We present a quantum model of the vacuum Bianchi-IX dynamics. It is based on four main elements. First, we use a compound quantization procedure: an affine coherent state quantization for isotropic variables and a Weyl quantization for anisotropic ones. Second, inspired by standard approaches in molecular physics, we make an adiabatic approximation (Born-Oppenheimer-like approximation). Third, we expand the anisotropy potential about its minimum in order to deal with its harmonic approximation. Fourth, we develop an analytical treatment on the semiclassical level. The resolution of the classical singularity occurs due to a repulsive potential generated by the affine quantization. This procedure shows that during contraction the quantum energy of anisotropic degrees of freedom grows much slower than the classical one. Furthermore, far from the quantum bounce, the classical recollapse is reproduced. Our treatment is put in the general context of methods of molecular physics, which can include both adiabatic and nonadiabatic approximations.

We present a new approach to the vacuum Bianchi IX model by combining affine coherent state quantization with Born-Oppenheimer-type adiabatic approximation in the analogy with quantum molecular physics. The analytical treatment is carried out on both quantum and semiclassical levels. Our quantization method by itself generates a specific repulsive potential that resolves the classical singularity. The quantized oscillatory degrees of freedom behave as radiation energy density. The Friedmann-like lowest-energy eigenstates of the system are found to be dynamically stable against small anisotropy perturbations, in contrast to the classical case.

Following our previous papers concerning the quantization of the vacuum Bianchi-IX model within or beyond the Born-Oppenheimer and adiabatic approximation, we develop a more elaborate analysis of the dynamical properties of the model based on the vibronic approach utilized in molecular physics. As in the previous papers, we restrict our approach to the harmonic approximation of the anisotropy potential in order to obtain resoluble analytical expressions.

Following our previous paper, Bergeron et al., Smooth quantum dynamics of the mixmaster universe, Phys. Rev. D 92, 061302(R) (2015), concerning the quantization of the vacuum Bianchi IX model and the Born-Huang-Oppenheimer framework, we present a further analysis of the dynamical properties of the model. Consistently with the deep quantum regime, we implement the harmonic approximation of the anisotropy potential. We thus obtain manageable dynamical equations. We study the quantum anisotropic oscillations during the bouncing phase of the universe. Neglecting the backreaction from transitions between quantum anisotropy states, we obtain analytical results. In particular, we identify a parameter that is associated with dynamical properties of the quantum model and describes a sort of phase transition. Once the parameter exceeds its critical value, the Born-Huang-Oppenheimer approximation breaks down. The application of the present result to a simple model of the universe indicates that the parameter indeed exceeds its critical value and that there takes place a huge production of anisotropy at the bounce. This in turn must lead to a sustained phase of accelerated expansion, an inflationary phase. The quantitative inclusion of backreaction shall be examined in a follow-up paper based on the vibronic approach.

The mathematical structure of higher-dimensional physical phase spaces of the nondiagonal Bianchi IX model is analyzed in the neighborhood of the cosmological singularity by using dynamical system methods. Critical points of the Hamiltonian equations appear at infinities and are of a nonhyperbolic type, which is a generic feature of the considered singular dynamics. The reduction of the kinematical symplectic 2-form to the constraint surface enables the determination of the physical Hamiltonian. This procedure lowers the dimensionality of the dynamics arena. The presented analysis of the phase space is based on canonical transformations. We test our method for the specific subspace of the physical phase space. The obtained results encourage further examination of the dynamics within our approach.

We study the spectral properties of the anisotropic part of the Hamiltonian entering the quantum dynamics of the Mixmaster universe. We derive the explicit asymptotic expressions for the energy spectrum in the limit of large and small volumes of the universe. Then, we study the threshold condition between both regimes. Finally, we prove that the spectrum is purely discrete for any volume of the universe. Our results validate and improve the known approximations to the anisotropy potential. They should be useful for any approach to the quantization of the Mixmaster universe.