A global and non-entropic arrow of time: the double role of the energy-momentum tensor

TL;DR

This paper proposes a geometric, non-entropic perspective on the arrow of time, emphasizing the dual role of the energy-momentum tensor in linking spacetime asymmetry to local energy flow and quantum theory.

Contribution

It introduces a novel approach where the energy-momentum tensor bridges global spacetime asymmetry with local and quantum time-asymmetries.

Findings

Energy-momentum tensor connects universe's geometrical time-asymmetry to local energy flow.

It provides a basis for deriving quantum field theory's time-asymmetry.

The approach offers a unified geometric explanation of the arrow of time.

Abstract

In this paper we adopt a global and non-entropic approach to the problem of the arrow of time, according to which the arrow of time is an intrinsic geometrical property of spacetime. Our main aim is to show the double role played by the energy-momentum tensor in the context of our approach. On the one hand, the energy-momentum tensor is the intermediate step that permits to turn the geometrical time-asymmetry of the universe into a local arrow of time manifested as a time-asymmetric energy flow. On the other hand, the energy-momentum tensor supplies the basis for deducing the time-asymmetry of quantum field theory, posed as an axiom in this theory.