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This manuscript presents a background-independent framework for quantum gravity, investigating whether spacetime is an emergent phenomenon from information networks.

July 9, 2026Open Access

Information-Emergent Spacetime Theory (IEST) v2.0: A Background-Independent Discrete Quantum Gravity Framework

Key Points

This manuscript presents a background-independent framework for quantum gravity, investigating whether spacetime is an emergent phenomenon from information networks.
Constructed a framework based on the Discrete-Continuum Equivalence Principle (DCEP) and established its gravitational and phenomenological core.
Developed mathematical formulations like the Trace-Consistent Discrete Einstein Tensor and Chiral Fermion Embedding framework.
Introduced observational signatures to validate the theory, including channels such as gamma-ray photon dispersion and CMB primordial non-Gaussianity.
Established a rigorous DCEP framework that resolves traditional singularities and ensures stable spacetime geometries through compactness aids.
Validated the Trace-Consistent Discrete Einstein Tensor with controlled mathematical identities, broadening gravitational theory.
Proposed observational channels featuring quantitatively constrained signatures for empirical testing, enhancing the theory's falsifiability.

Abstract

Abstract: This manuscript presents the Information-Emergent Spacetime Theory (IEST), a background-independent discrete quantum gravity framework constructed upon the Discrete-Continuum Equivalence Principle (DCEP). IEST proposes that spacetime is not a fundamental geometric stage, but a macroscopic emergent phenomenon arising from the statistical equilibrium of a self-organizing discrete information network. Key Contributions of v2.0: This version establishes the foundational gravitational and phenomenological core of the IEST paradigm, featuring several key advances: Discrete-Continuum Equivalence Principle (DCEP): A rigorous guiding axiom built upon triple convergence and discrete Cheeger-Gromov compactness, which eliminates redundant discrete rederivation of verified continuum physics and resolves singularities as low-energy approximation breakdowns. Trace-Consistent Discrete Einstein Tensor: A robust mathematical formulation with controlled Bianchi identity residuals and a global vacuum curvature flow convergence theorem, ensuring stable equilibrium spacetime geometries. Chiral Fermion Embedding: A geometric Kähler-Dirac construction that satisfies all Nielsen-Ninomiya axioms simultaneously, allowing for chiral matter embedding without fine-tuning. Falsifiable Observational Signatures: A dedicated framework deriving the universal non-Gaussian Stochastic Topological Noise (STN) signature, alongside four distinct, quantitatively constrained observational channels (gamma-ray photon dispersion, black hole QNM splitting, CMB primordial non-Gaussianity, and STN background detection). Research Scope & Future Outlook: To maintain focus on core gravitational self-consistency and the DCEP formalism, broader extensions—including emergent quantum mechanics, Standard Model particle mapping, topological Higgs mass generation, and discrete FLRW cosmology—are reserved for dedicated follow-up publications. Citation: Please cite this work as: Zhen Zhang & Xin Yang, Information-Emergent Spacetime Theory v2.0, Zenodo Archive (2026). DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.21235256

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