Why space could be quantised on a different scale to matter
- URL: http://arxiv.org/abs/2005.12724v3
- Date: Mon, 16 Aug 2021 10:55:53 GMT
- Title: Why space could be quantised on a different scale to matter
- Authors: Matthew J. Lake
- Abstract summary: The scale of quantum mechanical effects in matter is set by Planck's constant, $hbar$.
We argue that the quantisation scale for space, and hence for gravity, may not be equal to $hbar$.
- Score: 0.0
- License: http://arxiv.org/licenses/nonexclusive-distrib/1.0/
- Abstract: The scale of quantum mechanical effects in matter is set by Planck's
constant, $\hbar$. This represents the quantisation scale for material objects.
In this article, we present a simple argument why the quantisation scale for
space, and hence for gravity, may not be equal to $\hbar$. Indeed, assuming a
single quantisation scale for both matter and geometry leads to the `worst
prediction in physics', namely, the huge difference between the observed and
predicted vacuum energies. Conversely, assuming a different quantum of action
for geometry, $\beta \ll \hbar$, allows us to recover the observed density of
the Universe. Thus, by measuring its present-day expansion, we may in principle
determine, empirically, the scale at which the geometric degrees of freedom
should be quantised.
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