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Relativity and Quantum Mechanics in the Universe -- At What Point Does Space-Time Become Discrete?

04/22/2016 05:35PM

Our senses experience space-time in a continuous way, without gaps or discontinuities, just as described by classical physics. In quantum physics however, the texture of space-time is granular at tiny scales (below the so-called Planck scale of 10^-33 cm), as if it were a variable mesh of discrete solids and voids. What happens at the classical physics to quantum physics boundary of space-time? Is there an abrupt change or is there a gradual transition? A recent theoretical study led by the International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA) in Trieste, Italy, has developed a model to help find this transition boundary. What makes this model most unique, and no doubt highly precious, is that it is formulated in such a way as to make experimental testing possible. The team is already collaborating on developing an experiment, which will take place at the European Laboratory for Non-linear Spectroscopy (LENS) in Florence, Italy.

Comments:

jimb100 [James Buono]
04/26/2016 05:25AM

While it's interesting to speculate what rules might and might not apply at the quantum level, at this stage it's more science fiction than science. It would seem just as appropriate to suggest that time does not exist at the quantum level and cause and effect do not apply. To think that any of present days understanding of relativity applies to the quantum level is pure guesswork. We are likely to find that at the quantum level none of our rules for existence at the macro level apply. Even today it's difficult to reconcile particles popping into existence from the Higgs field or an understanding of quantum entanglement. Speculation can be fun as long as we realize that's all it is, speculation.

Princeton [Guy Pirro]
04/26/2016 04:59PM

James: Thanks for your comments. What makes this particular work at SISSA in Trieste, Italy, unique is that these researchers are not only making predictions about what happens at the boundary between classical physics and quantum mechanics, but they are also developing tests and experiments that will either prove or disprove their predictions. That's what caught my eye when I posted this news item and what differentiates this work from the dozens of other efforts that I could have posted about. I fully agree with you that it is easy to speculate about what may or may not happen at the quantum level -- especially if there is no way to test the speculations. Theoretical researchers could build lifelong careers out of making wild assertions and building models that they know will never be proved or disproved. But these folks are making predictions and putting their work to the test. Soon we'll know if their speculations lead to something new or are just another dead end. I find that refreshing. Thanks, Guy <blockquote class="blockquote"><div class="italic">James Buono said: While it's interesting to speculate what rules might and might not apply at the quantum level, at this stage it's more science fiction than science. It would seem just as appropriate to suggest that time does not exist at the quantum level and cause and effect do not apply. To think that any of present days understanding of relativity applies to the quantum level is pure guesswork. We are likely to find that at the quantum level none of our rules for existence at the macro level apply. Even today it's difficult to reconcile particles popping into existence from the Higgs field or an understanding of quantum entanglement. Speculation can be fun as long as we realize that's all it is, speculation.</div></blockquote>

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