A Singularity - free cosmological model with a conformally coupled scalar field

Feb 28, 1994
27 pages
Published in:
  • Astrophys.J. 428 (1994) 439-446
e-Print:

Citations per year

19952002200920162023012345
Abstract: (arXiv)
We explore the possibility of describing our universe with a singularity--free, closed, spatially homogeneous and isotropic cosmological model, using only general relativity and a suitable equation of state which produces an inflationary era. A phase transition to a radiation--dominated era occurs as a consequence of boundary conditions expressing the assumption that the temperature cannot exceed the Planck value. We find that over a broad range of initial conditions, the predicted value of the Hubble parameter is approximately 4747 km\cdots 1~{-1}\cdotMpc 1~{-1}. Inflation is driven by a scalar field, which must be conformally coupled to the curvature if the Einstein equivalence principle has to be satisfied. The form of the scalar field potential is derived, instead of being assumed a priori.
  • cosmological model
  • general relativity
  • inflation
  • field theory: scalar
  • coupling: conformal
  • conformal: coupling
  • critical phenomena
  • boundary condition
  • numerical calculations