Quantum Vacuum Energy Research Articles

Dark energy from topology

The concordance model of cosmology suffers from the major theoretical problems surrounding the observed value and recent emergence of a cosmological constant. In this paper we present a novel approach, which explains more naturally its value than that based on quantum vacuum energy, in the form of topological invariants characteristic classes, included as Lagrange multipliers in the action. The approach draws from topological as well as dynamical system consideration, generating as a byproduct an effective cosmological constant. General Relativity is recovered by canceling the torsion in a region containing the observable Universe, which boundary constraints the invariants, thus yielding the effective cosmological constant's form. As that form's denominator contains the total volume of the average black hole, calculated from a geometrical mean on the estimated black hole mass distribution and directly associated to the ratio of the total volume boundary of the space-time manifold and the dominant term in its Euler characteristic. The constant's small estimated value compared to the Planck scale is therefore natural and our evaluation fits remarkably well with the observed value.

Revisiting the Casimir energy with general boundary conditions and applications in 1D crystals

We obtain new expressions for the Casimir energy between plates that are mimicked by the most general possible boundary conditions allowed by the principles of quantum field theory. This result enables to provide the quantum vacuum energy for scalar fields propagating under the influence of a one-dimensional crystal represented by a periodic potential formed by an infinite array of identical potentials with compact support.

Thermodynamics of Moving Bodies or a New Approach to Emergent Gravity

Recent theoretical developments propose that gravity is emergent phenomenon. In line with this, in this paper, we show that gravitational and inertial properties of matter can be sufficiently explained by thermodynamics for a system consisting of material systems immersed in the quantum vacuum energy reservoir without reference to the microscopic constituencies of the quantum vacuum. The study focuses on the transfer of energy and matter in the interaction of material system with its vacuum surroundings and the relation of those to the system's macroscopic state variables and mechanical behavior of the system associated with forces acting on it. This analysis suggests that vacuum energy density about material systems is diminished and quantum vacuum energy density field takes on specific gradient there. Hence, gravity appears as effect of the change in the energy density of medium related with presence of another material object modifying vacuum surroundings and causing spontaneous motion of the system to minimize its energy driven by the second law. Whereas, inertia is explained to be an emergent thermodynamic effect of the change in the vacuum energy field about objects associated with the alteration of energy of systems itself due to the transfer of energy between systems to its surroundings. When those energy transfer operations do not comply with the second law of thermodynamic in terms of direction and rate of the energy flow, there will be generated resistance to the imposed changes known as inertial force. In such representation the equivalence principle finds unique definition revealing its origin.

Rainbow’s gravity corrections to the black hole global Casimir effect

In this manuscript, we compute corrections to the global Casimir effect at zero and finite temperature due to rainbow gravity (parametrized by \(\xi \)). For this, we use the solutions for the scalar field with mass m in the deformed Schwarzschild background and the corresponding quantized energies of the system, which represent the stationary states of the field and yield the stable part of the quantum vacuum energy. The analysis is made here by considering the limit for which the source mass, M, approaches zero, to verify the effects on the global Casimir effect in mini-black holes near to the Planck scale, \(\omega _P\). We find a singular behavior for the regularized vacuum energy at zero temperature and for all the corresponding thermodynamic quantities when \(m^2=\omega ^2_P/\xi \), what can be seen as the limit of validity of the model. Furthermore, we show that the remnant Casimir tension over the event horizon in the limit \(M\rightarrow 0\) is finite for any temperature and all the space of parameters. In fact, we show that the remnant tension receives no corrections from rainbow gravity. This points to the fact that such a behavior may be an universal property of this kind of system.

Possible Explanation of the Quark Confinement and Asymptotic Freedom, and Possible Solution to the Yang-Mills Mass Gap Problem

