THE SELECTION-STITCH MODEL (SSM):
Space-Time Emergence via Evolutionary Nucleation in a
Polycrystalline Tensor Network
Raghu Kulkarni
Independent Researcher
January 26, 2026
Significance Statement
Standard cosmology is currently stuck between two conflicting measurements of the universe’s
expansion (the ”Hubble Tension”). This paper proposes that this tension is not a measurement
error, but a geometric signal of a phase transition. By modeling the vacuum as a growing 3D
crystal of quantum entanglement rather than a smooth sheet, we derive a specific evolutionary
timeline: from a stable 2D surface (K = 6), through a transient ”gappy” fluid phase (K = 4,
Inflation), to a saturated ”solid” bulk (K = 12, Big Bang). We demonstrate that the modern
universe is undergoing a secondary relaxation into a ”Mesh Phase,” activating a geometric
repair mechanism that naturally predicts an 8.3% boost in expansion. This framework offers
a unified, topological explanation for Dark Energy, Cosmic Inflation, and the Hubble Tension
without requiring new particles.
Abstract
Physics is currently facing a deadlock. We have a 5σ ”Hubble Tension” where the universe
appears to be expanding at two different speeds, and a Black Hole Information Paradox that
threatens the conservation of data. The Selection-Stitch Model (SSM) proposes a resolution
by redefining the vacuum as a Polycrystalline Tensor Network formed through evolutionary
3D nucleation. We propose that the universe did not appear fully formed but evolved through
specific geometric phases. It began as a 2D foundation, inflated as a chaotic tetrahedral
foam, and froze into a Cuboctahedral (K = 12) solid. Crucially, we identify Cosmic Voids
as regions reverting to the fluid phase, driving acceleration via a ”Repair Mechanism.” As
the cosmic crystal matured from a surface-dominated, shielded phase (N = 12) to a bulk-
dominated, exposed phase (N = 13), the expansion rate theoretically boosts by exactly
13/12 8.3%. We confirm this via Monte Carlo simulation with a deviation of only 0.02%.
1
1 The Mechanism: Evolutionary Nucleation and Geometric Frus-
tration
We address a fundamental intuition: simple structures usually precede complex ones. Why,
then, would the universe settle into a complex K = 12 connectivity rather than a simple K = 4
or 2D start? We propose the Evolutionary Nucleation Hypothesis: The universe followed
the path of least geometric resistance, evolving through distinct phases of connectivity due to
Geometric Frustration.
1.1 Finding A: The Genesis (Selection from Noise)
We posit that before geometry existed, the void was a chaos of random mathematical operators.
In this pre-geometric state, trillions of combinatorial rules were tested stochastically. Most
collapsed into noise or instability.
The Survivor: Only one configuration possessed the stability to persist: a 3-Point En-
tanglement structure. This triangular ”Stitch” survived because it creates a closed, self-
reinforcing loop of information (Unitary Stability).
Kickstarting Time: Time is not fundamental; it emerges here. ”Time” is simply the
sequential index of the Stitching operation. The first successful Stitch marked T = 1.
Every subsequent addition to the lattice increments the cosmic clock.
1.2 Finding B: The Process (Probabilistic Mining)
How does a single stitch become a universe? We propose that geometry grows via a ”Path of
Least Resistance” algorithm (Probabilistic Mining), naturally favoring 2D structures before
3D ones.
The 2D Imperative: Mathematically, stitching laterally to form a flat hexagonal sheet
(K = 6) is probabilistically far more likely than ”lifting” a node into a third dimension.
Therefore, the early universe must start as a 2D surface.
The 3D Transition: Once the 2D surface reaches sufficient complexity, random fluc-
tuations eventually trigger a ”vertical” stitch. This nucleation event introduces volume,
triggering the phase transition from a flat sheet to the 3D foam (Inflation).
1.3 Phase I: The 2D Foundation (The Planck Era)
The universe began as a surface. Stitching laterally into a 2D hexagonal sheet (K = 6) is the
lowest-energy state for the vacuum operator.
Geometry: Flat Hexagonal Mesh.
Physics: This rapid 2D expansion established the observed Cosmic Flatness (Ω
k
0)
before volume even existed.
Status of Light: Non-Existent. Photons are 3D vector waves; they cannot exist in a 2D
manifold.
1.4 Phase II: The Gappy Foam (Inflation)
Random fluctuations eventually ”lifted” nodes out of the 2D plane, creating 3D tetrahedra
(K = 4). However, regular tetrahedra cannot tile Euclidean space; they leave unavoidable gaps.
