How to Test Stringy Dark Energy?

It is suggested, by using a covariant lagrangian formalism to estimate the equation of state $w = p/\rho$, that stringy dark energy predicts $w < -1$, a negative pressure larger in magnitude than that for a cosmological constant or quintessence. This would lead to a later transition from decelerating to accelerating cosmological expansion; $w = - 4/3$ is briefly considered as one illustrative example.Comment: 4 pages LaTeX. v2. Typos correcte

Cosmon dark matter?

We investigate if the fluctuations of the scalar field mediating quintessence -- the cosmon -- can play an important role in cosmology. Small fluctuations with short wavelength behave similar to a relativistic gas. In contrast, the contribution to the energy density from horizon size fluctuations may decrease less rapidly than radiation. We discuss the possibility that the cosmon fluctuations grow nonlinearly, form lumps and constitute the clustering dark matter of the universe. Cosmon dark matter would lead to interesting consequences for the equation of state and the coupling between quintessence and dark matter.Comment: Published version,correction in appendix A, 43 pages, LaTe

Can Structure Formation Influence the Cosmological Evolution?

The backreaction of structure formation influences the cosmological evolution equation for the homogenous and isotropic average metric. In a cold dark matter universe this effect leads only to small corrections unless a substantial fraction of matter is located in regions where strong gravitational fields evolve in time. A``cosmic virial theorem'' states that the sum of gravitational and matter pressure vanishes and therefore relates the average kinetic energy to a suitable average of the Newtonian potential. In presence of a scalar ``cosmon'' field mediating quintessence, however, cosmology could be modified if local cosmon fluctuations grow large. We speculate that this may trigger the accelerated expansion of the universe after the formation of structure.Comment: new "cosmic virial theorem",new references,LaTex,11 page