Quantizing Cosmology with a Variable Gravitational Parameter
Faculty Mentor
Jeffery Secrest
Location
Ogeechee Theater
Type of Research
On-going
Session Format
Oral Presentation
College
College of Science & Mathematics
Department
Biochemistry, Chemistry & Physics
Abstract
We investigate cosmological models in which the gravitational parameter G(a) evolves with the scale factor of the Universe. We analyze the dynamical evolution of the scale factor a(t) and explore the quantum properties of the early Universe within this framework. Starting from a modified Friedmann equation with a variable gravitational coupling, we quantize the system and derive the corresponding Wheeler–DeWitt equation that describes the quantum behavior of the early universe. We then numerically solve for the wave function of the Universe and examine how different functional forms of G(a) influence its behavior.
In particular, we consider models where the gravitational parameter takes a power law form, G(a) = G0 an, and incorporate quantum corrections through modified G* functions. These quantum-corrected terms are then introduced in the effective potential governing the cosmological dynamics. Our analysis highlights how variations in the gravitational parameter modify both the classical expansion history and the quantum cosmological wave function.
Program Description
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Start Date
4-21-2026 10:30 AM
End Date
4-21-2026 10:45 AM
Recommended Citation
Bolle, Rohan, "Quantizing Cosmology with a Variable Gravitational Parameter" (2026). GS4 Student Scholars Symposium. 46.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/research_symposium/2026A/2026A/46
Quantizing Cosmology with a Variable Gravitational Parameter
Ogeechee Theater
We investigate cosmological models in which the gravitational parameter G(a) evolves with the scale factor of the Universe. We analyze the dynamical evolution of the scale factor a(t) and explore the quantum properties of the early Universe within this framework. Starting from a modified Friedmann equation with a variable gravitational coupling, we quantize the system and derive the corresponding Wheeler–DeWitt equation that describes the quantum behavior of the early universe. We then numerically solve for the wave function of the Universe and examine how different functional forms of G(a) influence its behavior.
In particular, we consider models where the gravitational parameter takes a power law form, G(a) = G0 an, and incorporate quantum corrections through modified G* functions. These quantum-corrected terms are then introduced in the effective potential governing the cosmological dynamics. Our analysis highlights how variations in the gravitational parameter modify both the classical expansion history and the quantum cosmological wave function.
