非紧致五维引力理论中粒子静质量和宇宙学常数研究

In this project we have studied possible physical effects caused by the existence of extra dimensions. We find that the intrusion of extra dimensions in our 4D spacetime leads to a slow variation of rest mass of a particle with respect to the evolution of the universe. This variation of rest mass implies the existence of a new type of forces: the so-called "fifth force". We also find that the existence of extra dimensions may change the standard cosmological models dramatically in several aspects: It may lead to a variable cosmological "constant", and may remove the cosmological singularity and change the "Big Bang" to a "Big Bounce". Potentially, a variable cosmological "constant" may be used to explain the dark energy and the accelerating universe observed in recent years. The "Big Bounce" may change our knowledge about our universe: The matter in our universe might be generated from a higher-dimensional vacuum during the "Big Bounce", and before this bounce our universe may have been existed forever.

我们拟研究五维非紧致引力理论中粒子静质量和宇宙学常数问题。重点研究它们在五维宇宙模型中所可能起的作用，以及它们是否会随着宇宙的膨胀而变化，并与实验观测资料作比较。这一研究将有助于确定自然界是否存在第五维以及如何探测第五维。也将有助于解释宇宙学常数的起源问题