Cosmology models and QFT

In summary, "Cosmology models and QFT" explores the intersection of cosmological theories and quantum field theory (QFT), focusing on how QFT principles can be applied to understand the early universe and cosmic phenomena. The discussion highlights the need for a quantum framework to address issues such as cosmic inflation, the nature of dark energy, and the behavior of particles in extreme conditions. By integrating QFT with general relativity, researchers aim to develop more comprehensive models that account for both the large-scale structure of the universe and quantum behaviors at the smallest scales, ultimately enhancing our understanding of the universe's origins and evolution.
  • #1
KleinMoretti
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TL;DR Summary
Do the various cosmology models modify QFT?
I know that cosmology usually deals with general relativity but what about QFT, is it modified depending on the cosmological model? Or is it not something that change with the model used.
 
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  • #2
QFT is a framework for building models, not a single model. QFT can be done in curved spacetime, so you could do QFT using any cosmological solution (for example the best current ##\Lambda C D M## model) as the background spacetime.
 
  • #3
@PeterDonis
yes I understand QFT is a framework and not an individual theory, what i meant is if the basic properties/rules of QFT are modified in models that are different from the ##\Lambda C D M## model
 
  • #4
KleinMoretti said:
what i meant is if the basic properties/rules of QFT are modified in models that are different from the ##\Lambda C D M## model
Why would they be? Since "the basic properties/rules of QFT" are a framework, not a single model, why would you expect them to change from model to model, since the whole point of the framework is to build multiple different models?
 
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  • #5
Yea I guess that makes sense, either way cosmology is classical right?
 
  • #6
KleinMoretti said:
either way cosmology is classical right?
The ##\Lambda C D M## model is a classical model (using classical GR), yes. However, some of the parameters in the model depend on our knowledge of quantum effects, such as the Standard Model predictions for what ratio of isotopes we should expect from Big Bang nucleosynthesis.
 
  • #7
PeterDonis said:
However, some of the parameters in the model depend on our knowledge of quantum effects,
right and this is why I asked if cosmology models modified QFT which you just told me it’s not the case.
 
  • #8
KleinMoretti said:
this is why I asked if cosmology models modified QFT
Having to estimate certain parameters in a classical model using a quantum model is not at all the same as having one's choice of classical model modify QFT. Even choosing which quantum model to use to estimate the classical parameters is not the same as modyfing QFT. The Standard Model is a QFT, but there are other QFTs as well--none of which modify "the basic properties/rules of QFT".
 
  • #9
PeterDonis said:
The Standard Model is a QFT, but there are other QFTs as well--none of which modify "the basic properties/rules of QFT".
yes but here you are talking about different QFTs and how they don’t modify the basic properties of QFT but my questions was about cosmology models.
PeterDonis said:
Having to estimate certain parameters in a classical model using a quantum model is not at all the same as having one's choice of classical model modify QFT. Even choosing which quantum model to use to estimate the classical parameters is not the same as modyfing QFT.
by this you do mean cosmology models don’t in fact modify QFT right?
 
  • #10
@PeterDonis from what you have said would it be correct to say that the different cosmology models have to take into account predictions made by QFT but they dont modify it
 
  • #11
KleinMoretti said:
here you are talking about different QFTs and how they don’t modify the basic properties of QFT but my questions was about cosmology models.
Which are classical models, so they can't possibly say anything about QFT.

KleinMoretti said:
by this you do mean cosmology models don’t in fact modify QFT right?
Yes.

KleinMoretti said:
@PeterDonis from what you have said would it be correct to say that the different cosmology models have to take into account predictions made by QFT but they dont modify it
Yes.
 

FAQ: Cosmology models and QFT

What is cosmology and how does it relate to quantum field theory (QFT)?

Cosmology is the scientific study of the large-scale properties and dynamics of the universe as a whole. It seeks to understand the origin, evolution, and eventual fate of the universe. Quantum field theory, on the other hand, is a framework in physics that combines classical field theory, special relativity, and quantum mechanics. The relationship between cosmology and QFT emerges in the study of the early universe, where quantum fluctuations can have significant effects on cosmic structures and the overall dynamics of the cosmos.

What are the main cosmological models, and how do they incorporate QFT?

Some of the main cosmological models include the Big Bang model, inflationary cosmology, and the Lambda Cold Dark Matter (ΛCDM) model. These models incorporate QFT by using quantum fields to describe phenomena such as the generation of primordial fluctuations during inflation and the behavior of particles and fields in the expanding universe. QFT helps to explain the creation of matter and radiation in the early universe and provides a framework for understanding the interactions between various cosmic components.

How does quantum field theory explain cosmic inflation?

Quantum field theory explains cosmic inflation by describing the rapid expansion of the universe as a result of a scalar field, often called the inflaton field. This field undergoes a phase transition that leads to a period of exponential expansion. During this inflationary phase, quantum fluctuations in the inflaton field can be stretched to macroscopic scales, seeding the initial density perturbations that later grow into galaxies and large-scale structures. QFT provides the mathematical tools to analyze these fluctuations and their impact on the cosmic microwave background radiation.

What role does dark energy play in cosmological models, and how is it related to QFT?

Dark energy is a mysterious form of energy that is thought to be responsible for the accelerated expansion of the universe. In cosmological models, it is often modeled as a cosmological constant (Λ) or as a dynamic field (quintessence). Quantum field theory relates to dark energy through the concept of vacuum energy, which arises from the zero-point energy of quantum fields. This vacuum energy can contribute to the overall energy density of the universe and is a key factor in understanding the dynamics of cosmic expansion.

What are the challenges in reconciling general relativity with quantum field theory in cosmology?

The main challenge in reconciling general relativity with quantum field theory in cosmology lies in the treatment of gravity at quantum scales. General relativity describes gravity as a curvature of spacetime, while QFT operates on the principles of quantum mechanics and special relativity. The incompatibility arises when trying to apply quantum mechanics to gravitational fields, leading to divergences and inconsistencies

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