The evolution of density perturbations in two quintessence models

In this work we investigate the evolution of matter density perturbations for two different quintessence models. One of them is based on the Einstein theory of gravity, while the other is based on the Brans-Dicke scalar tensor theory. We show that it is possible to constrain the parameter space of the models using the determinations for the growth rate of perturbations derived from data of the 2-degree Field Galaxy Redshift Survey.Comment: 11 pages, 2 figure

New exact cosmological solutions to Einstein's gravity minimally coupled to a Quintessence field

A linear relationship between the Hubble expansion parameter and the time derivative of the scalar field is assumed in order to derive exact analytic cosmological solutions to Einstein's gravity with two fluids: a barotropic perfect fluid of ordinary matter, together with a self-interacting scalar field fluid accounting for the dark energy in the universe. A priori assumptions about the functional form of the self-interaction potential or about the scale factor behavior are not neccessary. These are obtained as outputs of the assumed linear relationship between the Hubble expansion parameter and the time derivative of the scalar field. As a consequence only a class of exponential potentials and their combinations can be treated. The relevance of the solutions found for the description of the cosmic evolution are discussed in some detail. The possibility to have superaccelerated expansion within the context of normal quintessence models is also discussed.Comment: 10 pages, Revtex, 3 eps figures. Some misprints corrected. New references added. The full space of solution investigated in detail and the possibility to accomodate superaccelerated expansion (superquintessence) within the frame of normal quintessence models is also discussed. One figure remove

Comment on "Extended Born-Infeld theory and the bouncing magnetic universe"

In a recent paper [Phys. Rev. D{\bf 85}, 023528 (2012)] the authors proposed a generalized Born-Infeld electrodynamics coupled to general relativity which produces a nonsingular bouncing universe. For a magnetic universe the resulting cosmic evolution inevitably interpolates between asymptotic de Sitter states. Here we shall show that (i) the above theory does not have the standard weak field Maxwell limit, (ii) a sudden curvature singularity -- not better than the big bang -- arises, (iii) the speed of sound squared is a negative quantity signaling instability against small perturbations of the background energy density, and that (iv) the conclusion about the inevitability of the asymptotic vacuum regime in a magnetic universe is wrong.Comment: 6 pages, 6 eps figures, here we have shown that Born-Infeld magnetic universes either are singular or are unstable against small perturbations of the background energy density or bot

Phase Space Dynamics of Non-Gravitational Interactions between Dark Matter and Dark Energy: The Case of Ghost Dark Energy

We study the phase space asymptotics of the so called Veneziano ghost dark energy models. Models where the ghost field's energy density: i) $\rho_{ghost}\propto H$, and ii) $\rho_{ghost}\propto H+H^2$, are investigated. Both, cases with and without additional non-gravitational interaction between cold dark matter and ghost dark energy, are subject to scrutiny. We pay special attention to the choice of phase space variables leading to bounded and compact phase space so that no critical point of physical interest is missing. A rich asymptotic structure is revealed: depending on the kind of non-minimal coupling critical points associated with radiation dominance, matter dominance, cold dark matter/ghost dark energy scaling, and ghost dark energy dominance, are found. Past and future attractors, as well as saddle equilibrium points, are identified in the corresponding phase spaces.Comment: 19 pages, 2 eps figures. A remark about the relationship between ghost dark energy models and models of dark energy with a generalized equation of state added. New bibliographic reference

No compelling cosmological models come out of magnetic universes which are based in nonlinear electrodynamics

Here we investigate the cosmic dynamics of Friedmann-Robertson-Walker universes -- flat spatial sections -- which are driven by nonlinear electrodynamics (NLED) Lagrangians. We pay special attention to the check of the sign of the square sound speed since, whenever the latter quantity is negative, the corresponding cosmological model is classically unstable against small perturbations of the background energy density. Besides, based on causality arguments, one has to require that the mentioned small perturbations of the background should propagate at most at the local speed of light. We also look for the occurrence of curvature singularities. Our results indicate that several cosmological models which are based in known NLED Lagrangians, either are plagued by curvature singularities of the sudden and/or big rip type, or are violently unstable against small perturbations of the cosmological background -- due to negative sign of the square sound speed -- or both. In addition, causality issues associated with superluminal propagation of the background perturbations may also arise.Comment: 15 pages, 15 figures. arXiv admin note: text overlap with arXiv:1310.3021. Version that matches the one accepted by PR

