Quantum Raychaudhuri Equation: Implications for spacetime singularities and the quantum origin of Lambda

Abstract

The Raychaudhuri equation predicts the convergence of geodesics and gives rise to the singularity theorems. The quantum Raychaudhuri equation (QRE), on the other hand, shows that quantal trajectories, the quantum equivalent of the geodesics, do not converge and are not associated with any singularity theorems. Furthermore, the QRE gives rise to the quantum corrected Friedmann equation. The quantum correction is dependent on the wavefunction of the perfect fluid whose pressure and density enter the Friedmann equation. We show that for a suitable choice of the wavefunction this term can be interpreted as a small positive cosmological constant.