Loop quantum cosmology for nonminimally coupled scalar field

TL;DR

This paper applies loop quantum cosmology techniques to a nonminimally coupled scalar field model, revealing a bounce replacing the classical singularity and supporting Higgs-driven inflation with sufficient e-foldings.

Contribution

It introduces a method to quantize nonminimally coupled scalar fields in LQC by transforming to the Einstein frame, enabling standard LQC analysis and revealing a bounce in the early universe.

Findings

Classical singularity replaced by a 'mexican hat'-shaped bounce.

Model supports Higgs-driven inflation with ample e-foldings.

Effective Hamiltonian describes semiclassical dynamics.

Abstract

We perform a LQC-quantization of the FRW cosmological model with nonminimally coupled scalar field. Making use of a canonical transformation, we recast the theory in the minimally coupled form (Einstein frame), for which standard LQC techniques can be applied to find the physical Hilbert space and the dynamics. We then focus on the semiclassical sector, obtaining a classical effective Hamiltonian, which can be used to study the dynamics. We show that the classical singularity is replaced by a "mexican hat"-shaped bounce, joining the contracting and expanding branches. The model accommodates Higgs-driven inflation, with more than enough e-folding for any physically meaningful initial condition.