Gravity, Quantum Fields and Quantum Information: Problems with classical channel and stochastic theories

TL;DR

This paper critically examines the limitations of using classical channels and stochastic models to describe gravity within quantum information frameworks, highlighting inconsistencies and the importance of quantum features.

Contribution

It identifies three key problems with classical and stochastic approaches to quantum gravity, emphasizing the need to preserve quantum coherence and entanglement.

Findings

Interaction via information channels can conflict with quantum field theory.

Classical stochastic sources cannot fully replicate quantum fluctuations.

Semi-classical and stochastic theories are valid under specific conditions.

Abstract

In recent years an increasing number of papers attempt to mimic or supplant quantum field theory in discussions of issues related to gravity by the tools and through the perspective of quantum information theory, often in the context of alternative quantum theories. In this essay, we point out three common problems in such treatments. First, we show that the notion of interactions mediated by an information channel is not, in general, equivalent to the treatment of interactions by quantum field theory. When used to describe gravity, this notion may lead to inconsistencies with general relativity. Second, we point out that in general one cannot replace a quantum field by that of classical stochastic sources, or mock up the effects of quantum fluctuations by classical noises, because in so doing important quantum features such as coherence and entanglement will be left out. Third, we explain how under specific conditions semi-classical and stochastic theories indeed can be formulated from their quantum origins and play a role at certain regimes of interest.