English

The Arrow of Time Forbids a Positive Cosmological Constant $\Lambda$

General Relativity and Quantum Cosmology 2007-05-23 v2 Astrophysics High Energy Physics - Phenomenology High Energy Physics - Theory

Abstract

Motivated by the mounting evidence for dark energy, here we explore the consequences of a fundamental cosmological constant Λ\Lambda for our universe. We show that when the gravitational entropy of a pure DeSitter state ultimately wins over matter, then the thermodynamic arrow of time in our universe must reverse in scales of order a Hubble time. We find that due to the dynamics of gravity and nonlocal entanglement, a finite size system such as a DeSitter patch with horizon size H01H_0^{-1} has a finite lifetime Δt\Delta t. This phenomenon arises from the dynamic gravitational instabilities that develop during a DeSitter epoch and turn catastrophic. A reversed arrow of time is clearly in disagreement with observations. Thus we are led to conclude: Nature forbids a fundamental Λ\Lambda. Or else general relativity must be modified in the IR regime when Λ\Lambda dominates the expansion of the Universe.

Keywords

Cite

@article{arxiv.gr-qc/0609006,
  title  = {The Arrow of Time Forbids a Positive Cosmological Constant $\Lambda$},
  author = {Laura Mersini-Houghton},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:gr-qc/0609006},
  year   = {2007}
}

Comments

6 pages, added 1 appendix that summarizes previous results, typos fixed