Classical and Quantum Solutions of Conformally Related Multidimensional Cosmological Models

Abstract

Consider multidim. universes M= R x M_1 x ... x M_n with D = 1+ d_1 .. + d_n, where M_i of dimension d_i are of have constant curvature and compact for i>1. For Lagrangian models L(R,phi) on M which depend only on Ricci curvature R and a scalar field phi, there exists an explicit description of conformal equivalence, with the minimal coupling model and the conformal coupling model as distinguished representatives of a conformal class. For the conformally coupled model we study classical solutions and their relation to solutions in the equivalent minimally coupled model. The domains of equivalence are separated by certain critical values of the scalar field phi. Furthermore the coupling constant xi of the coupling between phi and R is critical at both, the minimal value xi=0 and the conformal value xi_c={D-2}/{4(D-1)}. In different noncritical regions of $xi$ the solutions behave qualitatively different. For vanishing potential of the minimally coupled scalar field we find a multidimensional generalization of Kasner's solution. Its scale factor singularity vanishes in the conformal coupling model. Static internal spaces in the minimal model become dynamical in the conformal one. The nonsingular conformal solution has a particular interesting region, where internal spaces shrink while the external space expands. While the Lorentzian solution relates to a creation of the universe at finite scale, it Euclidean counterpart is an (instanton) wormhole. Solving the Wheeler de Witt equation we obtain the quantum counterparts to the classical solutions. A real Euclidean quantum wormhole is obtained in a special case.