The Geometry and Flow of Informational Time

Time remains one of the most elusive concepts in physics, lying at the intersection of quantum mechanics, relativity, and thermodynamics. This work proposes a reformulation in which time arises as a local informational field rather than as a universal coordinate. Temporal direction is identified with gradients in stored information, linking geometry and entropy through an informational potential that generates both curvature and the arrow of time. The resulting field Ta(x)=∂aSinfo(x) defines causal order and temporal flow through local information exchange, unifying dynamical evolution and entropic asymmetry within a single framework. The formulation preserves general relativity in the macroscopic limit while extending its validity to microscopic regimes where information dynamics supersede geometric structure. It thus offers a coherent physical basis for temporal asymmetry, a bridge between quantum and gravitational descriptions, and a platform for simulating time as an observable field.

Authors

Institutions

Publication Details

Journal
Universe
Published
2025-12-20
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/universe12010002
Primary Topic
Statistical Mechanics and Entropy
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

The Geometry and Flow of Informational Time

Florian Neukart
Universe
Statistical Mechanics and Entropy
article

The Geometry and Flow of Informational Time

Florian Neukart
article en

Abstract

Time remains one of the most elusive concepts in physics, lying at the intersection of quantum mechanics, relativity, and thermodynamics. This work proposes a reformulation in which time arises as a local informational field rather than as a universal coordinate. Temporal direction is identified with gradients in stored information, linking geometry and entropy through an informational potential that generates both curvature and the arrow of time. The resulting field Ta(x)=∂aSinfo(x) defines causal order and temporal flow through local information exchange, unifying dynamical evolution and entropic asymmetry within a single framework. The formulation preserves general relativity in the macroscopic limit while extending its validity to microscopic regimes where information dynamics supersede geometric structure. It thus offers a coherent physical basis for temporal asymmetry, a bridge between quantum and gravitational descriptions, and a platform for simulating time as an observable field.

UniverseVol. 12(1)
Leiden University (NL), Terra Quantum (Switzerland) (CH)
Openalex Percentile: Top 32%
Statistical Mechanics and Entropy
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.

The Geometry and Flow of Informational Time — Florian Neukart · Universe (2025) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS