Infinite Temperature is Not So Infinite: The Many Temperatures of de Sitter Space

TL;DR

This paper clarifies the multiple concepts of temperature in de Sitter space's holographic description, using the SYK model to distinguish and analyze these different temperature notions, resolving previous confusions.

Contribution

It provides a detailed examination of the various temperature concepts in de Sitter space and demonstrates how the SYK model can be used to understand and differentiate them.

Findings

Identifies multiple temperature concepts in de Sitter holography

Uses the SYK model to analyze and distinguish these temperatures

Resolves previous confusions related to temperature in de Sitter space

Abstract

Several distinct concepts of temperature appear in the holographic description of de Sitter space. Conflating these has led to confusion and inconsistent claims. The double-scaled limit of SYK is a concrete model in which we can examine and explain these different concepts of temperature. This note began as an addendum to our paper ``Comments on a Paper by Narovlansky and Verlinde" but in the process of writing it we learned new things -- interesting in their own right -- that we wish to report here.