Nonlocal Scalar Quantum Field Theory from Causal Sets

TL;DR

This paper explores a non-local scalar quantum field theory derived from causal set dynamics, revealing a continuum of massive modes, stability in 2D, and potential issues in 4D due to non-positive Hamiltonian, with implications for phenomenology.

Contribution

It introduces a non-local scalar QFT from causal sets, analyzes its mode structure, stability, and propagator behavior across dimensions, and discusses potential phenomenological implications.

Findings

In 2D, the Hamiltonian is positive definite, ensuring a well-defined quantum theory.

In 4D, unstable modes are propagated via Wheeler propagator, avoiding asymptotic states.

The Hamiltonian's non-positivity in 4D suggests potential issues with the quantum theory.

Abstract

We study a non-local scalar quantum field theory in flat spacetime derived from the dynamics of a scalar field on a causal set. We show that this non-local QFT contains a continuum of massive modes in any dimension. In 2 dimensions the Hamiltonian is positive definite and therefore the quantum theory is well-defined. In 4-dimensions, we show that the unstable modes of the non-local d'Alembertian are propagated via the so called Wheeler propagator and hence do not appear in the asymptotic states. In the free case studied here the continuum of massive mode are shown to not propagate in the asymptotic states. However the Hamiltonian is not positive definite, therefore potential issues with the quantum theory remain. Finally, we conclude with hints toward what kind of phenomenology one might expect from such non-local QFTs.