Negative Spatial Curvature Research Articles

Casimir energy-momentum tensor for a quantized bulk scalar field in the geometry of two curved branes on Friedmann-Robertson-Walker background

In a previous work [S. Rahbardehghan et al. in Phys. Lett. B 750, 627 (2015)], we considered a simple brane-world model; a single $4$-dimensional brane embedded in a $5$-dimensional de Sitter (dS) space-time. Then, by including a conformally coupled scalar field in the bulk, we studied the induced Casimir energy-momentum tensor. Technically, the Krein-Gupta-Bleuler (KGB) quantization scheme as a covariant and renormalizable quantum field theory in dS space was used to perform the calculations. In the present paper, we generalize this study to a less idealized, but physically motivated, scenario, namely we consider Friedmann-Robertson-Walker (FRW) space-time which behaves asymptotically as a dS space-time. More precisely, we evaluate Casimir energy-momentum tensor for a system with two $D$-dimensional curved branes on background of $D+1$-dimensional FRW space-time with negative spatial curvature and a conformally coupled bulk scalar field that satisfies Dirichlet boundary condition on the branes.

Simulating the universe(s) III: observables for the full bubble collision spacetime

This is the third paper in a series establishing a quantitative relation between inflationary scalar field potential landscapes and the relic perturbations left by the collision between bubbles produced during eternal inflation. We introduce a new method for computing cosmological observables from numerical relativity simulations of bubble collisions in one space and one time dimension. This method tiles comoving hypersurfaces with locally-perturbed Friedmann-Robertson-Walker coordinate patches. The method extends previous work, which was limited to the spacetime region just inside the future light cone of the collision, and allows us to explore the full bubble-collision spacetime. We validate our new methods against previous work, and present a full set of predictions for the comoving curvature perturbation and local negative spatial curvature produced by identical and non-identical bubble collisions, in single scalar field models of eternal inflation. In both collision types, there is a non-zero contribution to the spatial curvature and cosmic microwave background quadrupole. Some collisions between non-identical bubbles excite wall modes, giving extra structure to the predicted temperature anisotropies. We comment on the implications of our results for future observational searches. For non-identical bubble collisions, we also find that the surfaces of constant field can readjust in the presence of a collision to produce spatially infinite sections that become nearly homogeneous deep into the region affected by the collision. Contrary to previous assumptions, this is true even in the bubble into which the domain wall is accelerating.

Observable signatures of a classical transition

Eternal inflation arising from a potential landscape predicts that our universe is one realization of many possible cosmological histories. One way to access different cosmological histories is via the nucleation of bubble universes from a metastable false vacuum. Another way to sample different cosmological histories is via classical transitions, the creation of pocket universes through the collision between bubbles. Using relativistic numerical simulations, we examine the possibility of observationally determining if our observable universe resulted from a classical transition. We find that classical transitions produce spatially infinite, approximately open Friedman-Robertson-Walker universes. The leading set of observables in the aftermath of a classical transition are negative spatial curvature and a contribution to the Cosmic Microwave Background temperature quadrupole. The level of curvature and magnitude of the quadrupole are dependent on the position of the observer, and we determine the possible range of observables for two classes of single-scalar field models. For the first class, where the inflationary phase has a lower energy than the vacuum preceding the classical transition, the magnitude of the observed quadrupole generally falls to zero with distance from the collision while the spatial curvature grows to a constant. For the second class, where the inflationary phase has a higher energy than the vacuum preceding the classical transition, the magnitude of the observed quadrupole generically falls to zero with distance from the collision while the spatial curvature grows without bound. We find that the magnitude of the quadrupole and curvature grow with increasing centre of mass energy of the collision, and explore variations of the parameters in the scalar field lagrangian.

