The Vacuum Energy from a New Perspective

A. R. Mondragon; R. E. Allen

doi:10.1063/1.1419576

Home/Archive/arXiv

arXiv · astro-ph/0103161

The Vacuum Energy from a New Perspective

A. R. Mondragon·R. E. Allen

View original source ↗Read source document ↗Export metadata ↓

Abstract

It is commonly believed that the vacuum energy problem points to the need for (1) a radically new formulation of gravitational physics and (2) a new principle which forces the vacuum stress-energy tensor (as measured by gravity) to be nearly zero. Here we point out that a new fundamental theory contains both features: (1) In this theory the vierbein is interpreted as the "superfluid velocity" associated with the order parameter for a GUT-scale Higgs condensate. (2) The vacuum stress-energy tensor is exactly zero in the vacuum state, because the action is extremalized with respect to variations in the order parameter. With inhomogeneously-distributed matter present, the vacuum stress-energy tensor is shifted away from zero.

Explore related subjects

astro-ph

Keep this discovery

Explore connections, maps & timelines

BibTeX RIS

A. R. Mondragon, R. E. Allen. 2001-10-23. The Vacuum Energy from a New Perspective. https://doi.org/10.1063/1.1419576

Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.

KEEP EXPLORING

Related papers

arXiv2022

Two 3-Branes in Randall-Sundrum Setup and Current Acceleration of the Universe

Five-dimensional spacetimes of two orbifold 3-branes are studied, by assuming that {\em the two 3-branes are spatially homogeneous, isotropic, and independent of time}, following the so-called "bulk-based" approach. The most general form of the metric is obtained, and the corresponding field equations are divided into three groups, one is valid on each of the two 3-branes, and the third is valid in the bulk. The Einstein tensor on the 3-branes is expressed in terms of the discontinuities of the first-order derivatives of the metric coefficients. Thus, once the metric is known in the bulk, the distribution of the Einstein tensor on the two 3-branes is uniquely determined. As applications, we consider two different cases, one is in which the bulk is locally $AdS_{5}$, and the other is where it is vacuum. In some cases, it is shown that the universe is first decelerating and then accelerating. The global structure of the bulk as well as the 3-branes is also studied, and found that in some cases the solutions may represent the collision of two orbifold 3-branes. The applications of the formulas to the studies of the cyclic universe and the cosmological constant problem are also pointed out.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2022

A Revolution in Science: the Eclipse Expeditions of 1919

The first direct experimental test of Einstein's theory of general relativity involved a pair of expeditions to measure the bending of light at a total solar eclipse that took place one hundred years ago, on 29 May 1919. So famous is this experiment, and so dramatic was the impact on Einstein himself, that history tends not to recognise the controversy that surrounded the results at the time. In this article, I discuss the experiment in its scientific and historical background context and explain why it was, and is, such an important episode in the development of modern physics.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2022

State Vector Determination By A Single Tracking Satellite

Using only a single tracking satellite capable of only range measurements to an orbiting object in an unknown Keplerian orbit, it is theoretically possible to calculate the orbit and a current state vector. In this paper we derive an algorithm that can perform this calculation.

astro-ph↗