arXiv subjects

Edmund J. Copeland

Publications and source records attributed to Edmund J. Copeland.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

arXiv2007

No resonant tunneling in standard scalar quantum field theory

We investigate the nature of resonant tunneling in Quantum Field Theory. Following the pioneering work of Banks, Bender and Wu, we describe quantum field theory in terms of infinite dimensional quantum mechanics and utilize the ``Most probable escape path'' (MPEP) as the class of paths which dominate the path integral in the classically forbidden region. Considering a 1+1 dimensional field theory example we show that there are five conditions that any associated bound state in the classically allowed region must satisfy if resonant tunnelling is to occur, and we then proceed to show that it is impossible to satisfy all five conditions simultaneously.

hep-th↗

arXiv2007

Dynamical solutions of warped six dimensional supergravity

We derive a new class of exact time dependent solutions in a warped six dimensional supergravity model. Under the assumptions we make for the form of the underlying moduli fields, we show that the only consistent time dependent solutions lead to all six dimensions evolving in time, implying the eventual decompactification or collapse of the extra dimensions. We also show how the dynamics affects the quantization of the deficit angle.

hep-th↗

arXiv2006

Cosmological matching conditions

We investigate the evolution of scalar metric perturbations across a sudden cosmological transition, allowing for an inhomogeneous surface stress at the transition leading to a discontinuity in the local expansion rate, such as might be expected in a big crunch/big bang event. We assume that the transition occurs when some function of local matter variables reaches a critical value, and that the surface stress is also a function of local matter variables. In particular we consider the case of a single scalar field and show that a necessary condition for the surface stress tensor to be perturbed at the transition is the presence of a non-zero intrinsic entropy perturbation of the scalar field. We present the matching conditions in terms of gauge-invariant variables assuming a sudden transition to a fluid-dominated universe with barotropic equation of state. For adiabatic perturbations the comoving curvature perturbation is continuous at the transition, while the Newtonian potential may be discontinuous if there is a discontinuity in the background Hubble expansion.

hep-th↗

arXiv2006

Dynamics of dark energy

In this paper we review in detail a number of approaches that have been adopted to try and explain the remarkable observation of our accelerating Universe. In particular we discuss the arguments for and recent progress made towards understanding the nature of dark energy. We review the observational evidence for the current accelerated expansion of the universe and present a number of dark energy models in addition to the conventional cosmological constant, paying particular attention to scalar field models such as quintessence, K-essence, tachyon, phantom and dilatonic models. The importance of cosmological scaling solutions is emphasized when studying the dynamical system of scalar fields including coupled dark energy. We study the evolution of cosmological perturbations allowing us to confront them with the observation of the Cosmic Microwave Background and Large Scale Structure and demonstrate how it is possible in principle to reconstruct the equation of state of dark energy by also using Supernovae Ia observational data. We also discuss in detail the nature of tracking solutions in cosmology, particle physics and braneworld models of dark energy, the nature of possible future singularities, the effect of higher order curvature terms to avoid a Big Rip singularity, and approaches to modifying gravity which leads to a late-time accelerated expansion without recourse to a new form of dark energy.

hep-th↗

arXiv2006

Cosmological Solutions of Low-Energy Heterotic M-Theory

We derive a set of exact cosmological solutions to the D=4, N=1 supergravity description of heterotic M-theory. Having identified a new and exact SU(3) Toda model solution, we then apply symmetry transformations to both this solution and to a previously known SU(2) Toda model, in order to derive two further sets of new cosmological solutions. In the symmetry-transformed SU(3) Toda case we find an unusual "bouncing" motion for the M5 brane, such that this brane can be made to reverse direction part way through its evolution. This bounce occurs purely through the interaction of non-standard kinetic terms, as there are no explicit potentials in the action. We also present a perturbation calculation which demonstrates that, in a simple static limit, heterotic M-theory possesses a scale-invariant isocurvature mode. This mode persists in certain asymptotic limits of all the solutions we have derived, including the bouncing solution.

