Creating the Universe Without a Singularity and the Cosmological Constant Problem
E. I. Guendelman
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Appeared in Proceedings to the 14th Workshop 'What Comes Beyond the Standard Models', 11. - 21. July 2011 Bled, DMFA-Zaloznistvo, Ljubljana, December 2011
We consider a non singular origin for the Universe starting from an Einstein static Universe in the framework of a theory which uses two volume elements $\sqrt{-{g}}d^{4}x$ and $Φd^{4}x$, where $Φ$ is a metric independent density, also curvature, curvature square terms, first order formalism and for scale invariance a dilaton field $ϕ$ are considered in the action. 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 $ϕ\rightarrow \infty$ relevant for the non singular origin of the Universe and $ϕ\rightarrow -\infty$, describing our present Universe. Surprisingly, avoidance of singularities and stability as $ϕ\rightarrow \infty$ imply a positive but small vacuum energy as $ϕ\rightarrow -\infty$. Zero vacuum energy density for the present universe is the "threshold" for universe creation. This requires a modified emergent universe scenario, where the universe although very old, it does have a beginning.
We show that Raychaudhuri's recently proposed theorem on nonrotating universes cannot be used to rule out realistic singularity-free descriptions of the universe, as suggested by him in PRL 80, 654 (1998).
We choose a modified Chaplygin Gas Dark energy model for considering some its cosmological behaviors. In this regards, we study different Rip singularity scenarios and bouncing model of the universe in context of this model. We show that by using suitable parameters can explain some cosmological aspects of the model.
Considering a n-dimensional general spacetime, we deduce its 4-dimensional Einstein equation and Friedman equations, and discover a general dual relation between the scale factor $a(t)$ of our universe and the scale factor $B(t)$ of extra dimensions. Based on the dual relation equation, predictions of shrinking of extra dimensions and free of singularity problem of our universe are given. Therefore, solution to initial singularity paradox of our universe is achieved. Because the dual relation is general, this Letter discovers that it is just the extra dimensional shrinking contribution that re…
In this article we follow a previously developed theoretical approach, based in the tools of the singular semi-Riemannian geometry, to push the limits of time beyond the primordial spacetime singularity. By complexifying the Friedmann-Lemaître-Robertson-Walker (FLRW) metric and Friedmann's equations we model a branch cut universe, in which the cosmic FLRW metric scale factor is analytically continued to the complex plane, and becomes equivalent from a conceptual point of view of describing a hypothetical general metric of maximally symmetric and homogeneous superposed multiple universes.
The existence of singularities in a closed FRW universe depends on the assumption that general relativity is valid for distances less than the Planck length. However, stationary state wave functions of the Schrodinger equation for a closed radiation-dominated FRW universe derived by Elbaz et al (General Relativity and Gravitation 29, 481, 1997) are zero at zero radius of curvature. Thus, even if general relativity is assumed valid at distances less than the Planck length, quantum mechanics seems to forbid singularities in a closed FRW universe.
In this contribution we identify two scenarios for the evolutionary branch cut universe. In the first scenario, the universe evolves continuously from the negative complex cosmological time sector, prior to a primordial singularity, to the positive one, circumventing continuously a branch cut, and no primordial singularity occurs in the imaginary sector, only branch points. In the second scenario, the branch cut and branch point disappear after the realisation of the imaginary component of the complex time by means of a Wick rotation, which is replaced by the thermal time. In the second scenar…
In the recent literature it has been shown that the $H_0$ tension may be eliminated if an abrupt physics transition changed the Cepheid parameters in the near past of the Universe, nearly $70-150\,$Myrs ago. In this letter we stress the possibility that this abrupt transition was caused by the smooth passage of our Universe through a pressure finite-time cosmological singularity. Being a non-crushing type singularity the pressure singularity can leave its imprints in the Universe, since it occurs globally and literally everywhere. We discuss how this scenario could easily be realized by $F(R)$…
We consider the brane Kantowski-Sachs universe when bulk space is five dimensional anti-de Sitter obeying a linear equation of state of the form $p=(γ-1)ρ+p_{0}$, where $ γ,\:p_{0}$ are a parameters. In this framework we discuss the brane Kantowski-Sachs cosmology and compare it with standard Kantowski-Sachs cosmology in Einstein theory for some specific matter choice. For several specific choice of relation between energy and pressure, the behavior of the scale factors at early time is found. It is shown that the brane Kantowski-Scahs cosmology may quickly become isotropic for some choices of…
Isotropic quantum cosmological perfect fluid model is studied in the formalism of Rainbow gravity. It is found that the only surviving matter degree of freedom played the role of cosmic time. It is possible to find the wave packet naturally with a suitable choice of the Rainbow functions which resulted from the superposition of the wave functions of the Schr$\ddot{o}$dinger-Wheeler-deWitt equation. The many-worlds interpretation of quantum mechanics is applied to investigate the behavior of the scale factor and the behaviour is found to depend on the operator ordering. It is shown that the mod…
We discuss the essential features of baby-universe production, starting from a description of black holes and wormholes, in terms of the causal structure of spacetime, and following a qualitative review of the connection between vacuum decay and inflation in early universe cosmology. Related open questions are also addressed, especially in connection with the possibility that baby universes could be formed within our present universe - either in a future particle accelerator, or spontaneously.
