Related papers: Scale Invariance and Vacuum Energy
For a four dimensional, unitary, diffeomorphism- and scale invariant quantum field theory without higher derivatives and a well defined scale current we argue that scale invariance implies conformal invariance. The proof relies on the…
A global scale-invariant Dark Energy model based on Induced Gravity with the addition of a small $R^2$ contribution is examined. The scalar field (quintessence), playing the role of Dark Energy, has a quartic potential and generates…
We give a non-perturbative proof that any 4D unitary and Lorentz-invariant quantum field theory with a conserved scale current is in fact conformally invariant. We show that any scale invariant theory (unitary or not) must have either a…
We present a novel theory of the very early universe which addresses the traditional horizon and flatness problems of big bang cosmology and predicts a scale invariant spectrum of perturbations. Unlike inflation, this scenario requires no…
We explore the concept of scaling invariance in a type of dynamical systems that undergo a transition from order (regularity) to disorder (chaos). The systems are described by a two-dimensional, nonlinear mapping that preserves the area in…
Given a direct system of Hilbert spaces $s\mapsto \mathcal H_s$ (with isometric inclusion maps $\iota_s^t:\mathcal H_s\rightarrow \mathcal H_t$ for $s\leq t$) corresponding to quantum systems on scales $s$, we define notions of scale…
We review and elaborate on some aspects of the classically scale-invariant renormalizable 4-derivative scalar theory $L= \phi\, \partial^4 \phi + g (\partial \phi)^4$. Similar models appear, e.g., in the context of conformal supergravity or…
A gravity theory is developed with the metric ${\hat g}_{\mu\nu}= {g}_{\mu\nu}+B\partial_\mu\phi\partial_\nu\phi$. In the present universe the additional contribution from the scalar field in the metric ${\hat g}_{\mu\nu}$ can generate an…
We study gravity coupled to scalar and fermion fields in the Einstein-Cartan framework. We discuss the most general form of the action that contains terms of mass dimension not bigger than four, leaving out only contributions quadratic in…
We discuss the realization of inflation and resulting cosmological perturbations in the low-energy effective string theory. In order to obtain nearly scale-invariant spectra of density perturbations and a suppressed tensor-to-scalar ratio,…
A new and universal method for implementing scale invariance, called best matching, is presented. It extends to scaling the method introduced by Bertotti and the author to create a fully relational dynamics that satisfies Mach's principle.…
A flow invariant is a quantity depending only on the UV and IR conformal fixed points and not on the flow connecting them. Typically, its value is related to the central charges a and c. In classically-conformal field theories, scale…
We consider a non-singular origin for the Universe starting from an Einstein static Universe, the so called "emergent universe" scenario, in the framework of a theory which uses two volume elements $\sqrt{-{g}}d^{4}x$ and $\Phi d^{4}x$,…
We formulate a scalar realization of Sciama's Machian programme within the general Bergmann-Wagoner class of scalar--tensor gravity. Starting from a universally conformally coupled matter sector, we rewrite the field equations in terms of…
A scale invariant Goldstino theory coupled to Supergravity is obtained as a standard supergravity dual of a rigidly scale invariant higher--curvature Supergravity with a nilpotent chiral scalar curvature. The bosonic part of this theory…
Interest has focussed recently on low energy implications of a nontrivial scale invariant sector of an effective field theory with an IR fixed point, manifest in terms of ``unparticles'' with peculiar properties. If unparticle stuff exists…
We give a brief summary of the formalism of invariants in general scalar-tensor and multiscalar-tensor gravities without derivative couplings. By rescaling of the metric and reparametrization of the scalar fields, the theory can be…
We investigate the structure of equations of motion and lagrangian constraints in a general theory of massive spin 2 field interacting with external gravity. We demonstrate how consistency with the flat limit can be achieved in a number of…
In this review article, we discuss the distinction and possible equivalence between scale invariance and conformal invariance in relativistic quantum field theories. Under some technical assumptions, we can prove that scale invariant…
In general relativity, the double null foliation is one for which $d$-dimensional spacetime is foliated by two families of intersecting null hyper surfaces (i.e. surfaces whose normal vectors are null) of $(d-1)$ dimensions. Their…