How Not to Construct an Asymptotically de Sitter Universe

Abstract

Observational evidence suggests that our universe is currently evolving towards an asymptotically de Sitter future. Unfortunately and in spite of much recent attention, various quantum, holographic and cosmological aspects of de Sitter space remain quite enigmatic. With such intrigue in mind, this paper considers the ``construction'' of a toy model that describes an asymptotically de Sitter universe. More specifically, we add fluid-like matter to an otherwise purely de Sitter spacetime, formulate the relevant solutions and then discuss the cosmological and holographic implications. If the objective is to construct an asymptotically de Sitter universe that is free of singularities and has a straightforward holographic interpretation, then the results of this analysis are decidedly negative. Nonetheless, this toy model nicely illustrates the pitfalls that might be encountered in a more realistic type of construction.

25 pages, Latex; references and footnotes added (other minor changes)

References in corpus (10)

• The dS/CFT Correspondence
• Inflation and the dS/CFT Correspondence
• String Theory and Quintessence
• The Acceleration of the Universe, a Challenge for String Theory
• Deconstructing de Sitter
• The "physical process" version of the first law and the generalized second law for charged and rotating black holes
• Cardy-Verlinde Formula and Asymptotically de Sitter Spaces
• Bekenstein bounds in de Sitter and flat space
• Quintessence from M-Theory
• Universality and a generalized C-function in CFTs with AdS Duals

Cited by in corpus (4)

• The Cosmological Constant and Dark Energy
• Tall tales from de Sitter space II: Field theory dualities
• Of Bounces, Branes and Bounds
• Dwelling on de Sitter