Semiclassical Gravitational Effects in de Sitter Space at Finite Temperature

TL;DR

This paper solves the linearized Einstein equations for a conformal scalar field at finite temperature in de Sitter space, revealing localized quantum fluctuations and their damping effects on spacetime geometry.

Contribution

It provides exact solutions for the semiclassical Einstein equations in de Sitter space with finite temperature quantum fields, highlighting localized fluctuations and damping behavior.

Findings

Quantum fluctuations concentrate near two spheres of de Sitter radius.

Exponential damping of back-reaction effects with distance.

Solutions extendable to anti-de Sitter space.

Abstract

In the framework of finite temperature conformal scalar field theory on de Sitter space-time the linearized Einstein equations for the renormalized stress tensor are exactly solved. In this theory quantum field fluctuations are concentrated near two spheres of the de Sitter radius, propagating as light wave fronts. Related cosmological aspects are shortly discussed. The analysis, performed for flat expanding universe, shows exponential damping of the back-reaction effects far from these spherical objects. The obtained solutions for the semiclassical Einstein equations in de Sitter background can be straightforwardly extended also to the anti-de Sitter geometry.