arXiv subjects

A. D. Ernest

Publications and source records attributed to A. D. Ernest.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2012

The role of quantum expansion in cosmic evolution

A quantum expansion parameter, analogous to the Hubble parameter in cosmology, is defined for a free particle quantum wavefunction. By considering the universe as an initial single Gaussian quantum wavepacket whose mass is that of present-day observable universe and whose size is that of the Planck Length at the Planck Time, it is demonstrated that this quantum expansion parameter has a value at the present epoch of the same order as the value of the Hubble constant. The coincidence suggests examining the effect of including this type of quantum wave expansion in traditional general relativistic cosmology and a sample model illustrating this is presented here. Using standard Einstein-de Sitter cosmology ($Ω$m = 1) it is found that cosmic acceleration (aka dark energy) arises naturally during cosmic history. The time at which the universe switched from deceleration to acceleration (observationally ~7 Gyr before the present epoch) yields a value for the mass of the wavepacket representing the universe at the Planck Time and its present age. This same mass may then be used to obtain a curve for the cosmic expansion rate versus z. This curve is well fit to observational data. The model is used also to obtain an estimate of the inflationary expansion factor.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2004

A Quantum Approach to Dark Matter

This work develops and explores a quantum-based theory which enables the nature and origin of cold dark matter (CDM) to be understood without need to introduce exotic particles. The quantum approach predicts the existence of certain macroscopic quantum structures that are WIMP-like even when occupied by traditional baryonic particles. These structures function as dark matter candidates for CDM theory on large scales where it has been most successful, and retain the potential to yield observationally compliant predictions on galactic cluster and sub-cluster scales. Relatively pure, high angular momentum, eigenstate solutions obtained from Schrodinger's equation in weak gravity form the structural basis. They have no classical analogue, and properties radically different from those of traditional localised matter (whose eigenstate spectra contain negligible quantities of such states). Salient features include radiative lifetimes that can exceed the age of the universe, energies and 'sizes' consistent with galactic halos, and negligible interaction rates with radiation and macroscopic galactic objects. This facilitates the formation of sparsely populated macroscopic quantum structures that are invisible and stable. Viable structure formation scenarios are based on the seed potential wells of primordial black holes formed at the e+/e- phase transition. The structures can potentially produce suitable internal density distributions and have capacity to accommodate the required amount of halo dark matter. The formation scenarios show that it is possible to incorporate structures into universal evolutionary scenarios without significantly compromising the results of WMAP or the measurements of elemental BBN ratios.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2001

Dark matter and galactic halos - a quantum approach

Traditional quantum theory can be used to construct hypothetical very large-scale gravitational stationary state structures from traditionally stable atoms and subatomic particles. These so called "gravitational macro-eigenstructures" have potential to explain the composition of extra-galactic dark matter and galactic halos. It is shown that the eigenstates within these structures can have radiative and stimulated lifetimes that are longer than the age of the universe, and also that they cannot be easily transformed or "destroyed" by many conventional galactic processes. Because of the unique nature of stationary states, it is shown that gravitational eigenstructures have the potential to remain largely undetected, provided certain conditions are met. Speculatively, it is suggested that they could provide a mechanism for the origin of high-energy cosmic rays, and also that, if these hypothetical structures have been present from an early time in the history of the universe, then they could have influenced the large- scale structure of the universe.

astro-ph↗