In theoretical physics, a bubble of nothing is a physical instability that is found in higher-dimensional spacetime models. It was first described by Edward Witten in 1982, as a consequence of the positive energy theorem.[1][2][3] It represents a non-perturbative decay channel of Kaluza–Klein theory, in which spacetime can spontaneously collapse through the nucleation of a gravitational instanton.[3] This bubble of nothing has no interior, not even spacetime.[2][3]
Bubbles of nothing are forbidden in models that include supersymmetry.[3]
It has been considered as an hypothetical end of the universe mechanism.[4] As bubbles of nothing have not been observed, their absence can be used to put constraints on other theories.[4]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ Witten, Edward (1982-02-22). "Instability of the Kaluza-Klein vacuum". Nuclear Physics B. 195 (3): 481–492. doi:10.1016/0550-3213(82)90007-4. ISSN 0550-3213.
- ^ a b Wood, Charlie (2022-08-09). "How the Physics of Nothing Underlies Everything". Quanta Magazine. Retrieved 2025-08-18.
- ^ a b c d Ong, Yen Chin (2015-11-27). Evolution of Black Holes in Anti-de Sitter Spacetime and the Firewall Controversy. Springer. ISBN 978-3-662-48270-4.
- ^ a b Minsky, Carly (2020-03-05). "Physicists Are Studying Mysterious 'Bubbles of Nothing' That Eat Spacetime". VICE. Retrieved 2025-08-18.
External links
edit- A bubble of absolute nothing on YouTube by Sixty Symbols