A No-Go Theorem for Topological Bridges with Matter-Vacuum Coupling
Abstract
Traversable topological bridges traditionally require exotic matter, violating the Null Energy Condition (NEC). This essay investigates whether matter-vacuum coupling can circumvent this necessity. Focusing on zero-tidal-force solutions, we establish a rigorous no-go theorem for static configurations, proving that such coupling cannot bypass the requirement for NEC violation. We demonstrate that the geometric flare-out condition is incompatible with NEC-compliant sources, regardless of the coupling or equation of state. Crucially, the vacuum fails to shield the throat; instead, interaction gradients mathematically obstruct the required geometry. This result suggests that causality protection is inherent in the field equations, rendering the vacuum's evolution a regulator rather than a facilitator of topological shortcuts, thereby reinforcing the robustness of classical energy conditions.
Keywords
Cite
@article{arxiv.2605.14027,
title = {A No-Go Theorem for Topological Bridges with Matter-Vacuum Coupling},
author = {Rodrigo Maier},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2605.14027},
year = {2026}
}
Comments
Honourable Mention in the Gravity Research Foundation 2026 Awards for Essays on Gravitation