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Can singularities be avoided in quantum cosmology?
Author(s) -
Kiefer C.
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
annalen der physik
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.009
H-Index - 68
eISSN - 1521-3889
pISSN - 0003-3804
DOI - 10.1002/andp.201010417
Subject(s) - physics , gravitational singularity , cosmology , cosmological constant , fine structure constant , variation (astronomy) , constant (computer programming) , redshift , quasar , theoretical physics , quantum cosmology , quantum , astrophysics , quantum mechanics , quantum gravity , galaxy , computer science , programming language , electron
Many cosmological models based on general relativity contain singularities. In this contribution I address the question whether consistent models without singularities can exist in quantum cosmology. The discussion is based on the Wheeler–DeWitt equation of quantum geometrodynamics. The models under consideration are motivated by recent discussions of dark energy. Employing some natural criteria of singularity avoidance in the quantum theory, I show that this can indeed happen in these models.