Work

Time and its arrow from quantum geometrodynamics?

Year: 2024

Type: conference-paper

Abstract: We discuss how quantum geometrodynamics, a conservative approach to quantum gravity, might explain the emergence of classical spacetime and, with it, the emergence of classical time and its arrow from the universal quantum state. This follows from a particular but reasonable choice of boundary condition motivated by the structure of the Hamiltonian of the theory. This condition can also be seen as defining a quantum version of Penrose’s Weyl curvature hypothesis. We comment on the relation of this picture to the ‘past hypothesis’ and the different observed arrows of time, and we consider how quantum geometrodynamics could serve as a unifying and more fundamental framework to explain these observations.

Source: Journal of Physics Conference Series

DOI: 10.1088/1742-6596/2883/1/012008

Authors: Claus Kiefer, Leonardo Chataignier, Mritunjay Tyagi

Institutions: University of Cologne, University of the Basque Country, University of Groningen

Language: English

Topic: Noncommutative and Quantum Gravity Theories

Subfield: Statistical and Nonlinear Physics

Field: Physics and Astronomy

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: diamond

Funders: Eusko Jaurlaritza, European Regional Development Fund, Agencia Estatal de Investigación