On non-equilibrium physics and string theory

Abstract

In this article we review the relation between string theory and non-equilibrium physics based on our previously published work. First we explain why a theory of quantum gravity and non-equilibrium statistical physics should be related in the first place. Then we present the necessary background from the recent research in non-equilibrium physics. The review discusses the relationship of string theory and aging phenomena, as well as the connection between AdS/CFT correspondence and the Jarzynski identity. We also discuss the emergent symmetries in fully developed turbulence and the corresponding non-equilibrium stationary states. Finally we outline a larger picture regarding the relationship between non-perturbative quantum gravity and non-equilibrium statistical physics. This relationship can be understood as a natural generalization of the well-known Wilsonian relation between local quantum field theory and equilibrium statistical physics of critical phenomena. According to this picture the AdS/CFT duality is just an example of a more general connection between non-perturbative quantum gravity and non-equilibrium physics. In the appendix of this review we discuss a new kind of complementarity between thermodynamics and statistical physics which should be important in the context of black hole complementarity.

29 pages, one figure, invited review article to appear in Int. J. Mod. Phys. A

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