Showing papers on "Initial singularity published in 2022"

Bounce Universe with Finite-Time Singularity

Abstract: This work explains how the presence of a Type-IV singularity (a mild singularity) can influence the dynamics of a bouncing universe. In particular, we examine the bounce cosmology that appears with a Type-IV singularity in the context of a ghost-free Gauss–Bonnet theory of gravity. Depending on the time of occurrence of the Type-IV singularity, three different cases may arise—when the singularity occurs before the bounce, after the bounce, or at the instant of the bounce. However, in all of these cases, we find that in the case when the singularity “globally” affects the spacetime, the scalar power spectrum becomes red-tilted, and the tensor-to-scalar ratio is too large to be consistent with the observational data. Based on these findings, we investigate a different bouncing scenario which also appears with a Type-IV singularity, and wherein the singularity affects the spacetime “locally” around the time when it occurs. As a result, and unlike the previous scenario, the perturbation modes in the second bouncing scenario are likely to be generated far away from the bounce in the deep contracting phase. This finally results in the simultaneous compatibility of the observable quantities with the Planck data and ensures the viability of the bounce model where the Type-IV singularity has local effects on the spacetime around the time of the singularity.

Unitarity, clock dependence and quantum recollapse in quantum cosmology

Abstract: Abstract We continue our analysis of a quantum cosmology model describing a flat Friedmann–Lemaître–Robertson–Walker Universe filled with a (free) massless scalar field and an arbitrary perfect fluid. For positive energy density in the scalar and fluid, each classical solution has a singularity and expands to infinite volume. When quantising we view the cosmological dynamics in relational terms, using one degree of freedom as a clock for the others. Three natural candidates for this clock are the volume, a time variable conjugate to the perfect fluid, and the scalar field. We have previously shown that requiring unitary evolution in the ‘fluid’ time leads to a boundary condition at the singularity and generic singularity resolution, while in the volume time semiclassical states follow the classical singular trajectories. Here we analyse the third option of using the scalar field as a clock, finding further dramatic differences to the previous cases: the boundary condition arising from unitarity is now at infinity. Rather than singularity resolution, this theory features a quantum recollapse of the Universe at large volume, as was shown in a similar context by Pawłowski and Ashtekar. We illustrate the properties of the theory analytically and numerically, showing that the ways in which the different quantum theories do or do not depart from classical behaviour directly arise from demanding unitarity with respect to different clocks. We argue that using a Dirac quantisation would not resolve the issue. Our results further illustrate the problem of time in quantum gravity.

Microphysical manifestations of viscosity and consequences for anisotropies in the very early universe

Abstract: It has been known that a non-perfect fluid that accounts for dissipative viscous effects can evade a highly anisotropic chaotic mixmaster approach to a singularity. Viscosity is often simply parameterised in this context, so it remains unclear whether isotropisation can really occur in physically motivated contexts. We present a few examples of microphysical manifestations of viscosity in fluids that interact either gravitationally or, for a scalar field for instance, through a self-coupling term in the potential. In each case, we derive the viscosity coefficient and comment on the applicability of the approximations involved when dealing with dissipative non-perfect fluids. Upon embedding the fluids in a cosmological context, we then show the extent to which these models allow for isotropisation of the universe in the approach to a singularity. We first do this in the context of expansion anisotropy only, i.e., in the case of a Bianchi type-I universe. We then include anisotropic 3-curvature modelled by the Bianchi type-IX metric. It is found that a self-interacting scalar field at finite temperature allows for efficient isotropisation, whether in a Bianchi type-I or type-IX spacetime, although the model is not tractable all the way to a singularity. Mixmaster chaotic behaviour, which is well known to arise in anisotropic models including anisotropic 3-curvature, is found to be suppressed in the latter case as well. We find that the only model permitting an isotropic singularity is that of a dense gas of black holes.

Wheeler-DeWitt Equation and the Applicability of Crypto-Hermitian Interaction Representation in Quantum Cosmology

Abstract: In the broader methodical framework of the quantization of gravity, the crypto-Hermitian (or non-Hermitian) version of Dirac’s interaction picture is considered. The formalism is briefly outlined and shown to be well suited for an innovative treatment of certain cosmological models. In particular, it is demonstrated that the Wheeler-DeWitt equation could be a promising candidate for the description of the evolution of the quantized Universe near its initial Big Bang singularity.

