What question did this study set out to answer?

The research aims to address unresolved issues in quantum field theory related to ultraviolet divergences and vacuum energy density by treating spacetime as a discrete network.

June 9, 2026Open Access

Quantum Field Theory as the Long-Wavelength Limit of Planck-Scale Discrete Spacetime: UV Completion, Vacuum Energy Drainage, and Cosmological Running of Coupling Constants

Puntos clave

The research aims to address unresolved issues in quantum field theory related to ultraviolet divergences and vacuum energy density by treating spacetime as a discrete network.
Proposes a framework where continuous spacetime is replaced with a discrete Planck-cell network.
Utilizes a physical UV cutoff at the Planck length to resolve ultraviolet divergences in QFT.
Introduces predictions for cosmological time evolution of coupling constants, testable with specific observational instruments.
Demonstrates that the vacuum energy density decreases over cosmic time as the Planck length increases, reframing the cosmological constant problem.
Confirms that quantum field theory remains valid as an effective field theory for all sub-Planckian energies.
Predicts small time evolution in coupling constants driven by the growing Planck length, with testing potential using the ELT/ANDES spectrograph.

Resumen

Quantum field theory carries two unresolved structural problems: ultraviolet divergences requiring renormalisation, and a vacuum energy density 10¹²⁰ times larger than observed. We argue both problems have a common origin — continuous spacetime — and both are resolved when spacetime is treated as a discrete Planck-cell network. The Planck length provides a physical UV cutoff, rendering QFT automatically finite. The vacuum energy decreases continuously over cosmic time as the Planck length grows (ρᵥac ∝ c⁶), reframing the cosmological constant problem as cosmic evolution. QFT is entirely preserved as the correct effective field theory at all sub-Planckian energies. A new testable prediction: coupling constants should exhibit a small cosmological time evolution driven by the evolving Planck length, testable with the ELT/ANDES spectrograph at z < 1. This is Paper 5 in the Pixel Theory series. Companion papers: Paper 1: https: //doi. org/10. 5281/zenodo. 20491684 Paper 2: https: //doi. org/10. 5281/zenodo. 20529501 Paper 3: https: //doi. org/10. 5281/zenodo. 20530178 Paper 4: https: //doi. org/10. 5281/zenodo. 20525925 Paper 6: https: //doi. org/10. 5281/zenodo. 20585009 Paper 7: https: //doi. org/10. 5281/zenodo. 20540035

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