Cosmology without an Initial Singularity

TL;DR

This paper proposes a cosmological model where the Universe begins in a zero energy vacuum state, with expansion driven by electroweak symmetry breaking, resulting in a universe consistent with observed parameters but with an older age.

Contribution

It introduces a novel cosmological model that eliminates the initial singularity and links the Universe's components to electroweak symmetry breaking and fundamental constants.

Findings

Universe is twice as old as standard models

Hubble constant and cosmological constant match observed values

Structure formation may have occurred earlier

Abstract

We present a model of the expanding Universe that begins in a zero energy vacuum state. The Universe results from the spontaneous breaking of the electroweak symmetry, wherein the vacuum with positive expectation energy produces the dark and visible matter and launches the expansion. Our model Universe is twice as old as the standard value but the Hubble constant, cosmological constant and ratio of matter to dark energy are comparable to concordance values. The development of structure may have occurred earlier. Finally, we speculate regarding the origin of each component of the Universe due to a coincidence between the sine of the Weinberg angle and the ratio of matter to dark energy.