Big Bounce Research Articles

Primordial magnetogenesis in a bouncing model with dark energy

We investigate primordial magnetogenesis within a quantum bouncing model driven by a scalar field, focusing on various non-minimal couplings between the electromagnetic field and the scalar field. We test three cases: no coupling, a Cauchy coupling with gradual decay, and a Gaussian coupling with rapid fall-off. By exploring these scenarios, we assess a wide range of coupling strengths across different scales. The scalar field, with an exponential potential, behaves as pressureless matter in the asymptotic past of the contracting phase, as stiff matter around the bounce, and as dark energy during the expanding phase. Our findings reveal that, among the tested cases, only the Gaussian coupling can explain the generation of primordial magnetic fields on cosmological scales.

Anisotropic nonsingular quantum bounce as a seesaw and amplification mechanism for magnetic fields

Anisotropic nonsingular quantum bounce as a seesaw and amplification mechanism for magnetic fields

Primordial gravitational waves of big bounce cosmology in light of stochastic gravitational wave background

Primordial gravitational waves of big bounce cosmology in light of stochastic gravitational wave background

Universal Properties of the Evolution of the Universe in Modified Loop Quantum Cosmology

In this paper, we systematically study the evolution of the Universe within the framework of a modified loop quantum cosmological model (mLQC-I) using various inflationary potentials, including chaotic, Starobinsky, generalized Starobinsky, polynomials of the first and second kinds, generalized T-models and natural inflation. In all these models, the big bang singularity is replaced by a quantum bounce, and the evolution of the Universe, both before and after the bounce, is universal and weakly dependent on the inflationary potentials, as long as the evolution is dominated by the kinetic energy of the inflaton at the bounce. In particular, the pre-bounce evolution can be universally divided into three different phases: pre-bouncing, pre-transition, and pre-de Sitter. The pre-bouncing phase occurs immediately before the quantum bounce, during which the evolution of the Universe is dominated by the kinetic energy of the inflaton. Thus, the equation of state of the inflaton is about one, w(ϕ)≃1. Soon, the inflation potential takes over, so w(ϕ) rapidly falls from one to negative one. This pre-transition phase is very short and quickly turns into the pre-de Sitter phase, whereby the effective cosmological constant of Planck size takes over and dominates the rest of the contracting phase. Throughout the entire pre-bounce regime, the evolution of both the expansion factor and the inflaton can be approximated by universal analytical solutions, independent of the specific inflation potentials.

Bouncing universe scenarios in an extended gravitational framework involving curvature-matter coupling

Exploration of bouncing cosmic models in modified theories has gained much popularity in modern cosmology. This paper explores the Lagrangian function of a new theory namely F(R,Lm,T) framework by taking four renowned cosmic bouncing models, i.e., the exponential bounce, oscillatory bounce scenario, power law, and matter bouncing. Our primary objective is to fix the form of F(R,Lm,T) function for each model and investigate which kinds of reconstructed Lagrangian function have potential of regenerating bouncing scenario in terms of analytical form. It is seen that except power law model, the analytical solutions are conceivable only for certain cases of these bouncing models. For power law bounce, different cases of Lagrangian function may be rebuilt analytically while for some other bouncing scenarios, it is found that particular solutions are not always attainable and hence only the complimentary solutions can be explored. Further, we examine the behavior of energy constraints and stability of these analytically formed bouncing solutions. Additionally, we determine that the dark energy phase in F(R,Lm,T) gravity is compatible with the experimental data of BAO+Sne-Ia+CMB+H(z) and it is shown that cosmic bounce can be produced with dark energy eras in this gravity. We also present some constraints on the model parameters with Hubble parameter values and ΛCDM to determine the best-fit values of model via least square and reduced chi-squares methods. It is concluded that matter bounce model is the best fitted with the observational data set as well as ΛCDM model because it has least value of χm2.

