A consistent scalar-tensor cosmology for inflation, dark energy and the Hubble parameter

• Published in: Physics letters. A 2016-11, Vol.380 (45), p.3761-3765
• Main Authors: Wang, C.H.-T., Reid, J.A., Murphy, A.St.J., Rodrigues, D., Al Alawi, M., Bingham, R., Mendonça, J.T., Davies, T.B.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cosmic inflation; Dark energy; Modified theories of gravity
• ISSN: 0375-9601; 1873-2429
• DOI: 10.1016/j.physleta.2016.09.038

A Friedman cosmology is investigated based on scalar-tensor gravitation with general metric coupling and scalar potential functions. We show that for a broad class of such functions, the scalar field can be dynamically trapped using a recently suggested mechanism. The trapped scalar can drive inflation and accelerated cosmic expansion, compatible with standard requirements. The inflationary phase admits a natural exit with a value of the Hubble parameter dictated by the duration of inflation in a parameter independent manner. For inflationary duration consistent with the GUT description, the resulting Hubble parameter is found to be consistent with its observed value. •First model for inflation and dark energy in cosmology and core-collapse supernovae in astronomy to be unified under the same theory.•Achieved with a natural simple extension of Einstein's General Relativity using a new scalar field.•Potentially far-researching consequences in cosmology for dark matter, dark energy and inflation, testable through core-collapse supernovae.