Quantum Big Bounce of the Isotropic Universe Using Relational Time

Abstract

We analyze the canonical quantum dynamics of the isotropic Universe with a metric approach by adopting a self-interacting scalar field as relational time. When the potential term is absent, we are able to associate the expanding and collapsing dynamics of the Universe with the positive- and negative-frequency modes that emerge in the Wheeler–DeWitt equation. On the other side, when the potential term is present, a non-zero transition amplitude from positive- to negative-frequency states arises, as in standard relativistic scattering theory below the particle creation threshold. In particular, we are able to compute the transition probability for an expanding Universe that emerges from a collapsing regime both in the standard quantization procedure and in the polymer formulation. The probability distribution results similar in the two cases, and its maximum takes place when the mean values of the momentum essentially coincide in the in-going and out-going wave packets, as it would take place in a semiclassical Big Bounce dynamics.