Forecasting constraints from the cosmic microwave background on eternal inflation

We forecast the ability of cosmic microwave background (CMB) temperature and polarization datasets to constrain theories of eternal inflation using cosmic bubble collisions. Using the Fisher matrix formalism, we determine both the overall detectability of bubble collisions and the constraints achievable on the fundamental parameters describing the underlying theory. The CMB signatures considered are based on state-of-the-art numerical relativistic simulations of the bubble collision spacetime, evolved using the full temperature and polarization transfer functions. Comparing a theoretical cosmic-variance-limited experiment to the WMAP and Planck satellites, we find that there is no improvement to be gained from future temperature data, that adding polarization improves detectability by approximately 30%, and that cosmic-variance-limited polarization data offer only marginal improvements over Planck. The fundamental parameter constraints achievable depend on the precise values of the tensor-to-scalar ratio and energy density in (negative) spatial curvature. For a tensor-to-scalar ratio of $0.1$ and spatial curvature at the level of $10^{-4}$, using cosmic-variance-limited data it is possible to measure the width of the potential barrier separating the inflating false vacuum from the true vacuum down to $M_{\rm Pl}/500$, and the initial proper distance between colliding bubbles to a factor $\pi/2$ of the false vacuum horizon size (at three sigma). We conclude that very near-future data will have the final word on bubble collisions in the CMB.

Gravitational entropy of local cosmic voids

We undertake a non-perturbative study of the evolution of the ‘gravitational entropy’ proposed by Clifton, Ellis and Tavakol (CET) on local expanding cosmic CDM voids of ∼50–100 Mpc size described as spherical under-dense regions with negative spatial curvature, whose dynamics is determined by Lemaître–Tolman–Bondi (LTB) dust models asymptotic to three different types of FLRW background: ΛCDM, Einstein–de Sitter and ‘open’ FLRW with and negative spatial curvature. By assuming generic nearly spatially flat and linear initial conditions at the last scattering time, we examine analytically and numerically the CET entropy evolution into a fully nonlinear regime in our present cosmic time and beyond. Both analytic and numerical analysis reveal that the late time CET entropy growth is determined by the amplitude of initial fluctuations of spatial curvature at the last scattering time. This entropy growth decays to zero in the late asymptotic time range for all voids, but at a faster rate in voids with ΛCDM and open FLRW backgrounds. However, only for voids in a ΛCDM background is this suppression sufficiently rapid for the CET entropy itself to reach a terminal equilibrium (or ‘saturation’) value. The CET gravitational temperature vanishes asymptotically if and becomes asymptotically proportional to Λ for voids in a ΛCDM background. In the linear regime of the LTB evolution our results coincide, qualitatively and quantitatively, with previous results based on linear perturbation theory.

Inflation after false vacuum decay: Observational prospects after Planck

We assess two potential signals of the formation of our universe by the decay of a false vacuum. Negative spatial curvature is one possibility, but the window for its detection is now small. However, another possible signal is a suppression of the CMB power spectrum at large angles. This arises from the steepening of the effective potential as it interpolates between a flat inflationary plateau and the high barrier separating us from our parent vacuum. We demonstrate that these two effects can be parametrically separated in angular scale. Observationally, the steepening effect appears to be excluded at large l; but it remains consistent with the slight lack of power below l about 30 found by the WMAP and Planck collaborations. We give two simple models which improve the fit to the Planck data; one with observable curvature and one without. Despite cosmic variance, we argue that future CMB polarization and most importantly large-scale structure observations should be able to corroborate the Planck anomaly if it is real. If we further assume the specific theoretical setting of a landscape of metastable vacua, as suggested by string theory, we can estimate the probability of seeing a low-l suppression in the CMB. There are significant theoretical uncertainties in such calculations, but we argue the probability for a detectable suppression may be as large as O(1), and in general is significantly larger than the probability of seeing curvature.

Is there supercurvature mode of massive vector field in openinflation?

We investigate the Euclidean vacuum mode functions of a massive vectorfield in a spatially open chart of de Sitter spacetime. In theone-bubble open inflationary scenario that naturally predicts a negative spatial curvature after a quantum tunneling, it is known that a lightscalar field has the so-called supercurvature mode, i.e. an additionaldiscrete mode which describes fluctuations over scales larger than thespatial curvature scale. If such supercurvature modes exist for a vectorfield with a sufficiently light mass, then they would decay slower and easily survive the inflationary era. However, the existence ofsupercurvature mode strongly depends on details of the system. Toclarify whether a massive vector field has supercurvature modes, weconsider a U(1) gauge field with gauge and conformal invariances spontaneously broken through the Higgs mechanism, and present explicit expressions for the Euclidean vacuum mode functions. We findthat, for any values of the vector field mass, there is nosupercurvature mode. In the massless limit, the absence ofsupercurvature modes in the scalar sector stems from the gaugesymmetry.