The dynamical effects on the scale factors due to the scalar $ϕ$-field at the early stages of a supposedly anisotropic Universe expansion in the scalar-tensor cosmology of Jordan-Brans and Dicke is studied. This universe shows an {\sl isotropic} evolution and, depending on the value of the theorie's coupling parameter $ω$, it can begin from a singularity if $ω>0$ and after expanding shrink to another one; or, if $ω<0$ and $-3/2< ω\leq -4/3$, it can evolve from a flat spatially-infinite state to a non extended singularity; or, if $ -4/3 < ω< 0$, evolve from an extended singularity to a non sing…
We study the expansion of the Universe using an effective Friedmann equation obtained from the dynamics of GFT (Group Field Theory) isotropic condensates. The evolution equations are classical, with quantum correction terms to the Friedmann equation given in the form of effective fluids coupled to the emergent classical background. The occurrence of a bounce, which resolves the initial spacetime singularity, is shown to be a general property of the model. A promising feature of this model is the occurrence of an era of accelerated expansion, without the need to introduce an inflaton field with…
We present a simplified dynamic-vacuum-energy model for a time-symmetric Milne-like universe. The big bang singularity in this simplified model, like the one in a previous model, is just a coordinate singularity with finite curvature and energy density. We then calculate the dynamic behavior of scalar metric perturbations and find that these perturbations destabilize the big bang singularity.
The creation of universes in entangled pairs may avoid the initial singularity and it would have observable consequences in a large macroscopic universe like ours, at least in principle. In this paper we describe the creation of an entangled pair of universes from a double instanton, which avoids the initial singularity, in the case of a homogeneous and isotropic universe with a conformally coupled massless scalar field. The thermodynamical properties of inter-universal entanglement might have observable consequences on the properties of our single universe provided that the thermodynamics of …
In the present paper we give conclusive arguments pointing at physical equivalence among conformally related metrics. Based on the argument that any consistent effective theory of spacetime must be invariant under the one-parameter group of transformations of the units of length, time and reciprocal mass, it is shown, also, that canonical general relativity is not such a consistent theory. Conformal general relativity provides a consistent formulation of the laws of gravity instead. We further extend the results of papers gr-qc/9908075 and gr-qc/9905071 to open universes by studying the Raycha…
The initial singularity problem in standard general relativity is treated on the light of a viewpoint asserting that this formulation of Einstein's theory and its conformal formulations are physically equivalent. We show that flat Friedmann-Robertson-Walker universes and open dust-filled and radiation-filled universes are singularity free when described in terms of the formulation of general relativity conformal to the canonical one.