With this work, we try to answer 3 fundamental questions that have plagued mathematicians and physicists for several decades. As known, the spontaneous symmetry breaking (SSB) and the Brout-Englert-Higgs Mechanism (BEH-M) solved the Yang-Mills Mass Gap Problem. However, various mathematicians, even prestigious ones, consider the basic assumptions of the gauge theories to be wrong, as well as in conflict with the experimental evidences and in clear disagreement with the facts, distorcing the physical reality itself. Likewise, the Quantum Fields Theory (QFT) is mathematically inconsistent, adopting a mathematical structure somewhat complicated and arbitrary, which does not satisfy the strong demands for coherence. The weakest point of the gauge theories, in our opinion, consists in imposing that all the particles must be free of an intrinsic mass (massless).
 On the contrary, even for the particle considered universally massless, i.e. the photon (P), our calculations show a dynamic-mass, a push-momentum (p) of 1.325⋅10−22[g⋅cm/s]. That is, an optic P hits a particle with an energy-mass greater than 100 protons rest-mass’. It is clear that if we replaced this value with the full value of the P inserted in the equations of the Perturbation Theory, QFT and Yang-Mills theories, all divergences, that is all zeroes and infinities, would suddenly disappear.
 Consequently, the limits imposed by the SSB disappear so that there is no longer any need to deny the mass to the Nuclear Forces bosons, including the Yang-Mills b quantum. Still, the photons (Ps) are the basis of the quantum vacuum energy, which is distributed ubiquitously, also within the intra-atomic spaces. It is likely that a lot of Ps were trapped in atomic nuclei (at the time of nucleosynthesis) and among quarks (Qs) at the time of primordial nucleonic synthesis. We believe that when Qs get too close to each other, till repelling each other (Asymptotic Freedom of Qs), this may depend on the presence of a multitude of Ps that, no further compressible, begin to exert an antigravity repulsive force, just as a Dark Energy. This limit to Compressibility (C) of the radiation is shown in equation: PV 4/3 = C, where V is the volume, and P is the Pressure of the photonic gas. Quantum Mechanics plays a crucial role, through the Uncertainty Principle, in the spatial Confinement of Qs, which have remained eternally confined in an extremely narrow space by the Strong Interaction, but in primis by the very short range (likely ≈8.44[±1.44]⋅10-16cm) and lifetime of gluon(G) which, from our calculations, is ≈2.73[±0.564]⋅10-26 sec. Therefore, a new parameter may be added to the Qs and G spatial Confinement: the b quantum or G Temporal Confinement (and of their Colours and anti-Colours).

Testing a Quantum Inequality with a Meta-analysis of Data for Squeezed Light

In quantum field theory, coherent states can be created that have negative energy density, meaning it is below that of empty space, the free quantum vacuum. If no restrictions existed regarding the concentration and permanence of negative energy regions, it might, for example, be possible to produce exotic phenomena such as Lorentzian transversable wormholes, warp drives, time machines, violations of the second law of thermodynamics, and naked singularities. Quantum Inequalities (QIs) have been proposed that restrict the size and duration of the regions of negative quantum vacuum energy that can be accessed by observers. However, QIs generally are derived for situations in cosmology and are very difficult to test. Direct measurement of vacuum energy is difficult and to date no QI has been tested experimentally. We test a proposed QI for squeezed light by a meta-analysis of published data obtained from experiments with optical parametric amplifiers (OPA) and balanced homodyne detection. Over that last three decades, researchers in quantum optics have been trying to maximize the squeezing of light and the quantum vacuum and have succeeded in reducing the variance in the quantum vacuum fluctuations to -15 dB. To apply the QI, a time sampling function is required. In our meta-analysis different time sampling functions for the QI were examined, but in all physically reasonable cases the QI is violated by much or all of the measured data. This brings into question the basis for QI. Possible explanations are given for this surprising result.

Field Fluctuations and Casimir Energy of 1D-Fermions

We investigate the self-adjoint extensions of the Dirac operator of a massive one-dimensional field of mass m confined in a finite filament of length L. We compute the spectrum of vacuum fluctuations of the Dirac field under the most general dispersionless boundary conditions. We identify its edge states in the mass gap within a set of values of the boundary parameters, and compute the Casimir energy of the discrete normal modes. Two limit cases are considered, namely, that of light fermions with m L ≪ 1 , and that of heavy fermions for which m L ≫ 1 . It is found that both positive and negative energies are obtained for different sets of values of the boundary parameters. As a consequence of our calculation we demonstrate that the sign of the quantum vacuum energy is not fixed for exchange-symmetric plates (parity-invariant configurations), unlike for electromagnetic and scalar fields.

