Quantum Cosmology Research Articles

Dynamics of pre-inflationary universe in loop quantum cosmology

Dynamics of pre-inflationary universe in loop quantum cosmology

On the role of fiducial structures in minisuperspace reduction and quantum fluctuations in LQC

Abstract In spatially non-compact homogeneous minisuperpace models, spatial integrals in the Hamiltonian and symplectic form must be regularised by confining them to a finite volume Vo , known as the fiducial cell. As this restriction is unnecessary in the complete field theory before homogeneous reduction, the physical significance of the fiducial cell has been largely debated, especially in the context of (loop) quantum cosmology. Understanding the role of Vo is in turn essential for assessing the minisuperspace description’s validity and its connection to the full theory. In this work we present a systematic procedure for the field theory reduction to spatially homogeneous and isotropic minisuperspaces within the canonical framework and apply it to both a massive scalar field theory and gravity. Our strategy consists in implementing spatial homogeneity via second-class constraints for the discrete field modes over a partitioning of the spatial slice into countably many disjoint cells. The reduced theory’s canonical structure is then given by the corresponding Dirac bracket. Importantly, the latter can only be defined on a finite number of cells homogeneously patched together. This identifies a finite region, the fiducial cell, whose physical size acquires then a precise meaning already at the classical level as the scale over which homogeneity is imposed. Additionally, the procedure allows us to track the information lost during homogeneous reduction and how the error depends on Vo . We then move to the quantisation of the classically reduced theories, focusing in particular on the relation between the theories for different Vo , and study the implications for statistical moments, quantum fluctuations, and semiclassical states. In the case of a quantum scalar field, a subsector of the full quantum field theory where the results from the ‘first reduced, then quantised’ approach can be reproduced is identified and the conditions for this to be a good approximation are also determined.

Quantum cosmology as a lattice in a box

Quantum cosmology as a lattice in a box

Einstein’s spacetime curvature and gravitational waves: Elucidating the gradient flow of scalar invariants, variations in the Ricci scalar, and gravitational wave propagation

In the general theory of relativity initially rationalized by Einstein, the gravity is considered as an occurrence ensuing from the spacetime curvature, which is in turn triggered by the presence of mass. This article provides a detailed analysis of spacetime curvature and gravitational waves, enhancing our understanding of general relativity and astrophysics. Using both analytical and numerical methods, we examined the gradient flow of scalar invariants, variations in the Ricci scalar, and gravitational wave propagation. New findings include the identification of unique curvature patterns around rotating black holes, a detailed comparison of gradient flow behavior in different spacetime geometries, and the discovery of a correlation between scalar invariant fluctuations and gravitational wave amplitudes. These findings validate numerical techniques and reveal how different parameters affect gravitational wave characteristics. While simplified models are used, the present study offers a robust framework for future research. Our work aligns with previous studies but also reveals unique aspects of wave behavior, with implications for quantum gravity and cosmology.

Quantum Cosmology in Bianchi-I model: A study of symmetry analysis

The paper deals with Noether symmetry analysis for anisotropic Bianchi-I space–time as well as conformal Symmetry of the physical space. Subsequently, quantum cosmology has been formulated for this model, using canonical quantization programme and also by causal interpretation. Finally, it has been examined whether quantum description may avoid the classical singularity or not.

Entanglement production through a cosmological bounce

In quantum cosmology, it is expected that the Big Bang singularity is resolved and the universe undergoes a bounce. We find that for Gaussian initial states, matter-gravity entanglement entropy rises rapidly during the bounce, declines, and then approaches a steady-state value following the bounce. These observations suggest that matter-gravity entanglement is a feature of the macroscopic universe and that there is no Second Law of entanglement entropy.

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.

Symmetry analysis in multi scalar-torsion cosmological model with quantum description

A detailed symmetry analysis has been done for the present multi scalar-torsion gravity theory in the background of flat Friedmann Lemai^\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\hat{\ ext{ i }}$$\\end{document}tre Robertson Walker (FLRW) space-time. Not only the Noether symmetry from the invariance of the Lagrangian has been determined and associated conserved quantities are evaluated, but also the conformal symmetry of the physical metric (i.e., metric of the kinetic part) has been investigated to evaluate homothetic and killing vector fields. Finally, a through study of quantum cosmology both by canonical approach and by considering quantum trajectories has been presented.

