Dynamical cosmological constant from a very recent phase transition

McDonald, John (2001) Dynamical cosmological constant from a very recent phase transition. Physics Letters B, 498 (3-4). pp. 263-271. ISSN 0370-2693

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Abstract

Observation indicates that the expansion of the Universe is accelerating and favours a dynamical cosmological constant, Λ(t). We consider the possibility that this is due to a scalar field which has undergone a very recent phase transition. We study a simple class of model, corresponding to a φ4 potential with a time-dependent mass squared term. For the models considered the phase transition occurs at a red shift z⩽1.2. The evolution of the equation of state ωφ and energy density ρφ with time is distinct from existing dynamical Λ models based on slowly rolling fields, with ωφ and ρφ rapidly changing in a characteristic way following the transition. The φ energy density is composed of a time-dependent vacuum energy and coherently oscillating condensate component with a negative pressure. The condensate component will typically collapse to form non-topological soliton lumps, ‘φ-axitons’, which smoothly populate the Universe.

Item Type:
Journal Article
Journal or Publication Title:
Physics Letters B
Uncontrolled Keywords:
/dk/atira/pure/subjectarea/asjc/3100/3106
Subjects:
?? nuclear and high energy physics ??
ID Code:
63124
Deposited By:
Deposited On:
25 Mar 2013 13:19
Refereed?:
Yes
Published?:
Published
Last Modified:
15 Jul 2024 13:42