Abstract
We derive a simple form for the propagator of a massless, minimally coupled scalar in a locally de Sitter geometry of arbitrary spacetime dimension. We then employ it to compute the fully renormalized stress tensor at one- and two-loop orders for a massless, minimally coupled 04 theory which is released in Bunch-Davies vacuum at t = 0 in co-moving coordinates. In this system, the uncertainty principle elevates the scalar above the minimum of its potential, resulting in a phase of super-acceleration. With the non-derivative self-interaction the scalar's breaking of de Sitter invariance becomes observable. It is also worth noting that the weak-energy condition is violated on cosmological scales. An interesting subsidiary result is that cancelling overlapping divergences in the stress tensor requires a conformal counterterm which has no effect on purely scalar diagrams.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Article number | 311 |
Pages (from-to) | 4607-4626 |
Number of pages | 20 |
Journal | Classical and Quantum Gravity |
Volume | 19 |
Issue number | 17 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 7 Sept 2002 |
Externally published | Yes |