Quantum Cosmology : An Introduction

This book is intended for graduate students and early-career researchers who want to learn the basics of quantum cosmology in a pedagogical, up-to-date manner. Topics include: the big bang and the creation of spacetime, inflation, tunneling, wormholes, the wave function of the universe, and elementary concepts of string cosmology.

'Quantum Cosmology' offers a guided introduction to the quantum aspects of the cosmos. Starting with an overview of early universe cosmology, the book builds up to advanced topics such as the Wheeler–DeWitt equation, gravitational path integrals, and the no-boundary proposal for the wave function of the universe. Readers will explore tunneling processes via Coleman–DeLuccia instantons, the quantum origin of primordial fluctuations, the thermodynamics of horizons, and basic notions of string cosmology. Concepts such as wormholes and semi-classical geometry are introduced with clarity and physical motivation. The book assumes some familiarity with general relativity and quantum mechanics, but little prior knowledge of cosmology. It includes a wide range of exercises, with solutions provided. Written in a pedagogical style, it bridges the gap between undergraduate courses and the research level in this frontier area of theoretical physics.