Closed Time and Absorber Theory
Abstract
In the closed time model universe recently proposed by Davies1 as an explanation of the 3 K black body radiation, the arrow of time points forward in the first cycle AB and backward in the second cycle BC, where point C is identified with point A, as shown in Fig. 2 of Davies1 and Fig. 1 of Albrow2. This gives a complete time symmetry to the model. One point which immediately arises with this conjecture, however, is that dynamically cycle AB on the left of these figures looks identical with BC on the right, so it is difficult to see any a priori reason why the two should have opposite thermodynamic behaviour. Here I show ...
View more >In the closed time model universe recently proposed by Davies1 as an explanation of the 3 K black body radiation, the arrow of time points forward in the first cycle AB and backward in the second cycle BC, where point C is identified with point A, as shown in Fig. 2 of Davies1 and Fig. 1 of Albrow2. This gives a complete time symmetry to the model. One point which immediately arises with this conjecture, however, is that dynamically cycle AB on the left of these figures looks identical with BC on the right, so it is difficult to see any a priori reason why the two should have opposite thermodynamic behaviour. Here I show that, if one is willing to accept that the second law of thermodynamics and therefore the arrow of time arises because fields are retarded, then the required time directions in the model can be obtained as a consistent solution of absorber theory.
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View more >In the closed time model universe recently proposed by Davies1 as an explanation of the 3 K black body radiation, the arrow of time points forward in the first cycle AB and backward in the second cycle BC, where point C is identified with point A, as shown in Fig. 2 of Davies1 and Fig. 1 of Albrow2. This gives a complete time symmetry to the model. One point which immediately arises with this conjecture, however, is that dynamically cycle AB on the left of these figures looks identical with BC on the right, so it is difficult to see any a priori reason why the two should have opposite thermodynamic behaviour. Here I show that, if one is willing to accept that the second law of thermodynamics and therefore the arrow of time arises because fields are retarded, then the required time directions in the model can be obtained as a consistent solution of absorber theory.
View less >
Journal Title
Nature Physical Science
Volume
243
Issue
130