Vacuum Energy for Generalized Dirac Combs at T = 0

The quantum vacuum energy for a hybrid comb of Dirac $\delta$-$\delta^\prime$ potentials is computed by using the energy of the single $\delta$-$\delta^\prime$ potential over the real line that makes up the comb. The zeta function of a comb periodic potential is the continuous sum of zeta functions over the dual primitive cell of Bloch quasi-momenta. The result obtained for the quantum vacuum energy is non-perturbative in the sense that the energy function is not analytical for small couplings

Axion–photon mixing in quantum field theory and vacuum energy

We analyze axion–photon mixing in the framework of quantum field theory. The condensate structure of the vacuum for mixed fields induces corrections to the oscillation formulae and leads to non-zero energy of the vacuum for the component of the photon mixed with the axion. This energy generates a new effect of the vacuum polarization and it has the state equation of the cosmological constant, w=−1. This result holds for any homogeneous and isotropic curved space–time, as well as for diagonal metrics. Numerical estimates of the corrections to the oscillation formulae are presented by considering the intensity of the magnetic field available in the laboratory. Moreover, we estimate the vacuum energy density induced by axion–photon mixing in the Minkowski space–time. A value compatible with that of the energy density of the universe can be obtained for axions with a mass of (10−3–10−2) eV in the presence of the strong magnetic fields that characterize astrophysical objects such as pulsars or neutron stars. In addition, a value of the energy density less than that of the Casimir effect is obtained for magnetic fields used in experiments such as PVLAS. The vacuum polarization induced by this energy could be detected in next experiments and it might provide an indirect proof of the existence of the axion–photon mixing.The quantum field theory effects presented in this work may lead to new methods for studying axion-like particles.

Quantum Relativity: Variable Energy Density of Quantum Vacuum as the Origin of Mass, Gravity and the Quantum Behaviour

In Quantum Relativity, time and space are separated. Time is the numerical order of material changes, and space is the medium, in which these changes take place. Space has the origin in a three-dimensional quantum vacuum defined by fluctuations of the energy density corresponding to elementary RS (reduction state) processes of creation/annihilation of elementary quanta. Quantum Relativity provides a unifying approach to special relativity, general relativity, and quantum mechanics. Each physical object from the micro- to the macroscale can be derived from an opportune diminishing of the quantum vacuum energy density. In particular, the variable energy density of space in Quantum Relativity corresponds to the curvature of space in general relativity. In quantum theory, the behavior of each subatomic particle follows from opportune elementary RS processes of creation/annihilation of quanta guided by a quantum potential of the vacuum. Finally, the perspectives of this model regarding the view of gravity and quantum as two aspects of the same coin and the electroweak scale are analyzed.

Radiative generation of metastable minima in a scalar-fermion model

I consider a theory of a real scalar and a fermion field, with a Yukawa interaction and a potential term that admits two degenerate minima at the tree level. The quantum vacuum energy difference between these two vacua can be calculated using the renormalization group improved effective potential, and gives a finite, nonzero result, dependent on the relative strength of the scalar and the Yukawa interactions.

Quantum Vacuum Energy and the Emergence of Gravity An Essay

Building on the work of others a novel idea is put forward regarding the possible mechanism of gravity as involving energy coupling down the energy gradient of a massive body. Free fall (acceleration) in a gravitational field is explained as arising from an interaction of the modified quantum vacuum energy in the vicinity of matter.

Sign Flip in the Casimir Force for Interacting Fermion Systems.

In this work we consider a fermionic chain of finite length ℓ. Fermions are allowed to interact and are forced to obey boundary conditions, thus altering the process of condensation. Our goal is to explore how this affects the quantum vacuum energy for this system. We approach this problem by using a self-consistent method and observe a nontrivial behavior in the Casimir force, displaying a switch from an attractive to a repulsive regime. This flip stems from the competition between the attractive contribution from the usual fermionic Casimir effect and a repulsive one coming from the condensate.

Dynamic Quantum Vacuum and Relativity

<p>A model of a three-dimensional dynamic quantum vacuum with variable energy density is proposed. In this model, time we measure with clocks is only a mathematical parameter of changes running in quantum vacuum. Mass and gravity are carried by the variable energy density of quantum vacuum. Each elementary particle is a structure of quantum vacuum and diminishes the quantum vacuum energy density. Symmetry “particle – diminished energy density of quantum vacuum” is the fundamental symmetry of the universe which gives origin to the inertial and gravitational mass. Special relativity’s Sagnac effect in GPS system and important predictions of general relativity such as precessions of the planets, the Shapiro time delay of light signals in a gravitational field and the geodetic and frame-dragging effects recently tested by Gravity Probe B, have origin in the dynamics of the quantum vacuum which rotates with the earth.</p>

Neutron stars in Horndeski gravity

Horndeski's theory of gravity is the most general scalar-tensor theory with a single scalar whose equations of motion contain at most second-order derivatives. A subsector of Horndeski's theory known as ``Fab Four'' gravity allows for dynamical self-tuning of the quantum vacuum energy, and therefore it has received particular attention in cosmology as a possible alternative to the $\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Lambda}}\mathrm{CDM}$ model. Here we study compact stars in Fab Four gravity, which includes as special cases general relativity (``George''), Einstein-dilaton-Gauss-Bonnet gravity (``Ringo''), theories with a nonminimal coupling with the Einstein tensor (``John''), and theories involving the double-dual of the Riemann tensor (``Paul''). We generalize and extend previous results in theories of the John class and were not able to find realistic compact stars in theories involving the Paul class.

