Function Of The Universe Research Articles

Application of Clifford’s Algebra to Describe the Early Universe

This article is a shortened review of previous results obtained by the author. The advantages of describing the geometric nature of the physical properties of the early universe using the Clifford algebra approach are demonstrated. A geometric representation of the wave function of the early universe is used, and a new mechanism of spontaneous symmetry breaking with different degrees of freedom is proposed. A possible supersymmetry is revealed, and it is shown that the energy of the initial vacuum can be considered equal to zero. The origin of baryonic asymmetry and the nature of dark matter can be explained using a geometric representation of the wave function of the early universe.

Noether symmetry analysis in f(T,TG) gravity theory: A study of classical cosmology

This work deals with [Formula: see text] gravity in the background of homogeneous and isotropic flat Friedmann–Lemaître–Robertson–Walker (FLRW) space-time model. The main aim of this work is to examine whether the model supports the observational data or not. By using the Noether symmetry analysis, not only the symmetry vector is obtained, but also the coupling function [Formula: see text] in the Lagrangian has been determined. Also, the symmetry analysis identifies a transformation from [Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text] in such a way that one of the new variables become cyclic along the direction symmetry vector and as a result the field equations become solvable. Then the solution is analyzed from the observational point of view. Finally, quantum cosmology has been formulated for the present model and the wave function of the universe has been evaluated by solving the Wheeler–DeWitt equation with some assumptions.

A non-perturbative and background-independent formulation of quadratic gravity

A non-perturbative and background-independent quantum formulation of quadratic gravity is provided. A canonical quantization procedure introduced in previous works, named after Dirac and Pauli, is here applied to quadratic gravity to obtain, as required by consistency, a well-defined Euclidean path integral. The theory is unitary: all probabilities are non negative and they sum up to one. We obtain path-integral expressions for the transition amplitudes, Green's functions and generic matrix elements of time-ordered products of the metric. As a byproduct, similar results are also obtained for a scalar-field four-derivative interacting model. In this way, among other things, previous perturbative and background-dependent calculations are justified. The (quantum) quadratic gravity effective action, whose field equations determine the vacuum expectation value of the metric in the presence of a generic energy-momentum tensor, is constructed. The classical limit of the effective action turns out to be equivalent to the starting classical action of quadratic gravity, whose runaway rates were previously shown to be slow enough to be compatible with observations. Finally, the constructed non-perturbative and background-independent quantum quadratic gravity is applied to quantum cosmology to obtain a path-integral expression for the wave function of the universe, which satisfies a sort of Wheeler-DeWitt equation. This application allows us to understand at the quantum level why our universe is nearly homogeneous and isotropic.

Quantum Gravity Corrections to the Inflationary Spectrum in a Bohmian Approach

A precise interpretation of the universe wave function is forbidden in the spirit of the Copenhagen School since a precise notion of measure operation cannot be satisfactorily defined. Here, we propose a Bohmian interpretation of the isotropic universe quantum dynamics, in which the Hamilton–Jacobi equation is restated by including quantum corrections, which lead to a classical trajectory containing effects of order ℏ2. This solution is then used to determine the spectrum of gauge-invariant quantum fluctuations living on the obtained background model. The analysis is performed adopting the wave function approach to describe the fluctuation dynamics, which gives a time-dependent harmonic oscillator for each Fourier mode and whose frequency is affected by the ℏ2 corrections. The properties of the emerging spectrum are discussed, outlining the modification induced with respect to the scale-invariant result, and the hierarchy of the spectral index running is discussed.

