Space-time curvature due to quantum vacuum fluctuations: An alternative to dark energy?

TL;DR

This paper proposes that quantum vacuum fluctuations could cause space-time curvature similar to dark energy, offering an alternative explanation consistent with observations.

Contribution

It introduces a simple calculation linking quantum vacuum fluctuations to space-time curvature, providing a potential alternative to dark energy.

Findings

Quantum vacuum fluctuations may produce space-time curvature equivalent to dark energy.

Estimated dark energy density aligns with observational data.

A straightforward calculation connects elementary particle mass to cosmic acceleration.

Abstract

It is pointed out that quantum vacuum fluctuations may give rise to a curvature of space-time equivalent to the curvature currently attributed to dark energy. A simple calculation is made, which suggests that the value of the dark energy density is roughly given by the product of Newton constant time the quantity m^6 c^4 h^-4, m being a typical mass of elementary particles. The estimate is compatible with observations.