Wheeler-DeWitt Equation Research Articles

Exact Solution to The Wheeler-DeWitt Equation: Early and Current Universe

In this paper, we present exact solutions to the Wheeler-DeWitt equation in two different scenarios: the early Universe, where the ordering parameter of kinetic energy is important, and the current Universe, where the ordering parameter effect is negligible. To make the exact solutions as general as possible, we incorporate as many different types of energy density as possible into the Hamiltonian, including baryonic and non-baryonic matter (dark matter), radiation, vacuum, and quintessence (dark energy). In the early Universe scenario, we obtain exact solutions in terms of the Biconfluent Heun functions, whereas in the current Universe, the exact solutions are given in terms of the Triconfluent Heun functions. Furthermore, by applying the polynomial conditions to each case, we obtain a constraint equation that supports the notion that the Wheeler-DeWitt equation can be viewed as an eigenvalue problem for the cosmological constant.

Do regular quantum black holes exist?

Regular black holes do not exist in any classical theory of gravity including Einstein's general relativity. This unappealing feature is due to the appearance of a singularity in the interior of the black hole described by any classical theory. As Hawking argued, all known laws of physics must break down at the singularity. It is thus an important question whether this singularity can disappear in a quantum mechanical description of spacetime. In this letter, we therefore quantize the black hole interior in a Kantowski-Sachs minisuperspace representation in the presence of spontaneous Klein-Gordon matter field fluctuations. This leads to a Wheeler-DeWitt equation whose solution yields the interior wave function of the black hole. The regular part of this wave function satisfies the DeWitt boundary condition in that it vanishes at the singularity. Moreover, the wave function is regular and well behaved in the region around the singularity. These features of the wave function suggest that regular black holes do exist in quantum gravity.

Glauber-Sudarshan states, wave functional of the Universe and the Wheeler-De Witt equation

One of the pertinent question in the analysis of de Sitter as an excited state is what happens to the Glauber-Sudarshan states that are off-shell, i.e. the states that do not satisfy the Schwinger-Dyson equations. We argue that these Glauber-Sudarshan states, including the on-shell ones, are controlled by a bigger envelope wave functional namely a wave functional of the universe which surprisingly satisfies a Wheeler-De Witt equation. We provide various justification of the aforementioned identification including the determination of the emergent Hamiltonian constraint appearing in the Wheeler-De Witt equation that is satisfied by both the on- and off-shell states. Our analysis provides further evidence of why a transient four-dimensional de Sitter phase in string theory should be viewed as an excited state over a supersymmetric warped Minkowski background and not as a vacuum state.

Fractional holographic dark energy

Holographic dark energy theories present a fascinating interface to probe late-time cosmology, as guided by contemporary ideas about quantum gravity. In this work, we present a new holographic dark energy scenario designated “Fractional Holographic Dark Energy” (FHDE). This model extends the conventional framework of HDEs by incorporating specific features from fractional calculus and fractional Wheeler-De Witt equation recently applied, e.g., in cosmological settings. In this manner, we retrieve a novel form of HDE energy density. We then show how FHDE can provide a consistent picture of the evolution of the late-time universe even with the simple choice of the Hubble horizon as the IR (infrared) cutoff. We provide detailed descriptions of the cosmological evolution, showing how the fractional calculus ingredients can alleviate quite a few issues associated with the conventional HDE scenario. Concretely, we compute and plot diagrams using the Hubble horizon cutoff for HDE. The density parameters for DE and dark matter (DM), the deceleration parameter, and the DE EoS parameter indicate how the universe may evolve within our “FHDE” model, fitting within an appropriate scenario of late-time cosmology.

