Quantum asymmetry between time and space

Abstract

An asymmetry exists between time and space in the sense that physical systems inevitably evolve over time whereas there is no corresponding ubiquitous translation over space. The asymmetry, which is presumed to be elemental, is represented by equations of motion and conservation laws that operate differently over time and space. If, however, the asymmetry was found to be due to deeper causes, this conventional view of time evolution would need reworking. Here we show, using a sum-over-paths formalism, that a violation of time reversal (T) symmetry might be such a cause. If T symmetry is obeyed, the formalism treats time and space symmetrically such that states of matter are localised both in space and in time. In this case, equations of motion and conservation laws are undefined or inapplicable. However if T symmetry is violated, the same sum over paths formalism yields states that are localised in space and distributed without bound over time, creating an asymmetry between time and space. Moreover, the states satisfy an equation of motion (the Schrödinger equation) and conservation laws apply. This suggests that the time-space asymmetry is not elemental as currently presumed, and that T violation may have a deep connection with time evolution.

Final published version: 22 pages, 5 figures. Published article is available as Open Access from publisher

References in corpus (7)

• Observation of Time Reversal Violation in the B0 Meson System
• Identification of a gravitational arrow of time
• Spontaneous Inflation and the Origin of the Arrow of Time
• Chiral Quantum Walks
• Geometrical CP violation in the N-Higgs-doublet model
• CP Violation and Arrows of Time Evolution of a Neutral $K$ or $B$ Meson from an Incoherent to a Coherent State
• T violation and the Unidirectionality of Time: further details of the interference

Cited by in corpus (7)

• Understanding quantum mechanics: a review and synthesis in precise language
• Locally-acting mirror Hamiltonians
• Time as a Consequence of Internal Coherence
• The quantum theory of time, the block universe and human experience
• Falsification of a Time Operator Model based on Charge-Conjugation-Parity violation of neutral K-mesons
• An anomaly in space and time and the origin of dynamics
• Spacetime Paths as a Whole