In this paper we study a class of inhomogeneous cosmological models which is
a modified version of what is usually called the Lema\^itre-Tolman model. We
assume that we have a space with 2-dimensional locally homogeneous spacelike
surfaces. In addition we assume they are compact. Classically we investigate
both homogeneous and inhomogeneous spacetimes which this model describe. For
instance one is a quotient of the AdS4 space which resembles the BTZ black
hole in AdS3.
Due to the complexity of the model we indicate a simpler model which can be
quantized easily. This model still has the feature that it is in general
inhomogeneous. How this model could describe a spontaneous creation of a
universe through a tunneling event is emphasized.Comment: 21 pages, 5 ps figures, REVTeX, new subsection include