Curved Backgrounds in Emergent Gravity

TL;DR

This paper explores models of emergent gravity where scalar fields act as clocks and rulers, examining how their dynamics influence the emergence of gravitational interactions and addressing the problem of time in quantum gravity.

Contribution

It introduces the concept of nontrivial dynamics for clock and ruler fields in emergent gravity models, expanding understanding of how gravity can emerge from non-gravitational field theories.

Findings

Scalar fields can serve as physical clocks and rulers in emergent gravity models.

Dynamic behavior of clock and ruler fields affects the properties of emergent gravity.

Potential implications for resolving the problem of time in quantum gravity.

Abstract

Field theories that are generally covariant but nongravitational at tree level typically give rise to an emergent gravitational interaction whose strength depends on a physical regulator. We consider emergent gravity models in which scalar fields assume the role of clock and rulers, addressing the problem of time in quantum gravity. We discuss the possibility of nontrivial dynamics for clock and ruler fields, and describe some of the consequences of those dynamics for the emergent gravitational theory.