String Theory Can Now Describe a Universe That Has Dark Energy
Quanta Magazine • • technology
Key Points:
- Researchers Bento and Montero have developed a new explicit de Sitter solution in string theory by applying a Casimir-like effect to the compactification of extra dimensions, potentially advancing the connection between string theory and our observable universe.
- Their model uses a simpler six-dimensional Riemann-flat manifold, resembling a torus, to house extra dimensions, balancing the Casimir force with flux-generated forces to produce a positive, small dark energy value close to theoretical expectations.
- Although their calculated dark energy value (10−15 in Planck units) is larger than the observed value (10−120), the approach allows precise computations of observables and provides a framework that other physicists can test and build upon.
- The solution is currently unstable, with dark
