From Zero-Branes to Planck Orbifolds: Why Space Is Not Fundamental.

AbstractWe introduce a topological framework for quantum gravity in which space, metric time, and dimensionality are not fundamental entities but emergent projections of a deeper, pre-geometric dynamics. Building on the intuition behind D0-branes in M-theory, the SQR (Scale–Dynamic Quantum Reality) model replaces zero-branes with Planck orbifolds understood as stable resonant states of a nonlocal topological field. These resonances are defined as nontrivial cohomological structures, protected by topological invariants rather than by mechanical oscillations.A fundamental evolution parameter, topological time τ_T, governs the dynamics of the field independently of spacetime geometry. Metric time, entropy, and causal ordering arise only after projection onto dynamically selected dimensional shells characterized by an effective dimensionality D_eff, treated as a state-dependent variable rather than a fixed background parameter. In this setting, spacetime geometry is interpreted as a large-scale, stable projection rather than a primitive arena.The framework leads to a discrete hierarchy of physical mass scales governed by a universal scaling relation m = αⁿ · m_P and its topologically extended form. These relations contain no free parameters and link observable spectra directly to the resonance structure of the underlying field. The model further predicts non-exponential relaxation signatures in gravitational wave ringdown phases, arising from transitions between dimensional shells rather than bulk propagation effects.By eliminating the need for a fundamental bulk and fixed background dimensionality, SQR offers a conceptually minimal ontology for quantum gravity, preserving the core intuition of emergent geometry while carrying it to its logical conclusion.