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On observers in holographic maps

Published 12 Mar 2025 in hep-th and gr-qc | (2503.09681v1)

Abstract: A straightforward gravitational path integral calculation implies that closed universes are trivial, described by a one dimensional Hilbert space. Two papers by Harlow-Usatyuk-Zhao and Abdalla-Antonini-Iliesiu-Levine have sought to ameliorate this issue by defining special rules to incorporate observers into the path integral. However, the proposed rules are different, leading to differing results for the Hilbert space dimension. Moreover, the former work offers a holographic map realized using a non-isometric code construction to complement their path integral result and clarify its physics. In this work, we propose a non-isometric code that implements the second construction, allowing thorough comparison. Our prescription may be thought of as simply removing the portion of the map that acts on the observer, while preserving the rest, creating an effective holographic boundary at the observer-environment interface. This proposal can be directly applied to general holographic maps for both open and closed universes of any dimension.

Summary

Holographic Maps and Observer Inclusion

The paper "On observers in holographic maps" by Akers et al. presents a significant exploration of the integration of observers within holographic maps, especially in the context of closed universes. The study delves into the peculiarities of gravitational path integrals that imply trivial, one-dimensional Hilbert spaces for closed universes, a notion established and perturbed by recent proposals from Harlow, Usatyuk, Zhao and Abdalla, Antonini, Iliesiu, Levine (HUZ and AAIL respectively). These efforts aim to introduce non-trivial dimensions to the Hilbert space by incorporating observers through distinct methodologies.

The HUZ framework partitions the semiclassical gravity Hilbert space into the observer's space and the environmental matter space. It suggests utilizing an isometric code that duplicates the observer in a non-gravitational reference frame, thereby influencing the path integral without fully altering it. This method results in suppressing certain terms by $1/d_{Ob}$, where $d_{Ob}$ is the observer's Hilbert space dimension. The dimension of the fundamental Hilbert space, $\mathcal{H}\text{fun}$, hence becomes the minimum of $d{Ob}$ and $e{2S_0}$, where $S_0$ signifies the entropy contribution from the non-perturbative sector in JT gravity.

Conversely, the AAIL method proposes a straightforward exclusion of specific terms from the path integral, focusing primarily on interactions entirely contained within the observer's domain. This proposal defines the dimension of $\mathcal{H}\text{fun}$ as the product $d{Ob} e{2S_0}$, highlighting an expanded dimension influenced more directly by the observer's presence and interaction.

Akers et al. deepen this discussion by providing an explicit holographic map construction accommodating the AAIL method. This is implemented through a non-isometric code which essentially omits contributions impacting the observer, thus forming an effective boundary. Their approach demonstrates that removing parts of the map that act on the observer preserves the observer's degrees as elements within the fundamental Hilbert space. This method facilitates the evaluation of holographic maps for universes across varying dimensions and states.

The implications of this work pivot on providing a clearer understanding of the dimensionality alterations when observers are considered in holographic narratives. Practically, this supports advancements in our comprehension of gravitational descriptions, especially in how observers delineate different gravitational phenomena. Theoretical impacts suggest possible refinements in quantum gravity models where observers' roles in closed universes could overthrow conventional assumptions regarding universality and dimension.

Future inquiries may delve deeper into the consequences of these findings on quantum cosmology stability and the intricacies of observer-influenced spacetime configurations. Additionally, exploring tensor networks within larger, multi-node systems could offer broader applicability of these principles, feeding into more generalized holographic models beyond closed universes.

In summary, the unification of observer-dependent holographic mappings offered in this study underscores a nuanced understanding of environmental interaction and their spatial dynamics. While contrasting significantly with previous proposals, the demonstrated utility in extending Hilbert space dimensions via observer considerations provides a new avenue of exploration in holographic quantum gravity. This approach offers a fresh perspective on the holographic interpretation and manipulation of gravity-centered systems, potentially transforming future quantum mechanics frameworks operant in closed universes.

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