What can we learn from nonminimally coupled scalar field cosmology

Abstract

A novel exploration of nonminimally coupled scalar field cosmology is proposedin the framework of spatially flat Friedmann—Robertson—Walker spaces forarbitrary scalar field potentials V(ψ) and values of the nonminimal couplingconstant ξ. This approach is self-consistent in the sense that the equation of stateof the scalar field is not prescribed a priori, but is rather deduced together withthe solution of the field equations. The role of nonminimal coupling appears tobe essential. A dimensional reduction of the system of differential equations leadsto the result that chaos is absent in the dynamics of a spatially flat FRW universewith a single scalar field. The topology of the phase space is studied and revealsan unexpected involved structure: according to the form of the potential V(ψ)and the value of the nonminimal coupling constant ξ, dynamically forbiddenregions may exist. Their boundaries play an important role in the topologicalorganization of the phase space of the dynamical system. New exact solutionssharing a universal character are presented; one of them describes a nonsingularuniverse that exhibits a graceful exit from, and entry into, inflation. This behaviordoes not require the presence of the cosmological constant. The relevance of thissolution and of the topological structure of the phase space with respect to anemergence of the universe from a primordial Minkowski vacuum, in an extendedsemiclassical context, is shown.