A finite-dimensional quantum model with commensurable energy eigenvalues and minimum-entropy initial condition yields exact periodicity and a distinguished entropy minimum that may represent the Big Bang while suppressing Boltzmann Brains.
Is the Hypothesis About a Low Entropy Initial State of the Universe Necessary for Explaining the Arrow of Time?
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abstract
According to statistical mechanics, micro-states of an isolated physical system (say, a gas in a box) at time $t_0$ in a given macro-state of less-than-maximal entropy typically evolve in such a way that the entropy at time $t$ increases with $|t-t_0|$ in both time directions. In order to account for the observed entropy increase in only one time direction, the thermodynamic arrow of time, one usually appeals to the hypothesis that the initial state of the universe was one of very low entropy. In certain recent models of cosmology, however, no hypothesis about the initial state of the universe is invoked. We discuss how the emergence of a thermodynamic arrow of time in such models can nevertheless be compatible with the above-mentioned consequence of statistical mechanics, appearances to the contrary notwithstanding.
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gr-qc 1years
2026 1verdicts
UNVERDICTED 1representative citing papers
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Toward a Phenomenologically Acceptable Quantum Cyclic Universe
A finite-dimensional quantum model with commensurable energy eigenvalues and minimum-entropy initial condition yields exact periodicity and a distinguished entropy minimum that may represent the Big Bang while suppressing Boltzmann Brains.