Self-tuning vacuum variable and cosmological constant

TL;DR

The paper introduces a Lorentz-invariant self-tuning variable for the quantum vacuum that explains the small observed cosmological constant as a consequence of vacuum imperfections, providing a potential solution to the cosmological constant problem.

Contribution

It proposes a novel self-tuning mechanism for the quantum vacuum that naturally cancels the effective energy density in gravitational equations, addressing the cosmological constant issue.

Findings

Self-tuning variable nullifies vacuum energy in perfect vacuum

Small nonzero cosmological constant arises from vacuum imperfections

Provides a theoretical framework for vacuum energy adjustment

Abstract

A spacetime-independent variable is introduced which characterizes a Lorentz-invariant self-sustained quantum vacuum. For a perfect (Lorentz-invariant) quantum vacuum, the self-tuning of this variable nullifies the effective energy density which enters the low-energy gravitational field equations. The observed small but nonzero value of the cosmological constant may then be explained as corresponding to the effective energy density of an imperfect quantum vacuum (perturbed by, e.g., the presence of thermal matter).