Can Emergent Spacetime Concepts Enable Faster-Than-Light Travel?

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In summary, the conversation is about emergent spacetime and the possibility of traveling faster than light within this concept. The topic was originally posted in a different forum but was deemed more appropriate for this forum. The idea of emergent spacetime suggests that space and time are not fundamental concepts but rather emerge as approximate macroscopic concepts. The conversation delves into various topics related to this concept, including ambiguities in the geometry and topology of space, questions about locality, and examples of emergent space. The main question posed is whether it is possible to send information or travel faster than light within this framework.
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jlcd
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I posted something similar to this in Beyond the Standard Model forum but it's more appropriate here as it is more of a Special Relativity & Spacetime question for SR expert like Peterdonis.

My inquiry is with regard to this. Many of you are familiar with this concept about Emergent Spacetime where Nathan Seiberg described in http://arxiv.org/abs/hep-th/0601234 as

"We summarize the arguments that space and time are likely to be emergent notions; i.e. they are not present in the fundamental formulation of the theory, but appear as approximate macroscopic concepts. Along the way we briefly review certain topics. These include ambiguities in the geometry and the topology of space which arise from dualities, questions associated with locality, various known examples of emergent space, and the puzzles and the prospects of emergent time."

Supposed it were true. Is it within the realm of possibility to send information faster than light or even travel faster than light? Like you use the fundamental degree of freedom to initiate FTL. Perhaps you use a preferred foliation that is locked into that fundamental degree of freedom. Isn't it that in Special Relativity.. if you can make a specific foliation as preferred.. there would be no frames that would go backward in time when you go faster than light? Perhaps it can be overridden by say manipulation of the dynamics of this fundamental degree of freedom where space and time are emergent? Or do you have a no-go theorem that completely forbid FTL even if spacetime is emergent. How?
 
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FAQ: Can Emergent Spacetime Concepts Enable Faster-Than-Light Travel?

1. What is "Preferred Foliation for FTL"?

"Preferred Foliation for FTL" refers to the method of choosing a specific orientation or direction for a faster-than-light (FTL) spacecraft to travel through space. This orientation is based on the concept of spacetime foliation, which divides the fabric of spacetime into distinct layers or slices.

2. Why is preferred foliation important for FTL travel?

Preferred foliation is important for FTL travel because it allows for a more efficient and controlled movement through spacetime. By choosing a specific preferred direction, the spacecraft can avoid potentially dangerous regions of space and minimize the effects of time dilation.

3. How is the preferred foliation determined?

The preferred foliation is determined by analyzing the structure of spacetime in the desired travel route. This involves considering factors such as the curvature of space, the distribution of matter and energy, and the presence of gravitational fields. Based on this analysis, a suitable preferred direction is chosen.

4. Can the preferred foliation be changed during FTL travel?

While the preferred foliation can be changed, it is not recommended during FTL travel. Altering the preferred direction can disrupt the spacecraft's motion and potentially cause navigational errors. It is best to stick to the initially chosen preferred foliation for the duration of the FTL journey.

5. Is preferred foliation the only factor that affects FTL travel?

No, preferred foliation is not the only factor that affects FTL travel. Other important factors include the spacecraft's velocity, energy consumption, and the laws of physics. These must all be carefully considered and optimized for successful FTL travel.

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