Remarks on 2D quantum cosmology

We consider two-dimensional quantum gravity endowed with a positive cosmological constant and coupled to a conformal field theory of large and positive central charge. We study cosmological properties at the classical and quantum level. We provide a complete ADM analysis of the classical phase space, revealing a family of either bouncing or big bang/crunch type cosmologies. At the quantum level, we solve the Wheeler-DeWitt equation exactly. In the semiclassical limit, we link the Wheeler-DeWitt state space to the classical phase space. Wavefunctionals of the Hartle-Hawking and Vilenkin type are identified, and we uncover a quantum version of the bouncing spacetime. We retrieve the Hartle-Hawking wavefunction from the disk path integral of timelike Liouville theory. To do so, we must select a particular contour in the space of complexified fields. The quantum information content of the big bang cosmology is discussed, and contrasted with the de Sitter horizon entropy as computed by a gravitational path integral over the two-sphere.

Minisuperspace description for inhomogeneous cosmological models and the role of the Lie symmetries

We explore the application of Lie symmetries to simplify the gravitational field equations of inhomogeneous cosmology. By employing these symmetries, we demonstrate the construction of a point-like Lagrangian and establish the existence of a minisuperspace description. Finally we show how the Lie symmetries can be applied to construct new solutions for the Wheeler-DeWitt equation.

Wheeler–DeWitt equation and the late gravitational collapse: Effects of factor ordering and the tunneling scenario

We set up the Wheeler–DeWitt (WDW) equation for late gravitational collapse. The fact that the gravitational collapse and the expanding/ collapsing universe can be described within the realm of the Robertson–Walker metric renders the corresponding WDW equation for collapsing matter a timeless Schrödinger equation. We explore the consequences of such an equation and find the density to be quantized in terms of the Planck density. Apart from that, the wave function as a solution of the WDW equation shows that the initial singularity is avoided. We concentrate on different factor orderings in the kinetic term of the equation and show how after splitting off an exponential ansatz, new polynomials entering the solution can be constructed. This enables us to conclude that the factor ordering changes the details of the solution and interpretation, but overall on a qualitative level the results remain the same. We also probe into the effects of a positive cosmological constant. It offers the possibility of a tunneling scenario at the cosmological horizon.

N-Dimensional non-commutative GUP quantization and application to the Bianchi I model

We analyse a n-dimensional Generalized Uncertainty Principle (GUP) quantization framework, characterized by a non-commutative nature of the configurational variables. First, we identify a set of states which are maximally localized only along a single direction, at the expense of being less localized in all the other ones. Subsequently, in order to recover information about localization on the whole configuration space, we use the only state of the theory which exhibits maximal localization simultaneously in every direction to construct a satisfactory quasi-position representation, by virtue of a suitable translational operator. The resultant quantum framework is then applied to model the dynamics of the Bianchi I cosmology. The corresponding Wheeler–DeWitt equation is reduced to Schrödinger dynamics for the two anisotropy degrees of freedom, using a WKB representation for the volume-like variable of the Universe, in accordance with the Vilenkin scenario. The main result of our cosmological implementation of the constructed quantum theory demonstrates how the dynamics of a wave packet peaked at some point in the configuration space represented in the quasi-position variables favours as the most probable configuration exactly the initial one for a relatively long time, if compared with the ordinary quantum theory. This preference arises from the different dynamical behavior exhibited by wave packets in the two quantum theories.

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.

Quantum Big-Bounce as a phenomenology of RQM in the Mini-superspace

We investigate the emergence of a quantum Big-Bounce in the context of an isotropic Universe, filled by a self-interacting scalar field, which plays the role of a physical clock. The bouncing cosmology is the result of a scattering process, driven by the scalar field potential, which presence breaks down the frequency separation of the Wheeler-DeWitt equation, treated in strict analogy to a relativistic quantum system. Differently from previous analyses, we consider a really perturbative self-interaction potential, affecting the dynamics in a finite range of the time labeled by the scalar clock (and in particular we remove the divergent character previously allowed). The main result of the present analysis is that, when the Relativistic Quantum Mechanics formalism is properly implemented in the Mini-superspace analogy, the probability amplitude for the bounce is, both in the standard and polymerized case, characterized by a maximum in correspondence of the quasi-classical condition of a Universe minimum volume.