Emergent universe in spatially flat cosmological model

The scenario of an emergent universe provides a promising resolution to the big bang singularity in universes with positive or negative spatial curvature. It however remains unclear whether the scenario can be successfully implemented in a spatially flat universe which seems to be favored by present cosmological observations.In this paper, we study the stability of Einstein static state solutions in a spatially flat Shtanov-Sahni braneworld scenario. With a negative dark radiation term included and assuming a scalar field as the only matter energy component, we find that the universe can stay at an Einstein static state past eternally and then evolve to an inflation phase naturally as the scalar field climbs up its potential slowly. In addition, we also propose a concrete potential of the scalar field that realizes this scenario.

Energy density and pressure of the Stefani's universe with radiation and negative spatial curvature

Energy density and pressure of the Stefani's universe with radiation and negative spatial curvature

FRW universe in the laboratory

We consider an expanding relativistic fluid with spherical symmetry as a model for an analog Friedmann-Robertson-Walker (FRW) spacetime. In the framework of relativistic acoustic geometry we demonstrate how to mimic an arbitrary FRW spacetime with positive, zero, or negative spatial curvature. In the Lagrangian description we show that a particular FRW spacetime is obtained by choosing the appropriate potential. We discuss several examples and in particular the analog de Sitter spacetime in the coordinate representation with positive and negative spatial curvature.

Bispectrum from open inflation

We calculate the bispectrum of primordial curvature perturbations,ζ, generated during ``open inflation.'' Inflation occurs inside abubble nucleated via quantum tunneling from the background false vacuumstate. Our universe lives inside the bubble, which can be described as a Friedmann-Lemaȋtre-Robertson-Walker (FLRW) universe with negative spatial curvature, undergoing slow-roll inflation. We pay special attention to the issue of an initial state for quantum fluctuations. A ``vacuum state'' defined by a positive-frequency mode in de Sitter space charted by open coordinates is different from the Euclidean vacuum (which is equivalent to the so-called ``Bunch-Davies vacuum'' defined by a positive-frequency mode in de Sitter space charted by flat coordinates). Quantum tunneling (bubble nucleation) then modifies the initial state away from the original Euclidean vacuum. While most of the previous study on modifications of the initial quantum state introduces, by hand, an initial time at which the quantum state is modified as well as the form of the modification, an effective initial time naturally emerges and the form is fixed by quantum tunneling in open inflation models. Therefore, open inflation enables a self-consistent computation of the effect of a modified initial state on the bispectrum. We find a term which goes as ⟨ζk1ζk2ζk3⟩∝1/k12k34 in the so-called squeezed configurations, k3 << k1 ≈ k2, in agreement with the previous study on modifications of the initial state. The bispectrum in the exact folded limit, e.g., k1 = k2+k3, is also enhanced and remains finite.However, these terms are exponentially suppressed when the wavelength of ζ is smaller than the curvature radius of the universe. The leading-order bispectrum is equal to the usual one from single-field slow-roll inflation;the terms specific for open inflation arise only in the sub-leadingorder when the wavelength of ζ is smaller than the curvature radius.

Back-reaction and effective acceleration in generic LTB dust models

We provide a thorough examination of the conditions for the existence of back-reaction and an ‘effective’ acceleration (in the context of Buchert’s averaging formalism) in regular generic spherically symmetric Lemaître–Tolman–Bondi (LTB) dust models. By considering arbitrary spherical comoving domains,we verify rigorously the fulfillment of these conditions expressed in terms of suitable scalar variables that are evaluated at the boundary of every domain. Effective deceleration necessarily occurs in all domains in (a) the asymptotic radial range of models converging to a FLRW background (b) the asymptotic time range of non-vacuum hyperbolic models (c) LTB self-similar solutions and (d) near a simultaneous big bang. Accelerating domains are proven to exist in the following scenarios: (i) central vacuum regions(ii) central (non-vacuum) density voids (iii) the intermediate radial range of models converging to a FLRW background (iv) the asymptotic radial range of models converging to a Minkowski vacuum and (v) domains near and or intersecting a non-simultaneous big bang. All these scenarios occur in hyperbolic models with negative averaged and local spatial curvature though scenarios (iv) and (v) are also possible in low density regions of a class of elliptic models in which the local spatial curvature is negative but its average is positive. Rough numerical estimates between −0.003 and −0.5 were found for the effective deceleration parameter. While the existence of accelerating domains cannot be ruled out in models converging to an Einstein–de Sitter background and in domains undergoing gravitational collapse the conditions for this are very restrictive. The results obtained may provide important theoretical clues on the effects of back-reaction and averaging in more general non-spherical models.Communicated by L Andersson

