Modified f(R,T) gravity theory and scalar field cosmology

Abstract

In this paper, we explore the behaviors of scalar field in modified f(R,T) gravity theory within the framework of a flat Friedmann-Robertson-Walker cosmological model. The universe is assumed to be filled with two non-interacting matter sources, scalar field (normal or phantom) with scalar potential and matter contribution due to f(R,T) action. We first explore a model where the potential is a constant, and the universe evolves as a de Sitter type. This model is compatible with phantom scalar field only which gives fine tuning with the recent observations. The model exhibits a wide variety of early time physical phenomena that eventually behaves like a cosmological constant at late times. The model shows transition from decelerated to accelerated expansion of the universe. We also explore a model where the scalar field potential and the scale factor evolve exponentially as a scalar field. This model is compatible with normal scalar field only and describes transition from inflationary to the decelerated phase at early times and quintessence to phantom phase at late times. We constraint our results with the recent observational data and find that some values of parameters are consistent with SNe Ia and H(z)+SNe Ia data to describe accelerated expansion only whereas some one give decelerated and accelerated expansions with H(z), WMAP7 and WMAP7+BAO+H(z) observational data.