Quantum inequality in spacetimes with small curvature

Eleni-Alexandra Kontou and Ken D. Olum
Phys. Rev. D 91, 104005 – Published 7 May 2015

Abstract

Quantum inequalities bound the extent to which weighted time averages of the renormalized energy density of a quantum field can be negative. Such inequalities in curved spacetime can be used to disprove the existence of exotic phenomena, such as closed timelike curves. Starting with a general result of Fewster and Smith, we derive a quantum inequality for a minimally coupled scalar field on a geodesic in a spacetime with small curvature, working to first order in the Ricci tensor and its derivatives. Since only the Ricci tensor enters, there are no first-order corrections to the flat-space quantum inequality on paths which do not encounter any matter or energy.

  • Received 4 October 2014

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevD.91.104005

© 2015 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

Eleni-Alexandra Kontou* and Ken D. Olum

  • Institute of Cosmology, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, USA

  • *elenikontou@cosmos.phy.tufts.edu
  • kdo@cosmos.phy.tufts.edu

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Vol. 91, Iss. 10 — 15 May 2015

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