World crystal
Theoretical model of gravity
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In physics, world crystal is a theoretical model of spacetime consistent with general relativity but based on a lattice with the dimensions of the Planck length. Defects in the crystal cause the curvature effects of mass-energy on spacetime. Proposed[1] by Hagen Kleinert, it provides an alternative understanding of gravity and an alternative to the extra-dimensional concepts of string theory.[2]
Overview
The world crystal model is an alternative which exploits the fact that crystals with defects have the same non-Euclidean geometry as spaces with curvature and torsion.[3] Thus the world crystal represents a model for emergent or induced gravity in an Einstein–Cartan theory of gravitation (which embraces Einstein's theory of General Relativity).[4] The model illustrates that the world may have, at Planck distances, quite different properties from those predicted by string theorists.[2] In this model, matter creates defects in spacetime which generate curvature and all the effects of general relativity.[5]
The existence of a shortest length at the Planck level has interesting consequences for quantum physics at ultrahigh energies. For example, the uncertainty relation will be modified.[6] The world crystal implies specific modifications.[7]
