Relational Clocks in a Quantum Ledger: Construction, Preparation and the Limits of Energy Universality
Year: 2026
Type: preprint
Abstract: A stationary quantum state can describe change through correlations between a clock and the system it measures. This preprint asks whether reversible exchanges with a reservoir can supply the clock's energies, correlations and response to other records without assigning spatial positions. A vacancy counterpart of a three-record rule produces complementary clock energies, and a matching exchange selects a correlated state above a calculable threshold. Selection is distinct from preparation. Closed evolution preserves target population, and the tested finite receiving bank faces a symmetry obstruction for definite word inputs. A modified interaction exports the symmetry label and prepares the clock conditionally in a cold continuous-reservoir limit, with explicit energy and memory accounting. A configuration-normalised storage rule yields a truncated bosonic ladder. Its coupling to free records gives a stationary second-order response proportional to energy, with a sign controlled by the bank quantum. Tested interacting records violate that proportionality, and the native clock distinguishes states of equal energy. The missing transaction-strength sum rule is identified rather than assumed. The paper gives graduate-accessible explanations, full derivations, verified references and a linked code-and-evidence archive. Quantum mechanics, Hamiltonian ordering, readouts and reservoir resources remain assumptions. Spacetime, gravity and particle masses are not derived. This deposit includes the preprint PDF and editable LaTeX source.
Author: Elliman, David
Language: English
Subfield: Statistical and Nonlinear Physics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7225736752
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