Discrete spacetime means discrete momentum ?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the implications of discrete spacetime on momentum, specifically referencing De Broglie's wavelength formula, \(\lambda = h|p|^{-1}\). It concludes that if spacetime is discrete, it implies a minimum wavelength, potentially equal to the Planck length, leading to a maximum allowed momentum. This framework suggests that finite momentum and spacetime could eliminate infrared (IR) and ultraviolet (UV) divergences in quantum field theories. However, the complexity of general relativity (GR) indicates that treating spacetime as a quantum system may complicate the notion of discretization.

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mhill
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discrete spacetime means discrete momentum ??

the question is using De Broglie's Wavelength [tex]\lambda = h|p|^{-1}[/tex]

then in case space is discrete would mean that there is a minimum possible wavelength in nature , for example [tex]\lambda = k l_{p}[/tex] for Planck's length this would mean that the maximum allowed momentum modulus would be [tex]h(k l_{p})^{-1}[/tex] for 'k' a constant , then since momentum is finite and spacetime is also finite there wouldn't be any IR or UV divergences but does this make sense
 
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Yes. Lattice models are often used in calculations for high energy physics or in condensed matter when considering lattices. However, note that discrete spacetime may not be that simple --- if we take GR seriously and treat the spacetime as part of the system, it will be in a quantum superposition of states, and it may not be necessarily the case that physical properties are still as manifestly discretised.
 

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