The Passive Rectifier: Informational Impedance and the Geometric Arrow of Time

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Authors: C. James Kruse
Cited by: 0

Abstract

The irreversibility of time is typically attributed to the statistical laws of thermodynamics (entropy). In this note, we propose a complementary structural mechanism: Informational Rectification. Using the hydrodynamic Tesla Valve as a physical homomorph, we demonstrate how fixed geometric constraints can enforce directionality without moving parts or active control. We posit that the arrow of time is not a fundamental temporal force, but a consequence of the universe acting as a passive rectifier, where the informational cost of reversal scales superlinearly with system complexity. This framework unifies physical, thermodynamic, and logical irreversibility under a single impedance function, formalized by the residue relationship , R= αC^2. Crucially, this framework does not assert a new force or law of nature, but identifies a universal cost constraint that becomes visible whenever systems with finite resolution attempt reversal

Fields of Study & Subjects

Advanced Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics Complex Systems and Dynamics Cellular Automata and Applications

Publication details

Journal / source
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
Publication date
17 January 2026
Language
EN
Document type
Preprint