Proof of a momentum/complexity correspondence

Abstract

We show that the holographic complexity=volume proposal satisfies a very general notion of momentum/complexity correspondence (PC), based on the momentum constraint of general relativity. It relates the rate of complexity variation with an appropriate matter momentum flux through spacelike extremal surfaces. This formalizes the intuitive idea that "gravitational clumping"of matter increases complexity, and the required notion of "infall momentum"is shown to have a Newtonian avatar which expresses this idea. The proposed form of the PC correspondence is found to be exact for any solution of Einstein's equations in 2+1 dimensions, and any spherically symmetric solution in arbitrary dimensions, generalizing all previous calculations using spherical thin shells. Gravitational radiation enters through a correction which does not have a straightforward interpretation as a PC correspondence. Other obstructions to an exact PC duality have a topological origin and arise in the presence of wormholes.