Published July 8, 2011 | Version v1
Journal article

Entropy for theories with indefinite causal structure

  • 1. Department of Applied Mathematics, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, N2L 3G1 (Canada)
  • 2. Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics, Waterloo, Ontario, N2L 2Y5 (Canada)

Description

Any theory with definite causal structure has a defined past and future, be it defined by light cones or an absolute time scale. Entropy is a concept that has traditionally been reliant on a definite notion of causality. However, without a definite notion of causality, the concept of entropy is not all lost. Indefinite causal structure results from combining probabilistic predictions and dynamical space-time. The causaloid framework lays the mathematical groundwork to be able to treat indefinite causal structure. In this paper, we build on the causaloid mathematics and define a causally-unbiased entropy for an indefinite causal structure. In defining a causally-unbiased entropy, there comes about an emergent idea of causality in the form of a measure of causal connectedness, termed the Q factor.

Availability note (English)

Available from http://dx.doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/306/1/012043

Additional details

Publishing Information

Journal Title
Journal of Physics. Conference Series (Online)
Journal Volume
306
Journal Issue
1
Journal Page Range
[12 p.]
ISSN
1742-6596

Conference

Title
5. international workshop on space-time-matter - Current issues in quantum mechanics and beyond
Acronym
DICE2010
Dates
13-17 Sep 2010
Place
Castiglioncello (Italy)

INIS

Country of Publication
United Kingdom
Country of Input or Organization
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
INIS RN
43068878
Subject category
S71: CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSICS;
Resource subtype / Literary indicator
Conference
Descriptors DEI
CAUSALITY; ENTROPY; LIGHT CONE; PROBABILISTIC ESTIMATION; QUANTUM FIELD THEORY; QUANTUM MECHANICS
Descriptors DEC
CALCULATION METHODS; FIELD THEORIES; MECHANICS; PHYSICAL PROPERTIES; SPACE-TIME; THERMODYNAMIC PROPERTIES