Non-singular inflationary universe from polymer matter

TL;DR

This paper introduces a polymer quantization approach for a scalar field in cosmology, resulting in a non-singular, inflationary universe without requiring full quantum gravity, and naturally includes a graceful exit from inflation.

Contribution

It presents a novel polymer quantization method for scalar fields that produces a non-singular, inflationary cosmological model with a built-in exit mechanism.

Findings

Universe is non-singular and non-bouncing without quantum gravity

Model exhibits an early de Sitter-like inflationary phase

Includes a natural graceful exit from inflation

Abstract

We consider a polymer quantization of a free massless scalar field in a homogeneous and isotropic cosmological spacetime. This quantization method assumes that field translations are fundamentally discrete, and is related to but distinct from that used in loop quantum gravity. The semi-classical Friedman equation yields a universe that is non-singular and non-bouncing, without quantum gravity. The model has an early de Sitter-like inflationary phase with sufficient expansion to resolve the horizon and entropy problems, and a built in mechanism for a graceful exit from inflation.