A positive mass theorem for static causal fermion systems

Asymptotically flat static causal fermion systems are introduced. Their total mass is defined as a limit of surface layer integrals which compare the measures describing the asymptotically flat spacetime and a vacuum spacetime near spatial infinity. Our definition does not involve any regularity assumptions; it even applies to singular or generalized “quantum” spacetimes. A positive mass theorem is proven. Our methods and results explain why and how the causal action principle incorporates the nonlinear effects of gravity for static systems.

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The authors are grateful for support by the German Science Foundation (DFG) within the research training group GRK 1692 “Curvature, Cycles, and Cohomology.”

Published 11 July 2022