2
The ”Gap” as Metric Failure: In a discrete manifold, a gap is a broken circuit.
Distance is defined by the stitch (L). If nodes are separated by > 1.0L due to geometric
misfit, the metric breaks.
Dynamics: This ”Gappy” lattice possessed Pressure (expansion to find room) but no
Tension (no locked rigidity). Without a brake, the foam expanded exponentially. This
was Cosmic Inflation.
Status of Light: Trapped. The universe was a ”Geometric Fog” where light constantly
scattered off metric gaps.
1.5 Phase III: The ”Freeze” (The Big Bang)
The Cuboctahedron (K = 12) is unique. It is the lowest-complexity geometry that satisfies
space-filling (FCC lattice) and holographic capacity.
Saturation: When the density of the foam reached a critical limit, the tetrahedra jammed
and snapped into the K = 12 configuration.
The Phase Transition: The gaps closed. The metric became continuous. Crucially,
the locking of the grid created Tension (Gravity), which slammed on the brakes, ending
Inflation.
Status of Light: Transparent. The ”fiber optic” cables of the vacuum were finally
connected. This corresponds to the release of the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB).
1.6 Theoretical Alignment: Mapping to Standard Cosmology
The four evolutionary findings of the SSM correspond directly to the major epochs of the
Standard Model (ΛCDM), but offer geometric mechanisms for what are usually treated as
axiomatic inputs.
SSM Finding The Concept Standard Theory The SSM Difference
Finding A Genesis (3-Point Loop) Quantum Vacuum Selection vs. Randomness
Finding B Process (Mining) Inflation Probability vs. Inflaton Field
Finding C Persistence (QEC) Unitarity Topological Correction vs. Axiom
Finding D Saturation (K = 12) The Big Bang Sintering (Phase Change) vs. Heat
Table 1: Correlation between SSM Findings and Standard Cosmological Epochs.
1.7 Defining the Stitch: A Tensor Network Approach
We emphasize that the ”links” in this lattice are not physical structures like edges in a crystal.
The Stitch as Entanglement: A ”Stitch” represents a unit of Quantum Entanglement
(a Bell pair) shared between two domains.
Geometry from Correlation: Distance is defined by correlation. Two nodes are ”neigh-
bors” because they are maximally entangled.
Ryu-Takayanagi Geodesics: Following the holographic principle, the ”line” connecting
two nodes is the Minimal Surface Geodesic (γ
A
) that minimizes the entanglement entropy
between them [2, 7].
3
2 Mathematical Foundation: The 1.5 Crystalline Scaling Law
The core identity of the SSM, V = γ·S
1.5
·L
3
p
, is derived directly from the fundamental equations
of Holographic Entanglement Entropy.
Figure 1: The Geometric Payout. As surface entropy (S) grows, volume (V ) grows non-linearly
(S
1.5
), driving expansion.
Step 1 (The Quantum Basis): We begin with the Ryu-Takayanagi Formula [7], which
relates the entanglement entropy (S
A
) of a boundary region to the area of the minimal
geodesic surface (γ
A
) in the bulk:
S
A
=
Area(γ
A
)
4G
N
= S r
2
(1)
Step 2 (The Geometric Projection): In a 3D Euclidean crystal, the number of bulk
nodes (V ) scales with the cube of the characteristic radius: V r
3
.
Step 3 (The Scaling Law): Eliminating the radius r between the quantum and geo-
metric identities yields the fundamental scaling law of the SSM:
V (S
1/2
)
3
= V S
1.5
(2)
Result: This confirms that the universe behaves as a 3D volumetric structure where bulk
volume is a non-linear projection of boundary entanglement.
3 Unitary Complexity Growth and Volumetric Mining
Expansion isn’t space stretching; it’s space growing. It is the result of constantly adding new,
validated entanglement threads (geodesics) to the network.
4
3.1 The Growing Ledger
Quantum information is unitary (dS 0) [8]. As the informational content of the universe
grows, the surface area (S) of the crystal must increase.
3.2 The Repair Mechanism (The Engine of Expansion)
In the modern universe, expansion is driven by the lattice’s attempt to fix ”Gaps”.
The Stress: When gravity clusters matter, it stretches the empty space between galaxies
(Voids). Stitches break (K < 12).
The Reaction: The ”Stitcher” (the vacuum update rule) detects the gap as a high-energy
defect. It inserts a new node to bridge the distance.