Perturbative unitarity and the wavefunction of the Universe

Unitarity of time evolution is one of the basic principles constraining physical processes. Its consequences in the perturbative Bunch-Davies wavefunction in cosmology have been formulated in terms of the cosmological optical theorem. In this paper, we re-analyse perturbative unitarity for the Bunch-Davies wavefunction, focusing on: i)i) the role of the i\epsiloniϵ-prescription and its compatibility with the requirement of unitarity; ii)ii) the origin of the different ``cutting rules’’; iii)iii) the emergence of the flat-space optical theorem from the cosmological one. We take the combinatorial point of view of the cosmological polytopes, which provide a first-principle description for a large class of scalar graphs contributing to the wavefunctional. The requirement of the positivity of the geometry together with the preservation of its orientation determine the i\epsiloniϵ-prescription. In kinematic space it translates into giving a small negative imaginary part to all the energies, making the wavefunction coefficients well-defined for any value of their real part along the real axis. Unitarity is instead encoded into a non-convex part of the cosmological polytope, which we name . The cosmological optical theorem emerges as the equivalence between a specific polytope subdivision of the optical polytope and its triangulations, each of which provides different cutting rules. The flat-space optical theorem instead emerges from the non-convexity of the optical polytope. On the more mathematical side, we provide two definitions of this non-convex geometry, none of them based on the idea of the non-convex geometry as a union of convex ones.

Faces of cosmological polytopes

A cosmological polytope is a lattice polytope introduced by Arkani-Hamed, Benincasa, and Postnikov in their study of the wavefunction of the universe in a class of cosmological models. More concretely, they construct a cosmological polytope for any Feynman diagram, i.e., an undirected graph. In this paper, we initiate a combinatorial study of these polytopes. We give a complete description of their faces, identify minimal faces that are not simplices and compute the number of faces in specific instances. In particular, we give a recursive description of the f -vector of cosmological polytopes of trees.

Noether symmetry analysis for fourth-order modified gravity theory: Cosmological solution and evolution

A modified fourth-order gravity theory namely the [Formula: see text] theory is considered in flat FLRW model to investigate both classical and quantum cosmology. The field equations are reduced to second-order differential equations by considering the technique of Lagrange multiplier. Noether symmetry analysis has been used both for obtaining classical solution and the wave function of the Universe in quantum cosmology. Finally the cosmological solutions are examined from observational view point.

Cosmological correlators through the looking glass: reality, parity, and factorisation

We consider the evolution of quantum fields during inflation, and show that the total-energy singularities appearing in the perturbative expansion of the late-time Wavefunction of the Universe are purely real when the external states are massless scalars and massless gravitons. Our proof relies on the tree-level approximation, Bunch-Davies initial conditions, and exact scale invariance (IR-convergence), but without any assumptions on invariance under de Sitter boosts. We consider all n-point functions and allow for the exchange of additional states of any mass and integer spin. Our proof makes use of a decomposition of the inflationary bulk-bulk propagator of massive spinning fields which preserves UV-convergence and ensures that the time-ordered contributions are purely real after we rotate to Euclidean time. We use this reality property to show that the maximally-connected parts of wavefunction coefficients, from which total-energy singularities originate, are purely real. In a theory where all states are in the complementary series, this reality extends to the full wavefunction coefficient. We then use our reality theorem to show that parity-odd correlators (correlators that are mirror asymmetric) are factorised and do not diverge when the total-energy is conserved. We pay special attention to the parity-odd four-point function (trispectrum) of inflationary curvature perturbations and use our reality/factorisation theorems to show that this observable is factorised into a product of cubic diagrams thereby enabling us to derive exact shapes. We present examples of couplings between the inflaton and massive spin-1 and spin-2 fields, with the parity-violation in the trispectrum driven by Chern-Simons corrections to the spinning field two-point function, or from parity-violating cubic interactions which we build within the Effective Field Theory of Inflation. In addition, we present a first-of-its-kind example of a parity-violating trispectrum, generated at tree-level, that arises in a purely scalar theory where the inflaton mixes linearly with an additional massive scalar field.

