One heavy quantum field could explain both inflation and dark energy

Using the regularized vacuum stress tensor — the quantum zero-point energy of a scalar field properly stripped of divergences — this work asks whether vacuum fluctuations alone can power inflation or dark energy. Solving the Friedmann equation in maximally symmetric spacetime, the analysis finds that conformal coupling to curvature is essential: with it, a field of roughly ten Planck masses satisfies both cosmological regimes; without it, no mass works. If confirmed, this hints that inflation and dark energy share a single quantum origin rather than requiring separate physics.