# The Fine-Structure Constant Challenge

Posted 3 months ago
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 For Paul Dirac, the first step to develop a new theory of fundamental physics is to deduce the value of the finite structure constant from first principles. The following characterization due to Seth Lloyd seems to be connected to the Wolfram Model since it is rather computational: the time it takes to perform [a quantum logic operation] divided by the amount of time it takes to send a signal at the speed of light between the bits [...] is a universal constant [pi divided by (2 times the finite structure constant)] If someone figures out how to use this characterization to deduce the numerical value of the finite structure constant in the Wolfram Model, please share this information: it is a nontrivial contribution to fundamental physics. Useful references: Space and Time in the Wolfram Model, Wolfgang Pauli and the Fine-Structure Constant, The Fine-Structure Constant from the Old Quantum Theory
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Posted 3 months ago
 Recent publication of a more accurate experimental measurement of the fine-structure constant
Posted 3 months ago
 I think this challenge is way too early to set. No one managed to even make a spinor in Wolfram model yet, let alone anything resembling electromagnetism.
Posted 3 months ago
 Seth Lloyd's characterization of the finite structure constant seems to be simpler than the subject of spinors. Indeed, it only depends upon the time it takes to perform [a quantum logic operation] and the time it takes to send a signal at the speed of light between the bits. In comparison with String Theory, Loop Quantum Gravity, and Geometric Unity, this characterization of the finite structure constant fits very well with the Wolfram Model, because it is computational. Furthermore, given any computer in the universe, it is possible to compute its finite structure constant using Seth Lloyd's characterization. The subtle part in the case of the Wolfram Model is that it is not a computer in the universe, but a computer generating the universe. So, time needs to be treated carefully in this definition. Concerning spinors in the Wolfram Model, at least 4 people (including myself) proposed their own versions (private communications). Here is my version (toy model).
Posted 3 months ago
 Seth relies on electromagnetism in his derivation. Right in the sentence before your quote (from the Seth's paper), Seth uses Coulomb interaction law between electrons. If he picked other carriers for information (say, neutrons), the constant would be different. His result also relies on the particle-field structure of the information carriers and interaction between them. Therefore, before we get to any constant calculations, it would be nice to ensure that the structures you are getting in WM resemble regular particles (which are fermions), and fields (or bosons).Thanks for the link of your spinor model. I looked though it, but I am not sure I can see how exactly it maps onto regular spinors. I imagined a spinor in the Wolfram model is a "defect" within a graph. The defect must have appropriate degrees of freedom (matching regular spinors), and there should be some preservation law from the evolution rules, which would preserve the direction of the spinor.
Posted 3 months ago
 Concerning Seth relies on electromagnetism in his derivation [of the characterization of the finite structure constant] I agree, but this fact does not prevent a non-electromagnetic derivation of the value of the finite structure constant. For example, the number pi is defined in geometry as the area of the circle of radius 1, but it is possible to find all the approximations of this number without involving circles by using the following program (exercise): SquareFreePi[n_]:= Sqrt[6/N[#]]&[Mean[Boole[SquareFreeQ[#]]&/@Range[n]]] For example, SquareFreePi[1000000] is approximately 3.1416 (good approximation). Seth uses Coulomb interaction law between electrons. If he picked other carriers for information (say, neutrons), the constant would be different. Nevertheless, the characterization the time it takes to perform [a quantum logic operation] divided by the amount of time it takes to send a signal at the speed of light between the bits [...] is a universal constant [pi divided by (2 times the finite structure constant)] does not involve any particle. Thanks for the link of your spinor model. I looked though it, but I am not sure I can see how exactly it maps onto regular spinors. Here is S. Wolfram's quotation related to my toy model of spinors (nevertheless, I do not see any need for spinors concerning the information-theoretic finite structure constant): In the limit of sufficiently large hypergraphs, this shouldn’t make much difference, although it seems as if including directedness information may let us look at the analog of spinors, while the undirected case corresponds to ordinary vectors, which are what we’re more familiar with in terms of measuring distances. Finally, it would be nice to ensure that the structures you are getting in WM resemble regular particles (which are fermions), and fields (or bosons). I would prefer pure information-theoretic bosons and fermions, rather than something resembling the actual particles, just to guarantee that the Wolfram Model will be a revolution in physics, rather than just evolution. For example, quantum mechanics is a revolution, it not the result of an evolution of Newtonian mechanics. Also, information-theoretic bosons and fermions could be useful for applications to computer science and social science (e.g., social laser).
Posted 3 months ago
 I just looked at Seth's derivation of the ratio once again, and I think you are missing the way he obtained the ratio. Just take his derivation, and instead of electrons pick neutrons. The interaction law will change (and thus the logic operator execution time), but speed of light will not change, so the ratio of the two times will be different, and will be related to strong interaction constant, rather than to fine structure constant. If you pick some weakly interacting particles, then the ratio will change again, and will be related to the weak interaction constant. The physical system, with which you realize your information processing is crucial for the ratio. ____ I am still not sure how your model relates to spinors, beside using directional graphs. You call it a spinor, but which properties of a spinor does it have? Judging from the Wolfram's article, he did not accept any of the proposed spinor models.