The Result: A stretched gap of length 1.5L is replaced by two links of length 1.0L. New
space has been created.
3.3 Derivation of the Volumetric Mining Density (ρ
α
)
Let ρ
α
be the Nucleation Density: the probability of a new unit cell forming per unit volume.
The Total Expansion Rate depends on the current volume:
α
total
(t) =
dV
dt
= ρ
α
· V (t) (3)
3.4 The Geometric Feedback Loop (Dark Energy)
This creates an exponential feedback loop. As Voids grow, more stitches break, triggering more
repair stitching.
dV
dt
V (t) = V (t) e
Ht
(4)
We identify Accelerated Expansion (Dark Energy) not as a fluid, but as the natural geometric
consequence of volumetric repair in a polycrystalline lattice.
4 The Emergence of Matter: Topological Defects
Matter is not separate from the lattice; it is a defect in the weave.
4.1 Entanglement Condensates
A particle is a Topological Defect (e.g., a screw dislocation or knot) in the Cuboctahedral lattice.
It represents a region of higher complexity density (ρ) than the surrounding vacuum.
4.2 Volume Contraction (Gravity)
To maintain a high-density defect within the lattice, the surrounding geometry must deform.
The lattice ”pulls in” to accommodate the extra information density. We perceive this elastic
deformation as Gravity.
5 Finding C: Topological Persistence (QEC)
Why doesn’t this fragile crystal collapse back into noise due to thermal fluctuations or entropy?
We propose the mechanism of Finding C.
5
5.1 Self-Correcting Mechanism
The lattice acts as a 3D Toric Code. The quantum state |ψ is a ground state of a stabilizer
Hamiltonian H =
P
A
v
P
B
p
.
Error Suppression: If a random fluctuation tries to break a link (”flip a bit”), it creates
a pair of quasiparticles (anyons). These defects cost energy.
The Survival: Because the defects cannot vanish locally (they must be brought together
to annihilate), the global entanglement structure is topologically protected against local
noise. This is why the vacuum persists.
5.2 Vacuum Decay
The universe is stable because the Cuboctahedral geometry is the global energy minimum. False
vacuum decay is prevented by the topological rigidity of the crystal [11].
6 JWST Alignment: Early Galaxy Maturation
The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) observes massive galaxies at z > 14 [12], challenging
standard models.
6.1 Crystalline Aggregation
Because V S
1.5
, small increases in surface complexity pay out massive dividends in interior
volume. This allows ”High-Complexity Domains” to crystallize into galaxies almost instanta-
neously, bypassing the slow gravitational accretion required by fluid models.
7 Solving the Hubble Tension: The 13/12 Sintering Limit (Find-
ing D)
The SSM suggests the Hubble Tension is the signature of the lattice transitioning from a
”Shielded” phase to an ”Exposed” phase. This is Finding D: The Saturation Limit.
Figure 2: The Sintering Phase Transition. Left: Surface-Dominated Phase (N = 12). Right:
Bulk-Dominated Phase (N = 13).
6
7.1 The Counting Problem: Active vs. Passive Nodes
We analyze the connectivity of the Cuboctahedral Unit Cell. While the geometry (K = 12) is
constant, the active degrees of freedom depend on scale and porosity.
7.2 Phase 1: Surface-Dominated (Early Universe/CMB)
In the early, high-density universe (CMB Era), the crystal grows as a compact solid. As new
layers are added, the Central Node (13
th
) is immediately buried and shielded from the growth
front. It acts as a passive structural anchor (creating stiffness/braking) but cannot participate
in nucleating new volume.
α
early
N
surf
= 12 (5)
7.3 Phase 2: Bulk-Dominated (Modern Universe)
In the modern universe, the formation of Cosmic Voids turns the crystal into a porous mesh
(”Swiss Cheese”). This ”Thawing” of the lattice exposes the grain boundaries and the interior
of the unit cells.
The Activation: The previously shielded Central Node is now exposed to the vacuum.
It becomes topologically active, contributing its degree of freedom to the nucleation prob-
ability.
Active Count: Growth is driven by the full volumetric connectivity.
α
late
N
bulk
= 13 (6)
7.4 The 13/12 Prediction
The shift from a shielded center to an active center implies a precise geometric boost in the
expansion rate (H
0
):
H
late
H
early
=
13
12
= 1 +
1
12
1.0833 (7)
7.5 Verification
Applying this boost to the Planck CMB measurement (67.4 km/s/Mpc):
H
pred
= 67.4 × 1.0833 73.02 km/s/Mpc (8)
This matches the SH0ES local measurement (73.2 ± 1.0) nearly perfectly [13].
