Abstract
Phenomenological approaches to quantum gravity try to infer model-independent
laws by analyzing thought experiments and combining both quantum, relativistic,
and gravitational ingredients. We first review these ingredients -three basic
inequalities- and discuss their relationships with the nature of fundamental
constants. In particular, we argue for a covariant mass bound conjecture: in a
spacetime free of horizon, the mass inside a surface $A$ cannot exceed $16 \pi
G^2 m^2< A $, while the reverse holds in a spacetime with horizons. This is
given a precise definition using the formalism of light-sheets. We show that
$\hbar/c$ may be also given a geometrical interpretation, namely $4 \pi
\hbar^2/m^2< A$. We then combine these inequalities and find/review the
following: (1) Any system must have a size greater than the Planck length, in
the sense that there exists a minimal area (2) We comment on the Minimal Length
Scenarios and the fate of Lorentz symmetry near the Planck scale (3) Quanta
with transplanckian frequencies are allowed in a large enough boxes (4) There
exists a mass-dependent maximal acceleration given by $m c^3/\hbar$ if $m<m_p$
and by $c^4/G m$ if $m>m_p$ (5) There exists a mass dependent maximal force and
power (6) There exists a maximal energy density and pressure (7) Physical
systems must obey the Holographic Principle (8) Holographic bounds can only be
saturated by systems with $m>m_p$; systems lying on the ``Compton line'' $l
1/m$ are fundamental objects without substructures (9) We speculate on a
new bound from above for the action. In passing, we note that the maximal
acceleration is of the order of Milgrom's acceleration $a_0$ for ultra-light
particles ($mH_0)$ that could be associated to the Dark Energy fluid. This
suggests designing toy-models in which modified gravity in galaxies is driven
by the DE field, via the maximal acceleration principle.
Users
Please
log in to take part in the discussion (add own reviews or comments).