Emergent spacetime

doi:10.1017/CBO9780511920998.009

9 - Emergent spacetime

Published online by Cambridge University Press: 05 August 2012

Robert De Mello Koch and

Edited by

Amanda Weltman and

Robert De Mello Koch: Affiliation:
University of the Witwatersrand
Jeff Murugan: Affiliation:
University of Cape Town
Jeff Murugan: Affiliation:
University of Cape Town
Amanda Weltman: Affiliation:
University of Cape Town
George F. R. Ellis: Affiliation:
University of Cape Town

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Summary

We give an introductory account of the AdS/CFT correspondence in the ½-BPS sector of N =4 super Yang-Mills theory. Six of the dimensions of the string theory are emergent in the Yang-Mills theory. In this chapter we suggest how these dimensions and local physics in these dimensions emerge. The discussion is aimed at non-experts.

Introduction

The problem of quantizing gravity has proved to be a difficult one. To solve this problem, it seems to be necessary to answer the question “What is spacetime?” This challenges the most basic assumptions we are used to making; a radical new idea may be needed. Further, the hope of any guidance from experiment seems to be out of the question. One might conclude that the situation is hopeless. Drawing on recent insights from the AdS/CFT correspondence, we are nonetheless, optimistic.

The AdS/CFT correspondence [1] claims an exact equality between N =4 super Yang-Mills theory in flat (3+1)-dimensional Minkowski spacetime and Type IIB string theory on an asymptotically AdS5×S5 background. Type IIB string theory is a theory of closed strings; at least within string perturbation theory, theories of closed strings provide a consistent UV completion of gravity. The fact that such an equality exists is highly unexpected and non-trivial, and (as we will try to convince the reader) can be used to gain insight into the nature of spacetime. George Ellis opened the Foundations of Space and Time workshop by holding up two fingers and asking “are there an infinite or a finite number of places a particle could occupy between my fingers?” We don't know the answer to George's question.

Type: Chapter
Information: Foundations of Space and Time
Reflections on Quantum Gravity
, pp. 164 - 184

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511920998.009 [Opens in a new window]

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Print publication year: 2012

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