Dirac-Born-Infeld Field Trapped in the Braneworld

We apply the dynamical systems tools to study the (linear) cosmic dynamics of a Dirac-Born-Infeld-type field trapped in the braneworld. We focus,exclusively, in Randall-Sundrum and in Dvali-Gabadadze-Porrati brane models. We analyze the existence and stability of asymptotic solutions for the AdS throat and the quadratic potential and a particular choice of the warp factor and of the potential for the DBI field ($f(\phi)=1/V(\phi)$). It is demonstrated, in particular, that in the ultra-relativistic approximation matter-scaling and scalar field-dominated solutions always arise. In the first scenario the empty universe is the past attractor, while in the second model the past attractor is the matter-dominated phase.Comment: 14 pages, 2 figure

Interacting Phantom Energy and Avoidance of the Big Rip Singularity

Models of the universe with arbitrary (non gravitational) interaction between the components of the cosmic fluid: the phantom energy and the background, are investigated. A general form of the interaction that is inspired in scalar-tensor theories of gravity is considered. No specific model for the phantom fluid is assumed. We concentrate our investigation on solutions that are free of the coincidence problem. We found a wide region in the parameter space where the solutions are free of the big rip singularity also. Physical arguments, together with arguments based on the analysis of the observational evidence, suggest that phantom models without big rip singularity might be preferred by Nature.Comment: 10 pages (Latex format), 6 eps figures. Some arguments rewritten and commets added. 3 eps figures removed. References updated. Section on Supernovae Observations removed. An author adde

Exact Scaling Solutions in Normal and Brans-Dicke Models of Dark Energy

A linear relationship between the Hubble expansion parameter and the time derivative of the scalar field is explored in order to derive exact cosmological, attractor-like solutions, both in Einstein's theory and in Brans-Dicke gravity with two fluids: a background fluid of ordinary matter, together with a self-interacting scalar field accounting for the dark energy in the universe. A priori assumptions about the functional form of the self-interaction potential or about the scale factor behavior are not necessary. These are obtained as outputs of the assumed relationship between the Hubble parameter and the time derivative of the scalar field. A parametric class of scaling quintessence models given by a self-interaction potential of a peculiar form: a combination of exponentials with dependence on the barotropic index of the background fluid, arises. Both normal quintessence described by a self-interacting scalar field minimally coupled to gravity and Brans-Dicke quintessence given by a non-minimally coupled scalar field are then analyzed and the relevance of these models for the description of the cosmic evolution are discussed in some detail. The stability of these solutions is also briefly commented on.Comment: 17 pages, 5 eps figures. This is a published version that comprises (and extends) the material in papers gr-qc/0212006 and gr-qc/021009

Modelling dark energy with quintessence and a cosmological constant

In this talk we present a model of the universe in which dark energy is modelled explicitely with both a dynamical quintessence field and a cosmological constant. Our results confirm the possibility of a collapsing universe (for a given region of the parameter space), which is advantageous for an adequate formulation of both perturbative quantum field and string theories. We have also reproduced the measurements of modulus distance from supernovae with good accuracy.Comment: Talk presented by R Cardenas in UK Cosmology Meeting at the University of Wales Swansea, September 2nd-4th, 200

Dynamics of FRW Universes Sourced by Non-Linear Electrodynamics

We apply the dynamical systems tools to study the (linear) dynamics of Friedmann-Robertson-Walker universes that are fuelled by non-linear electrodynamics. We focus, mainly, in two particular models. In the first model the cosmic evolution is fuelled by cold dark matter, a cosmological constant and a non-linear electrodynamics field. In the second case non-singular cosmology and late-time accelerated expansion are unified in a model where the Einstein's field equations are sourced only by cold dark matter and a non-linear electrodynamics field. It is shown that, in contrast to previous claims, the cosmological effects coming from the non-linear electrodynamics field are not as generic as though. In fact, critical points in the phase space that could be associated with non-linear electrodynamic effects are not found.Comment: 8 pages, 10 figures, pdf file, tex fil