A general property of universes without initial singularity is investigated based on the singularity theorem, assuming the null convergence condition and the global hyperbolicity. As a direct consequence of the singularity theorem, the universal covering of a Cauchy surface of a nonsingular universe with a past trapped surface must have the topology of $S^3$. In addition, we find that the affine size of a nonsingular universe, defined through the affine length of null geodesics, is bounded above. In the case where a part of the nonsingular spacetime is described by Friedmann-Lemaître-Robertson…
The emergent universe scenario is a proposal for resolving the Big Bang singularity problem in the standard Friedmann-Lemaitre-Robertson-Walker cosmology. In the context of this scenario, the Universe originates from a nonsingular static state. In the present work, considering the realization of the emergent universe scenario, we address the possibility of having a nonsingular Kantowski-Sachs type static state. Considering four and five dimensional models (with and without brane), it is shown that both the existence and stability of a nonsingular state depend on the dimensions of the spacetime…
We show how to regularize the big bang singularity in the presence of random perturbations modeled by Brownian motion using stochastic methods. We prove that the physical variables in a contracting universe dominated by a scalar field can be continuously and uniquely extended through the big bang as a function of time to an expanding universe only for a discrete set of values of the equation of state satisfying special co-prime number conditions. This result significantly generalizes a previous result \cite{Xue:2014} that did not model random perturbations. This result implies that the extensi…
In one-loop string effective action, we study a generality of non-singular cosmological solutions found in the isotropic and homogeneous case. We discuss Bianchi I and IX type spacetimes. We find that nonsingular solutions still exist in Bianchi I model around nonsingular flat Friedmann solutions. On the other hand, we cannot find any nonsingular solutions in Bianchi IX model. Non-existence of nonsingular Bianchi IX universe may be consistent with the analysis by Kawai, Sakagami and Soda, i.e. the tensor mode perturbations against nonsingular flat Friedmann universe are unstable, because Bianc…
We study the evolution of a homogeneous, anisotropic Universe given by a Bianchi type-I cosmological model filled with viscous fluid, in the presence of a cosmological constant $Λ$. The role of viscous fluid and $Λ$ term in the evolution the BI space-time is studied. Though the viscosity cannot remove the cosmological singularity, it plays a crucial part in the formation of a qualitatively new behavior of the solutions near singularity. It is shown that the introduction of the $Λ$ term can be handy in the elimination of the cosmological singularity. In particular, in case of a bulk viscosity, …
McVittie's solution of Einstein's field equations, representing a point mass embedded into an isotropic universe, possesses a scalar curvature singularity at proper radius $R=2m$. The singularity is space-like and precedes, in the expanding case, all other events in the space-time. It is shown here that this singularity is gravitationally weak, and the possible structure of the region $R\leq 2m$ is investigated. A characterization of this solution which does not involve asymptotics is given.
We discuss evolution of density perturbations in cosmological models which admit finite scale factor singularities. After solving the matter perturbations equations we find that there exists a set of the parameters which admit a finite scale factor singularity in future and instantaneously recover matter density evolution history which are indistinguishable from the standard LCDM scenario.
A time machine (TM) is constructed whose creating in contrast to all TMs known so far requires neither singularities, nor violation of the weak energy condition (WEC). The spacetime exterior to the TM closely resembles the Friedmann universe.
We study effects of viscous fluid coupled with dark matter in our universe. We consider bulk viscosity in the cosmic fluid and we suppose the existence of a coupling between fluid and dark matter, in order to reproduce a stable de Sitter universe protected against future-time singularities. More general inhomogeneous fluids are studied related to future singularities.
We show that the second accelerating expansion of the universe appears smoothly from the decelerating universe remarkably after the initial inflation in the two-dimensional soluble semi-classical dilaton gravity along with the modified Poisson brackets of noncommutativity between the relevant fields. However, the ordinary solution coming from the equations of motion following the conventional Poisson algebra describes permanent accelerating universe without any phase change. In this modified model, it turns out that the phase transition is related to the noncommutative Poisson algebra.
