The discussion revolves around the modification of quantum mechanics (QM) in the context of a small universe, particularly during the early stages of cosmic evolution. Participants explore how QM might be formulated in curved space-times and the implications of the universe's size on path integrals and dimensional considerations.
Participants express uncertainty about how QM should be modified in the context of a small universe, with multiple competing views on the implications of dimensionality and the formulation of QM in curved space-times. The discussion remains unresolved.
Limitations include assumptions about the nature of the early universe, the definitions of dimensions, and the mathematical treatment of QM in curved space-times, which are not fully explored in the discussion.
this field you are asking the question in is quantum cosmology.Mike2 said:How is QM modified in a small universe? Usually we have path integrals that consider every possible path throughout infinity. But what about the early universe that may have been about the size of an atom or smaller? Do we continue to consider all paths throughout infinity? Or are the paths constrained to the size of the universe, which may be quite small?
Thanks.
Isn't this precisely how one would connect QM with GR... by determining how to do QM in curved space-times? It sounds like a change of coordinates. But I'm probably being naive about it.Mike2 said:If the dimensions of the very early universe were curled up and flatten out with expansion, then can QM be formulated in these curled up dimensions? Thanks.