Analytic Primordial Power Spectrum in the Dressed Metric Approach to Loop Quantum Cosmology and Thermodynamics of Spacetime

Analytic Primordial Power Spectrum in the Dressed Metric Approach to Loop Quantum Cosmology and Thermodynamics of Spacetime

Resurgence in Lorentzian quantum cosmology: No-boundary saddles and resummation of quantum gravity corrections around tunneling saddle points

Resurgence in Lorentzian quantum cosmology: No-boundary saddles and resummation of quantum gravity corrections around tunneling saddle points

Exploring the pre-inflationary dynamics in loop quantum cosmology with a DBI scalar field

Loop quantum cosmology is a symmetry-reduced application of loop quantum gravity. The theory predicts a bounce for the universe at the Planck scale and resolves the singularity of standard cosmology. The dynamics is also governed by an effective Hamiltonian, which predicts a modified Friedmann equation containing the quadratic terms of the energy density. The term plays an essential role in the high energy regime, but the equations return to the standard form in the low energy regime. The evolution of the universe in the pre-inflationary period is studied in the framework of loop quantum cosmology, where the DBI scalar field is assumed to be the dominant component of the universe. Using the numerical method, we provide the evolution of the DBI field. The background evolution shows that there are three phases as: bouncing phase, transition phase and slow-roll inflationary phase. There is also a short period of super-inflation just at the beginning of the bounce phase. The field first climbs the potential and then reaches the turning point where ϕ̇ disappears and the potential energy becomes the dominant part of the energy density. This is the time when the slow roll inflation begins and the field slowly rolls down the potential. The results indicate that there are a few e-fold expansions in the bounce phase, about N = 3.5–4, and the universe experiences about N = 59 e-fold expansions in the slow-roll inflation phase.

Casimir wormholes with GUP correction in the Loop Quantum Cosmology

In this paper, we obtain novel traversable, static, and spherically symmetric wormhole solutions, derived from the effective energy density and isotropic pressure resulting from the Casimir effect, corrected by the Generalized Uncertainty Principle (GUP) within the framework of Loop Quantum Cosmology (LQC). The goal is to explore the interplay between competing quantum gravity effects and quantum vacuum phenomena in the emergence of non-trivial spacetime structures. We examine features such as traversability, embedding diagrams, energy conditions, curvature, and stability of the obtained solutions. Additionally, we analyze the junction conditions required to integrate the wormhole spacetime with an external Schwarzschild spacetime and calculate the amount of exotic matter needed to maintain the wormhole. Finally, we evaluate the conditions under which this latter remains visible or is hidden by the event horizon associated with the Schwarzschild spacetime.

Quantum and classical properties of the universe according to unimodular quantum cosmology

Abstract We investigate the dynamical behaviour of wavepacket solutions due to unimodular quantum cosmology. We find early and late time quantum eras of the universe.
An Ehrenfest theorem ensures quasi-classical behaviour for the late time universe if the quantum uncertainties are small. The surprising prediction of late time quantum effects for a flat, homogeneous and isotropic universe with a scalar field with an exponential potential is obtained by the analysis of the uncertainty dynamics using the results of the corresponding classical dynamical system. Furthermore quantum correction terms to the Hubble parameter and the matter density are derived. A positive matter expectation value for the de-Sitter universe raises the question if correction terms due to quantum gravity could contribute to solve the dark matter problem.

Exploring the Hubble tension with a late time Modified Gravity scenario

We investigate a modified cosmological model aimed at addressing the Hubble tension, considering revised dynamics in the late Universe. The model introduces a parameter c affecting the evolution equations, motivated by a modified Poisson algebra inspired by effective Loop Quantum Cosmology. Our analysis includes diverse background datasets such as Cosmic Chronometers, Pantheon+ Type Ia Supernovae (with and without the SH0ES calibration), SDSS, DESY6 and DESI Baryon Acoustic Oscillations, and background information of the Cosmic Microwave Background. We find that the model alleviates the Hubble tension in most of the dataset combinations, with cases reducing discrepancies to below 1σ when including SH0ES. However, the model exhibits minimal improvement in the overall fit when compared to ΛCDM, and Bayesian evidence generally favors the standard model. Theoretical foundations support this approach as a subtle adjustment to low-redshift dynamics, suggesting potential for further exploration into extensions of ΛCDM. Despite challenges in data fitting, our findings underscore the promise of small-scale modifications in reconciling cosmological tensions.

