Superstring Cosmology: Compactifying 7 Dimensions

In summary, Superstring Cosmologists propose that 7 dimensions curl into a tiny shape and survival is possible because any cut in space is prevented by their compactification.
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Kevin_Axion
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In Superstring Cosmology and Superstring Gas Cosmology they try to address the question as to how compactification occurs. Is it believed that possibly cosmic strings wrapped themselves around 7 dimensions and collapsed due to their tension? This isn't a personal theory just a curiosity as to how current Superstring Cosmologists propose compactification of 7 dimensions occurred. If this is incorrect I would be glad if you can provide a detailed explanation or link.

Thanks, Kevin
 
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  • #2
I am not completely sure about this. But I do know that their is a theory that proclaims that 7 dimensions curl around into a tiny shape, about the plank size, named a calabi-yau shape.
These tiny shapes help the universe to survive, as any cut in space ( where space rips apart) they can mould into different shapes to almost glue that rip together and stop the cataclysmic affect
A good book on string theory is Brian Greens book " the elegant universe"
Hope that's useful :)
 
  • #3
Yea, thanks, I already know that I just wanted a more technical and mathematical perspective as to how only seven dimensional spaces become compactified within String Gas Cosmologies.
 
  • #4
I once watched a magician swallow a spool of thread and a pack of double edged razor blades. He then pulled the string out of his mouth with all the razor blades neatly tied to it.
 
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  • #5
The original models of string gases don't involve cosmic strings but fundamental strings. The idea is that initially all the dimensions possesses winding modes -- strings that wrap around the dimension. By observing that p-dimensional objects generically intersect in 2p+1 dimensions, 1-dimensional winding modes will generically annihilate with 1-dimensional anti-winding modes in at most 3 dimensions. This annihilation 'frees-up' these dimensions -- hence a universe with 3 non-compact dimensions. The 1D winding modes do not annihilate efficiently in higher dimensions, and so these remain compactified. This reasoning is based on Brandenberger, Tsetylin and Vafa's original proposal based on toroidal compactification. It has since been studied under more complicated compactification schemes with varied outcomes -- some geometries/topologies result in more than 3 large dimensions. The role of cosmic strings and branes has also been investigated.
 
  • #6
Thanks.
 

1. What is superstring cosmology?

Superstring cosmology is a branch of theoretical physics that aims to explain the origins and evolution of the universe through the framework of string theory. It posits that the fundamental building blocks of the universe are not point-like particles, but rather tiny vibrating strings that exist in 10 dimensions.

2. What does it mean to "compactify" dimensions?

Compactification refers to the process of reducing the number of dimensions in a physical theory. In the context of superstring cosmology, it involves taking the 10 dimensions of string theory and "curling up" 7 of them so that they are too small to be observed. This allows for the possibility of a 3-dimensional universe, which is consistent with our observations.

3. Why are 7 dimensions compactified in superstring cosmology?

The number 7 is not arbitrary and is derived from mathematical principles within string theory. It is the minimum number of dimensions that must be compactified in order to obtain a 3-dimensional universe with the correct properties and symmetries. Any fewer dimensions would result in a universe that is vastly different from our own, making it incompatible with observations.

4. What evidence supports the concept of compactifying 7 dimensions?

While there is currently no direct evidence for the existence of compactified dimensions, the concept is supported by the elegance and consistency of string theory as a mathematical framework for describing the universe. Additionally, the theory has made predictions that have been confirmed by experiments, such as the existence of supersymmetric particles.

5. How does superstring cosmology relate to the Big Bang theory?

The Big Bang theory is the prevailing scientific explanation for the origins of the universe, while superstring cosmology is a more recent theoretical framework that aims to provide a more fundamental understanding of the universe. It is believed that the Big Bang may have occurred as a result of a phase transition in the early universe, which is a concept that is explored in superstring cosmology. However, there is still much research and debate about the exact relationship between the two theories.

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