On non-equilibrium physics and string theory

TL;DR

This review explores the deep connections between string theory, quantum gravity, and non-equilibrium physics, highlighting recent research on aging phenomena, turbulence, and the AdS/CFT correspondence's role in non-equilibrium states.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of how non-equilibrium physics relates to string theory and quantum gravity, proposing a broader framework beyond traditional equilibrium approaches.

Findings

Linking string theory to aging phenomena and turbulence.

Connecting AdS/CFT duality with non-equilibrium identities like Jarzynski.

Proposing a generalized relationship between quantum gravity and non-equilibrium physics.

Abstract

In this article we review the relation between string theory and non-equilibrium physics based on our previously published work. First we explain why a theory of quantum gravity and non-equilibrium statistical physics should be related in the first place. Then we present the necessary background from the recent research in non-equilibrium physics. The review discusses the relationship of string theory and aging phenomena, as well as the connection between AdS/CFT correspondence and the Jarzynski identity. We also discuss the emergent symmetries in fully developed turbulence and the corresponding non-equilibrium stationary states. Finally we outline a larger picture regarding the relationship between non-perturbative quantum gravity and non-equilibrium statistical physics. This relationship can be understood as a natural generalization of the well-known Wilsonian relation between local quantum field theory and equilibrium statistical physics of critical phenomena. According to this picture the AdS/CFT duality is just an example of a more general connection between non-perturbative quantum gravity and non-equilibrium physics. In the appendix of this review we discuss a new kind of complementarity between thermodynamics and statistical physics which should be important in the context of black hole complementarity.