We analyze the semiclassical polymer dynamics of the inhomogeneous Mixmaster model by choosing the cubed scale factor as the discretized configurational variable, while the anisotropies remain pure Einsteinian variables. Such a modified theory of gravity should be regarded as the appropriate framework to describe the behavior of quantum mean values, both in polymer quantum mechanics and in Loop Quantum Cosmology. We first construct the generalized Kasner solution, including a massless scalar field and a cosmological constant in the dynamics. They account for a quasi-isotropization, inflationar…
Observations indicate that the universe is effectively flat, but they do not rule out a closed universe. The role of positive curvature is negligible at late times, but can be crucial in the early universe. In particular, positive curvature allows for cosmologies that originate as Einstein static universes, and then inflate and later reheat to a hot big bang era. These cosmologies have no singularity, no "beginning of time", and no horizon problem. If the initial radius is chosen to be above the Planck scale, then they also have no quantum gravity era, and are described by classical general re…
It has long been a primary objective of cosmology to understand the apparent isotropy in our universe and to provide a mathematical formulation for its evolution. A school of thought for its explanation is quiescent cosmology, which already possesses a mathematical framework, namely the definition of an Isotropic Singularity, but only for the initial state of the universe. A complementary framework is necessary in order to also describe possible final states of the universe. Our new definitions of an Anisotropic Future Endless Universe and an Anisotropic Future Singularity, whose structure and…
Loop quantum cosmology (LQC) predicts a nonsingular evolution of the universe through a bounce in the high energy region. But LQC has an ambiguity about the quantization scheme. Recently, the authors in [Phys. Rev. D 77, 124008 (2008)] proposed a new quantization scheme. Similar to others, this new quantization scheme also replaces the big bang singularity with the quantum bounce. More interestingly, it introduces a quantum singularity, which is traversable. We investigate this novel dynamics quantitatively with a tachyon scalar field, which gives us a concrete example. Our result shows that o…
The quest to understand better the nature of the initial cosmological singularity is with us since the discovery of the expanding universe. Here, we propose several non-flat models, among them the standard cosmological scenario with a critical cosmological constant, the Einstein-Cartan cosmology, the Milne-McCrea universe with quantum corrections and a non-flat universe with bulk viscosity. Within these models, we probe into the initial singularity by using different techniques. Several nonsingular universes emerge, one of the possibilities being a static non-expanding and stable Einstein univ…
We study the dynamics of a spherically symmetric false vacuum bubble embedded in a true vacuum region separated by a "thick wall", which is generated by a scalar field in a quartic potential. We study the "Farhi-Guth-Guven" (FGG) quantum tunneling process by constructing numerical solutions relevant to this process. The ADM mass of the spacetime is calculated, and we show that there is a lower bound that is a significant fraction of the scalar field mass. We argue that the zero mass solutions used to by some to argue against the physicality of the FGG process are artifacts of the thin wall app…
We present a quantum model of the vacuum Bianchi-IX dynamics. It is based on four main elements. First, we use a compound quantization procedure: an affine coherent state quantization for isotropic variables and a Weyl quantization for anisotropic ones. Second, inspired by standard approaches in molecular physics, we make an adiabatic approximation (Born-Oppenheimer-like approximation). Third, we expand the anisotropy potential about its minimum in order to deal with its harmonic approximation. Fourth, we develop an analytical treatment on the semiclassical level. The resolution of the classic…
We discuss how dynamical dark energy universes with exotic singularities may be distinguished from the standard $Λ$CDM model on the basis of their redshift drift signal, for which measurements both in the acceleration phase and in the deep matter era will be provided by forthcoming astrophysical facilities. Two specific classes of exotic singularity models are studied: sudden future singularity models and finite scale factor singularity models. In each class we identify the models which can mimic $Λ$CDM and play the role of dark energy as well as models for which redshift drift signals are sig…
We present a physics model for a time-symmetric Milne-like universe. The model is based on the $q$-theory approach to the cosmological constant problem, supplemented by an assumed vacuum-matter energy exchange possibly due to quantum-dissipative effects. Without fine-tuning of the initial vacuum energy density, we obtain a harmless big bang singularity (with finite values of the Ricci and Kretschmann curvature scalars) and attractor behavior towards Minkowski spacetime. The time-symmetric spacetime manifold of our model may provide the proper setting for a possible CPT-symmetric universe.
We investigate various dark energy models by taking into account the thermal effects induced from Hawking radiation on the apparent horizon of the Universe, for example near a finite-time future singularity. If the dark energy density increases as the Universe expands, the Universe's evolution reaches a singularity of II type (or sudden future singularity). The second derivative of scale factor diverges but the first remains finite. Quasi-de Sitter evolution can change on sudden future singularity in the case of having an effective cosmological constant larger than the maximum possible value o…
This work is based on a cosmological scenario of a universe dominated by phantom energy with equation of state parameter $w<-1$ and the analysis of its asymptotic behaviour in the far-future. The author discusses whether a Big Rip singularity could be reached in the future. Working in the context of general relativity, it is argued that the Big Rip singularity could be avoided due to the gravitational Schwinger pair-production, even if no other particle-creating contribution takes place. In this model, the universe is described in its far-future by a state of a constant but large Hubble rate a…
We consider the dynamics of a spatially flat universe dominated by a self-interacting nonminimally coupled scalar field. The structure of the phase space and complete phase portraits for the conformal coupling case are given. It is shown that the non-minimal coupling modifies drastically the dynamics of the universe. New cosmological behaviors are identified, including superinflation ($\dot{H}>0$), avoidance of big bang singularities through classical birth of the universe from empty Minkowski space, and spontaneous entry into and exit from inflation. The relevance of this model to the descrip…
Cosmological solution to the gravitational field equations in the generalized Randall-Sundrum model for an anisotropic brane with Bianchi I geometry and perfect fluid as matter sources has been considered. The matter on the brane is described by a tachyonic field. The solution admits inflationary era and at a later epoch the anisotropy of the universe washes out. We obtain two classes of cosmological scenario, in the first case universe evolves from singularity and in the second case universe expands without singularity.
