Orbital Infinity

Theorized Endings to the Universe Part 3: Vacuum Decay

 We may have learnt or thought vacuum is an empty space with no activity happening. That’s why true free fall happens only in vacuum as it’s only under the effect of gravitational field. But however, there may be a slight inconsistency with that theory. According to quantum field theory, the actual vacuum isn’t truly empty. It is in the lowest energy state possible.  

Now let’s discuss the vacuum of our universe. The universe is in a state called a false vacuum. Now, the false vacuum is stable, the true vacuum is much more stable comparatively.

But even if the false vacuum is stable enough, could it turn into a true vacuum? Well, due to quantum mechanics, formation of a tiny bubble of true vacuum can happen through a phenomenon called quantum tunneling. Now, in simpler terms, quantum tunneling is an event where any subatomic particle like an electron or an atom passes through a potential field when it shouldn’t be able to when we see from the lens of classical physics.

To understand vacuum decay at a slightly deeper level, we should know the definition of the Higgs field. The Higgs field is a field in which a subatomic atom can gain mass if it interacts with it. A particle called the Higgs boson accompanies it. Similar to how a ball gains mass when it rolls through mud. Basically, quantum tunneling allows for the false vacuum to turn into a lower energy state of the true vacuum through the Higgs field which can be triggered by a quantum fluctuation. The mathematics of this is highly complicated and abstract, so we’ll not get into that for now.

Why is this theorized event called the Higgs doomsday theory? Well because, if such an event ever occurs, it will alter all laws of physics we possibly know of, at an instant. This signifies the end of the universe in an instant. Also, if the theory is true, it’s possible that either it hasn’t happened yet, and if it does, it’ll expand through the speed of light or if it’s already happening, the bubble of true vacuum hasn’t reached  us yet, and when it does, the current universe which we know of, will be over in an instant. As this theory has an element of uncertainty and dread, this theory can be terrifying to some people, as it’s undetectable.

If you are terrified to read that vacuum decay can happen any time, worry not, even if this theory is not totally impossible, it’s highly improbable, because the immense energy barrier acts as a shield to prevent the false vacuum from transferring into a true vacuum state.