DeWitt wave function in Hořava-Lifshitz cosmology with tensor perturbation

Abstract: We present a well-tempered DeWitt wave function, which vanishes at the classical big-bang singularity, in Hořava-Lifshitz (HL) cosmology with tensor perturbation, both analytically and numerically. In general relativity, the DeWitt wave function is ill-behaved once the tensor perturbation is taken into account. This is essential because the amplitude of the perturbation diverges at the singularity and the perturbative expansion completely breaks down. On the other hand, in HL gravity it is known that the higher dimensional operators required by the perturbative renormalizability render the tensor perturbation scale-invariant and regular all the way up to the singularity. In this paper we analytically show that in d+1 dimensional HL gravity, the DeWitt wave function for tensor perturbation is indeed well-defined around the classical big-bang singularity. Also, we numerically demonstrate the well-behaved DeWitt wave function for tensor perturbation from the singularity to the finite size of the Universe.

Aspects of non-singular bounce in modified gravity theories

Abstract: Scenario of a bouncing universe is one of the most active area of research to arrive at singularity free cosmological models. Different proposals have been suggested to avoid the so called ‘big bang’ singularity through the quantum aspect of gravity which is yet to have a proper understanding. In this work, on the contrary, we consider three different approaches, each of which goes beyond General Relativity but remain within the domain of classical cosmological scenario, to address this problem. The hallmark of all these approaches is that the origin of the bouncing mechanism is somewhat natural within the geometrical framework of the model without any need of incorporating external source by hand. In the context of these scenarios, we also discuss various constraints that these viable cosmological models need to satisfy.

Cyclic spacetimes through singularity scattering maps. The laws of quiescent bounces

Abstract: For spacetimes containing quiescent singularity hypersurfaces we propose a general notion of junction conditions based on a prescribed singularity scattering map, as we call it, and we introduce the notion of a cyclic spacetime (also called a multiverse) consisting of spacetime domains bounded by spacelike or timelike singularity hypersurfaces, across which our scattering map is applied. A local existence theory is established here while, in a companion paper, we construct plane-symmetric cyclic spacetimes. We study the singularity data space consisting of the suitably rescaled metric, extrinsic curvature, and matter fields which can be prescribed on each side of the singularity, and for the class of so-called quiescent singularities we establish restrictions that a singularity scattering map must satisfy. We obtain a full characterization of all scattering maps that are covariant and ultralocal, in a sense we define and, in particular, we distinguish between, on the one hand, three laws of bouncing cosmology of universal nature and, on the other hand, model-dependent junction conditions. The theory proposed in this paper applies to spacelike and timelike hypersurfaces and without symmetry restriction. It encompasses bouncing-cosmology scenarios, both in string theory and in loop quantum cosmology, and puts strong restrictions on their possible explicit realizations.

Ascribing quantum system to Schwarzschild spacetime with naked singularity

Abstract: Abstract We quantize the Schwarzschild spacetime with naked singularity using the affine coherent states quantization method. The novelty of our approach is quantization of both temporal and spatial coordinates. Quantization smears the gravitational singularity indicated by the Kretschmann invariant avoiding its localization in the configuration space. This way we resolve the singularity problem of considered spacetime at quantum level.

Quantum resolution of the cosmological singularity without new physics

Abstract: We study a quantum Hot Big Bang in the connection representation, with a matter constant of motion m whose conjugate defines time. Superpositions in m induce a unitary inner product. The wave function reveals a resolution of the singularity problem without new physics or supplementary boundary conditions. Backtracking in time, the probability peak eventually halts at a maximum curvature, its height dropping thereafter while a symmetric contracting peak rises. The Big Bang is replaced by a superposition of contracting and expanding regular Universes. We contrast these findings with the situation in the metric representation, where boundary conditions at the singularity are needed for unitary evolution.

Lectures on classical and quantum cosmology

Abstract: These lecture notes introduce the reader to the hot big bang model, cosmological perturbations, gravitational waves, the cosmic microwave background, inflation, the singularity problem, the cosmological constant problem and the cosmology of quantum gravity.

The case of the vanishing wavefunction.

