Random values of the cosmological constant

Abstract

One way that an anthropic selection mechanism may be manifest in a physical theory involves multiple domains in the universe with different values of the physical parameters. If this mechanism is to be relevant for understanding the small observed value of the cosmological constant, it may involve a mechanism by which some contributions to the cosmological constant can be fixed at a continuous range of values in the different domains. I study the properties of four possible mechanisms, including the possibility of the Hubble damping of a scalar field with an extremely flat potential. Another interesting possibility involves fixed random values of non-dynamical form fields, and a cosmological mechanism is suggested. This case raises the possibility of anthropic selection of other parameters in addition. Further requirements needed for a consistent cosmology are discussed.