Gravitational algebras and applications to nonequilibrium physics

Abstract

This note aims to offer a non-technical and self-contained introduction to gravitational algebras and their applications in the nonequilibrium physics of gravitational systems. We begin by presenting foundational concepts from operator algebra theory and exploring their relevance to perturbative quantum gravity. Additionally, we provide a brief overview of the theory of nonequilibrium dynamical systems in finite dimensions and discuss its generalization to gravitational algebras. Specifically, we focus on entropy production in black hole backgrounds and fluctuation theorems in de Sitter spacetime.

invited review, comments welcome! v2: references added, minor corrections

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