Has a calculation of the vacuum energy density been done with strings?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the calculation of vacuum energy density, particularly in the context of string theory and its implications for discrepancies observed in theoretical predictions compared to empirical reality. Participants explore whether string theory provides a better framework for understanding these discrepancies than traditional quantum field theory (QFT).

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes a significant discrepancy in vacuum energy density calculations, suggesting that the point-like structure of particles may contribute to this issue.
  • Another participant challenges the existence of a calculation in string theory, asserting that only estimates exist, which are not very reliable.
  • Questions are raised about the reasons for the large discrepancy between theoretical estimates and observed values, with some participants indicating that this remains an open area of research.
  • There is speculation about a potential relationship between the discrepancy value of $$10^{120}$$ and the cube of the Planck length, although this is met with a warning against personal speculation.
  • Participants discuss technical issues related to LaTeX formatting on the forum, providing guidance on how to properly format equations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express disagreement regarding the existence and reliability of calculations related to vacuum energy density in string theory. There is no consensus on whether such calculations have been successfully conducted or if they provide a satisfactory explanation for the observed discrepancies.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention that the estimates in string theory are not well-documented, and the discussion reflects ongoing uncertainties in the field regarding vacuum energy calculations.

JandeWandelaar
Messages
111
Reaction score
17
TL;DR
The vacuum energy density of the vacuum, as calculated in standard QFT, shows a discrepancy of about $10^{120}$ with what we see. Has the value been calculated in string theory, which doesn't assume point-like particles?
The calculation of the vacuum energy density gives us a discrepancy with reality. There should be a mass equivalent of about $10^{96}$ kilograms. I'm wondering if the assumed point-like "structure" of particles could be the cause of this wrong value.

Since string theory doesn't assume a point-like structure, I asked myself if a calculation of the energy density with strings has been done.
 
  • Wow
Likes   Reactions: Delta2
Physics news on Phys.org
JandeWandelaar said:
The calculation of the vacuum energy density gives us a discrepancy with reality.

Nonsense. There is no such calculation. At best, there is an estimate, and not a very good one at that.

Starting threads by presenting incorrect statements as facts is, in general, not a good plan.
 
Why does the estimate differ so much with what we see? Is there an estimate in string theory? I could not find it. Only estimates in standard QFT.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Delta2
Vanadium 50 said:
Nonsense. There is no such calculation. At best, there is an estimate, and not a very good one at that.

Starting threads by presenting incorrect statements as facts is, in general, not a good plan.
BTW, do you know why the LaTex doesn't function? Is $10^{120}$ not right?
 
JandeWandelaar said:
BTW, do you know why the LaTex doesn't function? Is $10^{120}$ not right?
you got to put double $ at start and end. And then refresh the page.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: JandeWandelaar
JandeWandelaar said:
BTW, do you know why the LaTex doesn't function? Is $10^{120}$ not right?

for LaTeX on the forum: https://www.physicsforums.com/help/latexhelp/

This is a summary of how the ##10^{120}## discrepancy calculation is done, it is a bit heuristic
https://www.cantorsparadise.com/the...iction-in-the-history-of-physics-5be09b309043
Calculating vacuum energy in various QFTs is a thing, there are several papers published on that matter. Here is one such article https://arxiv.org/abs/1302.5934
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: JandeWandelaar and Delta2
Thanks dude (am I allowed...?). 😉
 
  • Wow
Likes   Reactions: Delta2
Is this about the so called, ground state energy of the fields?
 
JandeWandelaar said:
Why does the estimate differ so much with what we see?
Nobody knows. This is an open area of research.

JandeWandelaar said:
Is there an estimate in string theory? I could not find it.
I'm not aware of one either.
 
  • #10
PeterDonis said:
Nobody knows. This is an open area of research.I'm not aware of one either.
Somehow I think $$10^{120}$$ and the cube of the Planck length, $$10^{-115}$$, are related.
 
  • Skeptical
  • Wow
Likes   Reactions: malawi_glenn, PeroK and Motore
  • #11
JandeWandelaar said:
Somehow I think $$10^{120}$$ and the cube of the Planck length, $$10^{-115}$$, are related.
Personal speculation of this kind is off limits here.
 
  • #12
The OP question has been answered. Thread closed.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: JandeWandelaar

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
1K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
4K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K