Modified f(Q,C) gravity dark energy models with observational constraints

We investigate an isotropic and homogeneous flat dark energy model in [Formula: see text] gravity theory that is linear in non-metricity Q and quadratic in boundary term C as [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is a model parameter. We have solved the field equations in flat Friedmann–Lemaitre–Robertson–Walker (FLRW) spacetime geometry and considered a relation in the form of Hubble function in total energy density parameters [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], and Hubble constant [Formula: see text]. We have compared our results with two observational datasets [Formula: see text] and Pantheon SNe Ia datasets by using MCMC analysis and have obtained the best fit present values of parameters. We have used these best fit values throughout in result analysis and discussion. We have found the equation of state (EoS) parameter as [Formula: see text] over [Formula: see text]. We have also investigated the Om diagnostic function and present age of the universe for these two datasets.

Cosmology meets cohomology

The cosmological polytope and bootstrap programs have revealed interesting connections between positive geometries, modern on-shell methods and bootstrap principles studied in the amplitudes community with the wavefunction of the Universe in toy models of FRW cosmologies. To compute these FRW correlators, one often faces integrals that are too difficult to evaluate by direct integration. Borrowing from the Feynman integral community, the method of (canonical) differential equations provides an efficient alternative for evaluating these integrals. Moreover, we further develop our geometric understanding of these integrals by describing the associated relative twisted cohomology. Leveraging recent progress in our understanding of relative twisted cohomology in the Feynman integral community, we give an algorithm to predict the basis size and simplify the computation of the differential equations satisfied by FRW correlators.

Toward local Madelung mechanics in spacetime

It has recently been shown that relativistic quantum theory leads to a local interpretation of quantum mechanics wherein the universal wavefunction in configuration space is entirely replaced with an ensemble of local fluid equations in spacetime. For want of a fully relativistic quantum fluid treatment, we develop a model using the nonrelativistic Madelung equations, and obtain conditions for them to be local in spacetime. Every particle in the Madelung fluid is equally real, and has a definite position, momentum, kinetic energy, and potential energy. These are obtained by defining quantum momentum and kinetic energy densities for the fluid and separating the momentum into average and symmetric parts, and kinetic energy into classical kinetic and quantum potential parts. The two types of momentum naturally give rise to a single classical kinetic energy density, which contains the expected kinetic energy, even for stationary states, and we define the reduced quantum potential as the remaining part of the quantum kinetic energy density. We treat the quantum potential as a novel mode of internal energy storage within the fluid particles, which explains most of the nonclassical behavior of the Madelung fluid. For example, we show that in tunneling phenomena, the quantum potential negates the barrier so that nothing prevents the fluid from flowing through. We show how energy flows and transforms in this model, and that enabling local conservation of energy requires defining a quantum potential energy current that flows through the fluid rather than only flowing with it. The nonrelativistic treatment generally contains singularities in the velocity field, which undermines the goal of local dynamics, but we expect a proper relativistic treatment will bound the fluid particle velocities at c.

Non-perturbative wavefunction of the universe in inflation with (resonant) features

We study the statistics of scalar perturbations in models of inflation with small and rapid oscillations in the inflaton potential (resonant non-Gaussianity). We do so by deriving the wavefunction Ψ[ζ(x)] non-perturbatively in ζ, but at first order in the amplitude of the oscillations. The expression of the wavefunction of the universe (WFU) is explicit and does not require solving partial differential equations. One finds qualitative deviations from perturbation theory for |ζ| ≳ α−2, where α ≫ 1 is the number of oscillations per Hubble time. Notably, the WFU exhibits distinct behaviours for negative and positive values of ζ (troughs and peaks respectively). While corrections for ζ < 0 remain relatively small, of the order of the oscillation amplitude, positive ζ yields substantial effects, growing exponentially as eπα/2 in the limit of large ζ. This indicates that even minute oscillations give large effects on the tail of the distribution.

