Topology of Spacetime: Can Singularities and Fermions Co-exist?

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    Spacetime Topology
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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the compatibility of singularities and fermions within the framework of spacetime topology. It is established that a spacetime containing a spin structure, which is necessary for the existence of fermions, must be topologically represented as ℝ×Σ, where Σ denotes the Cauchy surface. The conversation suggests that if this condition holds true, singularities and fermions cannot coexist in the same universe, potentially leading to a paradox. However, examples such as Friedmann-Robertson-Walker (FRW) spacetime demonstrate that singularities can exist in spacetimes with the topology ℝ×Σ.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of spacetime topology, specifically ℝ×Σ
  • Knowledge of fermions and their relation to spin structures
  • Familiarity with singularities in general relativity
  • Basic concepts of Friedmann-Robertson-Walker (FRW) spacetimes
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implications of spin structures in quantum field theory
  • Study the characteristics of singularities in general relativity
  • Explore the topology of spacetimes, focusing on ℝ×Σ
  • Investigate the role of fermions in cosmological models, particularly in FRW spacetimes
USEFUL FOR

The discussion is beneficial for theoretical physicists, cosmologists, and students of general relativity interested in the interplay between quantum mechanics and spacetime structure.

Narasoma
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I watched this video : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sOiifkFYck4
Here, the lecturer said that if someone wants a spacetime which contains spin structure (physically equal to the existence of fermions, CMIIW) should topologically ℝ×Σ, where Σ is the Cauchy surface.

Is that true? If so, then singularities and fermions can't co-exist in the same universe, which lead us to a paradox, right?
Anybody could give me some papers related to this topic please?
 
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Narasoma said:
Is that true?

I'm not sure; I'm not familiar with any papers on the subject. However, it seems plausible.

Narasoma said:
If so, then singularities and fermions can't co-exist in the same universe

Why not? There are spacetimes with singularities that have topology ##R \times \Sigma##, where ##\Sigma## is a 3-manifold. The simplest example is FRW spacetime.

Narasoma said:
which lead us to a paradox, right?
o

If it's true (and I'm not sure it is, see above), it is only a paradox if you think our actual universe contains singularities; I take it we agree that it contains fermions. :wink: But we don't know that that's the case.
 

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