Do we live in an eigenstate of the "fundamental constants" operators?

TL;DR

This paper explores the idea that fundamental constants of nature can be treated as quantum observables, leading to novel quantum superpositions of cosmological states and dynamics, especially when these constants do not commute.

Contribution

It introduces a framework where fundamental constants are quantum operators, revealing new cosmological behaviors and superpositions in universe models based on different algebraic structures.

Findings

Quantum superpositions of universe expansion states

Silencing of matter effects in certain quantum regimes

Superpositions of cosmological bounces and static universes

Abstract

We propose that the constants of Nature we observe (which appear as parameters in the classical action) are quantum observables in a kinematical Hilbert space. When all of these observables commute, our proposal differs little from the treatment given to classical parameters in quantum information theory, at least if we were to inhabit a constants' eigenstate. Non-commutativity introduces novelties, due to its associated uncertainty and complementarity principles, and it may even preclude hamiltonian evolution. The system typically evolves as a quantum superposition of hamiltonian evolutions resulting from a diagonalization process, and these are usually quite distinct from the original one (defined in terms of the non-commuting constants). We present several examples targeting $G$, $c$ and $\Lambda $, and the dynamics of homogeneous and isotropic Universes. If we base our construction on the Heisenberg algebra and the quantum harmonic oscillator, the alternative dynamics tends to silence matter (effectively setting $G$ to zero), and make curvature and the cosmological constant act as if their signs are reversed. Thus, the early Universe expands as a quantum superposition of different Milne or de Sitter expansions for all material equations of state, even though matter nominally dominates the density, $\rho $, because of the negligible influence of $G\rho $ on the dynamics. A superposition of Einstein static universes can also be obtained. We also investigate the results of basing our construction on the algebra of $SU(2)$, into which we insert information about the sign of a constant of Nature, or whether its action is switched on or off. In this case we find examples displaying quantum superpositions of bounces at the initial state for the Universe.