A Quantum Space Model of Cosmic Evolution: Dark Energy and the Cyclic Universe

We present a Quantum Space Model (QSM) of cosmic evolution based on the theory that space consists of energy quanta from which our universe came about. We used the Friedmann equations to trace its history and predict its ultimate fate. Results provide further support to our recent proposal that the accelerating expansion of the universe is due to a scalar space field which has become known as Dark Energy. In our model, the universe started from high energy space quanta which were triggered by quantum fluctuations that caused the Big Bang. It then expanded and cooled undergoing phase transitions to radiation, fundamental particles, and matter. Matter agglomerated and grew into stars, galaxies, etc. and was eventually consolidated by gravity into Black Holes, which finally ended in a Big Crunch in a state of deep freeze inside the Black hole at 1.380 trillion years. Fluctuations, quantum tunneling, or some other mechanisms caused a new Bang to start another cycle in its life. Our results are in good agreement with the theoretical predictions of a cyclic universe by Steinhardt and his associates, and by Penrose. Space and energy are equivalent as embodied in the Planck energy equation. They give rise to the two principal long range forces in the universe: the gravitational force and the space force. The latter may be the fifth force in the universe. The two forces could provide the clockwork mechanism operating our cyclic universe. If the Law of Conservation of Energy is universal, then the cosmos is eternal.

Scaling Behavior for the Susceptibility of the Vacuum

Using the two-component superfluid model of Winterberg for space, two models for the susceptibility of the cosmic vacuum as a function of the cosmic scale parameter, a, are presented. We also consider the possibility that Newton’s constant can scale, i.e., G-1=G-1(a), to form the most general scaling laws for polarization of the vacuum. The positive and negative values for the Planckion mass, which form the basis of the Winterberg model, are inextricably linked to the value of G, and as such, both G and Planck mass are intrinsic properties of the vacuum. Scaling laws for the non-local, smeared, cosmic susceptibility, , the cosmic polarization, , the cosmic macroscopic gravitational field, , and the cosmic gravitational field mass density, , are worked out, with specific examples. At the end of recombination, i.e., the era of last scattering, using the polarization to explain dark matter, and the gravitational field mass density to explain dark energy, we find that, . While this is an unconventional assignment, differing from the ΛCDM model, we believe this is correct, as localized dark matter (LDM) contributions can be much higher in this epoch than cosmic smeared values for susceptibility. All density parameter assignments in Friedmanns’ equation are cosmic averages, valid for distance scales in excess of 100 Mpc in the current epoch. We also evaluate the transition from ordinary matter dominance, to dark matter dominance, for the cosmos as a whole. We obtain for the transition points, z=1.66, for susceptibility model I, and, z=2.53 , for susceptibility model II.