Derivation of Lorentz Invariance from Synchronization Dynamics

This paper presents a concrete derivation of emergent Lorentz invariance from the synchronization dynamics of inertial Kuramoto oscillators. Starting from a one-dimensional lattice of coupled phase oscillators with inertia and short-range interactions, the work shows how the Lorentz-invariant wave equation naturally emerges in the continuum and underdamped limits of the synchronization network. The derivation begins from the second-order Kuramoto equation, which includes oscillator inertia, and linearizes the dynamics around the synchronized state. Taking the continuum limit transforms the discrete synchronization dynamics into a damped wave equation, which reduces to the standard relativistic wave equation in the weak-damping regime: [\partial_t^2 \epsilon - c_s^2 \partial_x^2 \epsilon = 0] where the emergent propagation speed (c_s) is determined entirely by the microscopic coupling structure of the synchronization network. A central result of the paper is that Lorentz symmetry is not fundamental, but instead emerges collectively from synchronization dynamics under specific physical conditions: second-order (inertial) oscillator dynamics, continuum approximation, and an underdamped regime with sufficiently weak dissipation. The work also demonstrates why the standard first-order Kuramoto model cannot generate relativistic behavior. In the overdamped limit, the continuum dynamics becomes diffusive: [\partial_t \epsilon = D \partial_x^2 \epsilon,] which lacks finite propagation speed and is therefore incompatible with Lorentz invariance. The presence of inertia is shown to be essential for the emergence of wave-like relativistic causality. The framework is then generalized conceptually to the full Harmonic Triad theory in (3+1) dimensions, where the continuum synchronization field produces Lorentz-covariant actions of the form: [S = \int d^4x , \frac12 (\partial_\mu \rho)^2] and connects naturally with the emergent Maxwell structure derived in companion papers. The paper further discusses: Lorentz-violating corrections at short wavelengths, the role of the lattice spacing as a fundamental cutoff scale, dispersion corrections near the synchronization scale, and possible experimental realizations using coupled oscillator systems such as Josephson junctions, cold atoms, or photonic lattices. The work proposes a concrete mechanism through which relativistic spacetime symmetry may arise dynamically from a deeper non-relativistic synchronization substrate, supporting the broader pre-geometric programme of the Harmonic Triad framework.

Authors

Publication Details

Journal
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
Published
2026-05-16
DOI
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20230236
Primary Topic
Nonlinear Dynamics and Pattern Formation
Type
preprint
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preprint

Derivation of Lorentz Invariance from Synchronization Dynamics

Mauro Mameli
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
Nonlinear Dynamics and Pattern Formation
preprint

Derivation of Lorentz Invariance from Synchronization Dynamics

Mauro Mameli
preprint en

Abstract

This paper presents a concrete derivation of emergent Lorentz invariance from the synchronization dynamics of inertial Kuramoto oscillators. Starting from a one-dimensional lattice of coupled phase oscillators with inertia and short-range interactions, the work shows how the Lorentz-invariant wave equation naturally emerges in the continuum and underdamped limits of the synchronization network. The derivation begins from the second-order Kuramoto equation, which includes oscillator inertia, and linearizes the dynamics around the synchronized state. Taking the continuum limit transforms the discrete synchronization dynamics into a damped wave equation, which reduces to the standard relativistic wave equation in the weak-damping regime: [\partial_t^2 \epsilon - c_s^2 \partial_x^2 \epsilon = 0] where the emergent propagation speed (c_s) is determined entirely by the microscopic coupling structure of the synchronization network. A central result of the paper is that Lorentz symmetry is not fundamental, but instead emerges collectively from synchronization dynamics under specific physical conditions: second-order (inertial) oscillator dynamics, continuum approximation, and an underdamped regime with sufficiently weak dissipation. The work also demonstrates why the standard first-order Kuramoto model cannot generate relativistic behavior. In the overdamped limit, the continuum dynamics becomes diffusive: [\partial_t \epsilon = D \partial_x^2 \epsilon,] which lacks finite propagation speed and is therefore incompatible with Lorentz invariance. The presence of inertia is shown to be essential for the emergence of wave-like relativistic causality. The framework is then generalized conceptually to the full Harmonic Triad theory in (3+1) dimensions, where the continuum synchronization field produces Lorentz-covariant actions of the form: [S = \int d^4x , \frac12 (\partial_\mu \rho)^2] and connects naturally with the emergent Maxwell structure derived in companion papers. The paper further discusses: Lorentz-violating corrections at short wavelengths, the role of the lattice spacing as a fundamental cutoff scale, dispersion corrections near the synchronization scale, and possible experimental realizations using coupled oscillator systems such as Josephson junctions, cold atoms, or photonic lattices. The work proposes a concrete mechanism through which relativistic spacetime symmetry may arise dynamically from a deeper non-relativistic synchronization substrate, supporting the broader pre-geometric programme of the Harmonic Triad framework.

Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
Nonlinear Dynamics and Pattern Formation
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