Constraints on Non-Singular Cosmological Models with Quadratic Lagrangians

We consider the generalized set of theories of gravitation whose Lagrangians contain the term $R^{2}$ : $L=\sqrt{-g}(R+\beta R^{2})$. Inserting the RW metric with an imposed non-singular and inflationary behaviour of the scale factor $a(t)$, and using a arbitrary perfect fluid, we study the properties of $\rho$ and $p$ in this context. By requiring the positivity of the energy density, as well as real and finite velocity of sound, we can obtain the range of values of $\beta$ that ensure the inflationary behaviour and absence of singularity.Comment: 11 pages, RevTeX, 3 Postscript figure

Quantum Isotropization of the Universe

We consider minisuperspace models constituted of Bianchi I geometries with a free massless scalar field. The classical solutions are always singular (with the trivial exception of flat space-time), and always anisotropic once they begin anisotropic. When quantizing the system, we obtain the Wheeler-DeWitt equation as a four-dimensional massless Klein-Gordon equation. We show that there are plenty of quantum states whose corresponding bohmian trajectories may be non-singular and/or presenting large isotropic phases, even if they begin anisotropic, due to quantum gravitational effects. As a specific example, we exhibit field plots of bohmian trajectories for the case of gaussian superpositions of plane wave solutions of the Wheeler-DeWitt equation which have those properties. These conclusions are valid even in the absence of the scalar field.Comment: 10 pages, RevTeX, 3 Postscript figures, uses graficx.st

Graceful exit from inflation using quantum cosmology

A massless scalar field without self interaction and string coupled to gravity is quantized in the framework of quantum cosmology using the Bohm-de Broglie interpretation. Gaussian superpositions of the quantum solutions of the corresponding Wheeler-DeWitt equation in minisuperspace are constructed. The bohmian trajectories obtained exhibit a graceful exit from the inflationary Pre-Big Bang epoch to the decelerated expansion phase.Comment: 8 pages, RevTeX, 4 Postscript figures, uses graficx.sty. Added more text and reference

Nonminimal Scalar-Tensor Theories and Quantum Gravity

Recentely, it is shown that the quantum effects of matter determine the conformal degree of freedom of the space-time metric. This was done in the framework of a scalar-tensor theory with one scalar field. A point with that theory is that the form of quantum potential is preassumed. Here we present a scalar-tensor theory with two scalar fields, and no assumption on the form of quantum potential. It is shown that using the equations of motion one gets the correct form of quantum potential plus some corrections.Comment: 15 page

On the consistency of a repulsive gravity phase in the early Universe

We exploit the possibility of existence of a repulsive gravity phase in the evolution of the Universe. A toy model with a free scalar field minimally coupled to gravity, but with the "wrong sign" for the energy and negative curvature for the spatial section, is studied in detail. The background solutions display a bouncing, non-singular Universe. The model is well-behaved with respect to tensor perturbations. But, it exhibits growing models with respect to scalar perturbations whose maximum occurs in the bouncing. Hence, large inhomogeneties are produced. At least for this case, a repulsive phase may destroy homogeneity, and in this sense it may be unstable. A newtonian analogous model is worked out; it displays qualitatively the same behaviour. The generality of this result is discussed. In particular, it is shown that the addition of an attractive radiative fluid does not change essentially the results. We discuss also a quantum version of the classical repulsive phase, through the Wheeler-de Witt equation in mini-superspace, and we show that it displays essentially the same scenario as the corresponding attractive phase.Comment: Latex file, 15 pages, 7 figures. There is a new figure, a new section and some other minor correction