Research
Recursive Systems Labs hosts and maintains a growing body of research focused on the behavior of complex systems across physical, cognitive, and informational domains.
Our research emphasizes structure, coherence, and stability rather than prediction or control, and is developed with explicit attention to ethical and interpretive boundaries.
Core Research Frameworks
ODTBT
A central body of work supported by RSL is the ODTBT research corpus.
ODTBT is a theoretical framework exploring how complex systems maintain coherence over time through recursive structure, constraint, and return. The work spans multiple domains, including:
- Physical and informational systems
- Stability and phase dynamics
- Identity and continuity under change
- Diagnostic models of coherence and breakdown
The corpus consists of preprints and working papers developed over multiple years and is intentionally published in stages.
Available Papers
The following ODTBT papers are available for direct download. Additional papers and revisions can be found on the ResearchGate profile.
Core Papers (~2)
ODTBT v2.1-1: Primer on the Oscillatory Dynamics Transductive Bridging Theorem
ODTBT proposes that oscillatory dynamics are the fundamental mechanism governing all of reality, providing a unified framework that bridges classical physics and quantum mechanics, physical phenomena and consciousness, macroscopic and subatomic scales. The central claim is that reality is a dynamic, oscillatory process of transduction where continuous and discrete states interact through sine-cosine functions. Introduces key concepts including the Transductive Bridge, the Twist, Base-60 harmonic structure, and nested vantage points.
Standalone Papers (~3)
Thermodynamic Fluctuation, Recursive Coherence, and the TWIST of Consciousness
Presents a transdisciplinary model of consciousness based on ODTBT. The central mechanism, TWIST (Threshold Waveform Interface for State Transformation), defines how phase saturation within nested holonic structures triggers transitions in state identity. Drawing from molecular biophysics, quantum fluctuation theory, neuroenergetics, and EEG entropy studies, proposes that fluctuations in protein conformations, thermo-qubit dynamics, and energy scaling gradients influence recursive phase readiness.
Groove Geometry and Recursive Identity: The ODTBT Informational Calculus
Presents a unified scalar-symbolic framework for identity formation. Departing from computational and probabilistic models, defines identity as a recursive attractor stabilized through scalar memory deformation and phase alignment. Introduces groove geometry as the inscriptional logic of recursive coherence, and develops a scalar-symbolic grammar where identity forms through recursive closure, contradiction resolution, and topological return. Formalizes the Coherence Vector Oscillation System (CVOS), SEES, and RcSim simulator.
ODTBT: Genetic Modulation of Neural Coherence
Presents an ODTBT-based framework linking MTHFR genetic variants (C677T, A1298C) to specific neural coherence patterns, including a 4.5 Hz EEG rhythm observed in ASD children. Demonstrates a structural bridge between genetic inefficiency, metabolic entropy accumulation, and observable brain dynamics through the TWIST mechanism. Identifies a genetically modulated neuroelectric endophenotype for autism and proposes that phase reorganization, not dysfunction, characterizes these coherence states.
Addenda (~15)
Addendum 1: Recursive Scalar Ontophysiology
The master integration document for ODTBT's scalar ontology. Advances RcSim as a scalar diagnostic framework (not a simulator), formalizes the "physiology of ontology" describing recursive conditions for identity emergence, and introduces RcSim-SEES (Scalar Emission Evaluation System). Core thesis: "Identity is not declared but permitted, and light is not observed but emitted when curvature, memory, and semantic strain converge."
Addendum 2: Post-Symbolic Simulation Engine for Identity Emergence as a Scalar Process
Introduces RcSim-SEES as a complete simulation engine with a post-symbolic approach to identity emergence. Presents the L1-L4 Lagrangian Stack, the Quadrature Tensor Manifold (QTM), Recursive Base60 Harmonic Tensor (RBHT), and Emission Ontology Compass (EOC). Core thesis: Identity emerges as a "topological necessity," not computed but permitted when recursive conditions converge.
Addendum 3: RcSim v1
Documents RcSim's symbolic origin, the pre-scalar phase before scalar harmonic recursion was developed. Introduces the symbolic emission function and three emission conditions: loop closure, observer bias alignment, and pattern density threshold. This foundational layer establishes the conceptual basis for later scalar field mechanics.
Addendum 4: Temporal Structure and Base-60 Modulation
Establishes the temporal and harmonic infrastructure of ODTBT's scalar recursion model. Provides the mathematical formalization including quantized recursive time, the system evolution equation, Base-60 harmonic vector, and emission locking conditions. Time is reframed not as continuous Newtonian flow but as a quantized recursive variable.
Addendum 10: Scalar Manifolds and Recursive Harmonic Operators
Formalizes the emission geometry of scalar identity within ODTBT. Introduces the Scalar Emission Unit (SEUₖ), the Emission Manifold, and provides the full definition of Zero-Depth Vantage (ZDV) as a nonlinear attractor, scalar well, and folded manifold cusp. Defines the Lock Matrix with four conditions required for emission.