Erratum: Gravitational thermodynamics and the Wheeler–DeWitt equation

Erratum: Gravitational thermodynamics and the Wheeler–DeWitt equation

Perturbative quantum evolution of the gravitational state and dressing in general backgrounds

This paper sets up a perturbative treatment of the evolving quantum state of a gravitational system, in a Schrödinger-like picture, working about a general background. This connects gauge symmetry, the constraints, gravitational dressing, and evolution. Starting with a general time slicing, we give a simple derivation of the relation between the constraints, the Hamiltonian, and its well-known boundary term. Among different approaches to quantization with constraints, we focus on a “gauge-invariant canonical quantization,” which is developed perturbatively in the gravitational coupling. The leading-order solution of the constraints (including the Wheeler-DeWitt equation) for perturbations about the background is given in terms of an explicit construction of gravitational dressings built using certain generalized Green’s functions; different such dressings corresponding to adding propagating gravitational waves to a particular solution of the constraints. Dressed operators commute with the constraints, expressing their gauge invariance, and have an algebraic structure differing significantly from the undressed operators of the underlying field theory. These operators can act on the vacuum to create dressed states, and evolution of general such states is then generated by the boundary Hamiltonian, and alternately may be characterized using other relational observables. This provides a concrete approach to studying perturbative time evolution, including the leading gravitational backreaction, of quantum states of black holes with flat or anti–de-Sitter asymptotics, for example on horizon-crossing slices. This description of evolution in turn provides a starting point for investigating possibly important corrections to quantum evolution, that go beyond quantized general relativity. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Quantum nature of spacetime near the black hole singularity

The concept of spacetime loses its usual interpretation at the essential singularity of a black hole. In consequence, all laws of physics must fail at this classical singularity. This unphysical behavior of spacetime at the singularity originates from general relativity. In order to have a consistent description of spacetime, this singularity must disappear in a quantum mechanical description of spacetime which is expected to be given by a quantum theory of gravity. In this paper, we therefore attempt to describe the quantum nature of spacetime in the vicinity of the (classical) singularity of a black hole. We take the Kantowsi–Sachs representation for the interior spacetime of a black hole and include inevitable vacuum fluctuations of matter field in the Klein–Gordon representation. Hence we obtain the Wheeler–DeWitt equation for the black hole interior and solve this equation exactly yielding a general expression for the interior wave function of the black hole. Admissible wave functions consistent with the DeWitt boundary condition implies that the Hilbert space has three nonoverlapping sectors distinguished by the relative character of the eigenvalues. Regular quantum black holes with admissible and well-behaved wave function having no singularity can exist only in two of those sectors. However, the remaining sector does not contain any regular quantum black hole.

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.

Black hole singularity resolution in Wheeler–DeWitt quantum gravity

Ever since Hawking highlighted the puzzle of the existence of a singularity in the classical spacetime of general relativity, implying breakdown of all laws of physics living in the classical spacetime, singularity resolution became a problem of significantly high importance. This undesirable feature, indicating loss of predictability, has intrigued physicists over several decades. It has been hoped that the classical singularity would be resolved in a quantum theory of gravity. However, no appropriate wave function in the vicinity of the black hole singularity has been obtained so far to reach a definite conclusion.In this paper, we focus upon the interior of the Schwarzschild black hole, plagued by a non-removable classical singularity. We consider the interior spacetime of the black hole to be represented by the Kantowski–Sachs metric. Since in a quantum mechanical scenario, existence of spontaneous fluctuations of matter fields should not be ignored, we include a Klein–Gordon field in the system. Quantizing this simple gravity-matter model in the canonical scheme, we obtain the Wheeler–DeWitt equation and find an exact solution in the minisuperspace variables.We find that there exist three classes of solutions belonging to three different subregions of the eigenvalue space. Two of these classes of solutions admit the DeWitt criterion, a necessary condition for singularity resolution, implied by vanishing of the wave function at the singularity. These solutions are well-behaved and finite in the vicinity of the singularity and they indicate the existence of regular black holes in quantum gravity. In these classes of solutions, we further find that the expectation value of the Kretschmann operator is well-behaved and regular near the singularity, confirming a definite resolution to the puzzle of classical black hole singularity. On the other hand, there exists a small subregion in the eigenvalue space where the solution does not satisfy both conditions, the DeWitt criterion and finiteness of the Kretschmann expectation value at the singularity. This last class of solutions does not represent regular quantum black holes.

