Modeling Time's Arrow

TL;DR

This paper proposes a novel quantum gravity framework based on a quantum equivalence principle to explain the origin of the arrow of time and early Universe evolution, linking cosmology with non-equilibrium physics.

Contribution

It introduces a new quantum gravity model with a quantum equivalence principle, offering a natural description of cosmological evolution and time's arrow.

Findings

Nonlinear dynamics describes early Universe evolution.

Connections established between quantum gravity and non-equilibrium physics.

Provides a framework for understanding the low entropy initial state.

Abstract

Quantum gravity, the initial low entropy state of the Universe, and the problem of time are interlocking puzzles. In this article, we address the origin of the arrow of time from a cosmological perspective motivated by a novel approach to quantum gravitation. Our proposal is based on a quantum counterpart of the equivalence principle, a general covariance of the dynamical phase space. We discuss how the nonlinear dynamics of such a system provides a natural description for cosmological evolution in the early Universe. We also underscore connections between the proposed non-perturbative quantum gravity model and fundamental questions in non-equilibrium statistical physics.