Generic Soliton Solution Periodicity: Restrictions & Examples

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the periodicity of Euclidean time in generic soliton solutions to Einstein's equations, specifically in the context of thermal states in conformal field theory (CFT). It is established that assigning periodicity to Euclidean time, denoted as ##t_E##, prepares a thermal state via the path integral approach. The relationship between thermal AdS and black holes is clarified, indicating that both can be associated with thermal CFTs. The discussion emphasizes that while periodic Euclidean time leads to a thermal state, constraints on the soliton solution may exist, which require further exploration.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Einstein's equations and their solutions
  • Familiarity with Euclidean time and its implications in theoretical physics
  • Knowledge of conformal field theory (CFT) and its relationship with thermal states
  • Basic concepts of path integrals in quantum field theory
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implications of periodic Euclidean time in quantum field theory
  • Explore the relationship between thermal AdS and black hole solutions in general relativity
  • Study the path integral formulation of CFTs and their thermal states
  • Investigate the constraints on soliton solutions in the context of periodic time conditions
USEFUL FOR

The discussion is beneficial for theoretical physicists, particularly those specializing in general relativity, quantum field theory, and string theory, as well as researchers exploring the implications of thermal states in CFTs.

Einj
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Hello everyone, I have a question regarding the possible periodicity of time in a generic metric.
Suppose that for some reason I have a solution to Einstein's equations of the kind (in Euclidean time):

$$
ds^2_E=+f(r)dt_E^2+\frac{dr^2}{g(r)}+r^2(dx^2+dy^2).
$$

Am I always allowed to assign some periodicity to the Eucledean time ##t_E## or is there any restriction?

For example, I know that there is a particular solution called "thermal AdS" which is nothing but the usual AdS metric (i.e. not a black hole with an horizon) to which a periodic time has been assigned.

When can I do that?

Thanks!
 
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A periodic euclidean time is equivalent to gluing the two ends of the path integral that prepares your state. This is then equivalent to preparing a thermal state. So periodic Euclidean time is always going to prepare a thermal state via the path integral. Whether or not it is a black hole depends on the actual path integral.

Note when I say path integral I mean that of the boundary CFT. So yes AdS and thermal AdS are the same as far as space-time geometry is concerned but in the latter the CFT is prepared in a thermal state. Black holes in the bulk are also dual to thermal CFTs (at least in most examples e.g. BTZ).

EDIT: I forgot to mention that the path integrals for thermal AdS and BTZ are closely related. In the former the path integral is a torus with one circle parametrized by Euclidean time and the other by the angular coordinate; the latter can be obtained simply by switching the roles of these two coordinates on the torus.
 
Last edited:
Thanks a lot for your reply! I guess my question was: since periodic Eucledean time always means thermal state for the boundary CFT, does this mean that if I have a generic soliton solution (no horizon) and I impose the time to be periodic this is going to be a thermal state? Do I have any constrain on the solution in order to be allowed to impose periodic time conditions?

Thanks a gain!
 

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