Is Vacuum Decay from a False to True State Impossible or Just Unlikely?

In summary, the article examines the concept of vacuum decay, a theoretical phenomenon where the universe transitions from a false vacuum state to a true vacuum state, potentially leading to catastrophic consequences. It discusses whether such a transition is impossible or merely unlikely, exploring the stability of the current vacuum state and the implications of quantum mechanics. The consensus suggests that while vacuum decay is theoretically possible, the likelihood of it occurring in our universe is extremely low, making it more a subject of scientific curiosity than an immediate concern.
  • #1
Suekdccia
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TL;DR Summary
I vacuum decay impossible
I found this paper (https://arxiv.org/pdf/hep-th/0211160.pdf) which argues against the possibility of a decay from a metastable vacuum to a true vacuum state. However, this is the first time I've read this. Is it then impossible that a vacuum decay from a false vacuum may occur (even in principle)? Or is it just unlikely (but not strictly impossible)?

Also, I've been told in an email by CERN physicist Gian Carlo Giudice that a true vacuum state could be excited into a false one by "injecting" energy to the vacuum (like with high-energy cosmic rays). However, he did not give any specific source, although what he said seems perfectly logical (if there was energy present in the true vacuum state, why couldn't it excited into a metastable state?) Could you give me some?
 
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  • #2
Suekdccia said:
argues against the possibility of a decay from a metastable vacuum to a true vacuum state
Not really, no. It argues that, in a certain kind of quantum gravity model, if you start with de Sitter spacetime (i.e., a positive cosmological constant), and such a decay occurs, it will not be into a flat or Anti-de Sitter (AdS--negative cosmological constant) spacetime, but into an open FRW spacetime with zero cosmological constant.
 
  • #3
PeterDonis said:
Not really, no. It argues that, in a certain kind of quantum gravity model, if you start with de Sitter spacetime (i.e., a positive cosmological constant), and such a decay occurs, it will not be into a flat or Anti-de Sitter (AdS--negative cosmological constant) spacetime, but into an open FRW spacetime with zero cosmological constant.
Thank you

Also, I've been told in an email by CERN physicist Gian Carlo Giudice that a true vacuum state could be excited into a false one by "injecting" energy to the vacuum (like with high-energy cosmic rays). However, he did not give any specific source, although what he said seems perfectly logical (if there was energy present in the true vacuum state, why couldn't it excited into a metastable state?) I haven't been able to find any clear sources about this. Are any of these such papers?

https://arxiv.org/abs/1104.1305 see ref.14 in page 2

https://arxiv.org/abs/gr-qc/9905093

https://arxiv.org/abs/1108.0417

If not, do you have any?
 

FAQ: Is Vacuum Decay from a False to True State Impossible or Just Unlikely?

What is vacuum decay?

Vacuum decay refers to a theoretical process in quantum field theory where a system transitions from a false vacuum state, which is metastable, to a true vacuum state, which is more stable. This transition can result in a dramatic release of energy and may have significant implications for the universe's structure and fate.

What is the difference between a false vacuum and a true vacuum?

A false vacuum is a local minimum of energy that is not the lowest possible energy state, while a true vacuum is the absolute lowest energy state of a system. In a false vacuum, the system can remain stable for a long time, but it is susceptible to decay into a true vacuum, leading to potentially catastrophic consequences.

Is vacuum decay likely to occur in our universe?

While vacuum decay is theoretically possible, it is considered unlikely to occur in our universe within a human timescale. The energy barriers and the specific conditions required for this transition to happen are not currently observed, and there is no experimental evidence suggesting that our universe is in a false vacuum state that would decay.

What would happen if vacuum decay occurred?

If vacuum decay were to occur, it could lead to a bubble of true vacuum expanding at the speed of light, effectively altering the fundamental forces and particles in the affected region. This could result in the destruction of all structures, including atoms and galaxies, leading to a catastrophic event that would fundamentally change the universe.

Are there any ways to detect or prevent vacuum decay?

Currently, there are no known methods to detect vacuum decay directly, as it is a theoretical phenomenon. However, researchers study the properties of the vacuum and the stability of the universe through particle physics experiments and cosmological observations. Preventing vacuum decay is beyond our current scientific capabilities, as it involves understanding and manipulating fundamental forces in ways that are not yet feasible.

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