ISSN:
1090-6487
Keywords:
03.65.Bz
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Physics
Notes:
Abstract The quantum creation of a closed Friedmann universe is studied on the basis of a Wheeler-DeWitt equation with two arguments — a scale factor and a scalar-field potential. In the quasiclassical approximation the wave function of the universe (WF) starts to evolve at a zero scalar field. A near-Planckian energy density of the field arises as a result of tunneling through a potential barrier. In our opinion, this variant of the scenario most closely resembles creation ex nihilo. The only parameter controlling quantum evolution is the mass of a quantum of the scalar field. In the paper by Khalatnikov and Schiller [JETP Lett. 57,1 (1993)], tunneling through the classically inaccessible region of the superpotential U(a,φ) is calculated by the instanton method. However, this method requires that the potential U(a,φ) satisfy special conditions in the space (a,φ). For this reason, in the present paper the tunneling calculation is performed by the method of characteristics for the quasiclassical approximation of the Wheeler-DeWitt equation under the barrier. The WKB theory, which has been well-developed for one-dimensional problems, is employed along each characteristic. It is shown that the corresponding turning points are also points where U(a, φ)=0. The total barrier penetrability is obtained by averaging over a bundle of characteristics.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1134/1.567198
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