Quantum fluctuations in the DGP model and the size of the cross-over scale

TL;DR

This paper investigates how quantum effects of a scalar field can dynamically generate a large cross-over scale in the DGP model, potentially explaining the observed cosmic acceleration without fine-tuning.

Contribution

It introduces a mechanism where quantum fluctuations of a bulk scalar field produce an effective potential that stabilizes a large cross-over scale in the DGP model.

Findings

Quantum fluctuations yield a Coleman-Weinberg type potential.

The potential admits a large $r_c$ minimum without fine tuning.

Brane curvature modifies the potential, affecting stability.

Abstract

The Dvali-Gabadadze-Porrati model introduces a parameter, the cross-over scale $r_c$, setting the scale where higher dimensional effects are important. In order to agree with observations and to explain the current acceleration of the Universe, $r_c$ must be of the order of the present Hubble radius. We discuss a mechanism to generate a large $r_c$, assuming that it is determined by a dynamical field and exploiting the quantum effects of the graviton. For simplicity, we consider a scalar field $\Psi$ with a kinetic term on the brane instead of the full metric perturbations. We compute the Green function and the 1-loop expectation value of the stress tensor of $\Psi$ on the background defined by a flat bulk and an inflating brane (self-accelerated or not). We also include the flat brane limit. The quantum fluctuations of the bulk field $\Psi$ provide an effective potential for $r_c$. For a flat brane, the 1-loop effective potential is of the Coleman-Weinberg form, and admits a minimum for large $r_c$ without fine tuning. When we take into account the brane curvature, a sizeable contribution at the classical level changes this picture and the potential develops a (minimum) maximum for the (non-) self-accelerated branch.