A conjecture on the origin of dark energy

TL;DR

This paper critically examines existing theories of holographic dark energy and proposes a new explanation based on quantum spacetime fluctuations limited by the universe's event horizon.

Contribution

It introduces a novel hypothesis that dark energy arises from quantum spacetime fluctuations constrained by the cosmic event horizon.

Findings

Existing explanations are inadequate.

A new quantum fluctuation-based model is proposed.

Discussion of potential issues with the new explanation.

Abstract

The physical origin of holographic dark energy (HDE) is investigated. The main existing explanations, namely the UV/IR connection argument of Cohen et al, Thomas' bulk holography argument, and Ng's spacetime foam argument, are shown to be not satisfactory. A new explanation of the HDE model is then proposed based on the ideas of Thomas and Ng. It is suggested that the dark energy might originate from the quantum fluctuations of spacetime limited by the event horizon of the universe. Several potential problems of the explanation are also discussed.