Initial State in Quantum Cosmology and the Proper Mass of the Universe

Initial State in Quantum Cosmology and the Proper Mass of the Universe

Comparing Analytic and Numerical Studies of Tensor Perturbations in Loop Quantum Cosmology

Comparing Analytic and Numerical Studies of Tensor Perturbations in Loop Quantum Cosmology

Quasinormal Frequencies of Fields with Various Spin in the Quantum Oppenheimer–Snyder Model of Black Holes

AbstractA recent development involves an intriguing model of a quantum‐corrected black hole, established through the application of the quantum Oppenheimer–Snyder model within loop quantum cosmology [Lewandowski et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. (2023) 130, 101501]. Employing both time‐domain integration and the Wentzel–Kramers–Brillouin (WKB) approach, the quasinormal frequencies for scalar, electromagnetic, and neutrino perturbations in these quantum‐corrected black holes are computed. This analysis reveals that while the real oscillation frequencies undergo only minor adjustments due to the quantum parameter, the damping rate experiences a significant decrease as a result of its influence. The author also deduced the analytic formula for quasinormal frequencies in the eikonal limit and showed that the correspondence between the null geodesics and eikonal quasinormal modes holds in this case.

Scalar cosmological perturbations from quantum gravitational entanglement

Abstract A major challenge at the interface of quantum gravity and cosmology is to explain the emergence of the large-scale structure of the Universe from Planck scale physics. In this letter, we extract the dynamics of scalar isotropic cosmological perturbations from full quantum gravity, as described by the causally complete Barrett-Crane group field theory model. From the perspective of the underlying quantum gravity theory, cosmological perturbations are represented as nearest-neighbor two-body entanglement of group field theory quanta. Their effective dynamics is obtained via mean-field methods and described relationally with respect to a causally coupled physical Lorentz frame. We quantitatively study these effective dynamical equations and show that at low energies they are perfectly consistent with those of General Relativity, while for trans-Planckian scales quantum effects become important. These results therefore not only provide crucial insights into the potentially purely quantum gravitational nature of cosmological perturbations, but also offer rich phenomenological implications for the physics of the early Universe.

Viscous modified Chaplygin gas with spherical top-hat collapse in modified theories of gravity

Abstract The work explores the dynamics of a spherically symmetric perturbation of viscous modified Chaplygin
gas (VMCG) in different gravity theories within the spherical top hat collapse framework (SC-TH). The
study investigates the behaviour of perturbed quantities such as the δ, θ, w, wc, c2
s , c2
e , and h using numer-
ical and graphical analysis. Our findings reveal that VMCG generates quintessential dark energy without
crossing over to the phantom barrier in most of the gravity models considered here. Further, in all the
gravity models considered here, VMCG remained classically stable. This research offers new insights into
the evolution of VMCG in different gravitational contexts. In this paper, we have examined the collapse of
viscous modified Chaplygin gas in the context of (i) Einstein’s gravity, (ii) Loop quantum cosmology, (iii)
generalised Rastall gravity, and (iv) the fractal universe. We have also addressed their comparative analysis.

Primordial dust universe in the Hořava–Lifshitz theory

In this paper, we apply quantum cosmology to investigate the early moments of a Friedmann–Lemaître–Robertson–Walker (FLRW) cosmological model, using Hořava–Lifshitz (HL) as the gravitational theory. The matter content of the model is a dust perfect fluid. We start studying the classical model. Then, we write the total Hamiltonian of the model, quantize it and find the appropriate Wheeler–DeWitt equation. In order to avoid factor ordering ambiguities, in the Wheeler–DeWitt equation, we introduce a canonical transformation. We solve that equation using the Wentzel–Kramers–Brillouin (WKB) approximation and compute the tunneling probabilities for the birth of that universe ([Formula: see text]). Since the WKB wave function depends on the dust energy and the free coupling constants coming from the HL theory, we compute the behavior of [Formula: see text] as a function of all these quantities.