Does it make sense to break T duality at fundamental level?

In summary, the conversation discusses a proposal to make Bohmian mechanics compatible with string theory by positing that T duality breaks at the fundamental level and there is no minimal length in the theory. While the proposal may raise concerns about the consistency of a theory of quantum gravity without a minimal length, it is argued that the presence of a minimal length is not necessary for the entire theory to be consistent.
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JG11
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https://arxiv.org/abs/hep-th/0605250

Here is an attempt to make bohmian mechanics compatible with string theory. It posits that T duality breaks at the fundamental level, and that the is no minimal length in the theory. Does this proposal make sense?
 
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Why do you think that it might not make sense? What do you see as a potential problem?
 
  • #3
Demystifier said:
Why do you think that it might not make sense? What do you see as a potential problem?
As I understand, the minimal length is crucial to any theory of quantum gravity in order for that theory to be consistent. You can look it up yourself.
 
  • #4
JG11 said:
As I understand, the minimal length is crucial to any theory of quantum gravity in order for that theory to be consistent. You can look it up yourself.
In the sense in which the minimal length is present is standard string theory, in the same sense the minimal length is present also in Bohmian string theory. However, Bohmian mechanics claims that standard quantum theory is incomplete, i.e. that one must add something additional that standard quantum theory doesn't have. So one can say that one part of the theory does have the minimal length (as required by quantum gravity, as you said), while the other part of the theory doesn't have it. This other part does not need to have the minimal length for consistency.
 

1. What is T duality and why is it important in physics?

T duality is a fundamental concept in theoretical physics that describes the symmetry between two different physical theories. It states that certain physical quantities (such as the size of a space) in one theory are equivalent to different quantities (such as the inverse of the size) in the dual theory. This duality is important because it allows us to study and understand seemingly different theories as two sides of the same coin, leading to a deeper understanding of the underlying principles of nature.

2. Can T duality be broken at a fundamental level?

Currently, there is no evidence to suggest that T duality can be broken at a fundamental level. In fact, it has been observed in various physical phenomena and is a key aspect of many well-established theories, such as string theory and M-theory. However, as our understanding of the universe continues to evolve, it is always possible that new discoveries may challenge our current understanding of T duality.

3. What would be the consequences if T duality is broken at a fundamental level?

If T duality were to be broken at a fundamental level, it would have significant implications for our understanding of the underlying principles of physics. It would mean that the two seemingly equivalent theories in the duality are actually distinct and cannot be described in terms of each other. This could potentially lead to major revisions in our current theories and models of the universe.

4. Are there any ongoing experiments or research about T duality?

While there are no specific experiments designed to test T duality, it is a fundamental concept that is constantly being explored and studied in theoretical physics. Many researchers are currently investigating the implications of T duality in different areas, such as black hole physics and cosmology, and are looking for potential ways to experimentally verify its validity.

5. How does breaking T duality at a fundamental level relate to quantum gravity?

There is ongoing research and debate about the relationship between T duality and quantum gravity. Some theories suggest that T duality may be a fundamental aspect of quantum gravity, while others propose that it may not be applicable in certain extreme scenarios. Breaking T duality at a fundamental level could potentially provide new insights into the nature of quantum gravity and its interactions with other fundamental forces.

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