Abstract
Singularities, which are commonplace in general relativity, are indicated by causal geodesic incompleteness in otherwise maximal spacetimes. Can such singularities be healed (or “resolved”) quantum mechanically? Geodesics are in effect the paths of classical particles, which led Horowitz and Marolf to propose that they be replaced by quantum wave packets. Then a singularity is healed if the quantum wave operator can be shown to be essentially self-adjoint. We explore here a generalized Horowitz–Marolf approach for conformally static spacetimes in the context of the Klein–Gordon operator in the vicinity of singularities in the self-similar spacetimes introduced by Brady. We show that it fails the self-adjointness test for an entire generic class of spacetimes that have asymptotically power-law metric coefficients near the classically-singular origin, so the singularities in these spacetimes cannot be healed using quantum wave packets.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