Quantum isotropic Universe in RQM analogy: The cosmological horizon

We investigate the quantum dynamics of the isotropic Universe in the presence of a free massless scalar field, playing the role of a physical clock. The Hilbert space is constructed via a direct analogy between the Wheeler-DeWitt equation in the minisuperspace and a relativistic scalar one in physical space. In particular, we show how the introduction of a “turning point” in the Universe evolution allows to overcome an intrinsic ambiguity in representing the expanding and collapsing Universe. In this way, the positive and negative frequencies are simply identified with time reversed states. The main subject of the present analysis is the construction of a horizon operator, whose quantum behavior is investigated when Polymer Quantum Mechanics is implemented to describe the asymptotic evolution near the initial singularity. The reason of this choice is motivated by the intrinsic spreading of localized wavepackets when the polymer dispersion relation governs the quantum dynamics. The evidence that the mean value of the quantum horizon operator follows its semiclassical behavior (corrected for polymerization) is a clear indication that a concept of causality can be restored also in the quantum cosmological picture.

Wormhole inducing exponential expansion in R2 gravity

Wormholes are considered both from the Wheeler deWitt equation, as well as from the field equations in the Euclidean background of Robertson Walker mini-superspace in [Formula: see text] gravity. Quantum wormhole satisfies Hawking Page wormhole boundary condition in the Euclidean background of mini-superspace, however, in the Lorentzian background wave functional turns to the usual oscillatory function. The Euclidean field equations for [Formula: see text] lead to the wormhole configuration, as well as oscillating universe in Euclidean time [Formula: see text]. The oscillating universe in Euclidean time [Formula: see text] transforms to an expanding universe only for [Formula: see text] in Lorentz time [Formula: see text] under analytic continuation [Formula: see text] and asymptotically leads to an exponential solution. An Euclidean wormhole in the very early era evolves to an oscillating universe in [Formula: see text], thereafter crossing deSitter radius transition to an inflationary era is evident at later epoch only for [Formula: see text].

Holography and Nucleation Processes from the Primeval Wheeler-Dewitt Equation in a De Sitter Universe

Holography and Nucleation Processes from the Primeval Wheeler-Dewitt Equation in a De Sitter Universe

A realist interpretation of unitarity in quantum gravity

Unitarity is a difficult concept to implement in canonical quantum gravity because of state non-normalisability and the problem of time. We take a realist approach based on pilot-wave theory to address this issue in the Ashtekar formulation of the Wheeler–DeWitt equation. We use the postulate of a definite configuration in the theory to define a global time for the gravitational-fermionic system recently discussed in Alexander et al (2022 Phys. Rev. D 106 106012), by parameterising a variation of a Weyl-spinor that depends on the Kodama state. The total Hamiltonian constraint yields a time-dependent Schrodinger equation, without semi-classical approximations, which we use to derive a local continuity equation over the configuration space. We implement the reality conditions at the level of the guidance equation, and obtain a real spin-connection, extrinsic curvature and triad along the system trajectory. We obtain quantum corrections to deSitter spacetime from the guidance equation. The non-normalisable Kodama state is naturally factored out of the full quantum state in the conserved current density, opening the possibility for quantum-mechanical unitarity. We also give a pilot-wave generalisation of the notion of unitarity applicable to non-normalisable states, and show the existence of equilibrium density for our system. Lastly, we find unitary states in mini-superspace by finding an approximate solution to the Hamiltonian constraint.