Classical space-time as Rydberg states of underlying quantum geometries

TL;DR

This paper proposes that classical space-time emerges as long-lived Rydberg states of an underlying quantum geometry at Planck scales, linking quantum and classical descriptions.

Contribution

It introduces a novel paradigm where classical space-time is modeled as Rydberg states of quantum geometry, explaining stability and black hole entropy.

Findings

Rydberg states have very long lifetimes proportional to high powers of quantum number n.

Large degeneracy of Rydberg levels accounts for black hole entropy.

Space-time stability is explained by the long-lived nature of these states.

Abstract

Classical macroscopic space-time is pictured in terms of Rydberg states of an underlying discritzed `atomic' quantum geometry at Planck scales. While quantum geometry on such scales involves several very short lived transitions changing curvature and topologies, the Rydberg states have very long lifetimes, going as a high power of the quantum number n. This means space-time on macroscopic scales are almost infinitely stable. The large degeneracy in the Rydberg levels, with high n, can also account for a large black hole entropy, as well as long lifetime of massive black holes to quantum decays. We have a possible promising paradigm to link quantum geometry at Planck scales, to classical space-time.