Do supernovae favor tachyonic Big Brake instead de Sitter?

TL;DR

This paper explores whether a tachyonic scalar field can lead the universe to a Big Brake singularity or de Sitter expansion, analyzing model parameters against supernova data and projecting future evolution scenarios.

Contribution

It identifies the parameter space where tachyonic models align with supernova observations and compares the likelihood of Big Brake versus de Sitter outcomes.

Findings

Both Big Brake and de Sitter evolutions are compatible with current data.

The probability of a Big Brake increases with higher positive model parameter k.

The model's future behavior depends critically on the parameter k.

Abstract

We investigate whether a tachyonic scalar field, encompassing both dark energy and dark matter-like features will drive our universe towards a Big Brake singularity or a de Sitter expansion. In doing this it is crucial to establish the parameter domain of the model, which is compatible with type Ia supernovae data. We find the 1-sigma contours and evolve the tachyonic sytem into the future. We conclude, that both future evolutions are allowed by observations, Big Brake becoming increasingly likely with the increase of the positive model parameter k.