Summing over non-singular paths in quantum cosmology

In this paper we provide the DeWitt propagator and its wave function in quantum cosmology using the path integral formulation of quantum gravity. The DeWitt boundary condition is introduced as a way to avoid the Big Bang singularity by positing that the wave function of the Universe vanishes near the Big Bang. However, there is currently no clear definition of the DeWitt boundary condition in the path integral formulation. To address this issue, we use the image method, which eliminates singular paths in the forbidden region of the infinite potential, and apply this method to quantum cosmology based on the Batalin–Fradkin–Vilkovisky formulation of the path integral. We investigate the validity of the image method, and in particular, find that this method is only appropriate when the potential has symmetry with respect to the boundary. We then show that the DeWitt propagator and the DeWitt wave function derived from the image method are consistent with solutions of the Wheeler–DeWitt equation for certain models of quantum cosmology.

Noncommutative branch‐cut quantum gravity with a self‐coupling inflaton scalar field: The wave function of the Universe

AbstractThis article focuses on the implications of a noncommutative formulation of branch‐cut quantum gravity. Based on a mini‐superspace structure that obeys the noncommutative Poisson algebra, combined with the Wheeler–DeWitt equation and Hořava–Lifshitz quantum gravity, we explore the impact of a scalar field of the inflaton‐type in the evolution of the Universe's wave function. Taking as a starting point the Hořava–Lifshitz action, which depends on the scalar curvature of the branched Universe and its derivatives, the corresponding wave equations are derived and solved. The noncommutative quantum gravity approach adopted preserves the diffeomorphism property of General Relativity, maintaining compatibility with the Arnowitt–Deser–Misner Formalism. In this work we delve deeper into a mini‐superspace of noncommutative variables, incorporating scalar inflaton fields and exploring inflationary models, particularly chaotic and nonchaotic scenarios. We obtained solutions to the wave equations without resorting to numerical approximations. The results indicate that the noncommutative algebraic space captures low and high spacetime scales, driving the exponential acceleration of the Universe.

The branch‐cut quantum gravity with a self‐coupling inflation scalar field: The wave function of the Universe

AbstractThis paper focuses on the implications of a commutative formulation that integrates branch‐cutting cosmology, the Wheeler–DeWitt equation, and Hořava–Lifshitz quantum gravity. Building on a mini‐superspace structure, we explore the impact of an inflaton‐type scalar field on the wave function of the Universe. Specifically analyzing the dynamical solutions of branch‐cut gravity within a mini‐superspace framework, we emphasize the scalar field's influence on the evolution of the evolution of the wave function of the Universe. Our research unveils a helix‐like function that characterizes a topologically foliated spacetime structure. The starting point is the Hořava–Lifshitz action, which depends on the scalar curvature of the branched Universe and its derivatives, with running coupling constants denoted as . The corresponding wave equations are derived and are resolved. The commutative quantum gravity approach preserves the diffeomorphism property of General Relativity, maintaining compatibility with the Arnowitt–Deser–Misner formalism. Additionally, we delve into a mini‐superspace of variables, incorporating scalar‐inflaton fields and exploring inflationary models, particularly chaotic and nonchaotic scenarios. We obtained solutions for the wave equations without recurring to numerical approximations.

The cosmological tree theorem

A number of diagrammatic “cutting rules” have recently been developed for the wavefunction of the Universe which determines cosmological correlation functions. These leverage perturbative unitarity to relate particular “discontinuities” in Feynman-Witten diagrams (with cosmological boundary conditions) to simpler diagrams, in much the same way that the Cutkosky rules relate different scattering amplitudes. In this work, we make use of a further causality condition to derive new cutting rules for Feynman-Witten diagrams on any time-dependent spacetime background. These lead to the cosmological analogue of Feynman’s tree theorem for amplitudes, which can be used to systematically expand any loop diagram in terms of (momentum integrals of) tree-level diagrams. As an application of these new rules, we show that certain singularities in the wavefunction cannot appear in equal-time correlators due to a cancellation between “real” and “virtual” contributions that closely parallels the KLN theorem. Finally, when combined with the Bunch-Davies condition that certain unphysical singularities are absent, these cutting rules completely determine any tree-level exchange diagram in terms of simpler contact diagrams. Altogether, these results remove the need to ever perform nested time integrals when computing cosmological correlators.