Spatially homogeneous but possibly anisotropic cosmologies have two main types of singularities: (1) asymptotically velocity term dominated (AVTD) - (reversing the time direction) the universe evolves to the singularity with fixed anisotropic collapse rates ; (2) Mixmaster-the anisotropic collapse rates change in a deterministicaly chaotic way. Much less is known about spatially inhomogeneous universes. It has been claimed that a generic universe would evolve toward the singularity as a different Mixmaster universe at each spatial point. I shall discuss how to predict whether a cosmology has a…
We briefly review the problem of generating cosmological flows of matter in GR (the genesis of universes), analyze models' shortcomings and their basic assumptions yet to be justified in physical cosmology. We propose a paradigm of cosmogenesis based on the class of spherically symmetric solutions with {\it integrable} singularity $r=0$. They allow for geodesically complete geometries of black/white holes, which may comprise space-time regions with properties of cosmological flows.
We consider the late-time accelerated universe in the Friedmann-Robertson-Walker (FRW) spacetime with a nonzero curvature, and investigate cosmological models when the cosmic fluid is taken to be inhomogeneous and viscous (bulk viscous), coupled to dark matter. We consider the influence from thermal effects caused by Hawking radiation on the formation of singularities of various classified types, within a finite time. It is shown that under the influence of Hawking radiation the time of formulation of a singularity, and the nature of the singularity itself, can change. It is also shown that by…
We present a singularity free class of inhomogeneous cylindrical universes filled with stiff perfect fluid $(ρ= p)$. Its matter free $ (ρ= 0)$ limit yield two distinct vacuum spacetimes which can be considered as analogues of Kasner solution for inhomogeneous singularity free spacetime.
Cosmological models with an inhomogeneous viscous dark fluid, coupled with dark matter in the Friedmann- Robertson-Walker (FRW) flat universe, are considered. The influence of thermal effects caused by Hawking radiation on the visible horizon is studied, in connection with the classified type I and type III singularities which are known to occur within a finite amount of time. Allowance of thermal effects implies that a transition to a type II singularity can take place, in a finite time. We take into account a bulk viscosity of the dark fluid, observing the equation of state in the case of ra…
In recent works, a construction was proposed resulting emergent universes inside black holes. This result can be obtained from a 4D black hole embedded in a 5D space time with the fifth dimension compactified on a circle [0, 2] (0 and 2 are identified) such that the two branes are at 0 and 1. In the present work, we study this setup by deriving particles equations of motion in the new universes, based on redefining energy and angular momentum. This leads to disappearance of the singularity in centres of black holes in classical General Relativity.
We investigate the early-time accelerated universe after the Big Bang. We pay attention to the dissipative properties of the inflationary universe in the presence of a soft type singularity, making use of the parameters of the generalized equation of state of the fluid. Flat Friedmann-Robertson-Walker metric is being used. We consider cosmological models leading to the so-called type IV singular inflation. Our obtained theoretical results are compared with observational data from the Planck satellite. The theoretical predictions for the spectral index turn out to be in agreement with the data,…
Alternative scenarios to the Big Bang singularity have been subject of intense research for several decades by now. Most popular in this sense have been frameworks were such singularity is replaced by a bounce around some minimal cosmological volume or by some early quantum phase. This latter scenario was devised a long time ago and referred as an "emergent universe" (in the sense that our universe emerged from a constant volume quantum phase). We show here that within an improved framework of canonical quantum gravity (the so called Quantum Reduced Loop Gravity) the Friedmann equations for co…
In this work we present a qualitative description of the evolution of a curved universe when we consider the interacting scheme for the constituents of the dark sector. The resulting dynamics can be modeled by a set of Lotka-Volterra type equations. For this model a future singularity is allowed, therefore the cyclic behavior for the energy interchange between the components of the universe is present only at some stage of the cosmic evolution. Due to the presence of the future singularity, the model exhibits global instability.
