The Coherence-Time Density Operator: A Spacetime Threshold Observable for Gate Stability in the Δ-Gate Formalism (Paper VI/VII)

Introduces the coherence-time density operator ρ_K(t) as a spatially integrated, time-resolved threshold observable for quantum gate stability. Central result: a Δ-Gate remains active iff ρ_K(t) ≥ ρ_K,min. Proves Lindblad dephasing recovery in the spatially uniform limit (Proposition 2). Derives explicit collapse threshold for distance-d repetition codes (Proposition 3). Embeds all five companion papers (phase coherence, entangled tunneling, gate channel, Heisenberg-Gate, Omega operator) as projections or limits. Relativistic extension: gate lifetime dilates under Lorentz boosts with frame-invariant threshold condition. Seven falsifiable predictions proposed.

Paper VI of VII — theoretical capstone of the Δ-Gate series. Part of the Δ-Gate Formalism (DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.19103765).