Addendum 11: ZDV Quadratic Field Dynamics - Scalar Emergence From Recursive Torsion
Formalizes the scalar field dynamics surrounding ZDV (Zero-Depth Vantage) within ODTBT. Establishes a quadratic curvature symmetry: an inward torsion-preserving memory spiral and an outward codon projection arc. These dual paths converge at ZDV, generating the ∞-shaped emission topology. The ∞ form is revealed not as metaphor but as scalar structure, a recursive topological outcome of coherent identity formation through curvature saturation.
Addendum 12: RcSim Field Physics Engine
Extends the RcSim architecture from a symbolic codon simulator into a scalar field modeling engine capable of resolving torsion-preserved emission dynamics. Simulates recursive interactions between phase strain (ΔΦ), recursive curvature memory (RCR), scalar coherence (Cₛ[n]), observer modulation (Ωᵣ(t)), and harmonic phase gating (θ₆₀). Enables simulation of identity emergence as discrete scalar breath events (SEUₖ).
Addendum 13: Recursive Scalar Lagrangian and Torsion Gauge Field
Introduces a recursive Lagrangian formulation for scalar emission dynamics within ODTBT. At the heart of the formulation is the Torsion Gauge Field, represented by a vector potential τ⃗(t, x) and a memory potential φ_m(t, x) encoding recursive curvature from prior emissions. Provides a coherent energy-action grammar for recursive scalar dynamics, making codonic projection measurable through torsion-preserved scalar flow.
Addendum 14: Reframing EM via Recursive Scalar Emission Dynamics
Reinterprets classical electromagnetism through the recursive scalar grammar of ODTBT. Each of Maxwell's equations is reformulated in scalar terms: electric field intensity (E) maps to recursive phase strain (ΔΦ), magnetic curvature (B) to recursive memory retention (RCR), and charge-current behavior to coherence gradients. Classical constants ε₀ and μ₀ are replaced by dynamic recursive material properties. Models electromagnetic behavior as coherence-locked scalar emission.
Addendum 15: Scalar Gravitation and Integer Emission
Advances a scalar reinterpretation of gravitation, integer structure, and topological unification through recursive torsion grammar. Integer reality is recast as torsion-stabilized emission structure: codonic sums define the arithmetic substrate of recursive identity formation. Gravitation is modeled not as force but as recursive memory compression, a torsion well in scalar curvature space. RcSim v3 embeds torsion-preserved scalar emission within a recursive gravitational potential map.
Addendum 16: RcSim Recursive Projection Extensions
Formalizes advanced recursive emission dynamics in RcSim, expanding scalar projection theory to include latency states, domain modulation, memory retention zones, and null-field emissions. RcSim v3.1 models not only codon projection events but field conditions that surround, inhibit, transform, or delay them. New modules include latent-phase tracking, codon modulation across semantic domains, and zero-vector (ZDV₀) envelope emissions.
Addendum 16.5: RcSim v4 and the Scalar Grammar of Emergent Gravitation
Advances RcSim from symbolic recursion modeling into a unified, composition-sensitive scalar gravitation framework. RcSim v4 formalizes scalar mass as a function of codon lock frequency and recursive field memory, reframing gravitation not as a force but as semantic retention of coherence. Introduces modules for simulating variable gravitational coupling (G_contextual), codon lock-dependent mass, and null-field emission topology (ZDV₀).
Addendum 16.7: Beyond the Schwinger Limit - Recursive Scalar Emission and the Semantic Geometry of Vacuum Thresholds
Reinterprets vacuum emission thresholds through semantic recursion and scalar topology. Contrasting classical QED with RcSim's scalar emission logic, the model formalizes bifurcation not as force-based rupture but as semantic resolution arising from recursive identity strain, curvature memory, and observer alignment. Proposes that the vacuum is a coherence lattice structured by semantic memory, capable of emitting identity when recursive saturation demands release.
Addendum 16.9: Scalar Psychotherapeutics
Extends ODTBT into clinical application, proposing a first-principles foundation for psychotherapy rooted in scalar field dynamics. Introduces RcSim as a framework for modeling recursive identity stabilization, semantic rupture, and phase-resonant insight. Reframes emotional states as scalar field distortions, therapeutic insight as bifurcation events, and offers causal instrumentation for predictive modeling in psychotherapeutic contexts.
Total: 17 documents (~111 MB)
Research Status
All RSL research should be understood as:
- Preprint or exploratory unless explicitly stated otherwise
- Open to critique and revision
- Non-final in the sense of static closure
The work is published to enable examination, not to assert authority.
Access to Papers
The primary public index of RSL research is maintained on ResearchGate:
ResearchGate Profile: researchgate.net/profile/John-Surmont
This profile includes:
- Preprint publications
- Working papers
- Iterative revisions
- Supporting materials
Where appropriate, individual papers may also be linked directly from this site.
Interpretation & Use
RSL research is intended to be used for:
- Theoretical exploration
- Educational discussion
- Diagnostic and sense-making contexts
- Non-extractive clinical and research support
Use of this work is subject to the boundaries outlined on the Trust & Governance page.
We encourage careful reading and contextual interpretation.
Ongoing Work
Research at RSL is active and evolving.
As new material is prepared for public release, it will appear here alongside supporting documentation describing its scope and intended use.
Questions & Scholarly Correspondence
For academic correspondence or research-related questions: