth of about 6.5 km.w.e. would have a low enough background to allow detection of bulk heating for a collapse rate $λ$ of $10^{-16}$ s$^{-1}$ using presently available technology.

quant-ph↗
arXiv2018

Space-time from collapse of the wave-function

We propose that space-time results from collapse of the wave function of macroscopic objects, in quantum dynamics. We first argue that there ought to exist a formulation of quantum theory which does not refer to classical time. We then propose such a formulation by invoking an operator Minkowski space-time on the Hilbert space. We suggest relativistic spontaneous localisation as the mechanism for recovering classical space-time from the underlying theory. Quantum interference in time could be one possible signature for operator time, and in fact may have been already observed in the laboratory, on attosecond time scales. A possible prediction of our work seems to be that interference in time will not be seen for `time slit' separations significantly larger than 100 attosecond, if the ideas of operator time and relativistic spontaneous localisation are correct.

gr-qc↗
arXiv2018

Non-relativistic limit of Einstein-Cartan-Dirac equations

We derive the Schrödinger-Newton equation as the non-relativistic limit of the Einstein-Dirac equations. Our analysis relaxes the assumption of spherical symmetry, made in earlier work in the literature, while deriving this limit. Since the spin of the Dirac field couples naturally to torsion, we generalize our analysis to the Einstein Cartan-Dirac (ECD) equations, again recovering the Schrödinger-Newton equation.

gr-qc↗