Validity of the minisuperspace approximation: An example from interacting quantum field theory

Sukanya Sinha and B. L. Hu
Phys. Rev. D 44, 1028 – Published 15 August 1991
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Abstract

We examine the question of the validity of the minisuperspace approximation using the example of an interacting (λΦ4) scalar field in a closed Robertson-Walker universe, where the scale factor and the homogeneous mode of the scalar field model the minisuperspace degrees of freedom. We explicitly compute the back reaction of the inhomogeneous modes on the minisuperspace sector using a coarse-grained effective action and show that the minisuperspace approximation is valid only when this back reaction is small.

  • Received 22 January 1991

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevD.44.1028

©1991 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

Sukanya Sinha and B. L. Hu

  • Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742

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Issue

Vol. 44, Iss. 4 — 15 August 1991

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