Dynamical homogenization in effective loop quantum cosmology

Abstract

The effective dynamics of loop quantum gravity for marginally bound Lemaître-Tolman-Bondi spacetimes predict that the big-bang singularity is resolved and replaced by a cosmic bounce. Numerics show that these effective dynamics also homogenize small regions soon after the bounce when inhomogeneities before the bounce are sufficiently large. These homogeneous regions typically have a width of a few Planck lengths where relative perturbations in the energy density remain less than 15%. If the bounce is followed by an inflationary period, the homogeneous region can reach cosmic scales and the amplitude of relative perturbations can be suppressed to a value compatible with observations.

7 pages, 1 figure. v2: Clarifications and references added