Modeling of Time with Metamaterials

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates that hyperbolic metamaterials can be used to model the flow of time by mapping light distribution, with experiments emulating a Big Bang-like event to explore the statistical arrow of time.

Contribution

It introduces a novel approach to modeling time using hyperbolic metamaterials and provides experimental evidence supporting this concept.

Findings

Hyperbolic metamaterials can model the flow of time.

Experimental emulation of a Big Bang-like event was successful.

The statistical arrow of time was observed in the model.

Abstract

Metamaterials have been already used to model various exotic "optical spaces". Here we demonstrate that mapping of monochromatic extraordinary light distribution in a hyperbolic metamaterial along some spatial direction may model the "flow of time". This idea is illustrated in experiments performed with plasmonic hyperbolic metamaterials. Appearance of the "statistical arrow of time" is examined in an experimental scenario which emulates a Big Bang-like event.