Abstract
We consider a model of an elementary particle as a (2 + 1)-dimensional brane evolving in a (3 + 1)-dimensional space. Introducing gauge fields that live in the brane as well as normal surface tension can lead to a stable 'elementary particle' configuration. Considering the possibility of non-vanishing vacuum energy inside the bubble leads, when gravitational effects are considered, to the possibility of a quantum decay of such an 'elementary particle' into an infinite universe. Some remarkable features of the quantum mechanics of this process are discussed, in particular the relation between possible boundary conditions and the question of instability towards universe formation is analysed.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 3315-3320 |
| Number of pages | 6 |
| Journal | Classical and Quantum Gravity |
| Volume | 16 |
| Issue number | 10 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - 1 Oct 1999 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Physics and Astronomy (miscellaneous)