Abstract: Spacetime singularities are often held to be pathologies which need to be resolved, and researchers working on the foundations of physics often pin their hopes on the elusive quantum theory of gravity to offer a way to resolve singularities. What is less agreed upon is what such a resolution would amount to: what criteria would a theory of quantum gravity have to fulfill to resolve spacetime singularities? In this paper, I critically analyze one criterion proposed within canonical quantum cosmology for the avoidance of the big bang singularity, to draw philosophical lessons about how to interpret such criteria. The criterion, when applied to symmetry-reduced cosmological models, claims to avoid the big bang by making the wavefunction of the universe vanish 'at' the singularity. I ask whether it works as intended, and even if it does, whether avoiding the singularity is the same as resolving the singularity.

Unitarity and quantum resolution of gravitational singularities

Abstract: Here, we explore the consequences of requiring that quantum theories of gravity be unitary, mostly focusing on simple cosmological models to illustrate the main points. We show that unitarity for a clock that encounters a classical singularity at finite time implies quantum singularity resolution, but for a clock that encounters future infinity at finite time leads to a quantum recollapse. We then find that our starting point — assuming the general covariance of general relativity — is actually incompatible with general quantum unitarity: singularity resolution in quantum gravity can always be engineered by choosing the right clock, or avoided by using a different one.

Big bang singularity resolution in quantum cosmology

Abstract: We evaluate the physical viability and logical strength of an array of putative criteria for big bang singularity resolution in quantum cosmology. Based on this analysis, we propose a mutually consistent set of constitutive conditions, which we argue should be taken to jointly define ‘global dynamics’ and ‘local curvature’ big bang singularity resolution in this context. Whilst the present article will focus exclusively on evaluating resolution criteria for big bang singularities in the context of finite dimensional models of quantum cosmology, it is also hoped that the core features of our analysis will be extendible to a more general analysis of criteria for quantum singularity resolution in cosmology and black hole physics.

Causal structure of singularity in non-spherical gravitational collapse

Abstract: We investigate here the final state of gravitational collapse of a non-spherical and non-marginally bound dust cloud as modeled by the Szekeres spacetime. We show that a directionally globally naked singularity can be formed in this case near the collapsing cloud boundary, and not at its geometric center as is typically the case for a spherical gravitational collapse. This is a strong curvature naked singularity in the sense of Tipler criterion on gravitational strength. The null geodesics escaping from the singularity would be less scattered in this case in certain directions since the singularity is close to the boundary of the cloud as is the case in the current scenario. The physical implications are pointed out.

Anisotropic Multiverse with Varying c and G and Study of Its Thermodynamics

Abstract: We assume the anisotropic model of the Universe in the framework of a varying speed of light c and a varying gravitational constant G theories and study different types of singularities. We write the scale factors for the singularity models in terms of cosmic time and find some conditions for possible singularities. For future singularities, we assume the forms of a varying speed of light and varying gravitational constant. For regularizing the Big Bang singularity, we assume two forms of scale factors: the sine model and the tangent model. For both models, we examine the validity of null and strong energy conditions. Starting from the first law of thermodynamics, we study the thermodynamic behaviors of a number n of universes (i.e., multiverse) for (i) varying c, (ii) varying G and (iii) varying both c and G models. We find the total entropies for all the cases in the anisotropic multiverse model. We also find the nature of the multiverse if the total entropy is constant.

Novel relationship between shear and energy density at the bounce in nonsingular Bianchi I spacetimes

Abstract: In classical Bianchi-I spacetimes, underlying conditions for what dictates the singularity structure - whether it is anisotropic shear or energy density, can be easily determined from the generalized Friedmann equation. However, in non-singular bouncing anisotropic models these insights are difficult to obtain in the quantum gravity regime where the singularity is resolved at a non-vanishing mean volume which can be large compared to the Planck volume, depending on the initial conditions. Such non-singular models may also lack a generalized Friedmann equation making the task even more difficult. We address this problem in an effective spacetime description of loop quantum cosmology (LQC) where energy density and anisotropic shear are universally bounded due to quantum geometry effects, but a generalized Friedmann equation has been difficult to derive due to the underlying complexity. Performing extensive numerical simulations of effective Hamiltonian dynamics, we bring to light a surprising, seemingly universal relationship between energy density and anisotropic shear at the bounce in LQC. For a variety of initial conditions for a massless scalar field, an inflationary potential, and two types of ekpyrotic potentials we find that the values of energy density and the anisotropic shear at the quantum bounce follow a novel parabolic relationship which reveals some surprising results about the anisotropic nature of the bounce, such as the maximum value of the anisotropic shear at the bounce is reached when the energy density reaches approximately half of its maximum allowed value. The relationship we find can prove very useful for developing our understanding of the degree of anisotropy of the bounce, isotropization of the post-bounce universe, and discovering the modified generalized Friedmann equation in Bianchi-I models with quantum gravity corrections. and an ekpyrotic-like potential strongly indicate that energy density and shear scalar have a parabolic relation at the bounce in the effective dynamics of the Bianchi-I model in LQC.

