Fundamental time asymmetry from nontrivial space topology

TL;DR

This paper proposes that the global topology of space can cause a fundamental time asymmetry through CPT anomalies in chiral gauge theories, potentially influencing the universe's initial conditions.

Contribution

It introduces a novel mechanism linking space topology and time asymmetry via CPT anomalies in chiral gauge theories.

Findings

Time asymmetry can originate from space topology.

CPT anomaly effects could influence initial conditions of the universe.

A thought experiment illustrates the proposed mechanism.

Abstract

It is argued that a fundamental time asymmetry could arise from the global structure of the space manifold. The proposed mechanism relies on the CPT anomaly of certain chiral gauge theories defined over a multiply connected space manifold. The resulting time asymmetry (microscopic arrow of time) is illustrated by a simple thought experiment. The effect could, in principle, play a role in determining the initial conditions of the big bang.