Vacuum metastability referenced in Simplified chain inflation and Hubble time

In summary, the paper "Simplified Chain Inflation" references the concept of vacuum metastability, with a lifetime shorter than the Hubble time (13.8 billion years), as an important factor to consider in cosmology.
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Hivoyer
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Vacuum metastability referenced in "Simplified chain inflation" and Hubble time

In this paper http://power.itp.ac.cn/~huangqg/Publications/JCAP-Simplified%20chain%20inflation.pdf it is referenced(Ctrl+F 'with the lifetime of the metastable vacua much shorter than the Hubble time') that basically that is the time it takes for a vacuum phase transition to occur?Am I getting this right?By Hubble time do they mean 13.8 billion years?I'm kinda confused here,are they implying it's "due time" for a metastability event?
 
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No, the authors are not implying that it is due time for a metastability event. They are simply pointing out that if the lifetime of the metastable vacua is much shorter than the Hubble time (13.8 billion years), then the vacuum phase transition can occur within the cosmological timescale. So, the authors are noting that the vacuum phase transition can be relevant to cosmology and should be taken into account.
 

1. What is vacuum metastability and how is it related to simplified chain inflation?

Vacuum metastability refers to the potential instability of a vacuum state in particle physics. In simplified chain inflation, vacuum metastability is used as a mechanism to explain the rapid expansion of the universe during the inflationary period.

2. How does vacuum metastability affect the Hubble time?

Vacuum metastability can influence the Hubble time, which is the time it takes for the universe to expand by a factor of e. If vacuum metastability occurs at a certain energy density, it can lead to a shorter Hubble time.

3. What evidence supports the concept of vacuum metastability in simplified chain inflation?

Several observations in cosmology, such as the flatness and homogeneity of the universe, support the idea of vacuum metastability in simplified chain inflation. Additionally, the predictions of the inflationary model have been confirmed by various experiments, providing further evidence for the role of vacuum metastability.

4. Are there any potential implications of vacuum metastability in simplified chain inflation?

One potential implication is that the universe may not be in a stable vacuum state and could potentially undergo a phase transition to a lower energy state. This could have significant effects on the evolution of the universe and the formation of structures within it.

5. How does the concept of vacuum metastability in simplified chain inflation relate to the larger field of cosmology?

Vacuum metastability in simplified chain inflation is just one aspect of the larger field of cosmology, which seeks to understand the origin and evolution of the universe. It is a key component in theories of the early universe and provides insights into the fundamental forces and particles that govern our universe.

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