Mixing, tunnelling and the direction of time in the context of Reichenbach's principles

TL;DR

This paper explores Reichenbach's principles on the direction of time, linking thermodynamics and quantum effects, proposing the existence of a 'time primer' mechanism that could be experimentally detectable in high-energy physics.

Contribution

It introduces the concept of a 'time primer' mechanism influenced by global universe conditions, connecting thermodynamics, quantum effects, and the direction of time.

Findings

Indicates a possible unknown mechanism ('time primer') affecting local time direction.

Suggests the 'time primer' may be CPT-invariant and detectable in high-energy experiments.

Links the second law of thermodynamics with quantum mixing processes and the universe's global conditions.

Abstract

This work reviews the understanding of the direction of time introduced by Hans Reichenbach, including the fundamental relation of the perceived flow of time to the second law of thermodynamics (i.e. the Boltzmann time hypothesis), and the principle of parallelism of entropy increase. An example of a mixing process with quantum effects, which is advanced here in conjunction with Reichenbach's ideas, indicates the existence of a presently unknown mechanism that reflects global conditions prevailing in the universe and enacts the direction of time locally (i.e. the "time primer"). The possibility of experimental detection of the time primer is also discussed: if the time primer is CPT-invariant, its detection may be possible in high-energy experiments under the current level of technology.