vakuumförfall

Vakuumförfall, also known as vacuum decay or vacuum metastability, is a hypothetical cosmological event that could occur if the vacuum of our universe is not in its lowest possible energy state. Quantum field theory suggests that the vacuum, the seemingly empty space, actually has a non-zero energy density. It's possible this energy state is a "false vacuum" – a metastable state that appears stable but could, under certain conditions, transition to a lower, true vacuum state.

If such a transition were to happen, it would begin with the spontaneous formation of a bubble of true vacuum. This bubble would expand outwards at nearly the speed of light, carrying with it the true vacuum state. As the bubble expands, it would fundamentally alter the laws of physics within it. Existing particles and structures, like atoms and stars, would be destroyed or rendered meaningless as the fundamental constants of nature, such as the masses of elementary particles and the strengths of fundamental forces, would change.

The process would be catastrophic for any existing life or complex structures. Since the bubble expands at the speed of light, there would be no warning and no escape from its approach. Scientists are uncertain about the probability of vacuum decay occurring, or if our universe is indeed in a false vacuum state. However, it remains a theoretical possibility based on our current understanding of fundamental physics. Current experimental results and cosmological observations do not provide definitive evidence for or against the existence of a false vacuum.