학술논문

Exploring $\boldsymbol{2+2}$ Answers to $\boldsymbol{3+1}$ Questions
Document Type
Working Paper
Source
Subject
High Energy Physics - Theory
Astrophysics - Cosmology and Nongalactic Astrophysics
General Relativity and Quantum Cosmology
High Energy Physics - Phenomenology
Language
Abstract
We explore potential uses of physics formulated in Kleinian (i.e., $2+2$) signature spacetimes as a tool for understanding properties of physics in Lorentzian (i.e., $3+1$) signature. Much as Euclidean (i.e., $4+0$) signature quantities can be used to formally construct the ground state wavefunction of a Lorentzian signature quantum field theory, a similar analytic continuation to Kleinian signature constructs a state of low particle flux in the direction of analytic continuation. There is also a natural supersymmetry algebra available in $2+2$ signature, which serves to constrain the structure of correlation functions. Spontaneous breaking of Lorentz symmetry can produce various $\mathcal{N} = 1/2$ supersymmetry algebras that in $3 + 1$ signature correspond to non-supersymmetric systems. We speculate on the possible role of these structures in addressing the cosmological constant problem.
Comment: v2: 22 pages, 1 figure, references and clarifications added