About Dark Energy and Dark Matter in a Three-Dimensional Quantum Vacuum Model

A model of a three-dimensional quantum vacuum based on Planck energy density as a universal property of a granular space is suggested. The possibility to provide an unifying explanation of dark matter and dark energy as phenomena linked with the fluctuations of the three-dimensional quantum vacuum is explored. The changes and fluctuations of the quantum vacuum energy density generate a curvature of space–time similar to the curvature produced by a “dark energy” density. The formation of large scale structures in the universe associated to the flattening of the orbital speeds of the spiral galaxies can be explained in terms of primary fluctuations of the quantum vacuum energy density without attracting the idea of dark matter.

About a Three-Dimensional Quantum Vacuum as the Ultimate Origin of Gravity, Electromagnetic Field, Dark Energy ... and Quantum Behavior

A unification model where matter is a structure of energy of a three-dimensional quantum vacuum and diminishes its energy density is proposed. Mass and gravity are carried by variable energy density of the three-dimensional quantum vacuum. Electric field and magnetic field are carried by regions of polarized quantum vacuum generated by appropriate oscillations depending on fluctuations of the quantum vacuum energy density. The quantum behavior of matter derives directly from elementary energy fluctuations of the three-dimensional quantum vacuum. Dark energy is itself energy of the three-dimensional quantum vacuum.

Cosmological evolution with the cubic order field derivative coupling

We investigate cosmological evolution in the scalar–tensor theory with the field derivative coupling to the double-dual of the Riemann tensor (the cubic-type theory). The theory can be seen as the straightforward extension of the scalar–tensor with the quadratic order field derivative coupling to the Einstein tensor (the quadratic-type theory). Both the field derivative couplings to the Einstein tensor and the double-dual of the Riemann tensor have been argued in terms of the successful realization of the self-tuning of the cosmological constant within the Horndeski theory. Assuming the constant potential given by the sum of the cosmological constant and the quantum vacuum energy, the shift symmetry for the scalar field and no matter fields, in the spatially-flat Friedmann–Lemaitre–Robertson–Walker spacetime, we can reduce the set of the field equations to the first-order ordinary nonlinear differential equation for the Hubble parameter, showing the existence of the self-tuned and runaway de Sitter solutions, in addition to the standard de Sitter solutions in general relativity and the finite Hubble singularities which can be reached within the finite time. We then argue the possible cosmological evolution in terms of the values of the effective cosmological constant, the kinetic coupling constants and the initial Hubble parameter. Although the behavior of the universe around each of the de Sitter solutions as well as the finite time singularities is very similar in both theories, we find that the crucial difference appears in terms of no bounce or turnaround behavior across the vanishing Hubble parameter as well as no limitation for the range of the Hubble parameter in the cubic-type theory.

Manifestly Local Theory of Vacuum Energy Sequestering.

We present a manifestly local, diffeomorphism invariant, and locally Poincaré invariant formulation of vacuum energy sequestering. In this theory, quantum vacuum energy generated by matter loops is canceled by auxiliary fields. The auxiliary fields decouple from gravity almost completely. Their only residual effect is an apriori arbitrary, finite contribution to the curvature of the background geometry, which is radiatively stable. Its value is to be determined by a measurement, like the finite part of any radiatively stable UV-sensitive quantity in quantum field theory.

UDE Cosmology Without Higgs Boson and Without Graviton

Einstein formalism E=m∙c2 describes relation between energy and mass. The missing equation is how mass is related with gravity. In this paper we will show that energy, mass and gravity which of a given particle have all origin in variable energy density of quantum vacuum. Quantum vacuum of Planck metrics is a fundamental arena of the universe. Every particle is made out of quantum vacuum energy and diminishes its energy density accordingly to the amount of its energy. Diminished energy density of quantum vacuum gives origin to inertial and to gravitational mass. Variable energy density of quantum vacuum is governing entire cosmic dynamics.