On virtual scalar fields in a conformally flat FLRW spacetime

Abstract

Eide Adrian C

The case of a virtual bosonic scalar field �?(x) gravitationally coupled in a conformally flat spacetime is investigated. The action S is known to be Weyl invariant only for specific expressions of the potential V(�?). In the conformally flat FLRW case the harmonic angular frequency ωk(η) becomes uniquely temporally independent. Therefore, any inertial observers embedded in a conformally flat FLRW spacetime all agree on the choice of virtual vacuum states. We postulate that the wavenumber k must be quantized in order to be able to regulate the vev by zeta regularization. Some fundamental implications of this result are derived, and likely conclusions drawn.

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