Abstract
Nonminimal actions with matter represented by a scalar field coupled to gravity are considered in the context of a homogeneous and isotropic universe. The coupling is of the form -12ξ2R. The possibility of successful inflation is investigated taking into account features of loop cosmology. For that end a conformal transformation is performed. That brings the theory into the standard minimally coupled form (Einstein frame) with some effective field and its potential. Both analytical and numerical estimates show that a negative coupling constant is preferable for successful inflation. Moreover, provided fixed initial conditions, larger |ξ| leads to a greater number of e-folds. The latter is obtained for a reasonable range of initial conditions and the coupling parameter and indicates a possibility for successful inflation.
Original language | English (US) |
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Article number | 044033 |
Journal | Physical Review D - Particles, Fields, Gravitation and Cosmology |
Volume | 74 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 2006 |
All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes
- Nuclear and High Energy Physics
- Physics and Astronomy (miscellaneous)