On the stability of Einstein static universe in general scalar–tensor theory with non-minimal derivative coupling

Abstract

The emergent scenario claims that our universe stems from an Einstein static universe, and provides a possible way to avoid the big bang singularity. A successful Einstein static universe requires to be stable past eternally against both homogeneous and inhomogeneous scalar perturbations. In this paper, we study the stability of Einstein static universes in general scalar–tensor theory with non-minimal derivative coupling by analyzing scalar and tensor perturbations. Our results show that the Einstein static solutions are stable against both scalar and tensor perturbations, and the emergent scenario is viable to avoid the initial singularity in this theory.