Bianchi I Quantum Cosmology in the Bergmann–Wagoner Theory

The Wheeler–DeWitt equation is considered in the context of generalized scalar-tensor theories of gravitation for the Bianchi type I cosmology. Exact solutions are found for two selfinteracting potentials and arbitrary coupling function. The WKB wavefunctions are obtained and a family of solutions satisfying the Hawking–Page regularity conditions of wormholes are found.     

Topology of the Universe: Background and recent observational approaches

Is the Universe (a spatial section thereof) finite or infinite? Knowing the global geometry of a Friedmann-Lemaître (FL) universe requires knowing both its curvature and its topology. A flat or hyperbolic (‘open’) FL universe is not necessarily infinite in volume. Multiply connected flat and hyperbolic models are, in general, as consistent with present observations on scales of 1–20 h^?1 Gpc as are the corresponding simply connected flat and hyperbolic models. The methods of detecting multiply connected models (MCM’s) are presently in their pioneering phase of development and the optimal observationally realistic strategy is probably yet to be calculated. Constraints against MCM’s on ～1–4 h^?1 Gpc scales have been claimed, but relate more to inconsistent assumptions on perturbation statistics rather than just to topology. Candidate 3-manifolds based on hypothesised multiply imaged objects are being offered for observational refutation. The theoretical and observational sides of this rapidly developing subject have yet to make any serious contact, but the prospects of a significant detection in the coming decade may well propel the two together.     

Topological defects in cosmology

Present status of theories of topological defects in particle theory models of the early Universe is discussed. Various consequences of topological defects in cosmology, such as constraints on particle theory models, structure formation etc. are discussed.     

String cosmology

In this review, we discuss various cosmological issues related to our Universe from a string theoretic perspective. We analyse the pre-big bang cosmological scenario which appears naturally in this context due to the existence of scale factor duality symmetry in string theory. We then discuss some of the attractive and problematic features of this scenario. Finally, we introduce a method which is powerful enough to search for cosmological solutions in various low energy limits of string theories.     

Friedmann Cosmology with Bulk Viscosity: A Concrete Model for Dark Energy

The universe content is considered as a non-perfect fluid with bulk viscosity and can be described by a general equation of state (endowed some deviation from the conventionally assumed cosmic perfect fluid model). An explicitly bulk viscosity dark energy model is proposed to confront consistently with the current observationaldata sets by statistical analysis and is shown consistent with (not deviated away much from) the concordant Λ Cold Dark Matter (CDM) model by comparing the decelerating parameter. Also we compare our relatively simple viscosity dark energy model with a more complicated one by contrast with the concordant ΛCDM modeland find our model improves for the viscosity dark energy model building. Finally we discuss the perspectives of dark energy probes for the coming years with observations.     

Nonequilibrium Thermodynamics of Dark Energy on Cosmic Apparent Horizon

In recent several years, some works have been done on cosmic thermodynamics.The apparent horizon was regarded as the key characteristic supersurface where thermodynamics can be built on perfectly. However, if the irreversible process is considered, the proper position for building thermodynamics will not be the apparent horizon anymore. The new position is related to dark energy state equation and the irreversible process parameters.     

Cosmological magnetic fields

Magnetic fields are observed not only in stars, but in galaxies, clusters, and even high redshift Lyman-α systems. In principle, these fields could play an important role in structure formation and also affect the anisotropies in the cosmic microwave background radiation (CMB). The study of cosmological magnetic fields aims not only to quantify these effects on large-scale structure and the CMB, but also to answer one of the outstanding puzzles of modern cosmology: when and how do magnetic fields originate? They are either primoridial, i.e. created before the onset of structure formation, or they are generated during the process of structure formation itself.     

Gravitational Waves and the Conformal Transformation

We study the problem of the behaviour of cosmological gravitational waves under conformal transformations. In spite of the apparent triviality of this question, the informations we can obtain from gravitational waves in the so-called Einstein's and Jordan's frame are not the same, mainly with respect to the choice of the initial conditions and of graviton production. The only exception seems to occur in string cosmology due to the duality properties.     

Wave Functions for Arbitrary Operator Ordering in the de Sitter Minisuperspace Approximation

We derive exact series solutions for the Wheeler–DeWitt equation corresponding to a spatially closed Friedmann–Robertson–Walker universe with cosmological constant for arbitrary operator ordering of the scale factor of the universe. The resulting wave functions are those relevant to the approximation which has been widely used in two-dimensional minisuperspace models with an inflationary scalar field for the purpose of predicting the period of inflation which results from competing boundary condition proposals for the wave function of the universe. The problem that Vilenkin's tunneling wave function is not normalizable for general operator orderings, is shown to persist for other values of the spatial curvature, and when additional matter degrees of freedom such as radiation are included.     

An Unlikely Connection: Geochemistry and Nuclear Structure

Although geochemistry belongs to the earth sciences, historically it has interacted importantly with the physical sciences, in particular with astrophysics and nuclear physics. These interactions, which in traditional historiography have received little notice from either historians of physics or historians of geology, are the subjects of the present paper, which focuses on the period between 1915 and 1950. During the 1920s, geochemists established empirical regularities in the abundance data of the elements in rocks and meteorites, and from these they suggested that an improved knowledge of the atomic nucleus could be obtained. More significantly, geochemists supplied astrophysicists, cosmologists and nuclear physicists with important data that could not be obtained otherwise. The link between geochemistry and basic, nuclear physics is a historical reality. The paper explores parts of this link.