Thermal duality and non-singular cosmology in d-dimensional superstrings

We are presenting the basic ingredients of a stringy mechanism able to resolve both the Hagedorn instabilities of finite temperature superstrings as well as the initial singularity of the induced cosmology in arbitrary dimensions. These are shown to be generic in a large class of ( 4 , 0 ) type II superstring vacua, where non-trivial “gravito-magnetic” fluxes lift the Hagedorn instabilities of the thermal ensemble and the temperature duality symmetry is restored. This symmetry implies a universal maximal critical temperature. In all such models there are three characteristic regimes, each with a distinct effective field theory description: Two dual asymptotically cold regimes associated with the light thermal momentum and light thermal winding states, and the intermediate regime where additional massless thermal states appear. The partition function exhibits a conical structure as a function of the thermal modulus, irrespectively of the space–time dimension. Thanks to asymptotic right-moving supersymmetry, the genus-1 partition function is well-approximated by that of massless thermal radiation in all of the three effective field theory regimes. The resulting time-evolution describes a bouncing cosmology connecting, via spacelike branes, a contracting thermal “winding” Universe to an expanding thermal “momentum” Universe, free of any essential curvature singularities. The string coupling remains perturbative throughout the cosmological evolution. Bouncing cosmologies are presented for both zero and negative spatial curvature.

FRW universe models in conformally flat-spacetime coordinates II: Universe models with negative and vanishing spatial curvature

We deduce general expressions for the line element of universe models with negative and vanishing spatial curvature described by conformally flat spacetime coordinates. The empty Milne universe model and models with dust, radiation and vacuum energy are exhibited. Discussing the existence of particle horizons we show that there is continual creation of space, matter and energy when conformal time is used in Friedmann-Robertson-Walker models with negative spatial curvature.

Casimir effect for curved boundaries in Robertson–Walker spacetime

Vacuum expectation values of the energy–momentum tensor and the Casimir forces are evaluated for scalar and electromagnetic fields in the geometry of two curved boundaries on the background of the Robertson–Walker spacetime with negative spatial curvature. The boundaries under consideration are conformal images of the flat boundaries in Rindler spacetime. Robin boundary conditions are imposed in the case of the scalar field and perfect conductor boundary conditions are assumed for the electromagnetic field. We use the conformal relation between the Robertson–Walker and Rindler spacetimes and the corresponding results for two parallel plates moving with uniform proper acceleration through the Fulling–Rindler vacuum. For the general scale factor the vacuum energy–momentum tensor is decomposed into the boundary-free and boundary-induced parts. The latter is non-diagonal. The Casimir forces are directed along the normals to the boundaries. For the Dirichlet and Neumann scalars and for the electromagnetic field these forces are attractive for all separations.

Evolution of radial profiles in regular Lemaître–Tolman–Bondi dust models

We undertake a comprehensive and rigorous analytic study of the evolution of radial profiles of covariant scalars in regular Lemaître–Tolman–Bondi (LTB) dust models. We consider specifically the phenomenon of ‘profile inversions’ in which an initial clump profile of density, spatial curvature or the expansion scalar might evolve into a void profile (and vice versa). Previous work in the literature on models with density void profiles and/or allowing for density profile inversions is given full generalization, with some erroneous results corrected. We prove rigorously that if an evolution without shell crossings is assumed, then only the ‘clump to void’ inversion can occur in density profiles, and only in hyperbolic models or regions with negative spatial curvature. The profiles of spatial curvature follow similar patterns as those of the density, with ‘clump to void’ inversions only possible for hyperbolic models or regions. However, profiles of the expansion scalar are less restrictive, with profile inversions necessarily taking place in elliptic models. We also examine radial profiles in special LTB configurations: closed elliptic models, models with a simultaneous big bang singularity, as well as a locally collapsing elliptic region surrounded by an expanding hyperbolic background. The general analytic statements that we obtain allow for setting up the right initial conditions to construct fully regular LTB models with any specific qualitative requirements for the profiles of all scalars and their time evolution. The results presented can be very useful in guiding future numerical work on these models and in revising previous analytic work on all their applications.

