FRACTALS AND THE QUANTUM THEORY OF SPACETIME

Abstract

We review in this paper the first results obtained in an attempt at understanding quantum space-time based on a new extension of the principle of relativity and on the geometrical concept of fractals. We present methods for dealing with the nondifferentiability and the infinities of fractals, as a first step towards the definition and intrinsic description of a fractal space. After having recalled that the Heisenberg relations imply a transition of spatial coordinates of a particle to fractal dimension 2 about the de Broglie length λ = ħ/p, it is suggested that a similar transition occurs for temporal coordinates about the de Broglie time τ = ħ/E. We then investigate the hypothesis that the microstructure of space-time is of fractal nature, and that the observed properties of the quantum world at a given resolution result from the smoothing of curvilinear coordinates of such a spacetime projected into classical spacetime. Along this road, we successively study the link of fractal dimension 2 to spin, we give first hints on the expected behavior of families of fractal geodesics, and we exhibit a general class of fractal structures which is assumed to yield a lowest order description of the quantum vacuum. The links between the new approach and both special and general relativity are touched upon. We finally suggest that the anomalous peaks recently observed in the spectra of positrons from supercritical heavy ion collisions may be understood in this context.