From pre- to post-big bang: an (almost) self-dual cosmological history

Abstract: We present a short introduction to a non-standard cosmological scenario motivated by the duality symmetries of string theory, in which the big bang singularity is replaced with a 'big bounce' at high but finite curvature. The bouncing epoch is prepared by a long (possibly infinitely extended) phase of cosmic evolution, starting from an initial state asymptotically approaching the string perturbative vacuum. This article is part of the theme issue 'The future of mathematical cosmology, Volume 2'.

Model metrics for quantum black hole evolution: Gravitational collapse, singularity resolution, and transient horizons

Abstract: It is widely accepted that curvature singularity resolution should be a feature of quantum gravity. We present a class of time-dependent asymptotically flat spherically symmetric metrics that model gravitational collapse in quantum gravity. The metrics capture intuitions associated with the dynamics of singularity resolution, and horizon formation and evaporation following a matter bounce. A parameter in the metric associated with the speed of the bounce determines black hole lifetime as a power of its mass; this includes the Hawking evaporation time $M^{3}$.

Cosmological Perturbations in Bouncing Cosmologies and the Case of the Pre-Big Bang Scenario

Abstract: Pre-Big Bang cosmology inspired generations of cosmologists in attempts to cure the initial Big Bang singularity using a fundamental length scale as proposed by string theory. The existence of a phase of collapse/inflation with increasing curvature followed by a cosmic bounce has been proposed as an alternative to standard inflation in the solution of the horizon and curvature problems. However, the generation of a nearly scale-invariant spectrum of perturbations is not an automatic prediction of such scenarios. In this paper, I review some general statements about the evolution of perturbations in bouncing cosmologies and some historically significant attempts to reconcile the predicted spectra with the observations. Bouncing cosmologies and, in particular, the pre-Big Bang scenario stand as viable, although more complicated, alternatives to inflation that may still help solve current theoretical and observational tensions.

Cosmological Singularity as an Informational Seed for Everything

Abstract: Mathematical problem of encoding of the universe quantum state in the cosmological singularity is considered using a free and massless scalar .eld as a prototype of matter. Two di.erent but coherent approaches to this issue are presented. The expression for the scalar particles' spectral energy density, which is initially encoded at the singularity, is deduced. An informational aspect of the problem is discussed.

Features of the primordial Universe in f(R)-gravity as viewed in the Jordan frame

Abstract: We analyze some relevant features of the primordial Universe as viewed in the Jordan frame formulation of the f(R)-gravity, especially when the potential term of the non-minimally coupled scalar field is negligible. We start formulating the Hamiltonian picture in the Jordan frame, using the 3-metric determinant as a basic variable and we outline that its conjugated momentum appears linearly only in the scalar constraint. Then, we construct the basic formalism to characterize the dynamics of a generic inhomogeneous cosmological model and specialize it in order to describe behaviors of the Bianchi Universes, both on a classical and a quantum regime. As a fundamental issue, we demonstrate that, when the potential term of the additional scalar mode is negligible near enough to the initial singularity, the Bianchi IX cosmology is no longer affected by the chaotic behavior, typical in vacuum of the standard Einsteinian dynamics. In fact, the presence of stable Kasner stability region and its actractive character are properly characterized. Finally, we investigate the canonical quantization of the Bianchi I model, using as time variable the non-minimally coupled scalar field and showing that the existence of a conserved current is outlined for the corresponding Wheeler-DeWitt equation. The behavior of a localized wave-packet for the isotropic Universe is also evolved, demonstrating that the singularity is still present in this revised quantum dynamics.

