Quantum Perturbative Approach to Discrete Redshift

Abstract

On the largest scales there is evidence of discrete structure, examples of this are superclusters and voids and also by redshift taking discrete values. In this paper it is proposed that discrete redshift can be explained by using the spherical harmonic integer l; this occurs both in the metric or density perturbations and also in the solution of wave equations in Robertson-Walker spacetime. It is argued that the near conservation of energy implies that l varies regularly for wave equations in Robertson-Walker spacetime, whereas for density perturbations l cannot vary regularly. Once this is assumed then perhaps the observed value of discrete redshift provides the only observational or experimental data that directly requires an explanation using both gravitational and quantum theory. In principle a model using this data could predict the scale factor R (or equivalently the deceleration parameter q). Solutions of the Klein-Gordon equation in Robertson-Walker spacetimes are used to devise models which have redshift taking discrete values, but they predict a microscopic value for R. A model in which the stress of the Klein-Gordon equation induces a metrical perturbation of Robertson-Walker spacetime is devised. Calculations based upon this model predict that the Universe is closed with $2q_0-1=10^{-4}$.