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Structure of random discrete spacetimeThe usual picture of spacetime consists of a continuous manifold, together with a metric of Lorentzian signature which imposes a causal structure on the spacetime. A model, first suggested by Bombelli et al., is considered in which spacetime consists of a discrete set of points taken at random from a manifold, with only the causal structure on this set remaining. This structure constitutes a partially ordered set (or poset). Working from the poset alone, it is shown how to construct a metric on the space which closely approximates the metric on the original spacetime manifold, how to define the effective dimension of the spacetime, and how such quantities may depend on the scale of measurement. Possible desirable features of the model are discussed.
Document ID
19910038271
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Brightwell, Graham
(London School of Economics and Political Science, United Kingdom)
Gregory, Ruth
(NASAFermilab Astrophysics Center Batavia, IL, United States)
Date Acquired
August 15, 2013
Publication Date
January 21, 1991
Publication Information
Publication: Physical Review Letters
Volume: 66
ISSN: 0031-9007
Subject Category
Physics (General)
Accession Number
91A22894
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAGW-1340
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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