Quantum Systems Demonstrate Emergence of Time and Space through Entanglement, Revisiting Page and Wootters Theory
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The fundamental nature of time and space remains one of the most profound mysteries in physics, and new research explores a surprising connection between these concepts and quantum entanglement. Tommaso Favalli from University of Naples “Federico II”, and colleagues, investigate how entanglement might underpin the very emergence of time and space within isolated quantum systems. Building upon the established Page and Wootters mechanism, the team demonstrates that entanglement between subsystems can effectively generate a sense of temporal order and spatial relationships, even in a universe initially devoid of both. This work not only offers a novel perspective on the thermalisation process but also proposes a model where our familiar three-dimensional spacetime arises directly from the intricate web of quantum connections, ultimately reproducing established gravitational effects like time dilation.
Entanglement Models Emergent Spacetime and Time This work investigates the fundamental connection between time, space, and quantum entanglement, proposing that entanglement underlies the emergence of both time and space within closed systems. Researchers extended the Page and Wootters theory, originally designed to describe time emerging from entanglement between subsystems in a static universe, to incorporate spatial dimensions and model a 3+1 dimensional spacetime. This involved establishing a link between the theory and recent research in statistical mechanics, offering a new understanding of the thermalisation process. The study pioneers a method for modeling spacetime emergence by considering entanglement among different subsystems within a globally “timeless” and “positionless” universe. Scientists demonstrated that, within this framework, the evolution of clocks can be modelled, and a time dilation effect consistent with the Schwarzschild solution, a key prediction of general relativity, is obtained. Furthermore, the research explores the relationship between thermal equilibrium and the emergence of time, proposing that the environment itself can function as a clock, and that a random universe can generate dynamics through this interaction. A key achievement is the demonstration of how relative positions can be localized through entanglement, suggesting a pathway for the emergence of space from this quantum phenomenon.,.
Entanglement Creates Time and Space Dimensions Researchers revisited and extended the Page and Wootters theory, initially designed to describe time’s emergence from entanglement between subsystems in a static Universe, connecting it to recent research in statistical mechanics and offering a new understanding of thermalisation processes. The framework was then generalized to describe spatial dimensions, resulting in a model of a 3+1 dimensional spacetime emerging from entanglement among subsystems within a “timeless” and “positionless” Universe. Experiments demonstrated the validity of this approach by successfully modeling time dilation effects consistent with the Schwarzschild solution.
The team achieved this by treating the evolution of clocks within a gravitational field using the Page and Wootters theory, confirming the theoretical predictions with measurable results. They then experimentally illustrated the mechanism using entangled photons, with one photon acting as a clock to measure the evolution of the other. The experiment was conducted in two modes: an “observer” mode, simulating an internal observer correlated with the clock photon, and a “super-observer” mode, representing an external observer viewing the global system.,.
Entanglement Creates Spacetime and Predicts Time Dilation This work presents a comprehensive investigation into the fundamental connection between time, space, and quantum entanglement, proposing that entanglement may underpin the emergence of both time and space within closed systems. Researchers have extended the Page and Wootters framework, originally designed to describe the emergence of time, to incorporate spatial dimensions, resulting in a model of a 3+1 dimensional spacetime arising from entanglement between subsystems in a fundamentally timeless and positionless universe. The authors acknowledge that their model relies on specific assumptions regarding the initial conditions and the nature of entanglement, and that further investigation is needed to fully explore its implications. Future research directions include exploring the model’s predictions in more complex scenarios and investigating the potential for experimental verification of these theoretical findings. 👉 More information 🗞 On the Emergence of Time and Space in Closed Quantum Systems 🧠 ArXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2512.08120 Tags: Rohail T. As a quantum scientist exploring the frontiers of physics and technology. My work focuses on uncovering how quantum mechanics, computing, and emerging technologies are transforming our understanding of reality. I share research-driven insights that make complex ideas in quantum science clear, engaging, and relevant to the modern world. Latest Posts by Rohail T.: Beyond Diagonal RIS-assisted MIMO Transmission Achieves Capacity Gains with Gradient-Based Optimization December 11, 2025 Atomic and Molecular Systems Enable 130GHz Radiation Thermometry with Primary, Non-traceable Measurements December 11, 2025 Autonomous Multi-Ion Optical Clock with On-Chip Photonics Achieves Stability Using Four Yb+ Ions December 11, 2025