The horizon problem as a clue: a smooth big bang?

Abstract

The necessary and sufficient condition for the absence of particle horizons in a big bang Friedmann-Robertson-Walker universe is provided. It happens to be a "smooth big bang" initial condition: the proper time derivative of the expansion factor $a(t)$ must be finite at the big bang. Equivalently, the energy density must not diverge faster than $a^{-2}$ at the big bang. This is just an initial condition: only the scale factor asymptotic behavior at the very moment of the big bang matters. The causal connection between remote space regions could then take place immediately after the big bang. Even $10^{-36}$ seconds of proper time, would allow for an infinite number of light crossing times between any two space regions, no matter how far apart. This justifies inflationary scenarios starting from a quasi-homogeneous scalar field close to equilibrium. The high degree of homogeneity of the Cosmological Background Radiation can be seen then not as a problem, but rather as a clue to the equation of state in the big bang limit.