Physics – High Energy Physics – High Energy Physics - Theory
Scientific paper
2011-12-14
Physics
High Energy Physics
High Energy Physics - Theory
31 pages JHEP format, 3 figures
Scientific paper
We find ourselves in an extended era of entropy production. Unlike most other observations, the arrow of time is usually regarded as a constraint on initial conditions. I argue, however, that it primarily constrains the vacuum structure of the theory. I exhibit simple scalar field potentials in which low-entropy initial conditions are not necessary, or not sufficient, for an arrow of time to arise. I argue that the string theory landscape gives rise to an arrow of time independently of the initial entropy, assuming a plausible condition on the lifetime of its metastable vacua. In particular, a theory of initial conditions that favors large initial entropy, such as the Hartle-Hawking proposal, is not ruled out by observation. The dynamical resolution of the arrow of time problem arises from the same structural properties of the string landscape that allow it to solve the cosmological constant problem without producing an empty universe, particularly its high dimensionality and the large difference in vacuum energy between neighboring vacua.
No associations
LandOfFree
Vacuum Structure and the Arrow of Time does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with Vacuum Structure and the Arrow of Time, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Vacuum Structure and the Arrow of Time will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-561228