Inflation and dark energy from the Brans-Dicke theory

TL;DR

This paper explores a modified Brans-Dicke theory inspired by a specific f(R) model, producing an inflationary potential with residual energy that could explain dark energy, and analyzes quantum tunneling probabilities.

Contribution

It introduces a new stable scalar potential in Brans-Dicke theory linked to a specific f(R) model, connecting inflation and dark energy.

Findings

Potential consistent with PLANCK and BICEP2 data

Residual vacuum energy as a dark energy candidate

Analysis of quantum tunneling probabilities

Abstract

We consider the Brans-Dicke theory motivated by the $f(R) = R + \alpha R^n - \beta R^{2-n}$ model to obtain a stable minimum of the Einstein frame scalar potential of the Brans-Dicke field. As a result we have obtained an inflationary scalar potential with non-zero value of residual vacuum energy, which may be a source of Dark Energy. In addition we discuss the probability of quantum tunnelling from the minimum of the potential. Our results can be easily consistent with PLANCK or BICEP2 data for appropriate choices of the value of $n$ and $\omega$.