From Planck area to graph theory: Topologically distinct black hole microstates

Abstract

We postulate a Planck scale horizon unit area, with no bits of information locally attached to it, connected but otherwise of free form, and let $n$ such geometric units compactly tile the black hole horizon. Associated with each topologically distinct tiling configuration is then a simple, connected, undirected, unlabeled, planar, chordal graph. The asymptotic enumeration of the corresponding integer sequence gives rise to the Bekenstein-Hawking area entropy formula, automatically accompanied by a proper logarithmic term, and fixes the size of the horizon unit area, thereby constituting a global realization of Wheeler's "it from bit" phrase. Invoking Polya's theorem, an exact number theoretical entropy spectrum is offered for the 2+1 dimensional quantum black hole.

6 pages, 5 figures; v2: minor changes, ref added; v3: version published in PRD (RC)