What is gravity in the superfluid vacuum model of quantum gravity?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of gravity within the framework of the superfluid vacuum model of quantum gravity. Participants explore the implications of this model, particularly how gravity may emerge as a force from the dynamics of a quantum vacuum filled with virtual particles.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant hypothesizes that the vacuum is not empty but filled with virtual particles, suggesting that gravity could be an emergent phenomenon of the quantum vacuum, specifically through the superfluid vacuum theory.
  • There is uncertainty expressed regarding how gravity manifests as a force within this superfluid vacuum model.
  • Another participant requests a peer-reviewed reference to support the discussion on superfluid vacuum theory, indicating a need for credible sources.
  • A participant points to a specific article as a potential reference, questioning whether it accurately describes the concepts being discussed.
  • Concerns are raised about the validity of the referenced paper, with one participant suggesting it resembles a debunked theory of gravity and expressing skepticism about its publication in a reputable journal.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the validity of the superfluid vacuum theory or the referenced paper. There are competing views regarding the interpretation and implications of the theory.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the need for credible references and express skepticism about certain claims made in the literature, indicating potential limitations in the discussion's foundation.

Quantum23
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TL;DR
Superfluid vacuum theory or BEC vacuum theory is one candidate theory of quantum gravity but from the description in wikipedia it is not clear how gravity becomes a force it just says that curvature is density difference in virtual particles. So how does gravity becomes a force?
It has been hypothesized by quantum field theory that the vacuum is not empty due to the energy time uncertainity relationship. Instead it is filled with a sea of virtual particles popping in and out of existence and renormalized to the observed value we see today in experiments like the casimir effect and observations like dark energy. One possible mechanism of unifying gravity and the standard model of particles is to claim that gravity is an emergent phenomena of the quantum vacuum. This is called the superfluid vacuum theory where the quantum vacuum acts as a superfluid of virtual particles. Curvature is represented as density of the superfluid. To me it is not clear how gravity becomes a force in this picture. I know there are a lot of versions of this theory. Do these versions vary on how gravity emerges as a force from the dynamics of the superfluid?
 
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@Quantum23 we need a specific, valid reference as a basis for discussion. Wikipedia does not meet that requirement. If you can give a reference to a peer-reviewed paper on "superfluid vacuum theory", we can discuss that.
 
PeterDonis said:
@Quantum23 we need a specific, valid reference as a basis for discussion. Wikipedia does not meet that requirement. If you can give a reference to a peer-reviewed paper on "superfluid vacuum theory", we can discuss that.

Hi Peter,
I think Quantum23 might refer to this article:

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-019-48018-2
 
Andrea Panza said:
Hi Peter,
I think Quantum23 might refer to this article:

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-019-48018-2
Thi paper seems to propose essentially a Le Sage theory of gravity, which has been thoroughly debunked. Many other aspect of the paper seem dubious as well. I’m shocked this appeared in Nature
 

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