Can Cosmological Constant be a Forbidden Zone (GAP) in Quantum Vacuum

TL;DR

This paper proposes a novel interpretation of the cosmological constant as a forbidden energy zone in the quantum vacuum, inspired by solid state physics, offering a new perspective on vacuum structure and dark energy.

Contribution

It introduces a conceptual analogy between quantum vacuum and crystal lattice energy zones, suggesting the cosmological constant arises from a forbidden negative energy zone.

Findings

Proposes negative energy forbidden zone as the origin of the cosmological constant

Suggests finite Brillouin zone integration simplifies vacuum fluctuation calculations

Offers an alternative model for the cosmological constant

Abstract

In this work we suggest, without detailed mathematical analysis, a hypothesis on the physical meaning of cosmological constant. It is primarily based on a conceptual analogy with energy characteristics of the crystal lattice structure, i.e. energy zones theory in solid state physics. Namely, according to some theories (holographic principle, emergent gravity etc.) it is supposed that empty space, i.e. quantum vacuum holds a structure like to crystal lattice. It implies a possibility of the existence of totally occupied zones consisting of many levels of the negative energies as well as at least one negative energy forbidden zone, i.e. negative energy gap without any (occupied or empty) level of the negative energy. We suppose that given negative energy forbidden zone in the quantum vacuum represents effectively a positive energy zone without quantum particles that corresponds to cosmological constant. Also we suggest some other (less extravagant) model of the cosmological constant. Here cosmological constant is usually considered as the effect of the quantum vacuum fluctuations where problem of the cut-off can be solved quite simply since here integration over unlimited domain of the quasi-momentums must be changed by integration over one, finite "Brillouin zone".