Quantum nature of the big bang.

doi:10.1103/PhysRevLett.96.141301

Paper

Quantum nature of the big bang.

Published Feb 22, 2006 · A. Ashtekar, T. Pawłowski, Parampreet Singh

Physical review letters

696

Citations

35

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Abstract

Some long-standing issues concerning the quantum nature of the big bang are resolved in the context of homogeneous isotropic models with a scalar field. Specifically, the known results on the resolution of the big-bang singularity in loop quantum cosmology are significantly extended as follows: (i) the scalar field is shown to serve as an internal clock, thereby providing a detailed realization of the "emergent time" idea; (ii) the physical Hilbert space, Dirac observables, and semiclassical states are constructed rigorously; (iii) the Hamiltonian constraint is solved numerically to show that the big bang is replaced by a big bounce. Thanks to the nonperturbative, background independent methods, unlike in other approaches the quantum evolution is deterministic across the deep Planck regime.

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Study Snapshot

The big bang is replaced by a big bounce in homogeneous isotropic models with a scalar field, allowing for a detailed realization of the "emergent time" idea and ensuring deterministic quantum evolution across the deep Planck regime.

PopulationOlder adults (50-71 years)

Sample size24

MethodsObservational

OutcomesBody Mass Index projections

ResultsSocial networks mitigate obesity in older groups.

Quantum nature of the big bang.

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