hep-th↗

arXiv2005

Correspondence between Loop-inspired and Braneworld Cosmology

Braneworld scenarios are motivated by string/M-theory and can be characterized by the way in which they modify the conventional Friedmann equations of Einstein gravity. An alternative approach to quantum gravity, however, is the loop quantum cosmology program. In the semi-classical limit, the cosmic dynamics in this scenario can also be described by a set of modified Friedmann equations. We demonstrate that a dynamical correspondence can be established between these two paradigms at the level of the effective field equations. This allows qualitatively similar features between the two approaches to be compared and contrasted as well as providing a framework for viewing braneworld scenarios in terms of constrained Hamiltonian systems. As concrete examples of this correspondence, we illustrate the relationships between different cosmological backgrounds representing scaling solutions.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2005

Reheating and gravitino production in braneworld inflation

We consider the constraints that can be imposed on a wide class of Inflation models in modified gravity scenarios in which the Friedmann equation is modified by the inclusion of $ρ^2$ terms, where $ρ$ is the total energy density. In particular we obtain the reheating temperature and gravitino abundance associated with the end of inflation. Whereas models of chaotic inflation and natural inflation can easily avoid the conventional gravitino overproduction problem, we show that supersymmetric hybrid inflation models (driven by both F and D-terms) do not work in the $ρ^2$ dominated era. We also study inflation driven by exponetial potentials in this modified background, and show that the gravitino production is suppressed enough to avoid there being a problem, although other conditions severely constrain these models.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2005

On the evolution of cosmic-superstring networks

We model the behaviour of a network of interacting (p,q) strings from IIB string theory by considering a field theory containing multiple species of string, allowing us to study the effect of non-intercommuting events due to two different species crossing each other. This then has the potential for a string dominated Universe with the network becoming so tangled that it freezes. We give numerical evidence, explained by a one-scale model, that such freezing does not take place, with the network reaching a scaling limit where its density relative to the background increases with N, the number of string types.

hep-th↗

arXiv2005

What is needed of a tachyon if it is to be the dark energy?

We study a dark energy scenario in the presence of a tachyon field $ϕ$ with potential $V(ϕ)$ and a barotropic perfect fluid. The cosmological dynamics crucially depends on the asymptotic behavior of the quantity $λ=-M_pV_ϕ/V^{3/2}$. If $λ$ is a constant, which corresponds to an inverse square potential $V(ϕ) \propto ϕ^{-2}$, there exists one stable critical point that gives an acceleration of the universe at late times. When $λ\to 0$ asymptotically, we can have a viable dark energy scenario in which the system approaches an ``instantaneous'' critical point that dynamically changes with $λ$. If $|λ|$ approaches infinity asymptotically, the universe does not exhibit an acceleration at late times. In this case, however, we find an interesting possibility that a transient acceleration occurs in a regime where $|λ|$ is smaller than of order unity.

hep-th↗

arXiv2004

Generalised cosmological scaling solutions

Motivated by the recent interest in cosmologies arising from energy density modifications to the Friedmann equation, we analyse the scaling behaviour for a broad class of these cosmologies comprised of scalar fields and background barotropic fluid sources. In particular, we determine the corresponding scalar field potentials which lead to attractor scaling solutions in a wide class of braneworld and dark energy scenarios. We show how a number of recent proposals for modifying the Friedmann equation can be thought of as being dual to one another, and determine the conditions under which such dualities arise.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2004

Model-independent dark energy test with sigma_8 using results from the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe

By combining the recent WMAP measurements of the cosmic microwave background anisotropies and the results of the recent luminosity distance measurements to type-Ia supernovae, we find that the normalization of the matter power spectrum on cluster scales, sigma_8, can be used to discriminate between dynamical models of dark energy (quintessence models) and a conventional cosmological constant model (LCDM).

astro-ph↗

arXiv2004

Dark Energy in Chains

Dark energy affects the CMB through its perturbations and affects both CMB and Sn-Ia through its background evolution. Using recent CMB and Sn-Ia data sets, together with the most general parameterization of the dark energy equation of state available, we find that today w < -0.8 (2 sigma). We also find that the value of the normalization of the power spectrum on cluster scales, sigma8, can be used to discriminate between dynamical models of dark energy (Quintessence models) and a cosmological constant model (Lambda CDM).

