Published January 15, 1972 | Version v1
Journal article

Space--time code. II

Description

Quantum concepts can be applied to space-time processes to make a quantum (q) theory that is free of the possibility of divergencies inherent in classical continuum theories, yet causal, Lorentz-invariant, and asymptotically Poincar\'e-invariant for large times. A general technique, algebraic quantization, is provided for going from classical (c) paradigms, typically discrete logical structures, to q analogs. Applied to the two-dimensional c checker-board, algebraic quantization gives a q theory of time and space asymptotic to the four-dimensional Minkowski c theory in the limit of large time. Applied to the simplest dynamics on such a checkerboard, a piece that makes the same move again and again, algebraic quantization gives a q dynamics asymptotic to a massless spin-\textonehalf{} two-component dynamics in the same limit. The quantum of time, if it exists, must have spin \textonehalf{}. Some features of general relativity such as curvature seem plausible consequences of a quantum theory of space-time processes.

Additional details

Identifiers

Publishing Information

Journal Title
Physical Review D
Journal Volume
5
Journal Issue
2
Series
Phys. Rev., D.
Journal Page Range
320-328
ISSN
0556-2821

INIS

Country of Publication
United States
Country of Input or Organization
United States
INIS RN
3022692
Subject category
S72: PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS;
Descriptors DEI
LORENTZ TRANSFORMATIONS; MINKOWSKI SPACE; QUANTUM MECHANICS; SPACE-TIME
Descriptors DEC
MATHEMATICAL SPACE; MECHANICS; SPACE

Optional Information

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