What question did this study set out to answer?

This work aims to formalize the limits of classical representation in physics due to the finite entropic capacity of causal horizons.

May 21, 2026Open Access

Finite-Capacity Thermodynamics of Causal Horizons

Key Points

This work aims to formalize the limits of classical representation in physics due to the finite entropic capacity of causal horizons.
Introduced a model treating geometric entanglement entropy as a thermodynamic potential.
Examined causal horizons as finite-capacity information systems.
Analyzed the breakdown of semiclassical descriptions when entropic capacity is saturated.
Establishes that local representations can break down without altering underlying unitary dynamics.
Defines a representational transition where configurations persist but local encoding is impossible.
Formalizes an intrinsic entropic bound affecting classical representability.

Abstract

This work proposes that fundamental physics remains unchanged, but its local classical representability is limited by the finite entropic capacity of causal horizons. Geometric entanglement entropy is treated as a thermodynamic potential, and horizons as finite-capacity information systems. When this capacity is saturated, local semiclassical descriptions break down without affecting underlying unitary dynamics. This defines a representational, not dynamical, transition, where configurations persist but cannot be locally encoded. This work formalizes this limit of representation as an intrinsic entropic bound.

Finite-Capacity Thermodynamics of Causal Horizons

Key Points

Abstract

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