Entropy for theories with indefinite causal structure
Creators
- 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/10.1088/1742-6596/306/1/012043Additional details
Identifiers
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