Classical and quantum solutions in scalar field cosmology via the Eisenhart lift and linearization

Abstract

This study introduces a novel approach for solving the cosmological field equations within scalar field theory by employing the Eisenhart lift. The field equations are reformulated as a system of geodesic equations for the Eisenhart metric. In the case of an exponential potential, the Eisenhart metric is shown to be conformally flat. By applying basic geometric principles, a new set of dynamical variables is identified, allowing for the linearization of the field equations and the derivation of classical cosmological solutions. However, the quantization of the Eisenhart system reveals a distinct set of solutions for the wavefunction, particularly in the presence of symmetry breaking at the quantum level.