astro-ph↗

arXiv2004

Cosmic F- and D-strings

Macroscopic fundamental and Dirichlet strings have several potential instabilities: breakage, tachyon decays, and confinement by axion domain walls. We investigate the conditions under which metastable strings can exist, and we find that such strings are present in many models. There are various possibilities, the most notable being a network of (p,q) strings. Cosmic strings give a potentially large window into string physics.

hep-th↗

arXiv2004

Cosmological evolution of general scalar fields in a brane-world cosmology

We study the cosmology of a general scalar field and barotropic fluid during the early stage of a brane-world where the Friedmann constraint is dominated by the square of the energy density. Assuming both the scalar field and fluid are confined to the brane, we find a range of behaviour depending on the form of the potential. Generalising an approach developed for a standard Friedmann cosmology, in \cite{delaMacorra:1999ff}, we show that the potential dependence $V(ϕ)$ can be described through a parameter $λ\equiv -\sqrt{2} m_5^{3/2} V'/(\sqrt{H}V)$, where $m_5$ is the 5-dimensional Planck mass, $H$ is the Hubble parameter and $V' \equiv \frac{dV}{dϕ}$. For the case where $λ$ asymptotes to zero, we show that the solution exhibits stable inflationary behaviour. On the other hand if it approaches a finite constant, then $V(ϕ) \propto \frac{1}{ϕ^2}$. For $λ\to \infty$ asymptotically, we find examples where it does so both with and without oscillating. In the latter case, the barotropic fluid dominates the scalar filed asymptotically. Finally we point out an interesting duality which leads to identical evolution equations in the high energy $ρ^2$ dominated regime and the low energy $ρ$ dominated regime.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2004

Inflationary potentials yielding constant scalar perturbation spectral indices

We explore the types of slow-roll inflationary potentials that result in scalar perturbations with a constant spectral index, i.e., perturbations that may be described by a single power-law spectrum over all observable scales. We devote particular attention to the type of potentials that result in the Harrison--Zel'dovich spectrum.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2003

Kink-boundary collisions in a two dimensional scalar field theory

In a two-dimensional toy model, motivated from five-dimensional heterotic M-theory, we study the collision of scalar field kinks with boundaries. By numerical simulation of the full two-dimensional theory, we find that the kink is always inelastically reflected with a model-independent fraction of its kinetic energy converted into radiation. We show that the reflection can be analytically understood as a fluctuation around the scalar field vacuum. This picture suggests the possibility of spontaneous emission of kinks from the boundary due to small perturbations in the bulk. We verify this picture numerically by showing that the radiation emitted from the collision of an initial single kink eventually leads to a bulk populated by many kinks. Consequently, processes changing the boundary charges are practically unavoidable in this system. We speculate that the system has a universal final state consisting of a stack of kinks, their number being determined by the initial energy.

hep-th↗

arXiv2002

Baryogenesis by Brane-Collision

We present a new scenario for baryogenesis in the context of heterotic brane-world models. The baryon asymmetry of the universe is generated at a small-instanton phase transition which is initiated by a moving brane colliding with the observable boundary. We demonstrate, in the context of a simple model, that reasonable values for the baryon asymmetry can be obtained. As a byproduct we find a new class of moving-brane cosmological solutions in the presence of a perfect fluid.

hep-th↗

arXiv2002

Kinky Brane Worlds

We present a toy model for five-dimensional heterotic M-theory where bulk three-branes, originating in 11 dimensions from M five-branes, are modelled as kink solutions of a bulk scalar field theory. It is shown that the vacua of this defect model correspond to a class of topologically distinct M-theory compactifications. Topology change can then be analysed by studying the time evolution of the defect model. In the context of a four-dimensional effective theory, we study in detail the simplest such process, that is the time evolution of a kink and its collision with a boundary. We find that the kink is generically absorbed by the boundary thereby changing the boundary charge. This opens up the possibility of exploring the relation between more complicated defect configurations and the topology of brane-world models.

hep-th↗