Self-tuning vacuum variable and cosmological constant

Journal Article · Tue Apr 15 04:00:00 EDT 2008 · Physical Review. D, Particles Fields

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PHYSREVD.77.085015· OSTI ID:21250050

Klinkhamer, F R; Volovik, G E ^[1]

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1. Institute for Theoretical Physics, University of Karlsruhe (Thailand), 76128 Karlsruhe (Germany)

A spacetime-independent variable is introduced which characterizes a Lorentz-invariant self-sustained quantum vacuum. For a perfect (Lorentz-invariant) quantum vacuum, the self-tuning of this variable nullifies the effective energy density which enters the low-energy gravitational field equations. The observed small but nonzero value of the cosmological constant may then be explained as corresponding to the effective energy density of an imperfect quantum vacuum (perturbed by, e.g., the presence of thermal matter)

• OSTI ID: 21250050
• Journal Information: Physical Review. D, Particles Fields, Journal Name: Physical Review. D, Particles Fields Journal Issue: 8 Vol. 77; ISSN PRVDAQ; ISSN 0556-2821
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS
COSMOLOGICAL CONSTANT
ENERGY DENSITY
EQUATIONS
GRAVITATIONAL FIELDS
LORENTZ INVARIANCE
SPACE-TIME