Five-dimensional physics : classical and quantum consequences of Kaluza-Klein cosmology / Paul S. Wesson.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Wesson, Paul S.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Mathematical physics.

Kaluza-Klein theories.

Quantum field theory.

Embeddings (Mathematics).

Physical Description:

x, 222 pages : illustrations ; 24 cm

Place of Publication:

Hackensack, N.J. : World Scientific, [2006]

Summary:

Extra dimensions - beyond space and time - are the best methods for unifying gravity with particle physics. The basic extension is to five dimensions (5D), as in the induced-matter and membrane theory. This descriptive text gives an up-to-date account of the classical and quantum consequences of 5D physics. It includes topics that range from Einstein's original theory of relativity to modern views on matter. The book is mathematically precise and focuses on new ideas which appeal to readers. Examples of new ideas are: The big-bang universe, which is curved by matter in 4D, may be viewed as a smooth and empty world in 5D; the uncertainty of quantum interactions in spacetime may be regarded as the consequence of deterministic laws in higher dimensions. This book will interest people who think about the 'meaning of things'. Book jacket.

Contents:

1 Higher-Dimensional Physics 1

1.2 Dimensions Then and Now 2

1.3 Higher-Dimensional Theories 6

1.4 Field Equations in N [greater than or equal] 4 Dimensions 10

1.5 A Primer on Campbell's Theorem 24

2 The Big Bang Revisited 34

2.2 Flat 5D Universes 35

2.3 The Singularity as a Shock Wave 43

2.4 A Bounce Instead of a Bang 47

2.5 The Universe as a 5D Black Hole 54

3 Paths in Hyperspace 64

3.2 Dynamics in Spacetime 65

3.3 Fifth Force from Fifth Dimension 70

3.4 Null Paths and Two Times 77

3.5 The Equivalence Principle as a Symmetry 81

3.6 Particle Masses and Vacua 90

4 Quantum Consequences 100

4.2 4D Uncertainty from 5D Determinism 102

4.3 Is Mass Quantized? 107

4.4 The Klein-Gordon and Dirac Equations 112

4.5 Gauges and Spins 119

4.6 Particles and Waves: A Rapprochement 124

5 The Cosmological "Constant" and Vacuum 134

5.2 The 5D Cosmological "Constant" 138

5.3 Astrophysical Consequences 150

5.4 Vacuum Instability 158

5.5 Mach's Principle Anew 162

6 Embeddings In N [greater than or equal] 5 Dimensions 170

6.2 Embeddings and Physics 171

6.3 The Algebra of Embeddings 174

6.4 The Campbell-Magaard Theorem 182

6.5 Induced-Matter Theory 187

6.6 Membrane Theory 191

7 Perspectives in Physics 202.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

9812566619

OCLC:

67839346

Publisher Number:

9789812566614