7.6 Computational Proof (Monte Carlo)
To validate the 13/12 boost, we performed a Monte Carlo simulation (15×15×15 grid) utilizing
Periodic Boundary Conditions (PBC) to effectively model an infinite lattice.
Method: We simulated the expansion potential of a ”Solid” phase (N = 12) and a
”Porous” phase (N = 13 active nodes) across 60% void density.
Results:
Early Rate (Solid): 12.0000
Late Rate (Porous): 12.9970
Observed Boost: 1.08308
7
Conclusion: The simulation yielded a deviation of only 0.02% from the predicted 13/12
ratio, confirming that the ”Thawing” mechanism naturally produces the precise acceler-
ation observed in the Hubble Tension.
The source code for this simulation is open-source and available at: https://github.com/
raghu91302/ssmtheory [22].
8 Dynamic Dark Energy (DESI 2025)
The SSM identifies ”Dark Energy” as the increasing efficiency of Bulk Nucleation inside Voids.
Figure 3: Evolution of Dark Energy. The SSM predicts a deviation (magenta) consistent with
recent observations.
8.1 Dynamic Equation of State
The Equation of State (w) tracks the shift from surface growth to bulk growth:
w(z) = 1 +
dz
(9)
This predicts a ”Thawing” signature consistent with recent DESI Year 3 results [14].
8.2 Redshift as Metric Noise
Light traversing these repairing voids is redshifted not solely by Doppler effects, but by ”Metric
Detours.” As stitches break and repair in the voids, photons must take zig-zag paths around
the defects, effectively lengthening the travel distance and stretching the wavelength.
8
9 The Primary Vertex: The CMB Cold Spot
We propose the unexplained ”Cold Spot” in the CMB is the location of the Genesis Unit Cell
(V
0
).
The Crystal Seed: Being the nucleation site, this region represents the ”oldest” part of
the crystal. It exhibits the lowest defect density (lowest temperature) because it formed
as a single crystal before the runaway polycrystalline growth began.
Non-Gaussianity: We predict a specific ”Equilateral Non-Gaussianity” here, represent-
ing the symmetries of the initial Cuboctahedron.
10 Parity Violation and Galaxy Spin Bias
Recent data suggests galaxies spin in preferred directions.
Figure 4: The Smoking Gun Prediction. A spin dipole peaking at the Cold Spot coordinates.
10.1 The SSM Explanation: Crystal Chirality
If the initial Genesis Cell had a slight chiral defect (a twist in the lattice), this defect would
propagate through the entire crystal structure during inflation.
Result: A subtle ”Cosmic Coriolis” force that biases the rotation of collapsing gas clouds.
Validation: Recent observations by the MIGHTEE survey confirm a bulk filament rota-
tion of v
obs
110 km/s, matching the SSM slip prediction [20].
10.2 Prediction
We predict the axis of this spin asymmetry aligns with the Eridanus Cold Spot.
9
11 The Black Hole Solution: Curvature-Driven Healing
In the standard model, black holes evaporate thermodynamically. In the SSM, they decay via
a Geometric Healing Mechanism analogous to the shrinking of a void in a crystal lattice.
Figure 5: Black Hole Evaporation. The SSM (green) shows a faster M
2
decay compared to
Hawking’s M
3
(red).
11.1 The Curvature Pressure
A black hole represents a topological defect. The surrounding vacuum exerts a Topological
Surface Tension (σ) to smooth out this defect.
Young-Laplace Pressure: The inward pressure (P ) exerted by the lattice on the defect
scales inversely with its radius (R): P
σ
R
.
11.2 The M
2
Decay Rate
Since P 1/M , the decay rate is:
dM
dt
= k · P
k
M
(10)
Integrating this gives a lifetime of t
life
M
2
. This confirms that 3D crystalline tension naturally
produces the fast decay profile required to solve the Primordial Black Hole constraint [21].
12 The Radiative Signature: The Lattice Snap
Because the decay is driven by lattice tension rather than thermal evaporation, the end-of-life
signal is distinct.
10
12.1 The Gravitational Echo (Chirp)
As the defect shrinks, the lattice tension (P 1/R) diverges. This causes the surrounding unit
cells to ”snap” back into the vacuum configuration with increasing frequency.
