Local conditions for the generalized covariant entropy bound

Abstract

A set of sufficient conditions for the generalized covariant entropy bound given by Strominger and Thompson is as follows: Suppose that the entropy of matter can be described by an entropy current $s^a$. Let $k^a$ be any null vector along $L$ and $s\equiv -k^a s_a$. Then the generalized bound can be derived from the following conditions: (i) $s'\leq 2\pi T_{ab}k^ak^b$, where $s'=k^a\grad_a s$ and $T_{ab}$ is the stress energy tensor; (ii) on the initial 2-surface $B$, $s(0)\leq -{1/4}\theta(0)$, where $\theta$ is the expansion of $k^a$. We prove that condition (ii) alone can be used to divide a spacetime into two regions: The generalized entropy bound holds for all light sheets residing in the region where $s<-{1/4}\theta$ and fails for those in the region where $s>-{1/4}\theta$. We check the validity of these conditions in FRW flat universe and a scalar field spacetime. Some apparent violations of the entropy bounds in the two spacetimes are discussed. These holographic bounds are important in the formulation of the holographic principle.