A comprehensive analysis of cosmic evolution in f(Q,T) theory

This paper examines the bouncing cosmology in f(Q,T) theory, where Q represents non-metricity and T denotes the trace of energy-momentum tensor. The aim of this research is to study the phenomenon of a cosmic bounce, where contraction, bounce point and expansion occur at t < 0, t = 0 and t > 0, respectively. In this perspective, we consider Bianchi Type-I spacetime with perfect matter configuration to study the mysterious universe. Further, we analyze the behavior of cosmological parameters such as scale factor, Hubble parameter, deceleration parameter and equation of state parameter using three distinct functional forms of f(Q,T) theory. A comprehensive examination of energy conditions is analyzed to study the matter bounce in this modified framework. Our findings indicate that the acceleration takes place in the vicinity of the bouncing point and ensures the presence of a nonsingular bounce in this theory.

Cosmological bouncing solutions in f(𝒬,𝒯) theory

This paper examines the behavior of the universe around the bouncing point in the background of [Formula: see text] theory, where [Formula: see text] is the non-metricity and [Formula: see text] is the trace of the energy–momentum tensor. We derive the field equations that describe gravitational phenomena in the existence of non-metricity and matter source terms. By applying the reconstruction method for the Hubble parameter, a phenomenon of the bouncing universe for homogeneous spacetime filled with perfect fluid is studied. We consider specific models of this modified theory to evaluate the behavior of various cosmic parameters such as the Hubble, deceleration, equation of state and fluid parameters. When the null energy condition is violated, it follows a bouncing behavior. It is found that spacetime is composed of isotropic fluid, where a big bounce can occur and the universe turns into extremely unstable. We conclude that [Formula: see text] gravity successfully explains the early and late time cosmic expansion and evolution.

Implementation of cosmological bounce inflation with Nojiri–Odintsov generalized holographic dark fluid

This work reports a study on bounce cosmology with a highly generalized holographic dark fluid inspired by Nojiri and Odintsov [Eur. Phys. J. C 77 (2017) 1–8]. The holographic dark fluid that is mostly used for late-time acceleration has been implemented to reconstruct toward realization of cosmological bounce. We first used the most generalized Nojiri–Odintsov (NO) cutoff to implement the holographic dark fluid. Accordingly, we have reconstructed this dark fluid via some solutions of scale factors. With those solutions, we have explored the evolution of different cosmological parameters. We have examined the effects of each reconstructed parameter in the context of the realization of the cosmic bounce. Next, we use the analytical inferences of the scalar spectral index, tensor-to-scalar ratio, and slow-roll characteristics of the model to study a bounce inflationary scenario. Since inflation is usually associated with the existence of scalar fields, we looked at a possible relationship between NO generalized holographic dark energy and scalar field models. Plotting the evolution of the potential results from the scalar fields against time. Finally, we investigated the GSL of thermodynamics in the pre- and post-bounce scenarios.

Double-well instantons in finite volume

Assuming a toroidal space with finite volume, we derive analytically the full one-loop vacuum energy for a scalar field tunnelling between two degenerate vacua, taking into account discrete momentum. The Casimir energy is computed for an arbitrary number of dimensions using the Abel-Plana formula, while the one-loop instanton functional determinant is evaluated using the Green’s functions for the fluctuation operators. The resulting energetic properties are non-trivial: both the Casimir effect and tunnelling contribute to the Null Energy Condition violation, arising from a non-extensive true vacuum energy. We discuss the relevance of this mechanism to induce a cosmic bounce, requiring no modified gravity or exotic matter.

Ambiguous power spectrum from a quantum bounce

Ambiguous power spectrum from a quantum bounce

Axion-de Sitter wormholes

We construct wormholes supported by axion flux in the presence of a positive cosmological constant. The solutions describe compact, one-handle bodies colloquially known as kettlebell geometries. The wormholes are perturbatively stable, but regularity of the Euclidean geometry implies an upper bound on the axion flux. Viewed as no-boundary saddle points, wormholes are suppressed relative to the round sphere. The symmetric kettlebell with maximal axion density has vanishing Euclidean action. Continuing into the Lorentzian across the equator, the solutions describe two expanding branches of de Sitter space filled with an axion field that rapidly dilutes and which are connected by a quantum bounce across which the arrow of time reverses.

