Five-Dimensional Physics : Classical and Quantum Consequences of Kaluza-Klein Cosmology

by Wesson, Paul S.

• ISBN13: 9789812566614
• ISBN10: 9812566619
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2006-04-30
• Publisher: World Scientific Pub Co Inc

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'. Contents: Higher-Dimensional Physics; The Big Bang Revisited; Paths in Hyperspace; Quantum Consequences; The Cosmological "Constant" and Vacuum; Embeddings in N 5 Dimensions; Perspectives in Physics. Key Features A rare account of higher-dimensional physics Clear and fluid style Broad coverage of topics, blackholes, particle physics, cosmology Readership: Graduate students and researchers in physics and astronomy.

Table of Contents

Preface	v
1. HIGHER-DIMENSIONAL PHYSICS	1	(33)
1.1 Introduction	1	(1)
1.2 Dimensions Then and Now	2	(4)
1.3 Higher-Dimensional Theories	6	(4)
1.4 Field Equations in N> 4 Dimensions	10	(14)
1.5 A Primer on Campbell's Theorem	24	(4)
1.6 Conclusion	28	(6)
2. THE BIG BANG REVISITED	34	(30)
2.1 Introduction	34	(1)
2.2 Flat 5D Universes	35	(8)
2.3 The Singularity as a Shock Wave	43	(4)
2.4 A Bounce Instead of a Bang	47	(7)
2.5 The Universe as a 5D Black Hole	54	(6)
2.6 Conclusion	60	(4)
3. PATHS IN HYPERSPACE	64	(36)
3.1 Introduction	64	(1)
3.2 Dynamics in Spacetime	65	(5)
3.3 Fifth Force from Fifth Dimension	70	(7)
3.4 Null Paths and Two Times	77	(4)
3.5 The Equivalence Principle as a Symmetry	81	(9)
3.6 Particle Masses and Vacua	90	(5)
3.7 Conclusion	95	(5)
4. QUANTUM CONSEQUENCES	100	(34)
4.1 Introduction	100	(2)
4.2 4D Uncertainty from 5D Determinism	102	(5)
4.3 Is Mass Quantized?	107	(5)
4.4 The Klein-Gordon and Dirac Equations	112	(7)
4.5 Gauges and Spins	119	(5)
4.6 Particles and Waves: A Rapprochement	124	(5)
4.7 Conclusion	129	(5)
5. THE COSMOLOGICAL "CONSTANT" AND VACUUM	134	(36)
5.1 Introduction	134	(4)
5.2 The 5D Cosmological "Constant"	138	(12)
5.3 Astrophysical Consequences	150	(8)
5.4 Vacuum Instability	158	(4)
5.5 Mach's Principle Anew	162	(3)
5.6 Conclusion	165	(5)
6. EMBEDDINGS IN N > or equal to 5 DIMENSIONS	170	(32)
6.1 Introduction	170	(1)
6.2 Embeddings and Physics	171	(3)
6.3 The Algebra of Embeddings	174	(8)
6.4 The Campbell-Magaard Theorem	182	(5)
6.5 Induced-Matter Theory	187	(4)
6.6 Membrane Theory	191	(7)
6.7 Conclusion	198	(4)
7. PERSPECTIVES IN PHYSICS	202	(19)
Index	221