Void in space
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Understanding the Concept of Void in Space
Ancient Philosophy and the Concept of Void
The concept of void, or vacuum, has intrigued philosophers since ancient times. Early atomists introduced the idea of void as an intelligible notion, but its conceptual clarity has been debated. Void, referred to as "To xevov" in Greek, can mean both "empty space" and "emptiness"1. This dual interpretation suggests that void could either be a type of space or simply the absence of matter within a space. The theoretical aspects of void, such as its potential to occupy space and move, have been explored, indicating that void might be considered a negative substance capable of locomotion1.
Void in Cosmology: Redshift-Space Effects
In cosmology, voids are significant as they serve as probes for understanding the universe. The identification of voids in redshift space is influenced by redshift-space distortions (RSD) and the Alcock-Paczynski effect (AP), which create distortion patterns in observations2. These distortions affect the void size function, making voids appear larger and their centers shifted along the line of sight. The volume of voids is also altered by the assumed cosmology, impacting cosmological statistics2.
Voids in Coupled Scalar Field Theories
Voids behave differently in coupled scalar field theories compared to the standard ΛCDM model. The scalar field coupling causes matter particles to cluster more quickly, leading to the earlier development and larger size of voids3. These voids occupy a larger portion of space and exhibit a sharper transition between voids and high-density regions. This distinct behavior makes voids a potential tool for testing alternative cosmic structure formation theories3.
Voids in the ΛCDM Universe
In the ΛCDM model, voids are regions with a mean overdensity of -0.8 or less. Simulations show that voids correspond to minima in the initial density field and have a universal mass profile4 5. The mass function of haloes within voids is steeper than in denser regions, and the abundance of void haloes evolves more strongly between redshifts 1 and 04 5.
Electromagnetic Void Space
Electromagnetic void space is a medium that, while occupying a finite volume, is optically equivalent to an infinitesimal point where electromagnetic waves do not experience phase accumulation8. This unique property allows for applications such as impurity antidoping and perfect wave steering, demonstrating the potential of 3D electromagnetic void spaces in advanced optical technologies8.
Void Space in Material Science
In material science, void space is crucial for managing volume expansion in anode materials for lithium-ion batteries. A core-satellite architecture with a precise void space can balance structural stability and capacity, achieving high energy density and satisfactory performance over multiple cycles10.
Conclusion
The concept of void spans multiple disciplines, from ancient philosophy to modern cosmology and material science. Understanding void as both an empty space and a functional entity provides insights into its role in cosmic structure formation, advanced optical technologies, and material design. The study of void continues to evolve, offering new perspectives and applications across various fields.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
Two Conceptions of Vacuum
Vacuum, or void, raises conceptual difficulties and may be capable of locomotion, suggesting it may not be as empty as commonly assumed.
Highly CitedRedshift-space effects in voids and their impact on cosmological tests. Part I: the void size function
Redshift-space distortions and the Alcock-Paczynski effect impact void identification in redshift space, affecting cosmological tests and potentially improving current models of void abundance.
Voids in coupled scalar field cosmology
Coupled scalar field theories predict earlier and bigger void development, with a larger portion of space underdensed and more voids whose sizes exceed thresholds, compared to the standard CDM model.
Voids in a ΛCDM universe
Voids in a cold dark matter universe are formed and evolve similarly across different simulations, with steeper mass functions for haloes in voids and stronger halo abundance evolution between redshifts.
Highly CitedVoids in a ΛCDM universe
Voids in a cold dark matter universe are formed and evolve similarly across different simulations, with void haloes showing steeper mass functions and stronger halo abundance evolution between redshifts 1 and 0.
Highly CitedTheory of Space
The Theory of Space states that space is not a void, but a separate entity with defined structure and physical properties.
Highly Cited