Tunneling-induced cosmic bounce in the presence of anisotropies

Tunneling-induced cosmic bounce in the presence of anisotropies

Bouncing Universe in loop quantum gravity: full theory calculation

In loop quantum gravity mathematically rigorous models of full quantum gravity were proposed. In this paper we will study a cosmological sector of one of the models describing quantum gravity with positive cosmological constant coupled to massless scalar field. In our previous research we introduced a method to reduce the model to homogeneous-isotropic sector at the quantum level. In this paper we propose a method to restrict our homogeneous-isotropic model to the spatially flat sector. After this restriction the number of degrees of freedom gets substantially reduced. This allows us to make numerical and analytical calculations. Remarkably, the resulting model shares some structural similarities with the loop quantum cosmological models and therefore sheds some new light on the relation between loop quantum gravity and loop quantum cosmology. According to our model the evolution of the Universe is periodic. The quantum gravity effects resolve the Big Bang singularity leading to a Big Bounce and cause the Universe to contract after a classical expansion phase.

Anisotropic Segre [(11)(1,1)] dark energy following a particular equation of state

A generally anisotropic equation of state originally derived in the context of Newman-Janis rotating systems allows for vacuum energy at a specific density. In this paper we examine the possibility of using that equation of state for cosmological dark energy. We treat the case of large scale ordering of the directions of the energy-momentum tensor eigenvectors with a Bianchi cosmological model, and treat the case where the ordering is random on small scales with an effectively isotropic FLRW system. We find particular spacetimes which evolve towards a vacuum energy/ de Sitter like configuration in either case. In the anisotropic Bianchi case, the system can have behavior reminiscent of big bounce cosmologies, in which the matter content approaches vacuum energy at large scale factor and can behave in a variety of ways at small scale factor. For particular conditions in the effectively isotropic case, we can evolve between true and false vacuum configurations, or between radiation like and vacuum energy configurations. We also show how some simpler equations of state behave under the same assumptions to elucidate the methods for analysis.

The role of spatial curvature in constraining the Universe anisotropies across a Big Bounce

We study the implementation of Polymer Quantum Mechanics (PQM) to a system decomposed into a quasi-classical background and a small quantum subsystem, according to the original Vilenkin proposal. We develop the whole formalism in the momentum representation that is the only viable in the continuum limit of the polymer paradigm and we generalize the fundamental equations of the original Vilenkin analysis in the considered context. Then, we provide a Minisuperspace application of the theory, first considering a Bianchi I cosmology and then extending the analysis to a Bianchi IX model in the limit of small anisotropies. In both these cases, the quasi-classical background is identified with an isotropic bouncing Universe whereas the small quantum subsystem contains the anisotropic degrees of freedom. When the Big Bounce scenario is considered, we obtain that in the Bianchi I model the anisotropies standard deviation is regular at t=0 but still increases indefinitely, whereas in the presence of the harmonic Bianchi IX potential such same quantity is bounded and oscillate around a constant value. As a consequence, we demonstrate that the picture of a semiclassical isotropic Bounce can be extended to more general cosmological settings if the spatial curvature becomes relevant when the anisotropic degrees of freedom are still small quantum variables.

Quantum Big Bounce of the Isotropic Universe Using Relational Time

We analyze the canonical quantum dynamics of the isotropic Universe with a metric approach by adopting a self-interacting scalar field as relational time. When the potential term is absent, we are able to associate the expanding and collapsing dynamics of the Universe with the positive- and negative-frequency modes that emerge in the Wheeler–DeWitt equation. On the other side, when the potential term is present, a non-zero transition amplitude from positive- to negative-frequency states arises, as in standard relativistic scattering theory below the particle creation threshold. In particular, we are able to compute the transition probability for an expanding Universe that emerges from a collapsing regime both in the standard quantization procedure and in the polymer formulation. The probability distribution results similar in the two cases, and its maximum takes place when the mean values of the momentum essentially coincide in the in-going and out-going wave packets, as it would take place in a semiclassical Big Bounce dynamics.

