A background-independent algebra in quantum gravity

Abstract We propose an algebra of operators along an observer’s worldline as a background-independent algebra in quantum gravity. In that context, it is natural to think of the Hartle-Hawking no boundary state as a universal state of maximum entropy, and to define entropy in terms of the relative en...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Edward Witten
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: SpringerOpen 2024-03-01
Series:Journal of High Energy Physics
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1007/JHEP03(2024)077
Description
Summary:Abstract We propose an algebra of operators along an observer’s worldline as a background-independent algebra in quantum gravity. In that context, it is natural to think of the Hartle-Hawking no boundary state as a universal state of maximum entropy, and to define entropy in terms of the relative entropy with this state. In the case that the only spacetimes considered correspond to de Sitter vacua with different values of the cosmological constant, this definition leads to sensible results.
ISSN:1029-8479