Newtonian approximation to estimate the current temperature of the universe

Based on supernovae data, we built a potential for the observable universe. Using classical mechanics, we built a classical Lagrangian and a Hamiltonian to describe the evolution of the universe as a three-dimensional sphere. We then considered the universe as a classical statistical ensemble and determined the partition function of the universe and thus estimated its current temperature. This analysis is classical, quantum approximation was never used.

A Wheeler–DeWitt Non-Commutative Quantum Approach to the Branch-Cut Gravity

In this contribution, motivated by the quest to understand cosmic acceleration, based on the theory of Hořava–Lifshitz and on the branch-cut gravitation, we investigate the effects of non-commutativity of a mini-superspace of variables obeying the Poisson algebra on the structure of the branch-cut scale factor and on the acceleration of the Universe. We follow the guiding lines of a previous approach, which we complement to allow a symmetrical treatment of the Poisson algebraic variables and eliminate ambiguities in the ordering of quantum operators. On this line of investigation, we propose a phase-space transformation that generates a super-Hamiltonian, expressed in terms of new variables, which describes the behavior of a Wheeler–DeWitt wave function of the Universe within a non-commutative algebraic quantum gravity formulation. The formal structure of the super-Hamiltonian allows us to identify one of the new variables with a modified branch-cut quantum scale factor, which incorporates, as a result of the imposed variable transformations, in an underlying way, elements of the non-commutative algebra. Due to its structural character, this algebraic structure allows the identification of the other variable as the dual quantum counterpart of the modified branch-cut scale factor, with both quantities scanning reciprocal spaces. Using the iterative Range–Kutta–Fehlberg numerical analysis for solving differential equations, without resorting to computational approximations, we obtained numerical solutions, with the boundary conditions of the wave function of the Universe based on the Bekenstein criterion, which provides an upper limit for entropy. Our results indicate the acceleration of the early Universe in the context of the non-commutative branch-cut gravity formulation. These results have implications when confronted with information theory; so to accommodate gravitational effects close to the Planck scale, a formulation à la Heisenberg’s Generalized Uncertainty Principle in Quantum Mechanics involving the energy and entropy of the primordial Universe is proposed.

Noether symmetry analysis in scalar tensor cosmology: a study of classical and quantum cosmology

The present work deals with a complex scalar field in scalar tensor gravity theory in the background of spatially flat Friedmann–Lema{hat{i}}tre–Robertson–Walker (FLRW) geometry. Noether symmetry analysis has been used to determine the classical cosmological solution of a scalar field in scalar–tensor theory with the scalar field as a nonminimally coupled complex field. Noether symmetry analysis is not only used to find a symmetry vector and potential but also it helps in finding an appropriate transformation (a,~phi ,~theta )rightarrow (u,~v,~theta ) in the augmented space so that one of the new variables becomes cyclic. In quantum cosmology, the Wheeler–DeWitt (WD) equation has been formed in the minisuperspace and its solution i.e. the wave function of the universe has been evaluated by using the operator version of the conserved (Noether) charge. Finally, the nature of the classical solution has been discussed from the observational point of view and the cosmological singularity has been examined both classically and quantum mechanically.

A description of classical and quantum cosmology for a single scalar field torsion gravity

In the background of homogeneous and isotropic flat FLRW spacetime, both classical and quantum cosmologies have been studied for teleparallel dark energy (DE) model. Using Noether symmetry analysis, not only the symmetry vector but also the coupling function in the Lagrangian and the potential of the scalar field have been determined. Also symmetry analysis identifies a cyclic variable in the Lagrangian along the symmetry vector and as a result the Lagrangian simplifies to a great extent so that classical solution is obtained. Subsequently, in quantum cosmology Wheeler–DeWitt (WD) equation has been constructed and the quantum version of the conserved momenta corresponding to Noether symmetry identifies the periodic part of the wave function of the universe and as a result the WD equation becomes solvable. Finally, quantum description shows finite nonzero probability at the classical big bang singularity.