How does this study affect the holographic principle?

In summary, a recent study has discovered a flaw in Emergent/Entropic Gravity, as it has been found that holographic screens do not behave according to thermodynamics. This may also invalidate the holographic principle, as it relies on the idea that information from a bulk is encoded on its boundary. The paper, titled "Surfaces away from horizons are not thermodynamic," explains that this issue undermines the key thermodynamic assumption of the Emergent Gravity program. While this program is not directly related to the holographic principle, it could have implications for other holographic principle models such as AdS/CFT or gauge/gravity duality.
  • #1
Suekdccia
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In a recent study (https://phys.org/news/2018-08-flaw-emergent-gravity.html) it has been discovered an important flaw in Emergent/Entropic Gravity because it has been discovered that holographic screens cannot behave according to thermodynamics...

But then, doesn't this also invalidate holographic principle? Since in holographic principle, entropy (information) from a bulk would be encoded on its boundary, and according to this study holographic screens would not behave according to thermodynamics, wouldn't holographic principle models also be affected by these results?
 
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  • #2
Here is the paper
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-018-05433-9
Surfaces away from horizons are not thermodynamic
Zhi-Wei Wang & Samuel L. Braunstein

They only say "For surfaces away from horizons in the emergent gravity program the first law fails (except for spherically symmetric scenarios), thus undermining the key thermodynamic assumption of this program." In the text it appears that "emergent gravity program" refers to On the Origin of Gravity and the Laws of Newton. J. High Energy Phys. 2011, 29 (2011) which has nothing much to do with the holographic principle in general (eg, AdS/CFT or gauge/gravity duality).
 

FAQ: How does this study affect the holographic principle?

What is the holographic principle?

The holographic principle is a theoretical concept in physics that suggests that all the information contained within a volume of space can be represented as a "hologram" on the boundary of that space. In simpler terms, it posits that the three-dimensional world we perceive may be encoded in two-dimensional data at the edges of the universe. This principle arises from considerations in string theory and black hole thermodynamics, particularly the work of theorists like Gerard 't Hooft and Leonard Susskind.

How does this study contribute to our understanding of the holographic principle?

This study may provide new insights or experimental evidence that either supports or challenges the holographic principle. By investigating phenomena related to quantum gravity, black holes, or the behavior of information in high-energy physics, the study can help clarify whether the holographic principle holds true in various contexts or under specific conditions, thus refining our theoretical frameworks.

What implications does the holographic principle have for black hole physics?

The holographic principle has significant implications for black hole physics, particularly in understanding how information is preserved when matter falls into a black hole. According to the principle, the information about the matter that has been absorbed by a black hole is not lost but rather encoded on its surface area (the event horizon). This concept challenges classical notions of information loss and has led to ongoing debates about the nature of black holes and the fabric of spacetime.

Can the holographic principle be tested experimentally?

Testing the holographic principle experimentally is challenging due to the extreme conditions required, such as those near black holes or at the quantum level. However, researchers are exploring various approaches, including high-energy particle collisions, gravitational wave observations, and studies of quantum entanglement, to find indirect evidence that could support or refute the principle. Advances in technology and theoretical models may eventually lead to more definitive tests.

What are the potential consequences if the holographic principle is proven true?

If the holographic principle is proven true, it could revolutionize our understanding of the universe by suggesting that our three-dimensional reality is fundamentally an illusion, with all information encoded on a two-dimensional surface. This could lead to new theories of quantum gravity, a deeper understanding of black holes, and insights into the nature of spacetime itself. Such a breakthrough might unify general relativity and quantum mechanics, two pillars of modern physics that currently remain incompatible.

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