Vacuum Decay in General Relativity

Abstract

We provide a novel, concise and self-contained evaluation of true- and false vacuum decay rates in general relativity. We insist on general covariance and choose observable boundary conditions, which yields the well known false-vacuum decay rate and a new true-vacuum decay rate that differs significantly from prior work. The rates of true- and false vacuum decays are identical in general relativity. The second variation of the action has a negative mode for all parameters. Our findings imply a new perspective on cosmological initial conditions and the ultimate fate of our universe.