Towards a unified quantum field theory of dark energy and inflation: unstable de Sitter ...
iopscience.iop.org
A new quantum field theory framework attempts to unify dark energy and cosmic inflation under one model — and it suggests the universe's vacuum itself may be unstable and slowly decaying.
Quantum Field Theoryde Sitter SpaceCosmological Constant ProblemInflationary Cosmology
Theory Briefing
- Physicists propose a single quantum field theory linking dark energy and inflation, two of cosmology's greatest unsolved puzzles.
- The model centers on an 'unstable de Sitter vacuum,' meaning the energy state of empty space may be slowly running down over cosmic time.
- A 'running vacuum' energy density — one that evolves with the universe's expansion — could replace Einstein's fixed cosmological constant and resolve longstanding tensions in cosmology.