Boundary conditions in quantum cosmology

Alexander Vilenkin
Phys. Rev. D 33, 3560 – Published 15 June 1986
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Abstract

The problem of boundary conditions for the cosmological wave function ψ is analyzed using a simple model as an example. The model has two degrees of freedom: the scale factor and a homogeneous scalar field. A tunneling wave function is found for this model which describes an ensemble of universes tunneling from ‘‘nothing’’ to a de Sitter space, then evolving along the lines of an inflationary scenario and eventually collapsing to a singularity. A boundary condition in superspace is proposed which selects the tunneling solution for ψ. This boundary condition can be thought of as a quantum version of the Penrose condition in classical general relativity. The probability current, the concept of time, and the possibility of an experimental test of quantum cosmology are also discussed.

  • Received 20 December 1985

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevD.33.3560

©1986 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

Alexander Vilenkin

  • Physics Department, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts 02155

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Vol. 33, Iss. 12 — 15 June 1986

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