Constraining the bounce realization with holographic background and analytical exploration of the consequences in a modified gravity framework

The work reported in this paper explores holographic bounce. In the first phase of the study, we chose a non-singular bouncing scale factor. Then we reconstructed [Formula: see text] gravity and analytically derived constraints on the bouncing parameter [Formula: see text]. These constraints helped us understand the scale factor’s quintessence or phantom behavior. Furthermore, we also explored the statefinder parameters for reconstructed [Formula: see text] and observed the attainment of [Formula: see text]CDM fixed point. Next, we considered the multiplicative bouncing scale factor inspired by S. D. Odintsov and V. K. Oikonomou Phys. Rev. D 94, (2016) 064022. For this choice, we discussed the types of singularities realizable for different cases. Through the Talyor series expansion, we analytically presented cases and subcases for different ranges of [Formula: see text] of the scale factor. In the last phase of the study, we demonstrated holographic bounce with the choice of the multiplicative scale factor. In this case, we considered holographic Ricci dark energy and Barrow holographic dark energy. We concluded that it is possible to generate constraints on the bouncing parameter for its feasibility for the EoS parameter. We concluded that the realization of holographic bounce is possible, and different suitable constraints can be derived for this multiplicative bouncing scale factor focusing on the realization of cosmic bounce.

A Study on the Various Aspects of Bounce Realisation for Some Choices of Scale Factors

The current study examines the realisation of cosmic bounce in two situations involving two distinct scale factor selections, one of which is a scale factor already developed for bouncing and the other of which is a scale factor created by truncating a series expansion of a de Sitter scale factor. Generalized Chaplygin gas (GCG) is assumed to be the background fluid in both situations. When the scale factor is set to the first kind, the pre-bounce scenario’s GCG energy density decreases due to contraction, reaches its lowest point at t=0 during the bounce, and then rises as a result of expansion following the bounce. However, it is noted that the truncation has an impact on the density evolution from pre-bounce in the other scale factor scenario. The influence of bulk viscosity is shown in all circumstances, in addition to the influence of non-viscosity, and the test for stability makes use of the squared speed of sound. At the turn-around places, the null energy criterion is also violated. The final stage of the study includes a cosmographic analysis and a demonstration of the Hubble flow dynamics. In conclusion, we find that inflationary cosmology can also be realized with GCG as the background fluid for two-scale factor options. When the equivalent cosmic parameter is examined for pre-bounce and post-bounce scenarios, a symmetry is frequently seen. The symmetry occurs near the point of bouncing or turning.

Primordial black holes in loop quantum cosmology: the effect on the threshold

Primordial black holes form in the early Universe and constitute one of the most viable candidates for dark matter. The study of their formation process requires the determination of a critical energy density perturbation threshold , which in general depends on the underlying gravity theory. Up to now, the majority of analytic and numerical techniques calculate within the framework of general relativity. In this work, using simple physical arguments we estimate semi-analytically the PBH formation threshold within the framework of quantum gravity, working for concreteness within loop quantum cosmology (LQC). In particular, for low mass PBHs formed close to the quantum bounce, we find a reduction in the value of up to compared to the general relativistic regime quantifying for the first time to the best of our knowledge how quantum effects can influence PBH formation within a quantum gravity framework. Finally, by varying the Barbero–Immirzi parameter γ of loop quantum gravity (LQG) we show its effect on the value of while using the observational/phenomenological signatures associated to ultra-light PBHs, namely the ones affected by LQG effects, we propose the PBH portal as a novel probe to constrain the potential quantum nature of gravity.

A diffeomorphism invariant family of metric-affine actions for loop cosmologies

In loop quantum cosmology (LQC) the big bang singularity is generically resolved by a big bounce. This feature holds even when modified quantization prescriptions of the Hamiltonian constraint are used such as in mLQC-I and mLQC-II. While the later describes an effective description qualitatively similar to that of standard LQC, the former describes an asymmetric evolution with an emergent Planckian de-Sitter pre-bounce phase even in the absence of a potential. We consider the potential relation of these canonically quantized non-singular models with effective actions based on a geometric description. We find a 3-parameter family of metric-affine f(ℛ) theories which accurately approximate the effective dynamics of LQC and mLQC-II in all regimes and mLQC-I in the post-bounce phase. Two of the parameters are fixed by enforcing equivalence at the bounce, and the background evolution of the relevant observables can be fitted with only one free parameter. It is seen that the non-perturbative effects of these loop cosmologies are universally encoded by a logarithmic correction that only depends on the bounce curvature of the model. In addition, we find that the best fit value of the free parameter can be very approximately written in terms of fundamental parameters of the underlying quantum description for the three models. The values of the best fits can be written in terms of the bounce density in a simple manner, and the values for each model are related to one another by a proportionality relation involving only the Barbero-Immirzi parameter.