ON THE COMPOSITION OF THE DARK UNIVERSE

ABSTRACT We present a physico-chemical approach to elucidate the composition of the universe and the nature of Dark Energy and Dark Matter. We propose a theory that space is made up of energy quanta and is an active participant in the evolution of the universe, along with matter and radiation. The universe started from an atomic size volume at very high temperature and pressure near the Planck epoch. Upon expansion and cooling, phase transitions occurred resulting in the formation of radiation, fundamental particles, and matter. These nucleate and grow into stars, galaxies, and clusters. From the cooling curve of the universe we constructed a phase diagram of cosmic composition, from which we obtained a correlation between dark energy and the energy of space. Using the Friedmann equations, data from WMAP studies on the composition of the universe at 3.8 x 105 years (a=5.25 x 10-3) and at present (a=1), are well fitted by our model with an equation of state parameter, w= -0.7. The fit also showed the dominance of dark energy at 7.25 x 109 years ( a= 0.65), in good agreement with the beginning of the accelerated expansion of the universe at about 7 billion years, as determined by BOSS measurements. Using a Cosmological Constant the transition time shifts to 8.75 x 109 years (a=0.74). The expansion is better attributed to Quintessence with a space force arising from a quantum space field. Dark Matter is identified as a plasma form of matter similar to that which existed during the photon epoch immediately prior to recombination. The BOSS data indicate that the thermodynamics of expansion of the universe was adiabatic with the rate decelerating during the first 7 billion years after the Big Bang. However, it became non-adiabatic and accelerating thereafter. Our Quantum Space Model is consistent with these observations. It suggests that an influx of energy from a source outside the universe is a possible cause of the accelerating expansion of the universe