The Quantumograph: A Discrete Ontology of Spacetime and the Empirical Accessibility of Quantum Gravity

Sergej Materov

A Testable Quantum Graph Theory of Spacetime

Sergej Materov

Quantum gravity is traditionally regarded as a domain of mathematical physics devoid of direct empirical access. This paper proposes an alternative research program-the Quantumograph (TQGT) (Materov 2026) - in which spacetime is ontologically identical to a finite quantum graph, while continuum notions (metric, fields, time) are strictly emergent. I argue that this program possesses excess empirical content: its central predictions are testable on existing cryogenic quantum processors, thereby relocating quantum gravity from speculation to experimental science. Philosophical analysis reveals ontological consequences: support for ontic structural realism, the constitutional finitude of the Universe, the dynamic nature of time, and two fundamental theorems on the absence of asymptotic chaos and computational reducibility. A comparison with string theory, loop quantum gravity, and the Fredkin–Wolfram–Lloyd digital-physics tradition locates the program's unique status as a falsifiable digital structuralism.

Sergej Materov

We’re pleased to share the revised preprint of our work on a discrete quantum-graph theory of spacetime (the Quantumograph). The Quantumograph is a discrete quantum graph model in which continuum field theories — including general relativity and gauge theories — emerge as effective descriptions at long wavelengths. Importantly, the discrete graph model is presented as the fundamental ontology; continuum theories arise only as approximations in a controlled scaling regime. Initial emulations and numerical checks (see our GitHub repository) qualitatively support the construction; true empirical confirmation will require implementation of the measurement protocol described in the paper, which is feasible on current QPU platforms under the conditions we specify. Key testable elements include predictions for qubit platforms (QPU and annealers), microwave/dielectric signatures, two-boundary (retrocausal) tests of causality, CHSH/Bell observables, and relations tying emergent constants to cosmological scales. Feedback and collaboration welcome.

Joshua Norton

Sergej Materov

We’re pleased to share the revised preprint of our work on a discrete quantum-graph theory of spacetime (the Quantumograph). The Quantumograph is a discrete quantum graph model in which continuum field theories — including general relativity and gauge theories — emerge as effective descriptions at long scale. Importantly, the discrete graph model is presented as the fundamental ontology; continuum theories arise only as approximations in a controlled scaling regime. Initial emulations and numerical checks (see our GitHub repository) qualitatively support the construction; true empirical confirmation will require implementation of the measurement protocol described in the paper, which is feasible on current QPU platforms under the conditions we specify. Key testable elements include predictions for qubit platforms (QPU and annealers), microwave/dielectric signatures, two-boundary (retrocausal) tests of causality, CHSH/Bell observables, and relations tying emergent constants to cosmological scales. Feedback and collaboration welcome.

Roderick I. Sutherland