Singularities and the classical limit in quantum cosmology with scalar fields

Roberto Colistete, Jr., Júlio C. Fabris, and Nelson Pinto-Neto
Phys. Rev. D 57, 4707 – Published 15 April 1998
PDFExport Citation

Abstract

Minisuperspace models derived from Kaluza-Klein theories and low-energy string theory are studied. They are equivalent to one and two minimally coupled scalar fields. The general classical and quantum solutions are obtained. A Gaussian superposition of WKB solutions is constructed. Contrary to what is usually expected, these states are sharply peaked around the classical trajectories only for small values of the scale factor. This behavior is confirmed in the framework of the causal interpretation: the Bohmian trajectories of many quantum states are classical for small values of the scale factor but present quantum behavior when the scale factor becomes large. A consequence of this fact is that these states present an initial singularity. However, there are some particular superpositions of these wave functions which have Bohmian trajectories without singularities. There are also singular Bohmian trajectories with a short period of inflation which grow forever. We could not find any nonsingular trajectory which grows to the size of our universe.

  • Received 17 November 1997

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevD.57.4707

©1998 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

Roberto Colistete, Jr.* and Júlio C. Fabris

  • Departamento de Física, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, 29060-900, Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brazil

Nelson Pinto-Neto

  • Lafex, Centro Brasileiro de Pesquisas Físicas, Rua Xavier Sigaud 150, 22290-180, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

  • *Email address: roberto@cce.ufes.br
  • Email address: fabris@cce.ufes.br
  • Email address: nen@lca1.drp.cbpf.br

References (Subscription Required)

Click to Expand
Issue

Vol. 57, Iss. 8 — 15 April 1998

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
×