Vacuum states in de Sitter space

Bruce Allen
Phys. Rev. D 32, 3136 – Published 15 December 1985
PDFExport Citation

Abstract

We examine possible vacuum states for scalar fields in de Sitter space, concentrating on those states (1) invariant under the de Sitter group O(1,4) or (2) invariant under one of its maximal subgroups E(3). For massive fields there is a one-complex-parameter family of de Sitter-invariant states, which includes the ‘‘Euclidean’’ vacuum state as a special case. We show these states are generated from the Euclidean vacuum by a frequency-independent Bogoliubov transformation, and obtain formulas for the symmetric, antisymmetric, and Feynman functions. In the massless minimally coupled case we prove that there exists no de Sitter-invariant Fock vacuum state. However one can find Fock states which are E(3) invariant. These states include the Bunch-Davies and Ottewill-Najmi vacua as special cases.

  • Received 26 August 1985

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevD.32.3136

©1985 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

Bruce Allen

  • Department of Physics, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106

References (Subscription Required)

Click to Expand
Issue

Vol. 32, Iss. 12 — 15 December 1985

Reuse & Permissions
Access Options
Author publication services for translation and copyediting assistance advertisement

Authorization Required


×
×

Images

×

Sign up to receive regular email alerts from Physical Review D

Log In

Cancel
×

Search


Article Lookup

Paste a citation or DOI

Enter a citation
×