Thermodynamics of space-time: The Einstein equation of state

Apr, 1995
5 pages
Published in:
  • Phys.Rev.Lett. 75 (1995) 1260-1263
e-Print:
Report number:
  • UMDGR-95-114

Citations per year

19952003201120192025020406080100120140
Abstract: (arXiv)
The Einstein equation is derived from the form of black hole entropy together with the fundamental relation δQ=TdS\delta Q=TdS connecting heat, entropy, and temperature. The key idea is to demand that this relation hold for all the local Rindler horizons through each spacetime point. Viewed in this way, the Einstein equation is an equation of state. It is born in the thermodynamic limit as a relation between thermodynamic variables, and its validity is seen to depend on the existence of local equilibrium conditions. As such there is no reason to think the gravitational field equations should be quantized, i.e., promoted to operator relations.
  • general relativity
  • Einstein equation
  • black hole: entropy
  • thermodynamics