Particle horizon

About: Particle horizon is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 2096 publications have been published within this topic receiving 69137 citations.

Connecting The Non-Singular Origin of the Universe, The Vacuum Structure and The Cosmological Constant Problem

Abstract: We consider a non-singular origin for the Universe starting from an Einstein static Universe, the so called "emergent universe" scenario, in the framework of a theory which uses two volume elements $\sqrt{-{g}}d^{4}x$ and $\Phi d^{4}x$, where $\Phi $ is a metric independent density, used as an additional measure of integration. Also curvature, curvature square terms and for scale invariance a dilaton field $\phi$ are considered in the action. The first order formalism is applied. The integration of the equations of motion associated with the new measure gives rise to the spontaneous symmetry breaking (S.S.B) of scale invariance (S.I.). After S.S.B. of S.I., it is found that a non trivial potential for the dilaton is generated. In the Einstein frame we also add a cosmological term that parametrizes the zero point fluctuations. The resulting effective potential for the dilaton contains two flat regions, for $\phi \rightarrow \infty$ relevant for the non singular origin of the Universe, followed by an inflationary phase and $\phi \rightarrow -\infty$, describing our present Universe. The dynamics of the scalar field becomes non linear and these non linearities produce a non trivial vacuum structure for the theory and are responsible for the stability of some of the emergent universe solutions, which exists for a parameter range of values of the vacuum energy in $\phi \rightarrow -\infty$, which must be positive but not very big, avoiding the extreme fine tuning required to keep the vacuum energy density of the present universe small. The non trivial vacuum structure is crucial to ensure the smooth transition from the emerging phase, to an inflationary phase and finally to the slowly accelerated universe now. Zero vacuum energy density for the present universe defines the threshold for the creation of the universe.

Ricci focusing, shearing, and the expansion rate in an almost homogeneous Universe

Abstract: The Universe is inhomogeneous, and yet it seems to be incredibly well-characterised by a homogeneous relativistic model. One of the current challenges is to accurately characterise the properties of such a model. In this paper we explore how inhomogeneities may affect the overall optical properties of the Universe by quantifying how they can bias the redshift-distance relation in a number of toy models that mimic the real Universe. The models that we explore are statistically homogeneous on large scales. We find that the effect of inhomogeneities is of order of a few percent, which can be quite important in precise estimation of cosmological parameters. We discuss what lessons can be learned to help us tackle a more realistic inhomogeneous universe.

The masses of weakly-coupled scalar fields in the early Universe

Abstract: We consider the effective mass-squared in the early Universe, of a scalar field which has only Planck-suppressed couplings with light fields and whose true mass is less than the Hubble parameter H. A detailed investigation shows that the effective mass-squared generically is of order ±H2 during inflation and matter-domination, but much smaller during radiation domination. We consider the special circumstances under which the mass-squared may be much bigger or much smaller than the generic value.

Structured FRW universe leads to acceleration: a non-perturbative approach

Abstract: We propose a model universe in the matter dominated phase described by a FRW background with local inhomogeneities, like our local patch, grown out of the primordial fluctuations. Our sub-horizon local patch consisting of different structures is approximated as an inhomogeneous cosmic fluid described by a LTB metric embedded in a background FRW universe, in which the observer could be located anywhere. Within the exact general relativistic formulation, the junction conditions for the only possible matching without a thin shell at the boundary, neglected so far in the literature, constrains the model in such a way that the luminosity distance-red shift relation mimics a FRW universe with dark energy. Therefore, the dimming of SNIa is accounted for in such a {\it structured} FRW universe. We have also calculated the exact general relativistic backreaction term and shown how it influences the global Hubble parameter and the effective density of the cosmic fluid By using an exact formulation of the general relativistic dynamics of structures in a homogeneous universe, the claim is therefore stressed that the backreaction of cosmological perturbations leads to an apparent dimming of the cosmological distances.

The uncaused beginning of the Universe.

Abstract: There is sufficient evidence at present to justify the belief that the universe began to exist without being caused to do so. This evidence includes the Hawking-Penrose singularity theorems that are based on Einstein's General Theory of Relativity, and the recently introduced Quantum Cosmological Models of the early universe. The singularity theorems lead to an explication of the beginning of the universe that involves the notion of a Big Bang singularity, and the Quantum Cosmological Models represent the beginning largely in terms of the notion of a vacuum fluctuation. Theories that represent the universe as infinitely old or as caused to begin are shown to be at odds with or at least unsupported by these and other current cosmological notions.