FRW Universe Models in Conformally Flat Spacetime Coordinates

Abstract

The 3-space of a universe model is defined at a certain simultaneity. Hence space depends on which time is used. We find a general formula generating all known transformations to conformally flat spacetime coordinates, and work out the physical interpretation of conformal coordinate systems in different universe models. We show that continual creation appears when conformal time is used in Friedmann-Robertson-Walker models with negative spatial curvature, and in universe models where the inflationary era started as a quantum fluctuation at t > 0, for example at the Planck time. A general procedure is given for finding coordinates to be used in Penrose diagrams.