An Anisotropic Kantowski–Sachs Universe with Radiation, Dust and a Phantom Fluid

Abstract: In the present work, we study the dynamical evolution of a homogeneous and anisotropic KS cosmological model, considering general relativity as the gravitational theory, such that there are three different perfect fluids in the matter sector. They are radiation, dust and phantom fluid. Our main motivation is determining if the present model tends to a homogeneous and isotropic FRW model, during its evolution. Also, we want to establish how the parameters and initial conditions of the model, quantitatively, influence the isotropization of the present model. In order to simplify our task, we use the Misner parametrization of the KS metric. In terms of that parametrization the KS metric has two metric functions: the scale factor a(t) and $$\beta (t)$$ , which measures the spatial anisotropy of the model. We solve, numerically, the Einstein’s equations of the model and find a solution where the universe starts to expand from a small initial size and continues to expand until it ends in a Big Rip singularity. We explicitly show that for the expansive solution, after same time, the universe becomes isotropic. Based on that result, we can speculate that the expansive solution may represent an initial anisotropic stage of our Universe, that later, due to the expansion, became isotropic.

Quantum resolution of the cosmological singularity without new physics

Abstract: We study a quantum Hot Big Bang in the connection representation, with a matter constant of motion m whose conjugate defines time. Superpositions in m induce a unitary inner product. The wavefunction reveals a resolution of the singularity problem without new physics or supplementary boundary conditions. Backtracking in time, the probability peak eventually halts at a maximum curvature, its height dropping thereafter while a symmetric contracting peak rises. The Big Bang is replaced by a superposition of contracting and expanding regular Universes. We contrast these findings with the situation in the metric representation, where boundary conditions at the singularity are needed for unitary evolution.

If you want to cross singularity, wrap it!

Abstract: In two-dimensional string theory, a probe D0-brane does not see the black hole singularity due to a cancellation between its metric coupling and the dilaton coupling. A similar mechanism may work in the Schwarzschild black hole in large $D$ dimensions by considering a suitable wrapped membrane. From the asymptotic observer, the wrapped membrane looks disappearing into nothing while the continuation of the time-like trajectory beyond the singularity suggests that it would reappear as an instantaneous space-like string stretching from the singularity. A null trajectory can be extended to a null trajectory beyond the singularity. Not only the effective particle but an effective string from the wrapped membrane can exhibit the same feature.

Bounce universe with finite-time singularity

Abstract: This work explains how the presence of a Type-IV singularity (a mild singularity) can influence the dynamics of a bouncing universe. In particular, we examine bounce cosmology that appears with a Type-IV singularity in the context of a ghost free Gauss-Bonnet theory of gravity. Depending on the time of occurrence of the Type-IV singularity, three different cases may arise -- when the singularity occurs before the bounce or after the bounce or at the instant of the bounce respectively. However in all of these cases, we find that in the case when the singularity "globally" affects the spacetime, the scalar power spectrum becomes red tilted and the tensor-to-scalar ratio is too large to be consistent with the observational data. Based on these findings, we investigate a different bouncing scenario which also appears with a Type-IV singularity, and the singularity affects the spacetime "locally" around the time when it occurs. As a result, and unlike to the previous scenario, the perturbation modes in the second bouncing scenario are likely to generate far away from the bounce in the deep contracting phase. This finally results to the simultaneous compatibility of the observable quantities with the Planck data, and ensures the viability of the bounce model where the Type-IV singularity has local effects on the spacetime around the time of the singularity.

Alternative $k=-1$ loop quantum cosmology

Abstract: An alternative quantization of the gravitational Hamiltonian constraint of the $k=-1$ Friedmann-Robertson-Walker model is proposed by treating the Euclidean term and the Lorentzian term independently, mimicking the treatment of full loop quantum gravity. The resulting Hamiltonian constraint operator for the $k=-1$ model with a massless scalar field is successfully constructed, and is shown to have the corrected classical limit. Compared to the former quantization schemes in the literature where only the Euclidean term is quantized, the new quantum dynamics of the $k=-1$ model with a massless scalar field indicates that the classical big-bang singularity is replaced by an asymmetric quantum bounce.