Is "Dark Energy" a Quantum Vacuum Energy?

TL;DR

This paper proposes that dark energy is not due to quantum vacuum energy but originates from a Weyl scaling invariant component of gravity, impacting cosmology and black hole physics.

Contribution

It introduces a novel perspective that dark energy stems from a specific gravitational action component, challenging the conventional quantum vacuum explanation.

Findings

Dark energy may arise from Weyl scaling invariant gravity terms.

Implications for cosmology and black hole physics are discussed.

Challenges the quantum vacuum energy hypothesis for dark energy.

Abstract

We review the origins, motivations, and implications for cosmology and black holes, of our proposal that "dark energy" is not a quantum vacuum energy, but rather arises from a Weyl scaling invariant nonderivative component of the gravitational action.