Wave Function of a Brane-like Universe

Abstract

Within the mini-superspace model, brane-like cosmology means performing the variation with respect to the embedding (Minkowski) time $\ddot{I}„$ before fixing the cosmic (Einstein) time $t$. The departure from Einstein limit is parameterized by the 'energy' conjugate to $\ddot{I}„$, and characterized by a classically disconnected Embryonic epoch. In contrast with canonical quantum gravity, the wave-function of the brane-like Universe is (i) $\ddot{I}„$-dependent, and (ii) vanishes at the Big Bang. Hartle-Hawking and Linde proposals dictate discrete 'energy' levels, whereas Vilenkin proposal resembles $\hat{I}\pm$-particle disintegration.

Revtex, 4 twocolumn pages, 3 eps figures (accepted for publication in Class. Quan. Grav.)