Generation Selection and Mass Emergence in Time–Scalar Field Theory A Discrete Spectral Mechanism for Charged-Lepton Hierarchy

We present a parameter-minimal mechanism within Time–Scalar Field Theory (TSFT) that converts the previously developed spectral geometry into a discrete generational mass hierarchy. Building on the scale-chain operator, holonomy sectorization, Dirac factorization, Schr¨odinger limit, and Born-rule reconstruction established in earlier work, we introduce a Generation Selection Rule (GSR) that assigns charged-lepton families without reference to experimental masses. Rivet-admissible eigenmodes of the TSFT scale-chain operator are organized by a dominant holonomy band and a discrete sector ladder F(q) = φq, where φ is the golden ratio. With a single continuous calibration fixed by the electron mass, the framework reproduces the muon and tau mass ratios at sub-percent accuracy in a blind spectral search. The result constitutes the first fully operational bridge from TSFT spectral geometry to quantitative microphysical mass prediction. We emphasize that the construction is intentionally conservative: no Standard Model gauge embedding or interacting quantum field theory is assumed. Instead, the work isolates the minimal spectral ingredients required for charged-lepton hierarchy and establishes falsifiable structural signatures for future experimental and theoretical tests.