Emergent dark energy via decoherence in quantum interactions

TL;DR

This paper proposes a model where gravitational interactions mediated by classical information induce decoherence in a quantum universe, resulting in emergent dark energy with specific equation of state oscillations.

Contribution

It introduces a relativistic toy model demonstrating how classical gravitational interactions can produce dark energy-like effects through decoherence.

Findings

Decoherence manifests as a dark energy fluid filling spacetime.

The equation of state oscillates around w = -1/3, independent of spatial curvature.

The model suggests quantum-classical interactions can violate energy-momentum conservation.

Abstract

In this work we consider a recent proposal in which gravitational interactions are mediated via classical information and apply it to a relativistic context. We study a toy model of a quantized Friedman-Robertson-Walker (FRW) universe with the assumption that any test particles must feel a classical metric. We show that such a model results in decoherence in the FRW state that manifests itself as a dark energy fluid that fills the spacetime. Analysis of the resulting fluid, shows the equation of state asymptotically oscillates around the value $w=-1/3$, regardless of the spatial curvature, which provides the bound between accelerating and decelerating expanding FRW cosmologies. Motivated by quantum-classical interactions this model is yet another example of theories with violation of energy-momentum conservation whose signature could have significant consequences for the observable universe.