The role of cosmological constant in f(R, G) gravity

Abstract

Einstein-Hilbert action is supplemented by Gauss-Bonnet squared term, its phase-space structure is constructed and canonical quantization is performed. Resolution of a contradiction that emerges in the process, requires the presence of other fields at least in the form of vacuum energy-density, commonly known as the cosmological constant. This reveals the very importance of the presence of other fields at least in the form of cosmological constant, in the very early universe.