Opposite Thermodynamic Arrows of Time

1999/11/08 by L. S. Schulman · 2 voices · 5 citations
Physics and Astronomy · #Advanced Mathematical Theories and Applications #Relativity and Gravitational Theory #Scientific Research and Discoveries #astro-ph #cond-mat.stat-mech #gr-qc

paper · pdf · doi:10.1103/physrevlett.83.5419

published as Phys.Rev.Lett. 83 (1999) 5419-5422 · To appear in Phys. Rev. Lett

arxiv created 1999/11/08 · arxiv published 1999/11/08 · openalex publication_date 1999/12/27 · arxiv updated 2009/11/30 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28

Abstract

A model in which two weakly coupled systems maintain opposite running thermodynamic arrows of time is exhibited. Each experiences its own retarded electromagnetic interaction and can be seen by the other. The possibility of opposite-arrow systems at stellar distances is explored and a relation to dark matter suggested.

Cited by

• Causality is an effect
• Schroumldinger equation for joint bidirectional motion in time
• The generic nature of the global and non-entropic arrow of time and the dual role of the energy–momentum tensor
• The cosmological origin of time asymmetry
• Big entropy fluctuations in statistical equilibrium: The macroscopic kinetics

Discussions

• Yes, very interesting question, and there's not much written on it. Here's the best paper on the topic. You can see that I took a different take on it in "Aloha", but something like Schulman's resul [bsky, 3 points, 1 comments]
• The way that causality is connected with the thermodynamic arrow is quite subtle. It doesn’t help that physicists have a very unusual view of causality, distinct from most other scientists and laypeop [stackexchange, 2 points]

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