[2308.03663] A Background Independent Algebra in Quantum Gravity
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High Energy Physics - Theory

arXiv:2308.03663 (hep-th)
[Submitted on 7 Aug 2023 (v1), last revised 24 Sep 2023 (this version, v3)]

Title:A Background Independent Algebra in Quantum Gravity

Authors:Edward Witten
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Abstract:We propose an algebra of operators along an observer's worldline as a background-independent algebra in quantum gravity. In that context, it is natural to think of the Hartle-Hawking no boundary state as a universal state of maximum entropy, and to define entropy in terms of the relative entropy with this state. In the case that the only spacetimes considered correspond to de Sitter vacua with different values of the cosmological constant, this definition leads to sensible results.
Comments: 37 pp, various small improvements and added references in verstions. 2,3
Subjects: High Energy Physics - Theory (hep-th)
Cite as: arXiv:2308.03663 [hep-th]
  (or arXiv:2308.03663v3 [hep-th] for this version)
  https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2308.03663

Submission history

From: Edward Witten [view email]
[v1] Mon, 7 Aug 2023 15:26:00 UTC (161 KB)
[v2] Thu, 7 Sep 2023 18:50:27 UTC (162 KB)
[v3] Sun, 24 Sep 2023 21:21:43 UTC (162 KB)
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