Physics – Nuclear Physics
Scientific paper
Jun 1984
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1984nuphb.239..257h&link_type=abstract
Nuclear Physics B, Volume 239, Issue 1, p. 257-276.
Physics
Nuclear Physics
436
Scientific paper
The quantum state of the universe is determined by the specification of the class of metrics and matter field configurations that are summed over in the path integral. The only natural choice of this class seems to be compact euclidean (i.e. positive definite) metrics and matter fields that are regular on them. This choice incorporates the idea that the universe is completely self-contained and has no boundary or asymptotic region. I show that in a simple ``minisuperspace'' model this boundary condition leads to a wave function which can be interpreted as a superposition of quantum states which are peaked around a family of classical solutions of the field equations. These solutions are non-singular and represent oscillating universes with a long inflationary period. They could be a good description of the observed universe. I also show that the features of the minisuperspace model that give rise to such a wave function are also present in models that contain all the degrees of freedom of the gravitational and matter fields.
No associations
LandOfFree
The quantum state of the universe does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with The quantum state of the universe, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and The quantum state of the universe will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1855543