Saroj Adhikari, Sarah Shandera, Adrienne L. Erickcek

We derive a general expression for the probability of observing deviations from statistical isotropy in the cosmic microwave background (CMB) if the primordial fluctuations are non-Gaussian and extend to superhorizon scales. The primary motivation is to properly characterize the monopole and dipole modulations of the primordial power spectrum that are generated by the coupling between superhorizon and subhorizon perturbations. Unlike previous proposals for generating the hemispherical power asymmetry, we do not assume that the power asymmetry results from a single large superhorizon mode. Instead, we extrapolate the observed power spectrum to superhorizon scales and compute the power asymmetry that would result from a specific realization of non-Gaussian perturbations on scales larger than the observable universe. Our study encompasses many of the scenarios that have been put forward as possible explanations for the CMB hemispherical power asymmetry. We confirm our analytic predictions for the probability of a given power asymmetry by comparing them to numerical realizations of CMB maps. We find that non-local models of non-Gaussianity and scale-dependent local non-Gaussianity produce scale-dependent modulations of the power spectrum, thereby potentially producing both a monopolar and a dipolar power modulation on large scales. We then provide simple examples of finding the posterior distributions for the parameters of the bispectrum from the observed monopole and dipole modulations.

Brandon Buscaino, Daniel DeBra, Peter W. Graham, Giorgio Gratta, Timothy D. Wiser

There are very few direct experimental tests of the inverse square law of gravity at distances comparable to the scale of the Solar System and beyond. Here we describe a possible space mission optimized to test the inverse square law at a scale of up to 100 AU. For example, sensitivity to a Yukawa correction with a strength of $10^{-7}$ times gravity and length scale of 100 AU is within reach, improving the current state of the art by over two orders of magnitude. This experiment would extend our understanding of gravity to the largest scale that can be reached with a direct probe using known technology. This would provide a powerful test of long-distance modifications of gravity including many theories motivated by dark matter or dark energy.

G. J. M. Zilioti, R. C. Santos, J. A. S. Lima

Decaying vacuum cosmological models evolving smoothly between two extreme (very early and late time) de Sitter phases are capable to solve naturally several cosmic problems, among them: (i) the singularity, (ii) the horizon, (iii) the graceful-exit from inflation. Here we discuss a solution the coincidence problem based on a large class of running vacuum cosmologies evolving from de Sitter to de Sitter recently proposed. It is argued that even the cosmological constant problem can be solved provided that the characteristic scales of the limiting de Sitter manifolds are predicted from first principles.

Steven B. Giddings

If quantum gravity respects the principles of quantum mechanics, suitably generalized, it may be that a more viable approach to the theory is through identifying the relevant quantum structures rather than by quantizing classical spacetime. This viewpoint is supported by difficulties of such quantization, and by the apparent lack of a fundamental role for locality. In finite or discrete quantum systems, important structure is provided by tensor factorizations of the Hilbert space. However, even in local quantum field theory properties of the generic type III von Neumann algebras and of long range gauge fields indicate that factorization of the Hilbert space is problematic. Instead it is better to focus on the structure of the algebra of observables, and in particular on its subalgebras corresponding to regions. This paper suggests that study of analogous algebraic structure in gravity gives an important perspective on the nature of the quantum theory. Significant departures from the subalgebra structure of local quantum field theory are found, working in the correspondence limit of long-distances/low-energies. Particularly, there are obstacles to identifying commuting algebras of localized operators. In addition to suggesting important properties of the algebraic structure, this and related observations pose challenges to proposals of a fundamental role for entanglement.

Gregory W. Horndeski

A novel theory of Quantum Gravity is presented in which the real gravitons manifest themselves as holes in space. In general, these holes propagate at the speed of light through an expanding universe with boundary denoted by U, which is comprised of pulsating cells. These holes can form bound and semi-bound states. The geometry of U is non-Euclidean on a small scale, but there are indications that it can become Euclidean on a large scale. The motions of elementary particles through U are governed by probability 4 and 7-vectors, which are related to the momentum vectors in Minkowski space. The connection of this theory to Newtonian gravity is discussed, and an expression for the gravitational redshift of photons is derived which relates the redshift to the probability that a photon absorbs a virtual graviton. The theory also provides a possible explanation of dark matter and dark energy as gravitational phenomena, which do not require the introduction of any new particles. A quantum cosmology is presented in which all the physical forces first appear on the ever expanding boundary of U, and then migrate into the interior. This cosmology also permits us to interpret U as a cellular automaton.