On the emergence of duration from quantum observation and some consequences

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates that quantum measurement induces a notion of duration and time flow linked to the system's thermal properties, with implications for understanding empirical time and effects on Special Relativity.

Contribution

It introduces a framework where quantum observation naturally leads to a concept of duration and time flow connected to thermal dynamics, offering new insights into the nature of time.

Findings

Quantum measurement induces a thermal flow that defines duration.

The emergent time exhibits properties similar to empirical time.

Implications for Special Relativity are discussed.

Abstract

We show that by the act of quantum measurement on a system there emerges a notion of duration and a corresponding time flow which turns out to be the thermal flow connected to the system. We show that, under some quasi-classical assumptions on the observer, this flow shows relevant properties of empirical time and some interesting consequences for Special Relativity are drawn.