Resolution of type IV singularities in quantum cosmology

Understand

We discuss the fate of classical type IV singularities in quantum cosmology.

• The framework is Wheeler-DeWitt quantization applied to homogeneous and isotropic universes with a perfect fluid described by a generalized Chaplygin gas.
• Such a fluid can be dynamically realized by a scalar field.
• We treat the cases of a standard scalar field with positive kinetic energy and of a scalar field with negative energy (phantom field).