Topological field theory of the initial singularity of spacetime (Q2769496)

The authors claim to have a new solution of the initial spacetime singularity. In their approach ``the initial singularity of spacetime corresponds to a zero-size gravitational instanton characterized by a Riemannian metric configuration (++++) in dimension \(D =4\).'' They claim that the singularity ``can be resolved within the framework of topological field theory'' and ``can be understood in terms of topological invariants.'' They introduce a new topological invariant that they call the ``singularity invariant''. They conjecture that there is a transition from the zero-scale topological state to the Planck-scale physical state. NEWLINENEWLINENEWLINEThis paper has generated a great deal of controversy. Readers are referred to the literature.