Abstract

We present a model of the universe based on the theory that space consists of energy quanta. We use the thermodynamics of an ideal gas to elucidate the composition, accelerated expansion, and the nature of dark energy and dark matter without an Inflation stage. From wave-particle duality, the space quanta can be treated as an ideal gas. The universe started from an atomic size volume at very high temperature and pressure. Upon expansion and cooling, phase transitions occurred to form fundamental particles, and matter. These nucleate and grew into stars, galaxies, and clusters due to gravity. From cooling data, a thermodynamic phase diagram of cosmic composition was constructed which yielded a correlation between dark energy and the energy of space. Using Friedmann’s equations, our model fits well the Williamson Microwave Anisotropy Platform (WMAP) data on cosmic composition with an equation of state parameter, w = -0.7. The dominance of dark energy started at 7.25 × 109 years, in good agreement with Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey (BOSS) measurements. The expansion of space can be attributed to a scalar space field. Dark Matter is identified as a plasma form of matter similar to that which existed before recombination and during the reionization epoch. The expansion of the universe was adiabatic and decelerating during the first 7 billion years after the Big Bang; it accelerated thereafter. A negative pressure for Dark Energy is required to sustain it; this is consistent with the theory of General Relativity and energy conservation. We propose a mechanism for the acceleration as due to the consolidation of matter to form Black Holes and other massive compact objects. The resulting reduction in gravitational potential energy feeds back energy for the acceleration. It is not due to a repulsive form of gravity. Our Quantum Space model fits well the observed behavior of the universe and resolves the outstanding questions in Inflationary Big Bang Theory.

Highlights

  • The evolution of the universe is a subject of great interest in Physics, Astronomy, Cosmology, Astrochemistry, and Science in general

  • One can see from our thermodynamic phase diagram (Figure 1) that dark energy is a phase that overlaps with the new entity that we have introduced as a component of the universe, i.e., the spaceons; the two phases are indistinguishable

  • Dark energy is the energy of space and the cosmic fluid that is the component of the universe responsible for its expansion

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Summary

Introduction

The evolution of the universe is a subject of great interest in Physics, Astronomy, Cosmology, Astrochemistry, and Science in general. The nature of dark matter and dark energy remains unknown. Dark energy is theorized to cause the expansion of the universe, dark matter is thought to hold the galaxies together. They remain rather “mysterious”, along with Inflation. The evolution of the universe is intimately related to its expansion and that of space. The nature of space is unknown but much debated [1] It is generally viewed like a canvas where nature’s landscape and events are portrayed; it is treated geometrically and mathematically as a surface in 4-dimensional spacetime in Einstein’s Theory of General Relativity. Our Quantum Space model provides a rational explanation for the accelerated expansion of the universe due to dark energy and the nature of dark matter, without the need for a Theory of Inflation

A Model of Space and Cosmic Evolution
Composition of the Universe
Dark Energy and the Expansion of the Universe
Thermodynamics of Expansion and Acceleration
On the Nature of Dark Matter
A Theory of Space and Space Quanta
Conclusion
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