Frequency Profile: The frequency of the emitted gravitational waves tracks the lattice
tension: f
GW
(t)
1
R(t)
.
Coherent Pulse: Unlike the random noise of Hawking radiation, the SSM predicts a
coherent, high-frequency Gravitational Chirp.
13 The Decryption Protocol
13.1 Unitary Encryption
Information falling into a Black Hole is not lost; it is scrambled into the lattice defect.
13.2 Observation
We predict non-random correlations in radiation from PBH candidates, appearing after the
”Page Time” [16, 18].
14 Stabilizer Derivation: The SS-Property
The vacuum acts as a 3D Toric Code stabilizer. To be mathematically precise, the Hamiltonian
is defined by the specific connectivity of the Cuboctahedral (K = 12) unit cell.
14.1 The Vertex Operator (A
v
): Flow Conservation
In the Face-Centered Cubic (FCC) lattice, every bulk node is connected to exactly 12 neighbors.
The Vertex Operator (A
v
), which enforces the ”Star” constraint, is a 12-body Pauli-X product:
A
v
=
Y
jstar(v)
σ
x
j
(11)
A violation of this stabilizer (A
v
= 1) corresponds to a monopole defect, identified here as a
”locked” particle (Baryon).
14.2 The Plaquette Operator (B
p
): Flux Conservation
The Cuboctahedron contains two distinct types of faces: 8 triangular faces and 6 square faces.
The magnetic flux term (B
p
) splits into two components:
Type I (Triangular): B
= σ
z
1
σ
z
2
σ
z
3
(8 per cell).
Type II (Square): B
= σ
z
1
σ
z
2
σ
z
3
σ
z
4
(6 per cell).
14.3 The Explicit Hamiltonian
The system Hamiltonian is the sum over these geometric constraints:
H
SSM
= J
e
X
v
A
v
J
m
X
B
+
X
B
!
(12)
The ”Self-Correcting Mechanism” (Section 5.1) arises because a single metric fluctuation creates
excitations in both adjacent triangular and square plaquettes, preventing local error annihila-
tion.
11
14.4 Isotropy via Polycrystalline Averaging
While a single unit cell is anisotropic, the universe consists of billions of randomized domains
(polycrystalline). The ensemble average yields a smooth, isotropic metric (k = 0) on macro
scales.
15 Quantized Expansion and Metric Jitter
15.1 The Geometric Voxel
Expansion occurs in discrete steps. Each new unit cell adds exactly one quantum of volume
(1.5L).
15.2 Experimental Signature
LIGO and LISA should detect Metric Jitter: the high-frequency noise of individual unit cells
snapping into existence [19].
16 The Singularity Avoidance
16.1 Volume-Information Coupling
You cannot have finite mass in zero volume. As S 1, V 1.5L
3
p
.
16.2 The Big Bang
The universe started at a minimum finite volume (the Genesis Cell), not a singularity.
17 Experimental Protocols (2026-2030)
1. Protocol A (PBH Decay): Use the CTAO to search for the specific M
2
decay profile.
2. Protocol B (Cold Spot): Use LiteBIRD to measure Cuboctahedral Non-Gaussianity
at Eridanus.
3. Protocol C (Space Jitter): Use Interferometers to listen for holographic lattice noise.
18 Table of Cosmic Constants
Mining Density (ρ
α
): The probability of vacuum processing per unit volume.
Scaling Exponent (γ): 1.5.
Mesh Multiplier (η): 13/12( 1.083). The Sintering Boost.
Primary Vertex (V
0
): RA 03h 32m (Eridanus). The topological origin.
Un-Stitching Constant (k): The slope of black hole evaporation.
12
19 Conclusion
The Selection-Stitch Model demonstrates that the universe is not a smooth container, but a
growing 3D crystal. By defining the vacuum as a Polycrystalline Manifold nucleating from a
Cuboctahedral Unit Cell, the SSM offers a unified, geometric explanation for Dark Energy, the
Hubble Tension, and the origin of space itself. We conclude that the ”Fine Tuning” of the
cosmos is actually Geometric Selection:
Matter exists because the K = 12 lattice holds knots (Tension).
Dark Energy exists because the Voids are repairing gaps (Pressure).
The Hubble Tension exists because the lattice is 8.3% looser today than it was at the
beginning.
We do not live in a smooth container. We live in a self-repairing network that builds space to
heal its own gaps.
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