The spatially homogeneous, isotropic Standard Cosmological Model appears to describe our Universe reasonably well. However, Einstein's equations allow a much larger class of cosmological solutions. Theorems originally due to Penrose and Hawking predict that all such models (assuming reasonable matter properties) will have an initial singularity. The nature of this singularity in generic cosmologies remains a major open question in general relativity. Spatially homogeneous but possibly anisotropic cosmologies have two types of singularities: (1) velocity dominated---(reversing the time directio…
The gravitaional force produced by a point particle, like the sun, in the background of the static Einstein universe is studied. Both the approximate solution in the weak field limit and exact solution are obtained. The main properties of the solution are {\it i}) near the point particle, the metric approaches the Schwarzschild one and the radius of its singularity becomes larger than that of the Schwarzschild singularity, {\it ii}) far from the point particle, the metric approaches the static Einstein closed universe. The maximum length of the equator of the universe becomes smaller than that…
We study canonical quantization of a closed Euclidean universe with a cosmological constant and a massless scalar field. The closed Euclidean universe with an ordinary matter state can be matched at a finite radius only with the closed Lorentzian universe with the Wick-rotated exotic state. The exotic state provides the Lorentzian universe with a potential barrier extending from the cosmological singularity to the classical turning point and corresponding to the Euclidean geometry through the Wick-rotation, and avoid the singularity problem at the matching boundary. We find analytically the ap…
The big bounce singularity of a simple 5D cosmological model is studied. Contrary to the standard big bang space-time singularity, this big bounce singularity is found to be an event horizon at which the scale factor and the mass density of the universe are finite, while the pressure undergoes a sudden transition from negative infinity to positive infinity. By using coordinate transformation it is also shown that before the bounce the universe contracts deflationary, and the universe has been existed, according to the proper-time, for an infinitely long time.
The knowledge of the universe future is of fundamental importance for any advanced civilization. We study the future of singular dark universe where thermal effects due to the Hawking radiation on the apparent horizon of the FRW universe are taken in consideration. It is shown that dark universe which ends up at finite-time Type I and Type III singularity or infinite-time Little Rip singularity transits to finite-time Type II singularity due to account of thermal effects. On the same time, the Type II and IV singular universe does not change its qualitative behavior. The combined account of qu…
We consider ideal fluid and equivalent scalar field dark energy universes where all four known types of finite-time, future singularities occur at some parameter values. It is demonstrated that pressure/energy density of such quintessence/phantom dark energy diverges in spherically-symmetric spacetime at finite radius or at the center. This may cause the instability of the relativistic star or black hole in such universe. The resolution of the problem via the extra modification of the equation of state is briefly discussed.
The long story of the oscillatory approach to the initial cosmological singularity and its more recent incarnation in multidimensional universe models is told.
We construct a piecewise model that gives a physical viable realization of finite-time future singularity for a spatially flat Friedmann-Robertson-Walker universe within the interacting dark matter--dark energy framework, with the latter one in the form of a variable vacuum energy. The scale factor solutions provided by the model are accommodated in several branches defined in four regions delimited by the scale factor and the effective energy density. A branch starts from a big bang singularity and describes an expanding matter-dominated universe until the sudden future singularity occurs. Th…
We develop a scenario for the emergence of a non-singular generic cosmological solution based on the a WKB characterization of one of the two anisotropy degrees of freedom. We investigate the dynamics of the so-called inhomogeneous mixmaster in the "corner" configuration and inferring that one of the two anisotropic variables becomes small enough to explore the uncertainty principle. Then, we apply a standard WKB approximation to the dynamics of the Universe which has macroscopic volume, one macroscopic anisotropy and one microscopic quantum degree of freedom. Our study demonstrates the possib…
Null Energy Condition (NEC) can be violated in a consistent way in models with unconventional kinetic terms, notably, in Galileon theories and their generalizations. We make use of one of these, the scale-invariant kinetic braiding model, to discuss whether a universe can in principle be created by man-made processes. We find that even though the simplest models of this sort can have both healthy Minkowski vacuum and consistent NEC-violating phase, there is an obstruction for creating a universe in a straightforward fashion. To get around this obstruction, we design a more complicated model, a…
The fate of the cosmological singularity in the Taub model is discussed within the two frameworks. An internal time variable is ruled out and the only remaining degree of freedom (the anisotropy) of the Universe is quantized according to such schemes. The resulting GUP Taub Universe is singularity-free, differently from the second case, where the classical singularity is not tamed by the polymer-loop quantum effects.
