Published September 15, 2008 | Version v1
Journal article

Corrections to the Friedmann equations from loop quantum gravity for a universe with a free scalar field

  • 1. Institute for Gravitation and the Cosmos, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802-6300 (United States)

Description

In loop quantum cosmology, the quantum dynamics is well understood. We approximate the full quantum dynamics in the infinite dimensional Hilbert space by projecting it on a finite dimensional submanifold thereof, spanned by suitably chosen semiclassical states. This submanifold is isomorphic with the classical phase space and the projected dynamical flow provides effective equations incorporating the leading quantum corrections to the classical equations of motion. Numerical work has been done using quantum states which are semiclassical at late times. These states follow the classical trajectory until the density is on the order of 1% of the Planck density then deviate strongly from the classical trajectory. The effective equations we obtain reproduce this behavior to surprising accuracy.

Additional details

Publishing Information

Journal Title
Physical Review. D, Particles Fields
Journal Volume
78
Journal Issue
6
Journal Page Range
p. 064072-064072.9
ISSN
0556-2821
CODEN
PRVDAQ

Optional Information

Notes
(c) 2008 The American Physical Society