Gravitational vacuum polarization as an alternative to dark matter

TL;DR

This paper proposes that dark matter effects can be explained by gravitational vacuum polarization, where the quantum vacuum's energy distribution is altered by gravity, potentially accounting for galactic dynamics without dark matter.

Contribution

It introduces a model of gravitational vacuum polarization that reproduces astronomical observations, offering an alternative explanation to dark matter.

Findings

Model successfully reproduces galaxy rotation curves

Quantum vacuum energy increase correlates with gravitational fields

Provides a potential alternative to dark matter hypothesis

Abstract

It is assumed that the quantum vacuum may be studied as consisting of two contributions, with positive and negative energy respectively, which interact but slightly and may be displaced from each other. Then it is proposed that dark matter may be just an increase of the quantum vacuum energy, with respect to the normal dark energy level, induced by the gravitational field of galaxies or clusters. A simple model is worked out able to reproduce astronomical observations.