Dark Matter & Dark Energy from a single scalar field: CMB spectrum and matter transfer function

The dual axion model (DAM), yielding bot DM and DE form a PQ-like scalar field solving the strong CP problem, is known to allow a fair fit of CMB data. Recently, however, it was shown that its transfer function exhibits significant anomalies, causing difficulties to fit deep galaxy sample data. Here we show how DAM can be modified to agree with the latter data set. The modification follows the pattern suggested to reconcile any PQ-like approach with gravity. Modified DAM allows precise predictions which can be testable against future CMB and/or deep sample data.Comment: 15 pages, 8 figures, accepted for publication in JCA

Modeling Dynamical Dark Energy

Cosmological models with different types of Dark Energy are becoming viable alternatives for standard models with the cosmological constant. Yet, such models are more difficult to analyze and to simulate. We present analytical approximations and discuss ways of making simulations for two families of models, which cover a wide range of possibilities and include models with both slow and fast changing ratio w=p\rho. More specifically, we give analytical expressions for the evolution of the matter density parameter Omega_m(z) and the virial density contrast Delta_c at any redshift z. The latter is used to identify halos and to find their virial masses. We also provide an approximation for the linear growth factor of linear fluctuations between redshift z=40 and z=0. This is needed to set the normalization of the spectrum of fluctuations. Finally, we discuss the expected behavior of the halo mass function and its time evolution.Comment: 10 pages, 10 figures ApJ submitte

Tracing the Nature of Dark Energy with Galaxy Distribution

Dynamical Dark Energy (DE) is a viable alternative to the cosmological constant. Yet, constructing tests to discriminate between Lambda and dynamical DE models is difficult because the differences are not large. In this paper we explore tests based on the galaxy mass function, the void probability function (VPF), and the number of galaxy clusters. At high z the number density of clusters shows large differences between DE models, but geometrical factors reduce the differences substantially. We find that detecting a model dependence in the cluster redshift distribution is a hard challenge. We show that the galaxy redshift distribution is potentially a more sensitive characteristics. We do so by populating dark matter halos in Nbody simulations with galaxies using well-tested Halo Occupation Distribution (HOD). We also estimate the Void Probability Function and find that, in samples with the same angular surface density of galaxies in different models, the VPF is almost model independent and cannot be used as a test for DE. Once again, geometry and cosmic evolution compensate each other. By comparing VPF's for samples with fixed galaxy mass limits, we find measurable differences.Comment: 12 pages, 11 figures, dependence on mass-luminosity relation discussed, minor changes to match the accepted version by MNRA

Universe acceleration and fine structure constant variation in BSBM theory

In this work we investigate the utility of using SNe Ia observations in constraining the cosmological parameters in BSBM theory where a scalar field is responsible for both fine structure constant variation and late time universe acceleration. The model is discussed in the presence of an exponential self potential for the scalar field. Stability and phase space analysis of the solutions are studied. The model is tested against observational data for Hubble parameter and quasar absorption spectra. With the best fitted model parameters, the theory predicts a good match with the experimental results and exhibits fine structure constant variation. The analysis also shows that for the equation of state parameter, recent universe acceleration and possible phantom crossing in future is forecasted.Comment: 14 pages, 10 figures, final version with minor modification accepted to be published in JCA

Non linear predictions from linear theories in models with Dark Energy

We study the cluster mass function and its evolution in different models with Dark Energy arising from a self--interacting scalar field, with Ratra-Peebles and SUGRA potentials. Computations are based on a Press & Schechter approximation. The mass functions we obtain are compared with results holding for open models or models with Dark Energy due to a cosmological constant. Evolution results, in the Dark Energy cases, closely approach open models.Comment: 13 pages, 3 new figures included, references added. Accepted for pubblication in New Astronom