A Discussion of "Two-Time Physics" (I. Bars) and its potential cosmological implications

[Anzerskiy]

TL;DR

Discussing a peer-reviewed paper that explains particle physics anomalies using Itzhak Bars's "Two-Time Physics" (2T-physics). Within this theory with an extra time-like dimension, we explore a hypothetical possibility: could the universe's accelerated expansion (Dark Energy) be a geometric effect of a "mismatch" between our standard time and a second, hidden time dimension, rather than a fundamental force? The goal is to understand the theoretical viability and potential observational tests of

Hello everyone,

I am seeking to better understand the conceptual foundations and potential consequences of "Two-Time Physics" (2T-physics), as developed by Itzhak Bars and others.

My interest was sparked by a recent paper that attempts to explain anomalous results in particle physics (apparent superluminal propagation of virtual photons) within the framework of 2T-physics:

• Paper: https://arxiv.org/abs/2408.02696
• Key quote from the abstract: *"...the problem... can be solved naturally within the framework of 'Two-Time Physics' developed by I. Bars. 2T-physics is the theory with local symplectic gauge symmetry in phase-space and the space-time geometry of signature (d,2) with one extra time-like and one extra space-like dimensions."*

This connection between an extra time-like dimension and observable physics is fascinating.

My questions for discussion are conceptual and cosmological:

1. From a theoretical perspective: How does the formalism of 2T-physics "project" down to our observable (3+1) spacetime, and what new degrees of freedom or constraints does it introduce? Could the presence of an extra time dimension manifest not as new particles, but as a background temporal field that influences the dynamics of our 4D universe?
2. Regarding Dark Energy: In the context of cosmology, could the accelerated expansion of the universe be reinterpreted within a 2T-physics framework? Specifically, is it conceivable that what we perceive as Dark Energy is a geometrical effect arising from a "mismatch" or differential evolution between our standard 4D time and the second, hidden time dimension? (For instance, a constant "flow" of the second time relative to the first).
3. Observational Tests: What would be the most promising observational or experimental signatures, either in cosmology or high-energy physics, that could test or constrain such a cosmological application of 2T-physics?

I am not proposing a new model, but rather trying to understand the existing theoretical possibilities within the 2T-physics framework and their potential relevance to one of the biggest open questions in cosmology.

Thank you for any insights and references you can provide.

 

[PeterDonis]

@Anzerskiy you marked this thread as "B" level, but this is definitely not a "B" level topic. It's an "A" level topic (i.e., graduate level); it's not even clear to me that a useful discussion at the "I" level (undergraduate) is possible. (Note that that's going to be true of pretty much any topic that is discussed in this subforum.)

I have re-marked the thread as "A" level. Please be advised that it might be difficult for you to follow a discussion at that level if you don't have the requisite background. But the reference you picked requires that level of discussion.