Radial asymptotics of Lemaître–Tolman–Bondi dust models

We examine the radial asymptotic behavior of spherically symmetric Lemaitre-Tolman-Bondi dust models by looking at their covariant scalars along radial rays, which are spacelike geodesics parametrized by proper length $\ell$, orthogonal to the 4-velocity and to the orbits of SO(3). By introducing quasi-local scalars defined as integral functions along the rays, we obtain a complete and covariant representation of the models, leading to an initial value parametrization in which all scalars can be given by scaling laws depending on two metric scale factors and two basic initial value functions. Considering regular "open" LTB models whose space slices allow for a diverging $\ell$, we provide the conditions on the radial coordinate so that its asymptotic limit corresponds to the limit as $\ell\to\infty$. The "asymptotic state" is then defined as this limit, together with asymptotic series expansion around it, evaluated for all metric functions, covariant scalars (local and quasi-local) and their fluctuations. By looking at different sets of initial conditions, we examine and classify the asymptotic states of parabolic, hyperbolic and open elliptic models admitting a symmetry center. We show that in the radial direction the models can be asymptotic to any one of the following spacetimes: FLRW dust cosmologies with zero or negative spatial curvature, sections of Minkowski flat space (including Milne's space), sections of the Schwarzschild--Kruskal manifold or self--similar dust solutions.

Casimir densities for a boundary in Robertson–Walker spacetime

For scalar and electromagnetic fields we evaluate the vacuum expectation value of the energy–momentum tensor induced by a curved boundary in the Robertson–Walker spacetime with negative spatial curvature. In order to generate the vacuum densities we use the conformal relation between the Robertson–Walker and Rindler spacetimes and the corresponding results for a plate moving by uniform proper acceleration through the Fulling–Rindler vacuum. For the general case of the scale factor the vacuum energy–momentum tensor is presented as the sum of the boundary free and boundary induced parts.

Three-dimensional black holes, gravitational solitons, kinks and wormholes for BHT massive gravity

The theory of massive gravity in three dimensions recently proposed by Bergshoeff, Hohm and Townsend (BHT) is considered. At the special case when the theory admits a unique maximally symmetric solution, a conformally flat space that contains black holes and solitons for any value of the cosmological constant is found. For negative cosmological constant, the black hole is characterized in terms of the mass and the gravitational hair parameter, providing a lower bound for the mass. For negative mass parameter, the black hole acquires an inner horizon, and the entropy vanishes at the extremal case. Gravitational solitons and kinks, being regular everywhere, are obtained from a double Wick rotation of the black hole. A wormhole solution in vacuum that interpolates between two static universes of negative spatial curvature is obtained as a limiting case of the soliton with a suitable identification. The black hole and the soliton fit within a set of relaxed asymptotically AdS conditions as compared with the ones of Brown and Henneaux. In the case of positive cosmological constant the black hole possesses an event and a cosmological horizon, whose mass is bounded from above. Remarkably, the temperatures of the event and the cosmological horizons coincide, and at the extremal case one obtains the analogue of the Nariai solution, $dS_{2}\times S^{1}$. A soliton is also obtained through a double Wick rotation of the black hole. The Euclidean continuation of these solutions describes instantons with vanishing Euclidean action. For vanishing cosmological constant the black hole and the soliton are asymptotically locally flat spacetimes. The rotating solutions can be obtained by boosting the previous ones in the $t-\phi$ plane.

STATIC SPHERICALLY SYMMETRIC SOLUTIONS FOR CONFORMAL GRAVITY IN THREE DIMENSIONS

Static spherically symmetric solutions for conformal gravity in three dimensions are found. Black holes and wormholes are included within this class. Asymptotically the black holes are spacetimes of arbitrary constant curvature, and they are conformally related to the matching of different solutions of constant curvature by means of an improper conformal transformation. The wormholes can be constructed from suitable identifications of a static universe of negative spatial curvature, and it is shown that they correspond to the conformal matching of two black hole solutions with the same mass.