Spacetime granularity from finite-dimensionality of local observable algebras

Abstract

There are important indications that nature may be locally finite-dimensional, i.e., that any spatially bounded subsystem can be described by a finite-dimensional local observable algebra. Motivated by these ideas, we show that operational spacetime topology is described by an atomistic Boolean algebra if (i) local observable algebras are finite-dimensional factors, (ii) the intersection of two local algebras is also local, and (iii) the commutant of a local algebra is also local. Thus, in this case, spacetime has a point-free granular behavior at small scales.