Negative scalar potentials and the swampland: an Anti-Trans-Planckian Censorship Conjecture

A bstract In this paper, we derive a characterisation of negative scalar potentials, V < 0, in d -dimensional effective theories quantum gravity. This is achieved thanks to an Anti-Trans-Planckian Censorship Conjecture (ATCC), inspired by refined version the TCC. The ATCC relies on fact that contracting universe, modes become sub-Planckian length violate validity theory. asymptotics field space, deduce − ′ /V ≥ c 0 when 0. rate $$ {c}_0=2/\sqrt{\left(d-1\right)\left(d-2\right)} c 0 = 2 / d − 1 successfully tested several string compactifications for 4. addition, new asymptotic condition, ′′ {c}_0^2 , derived. By extrapolation anti-de Sitter solutions radius l infer existence whose mass should obey m 2 ≲ −2. property verified many supersymmetric examples.