Fuzzy spacetime: fundamental limits of quantum-optical holographic bulk reconstruction

Abstract

In this Essay we construct a concrete, non-perturbative realization of metric reconstruction using quantum-optical model of particle detectors in relativistic quantum information. The non-perturbative approach allows us to realize a version of "short-distance physics corresponds to poor statistics" idea by Kempf which occurs way above the Planck scale before one reaches the quantum-gravitational regime. In particular, the "fuzziness" of spacetime that arise from operational measurement protocols can be given a holographic dual interpretation using bulk-to-boundary correspondence between scalar correlators in asymptotically flat spacetimes. The holographic interpretation necessitates imperfect metric reconstruction even in principle due to the universality of future null infinity.

arXiv comment10 pages, no figure. Essay written for the Gravity Research Foundation 2023 Awards for Essays on Gravitation; v2: fixed attribution and typos