Time and M-theory

TL;DR

This paper reviews a background independent holographic quantum gravity theory, addressing the problem of time and vacuum energy, and discusses its potential observational implications.

Contribution

It introduces a novel dynamical theory of geometric quantum mechanics applied to Matrix theory, offering new insights into quantum gravity and the problem of time.

Findings

New analysis of the problem of time in quantum gravity

Proposed a dynamical geometric quantum mechanics framework

Discussion of observational implications for vacuum energy

Abstract

We review our recent proposal for a background independent formulation of a holographic theory of quantum gravity. The present review incorporates the necessary background material on geometry of canonical quantum theory, holography and spacetime thermodynamics, Matrix theory, as well as our specific proposal for a dynamical theory of geometric quantum mechanics, as applied to Matrix theory. At the heart of this review is a new analysis of the conceptual problem of time and the closely related and phenomenologically relevant problem of vacuum energy in quantum gravity. We also present a discussion of some observational implications of this new viewpoint on the problem of vacuum energy.