Scalar particle production in a simple Horndeski theory

TL;DR

This paper investigates scalar particle production in a simple Horndeski theory within a homogeneous, isotropic universe, deriving production rates and thermodynamic constraints to understand the universe's evolution.

Contribution

It introduces a novel analysis of scalar particle production and thermodynamic constraints in a simple Horndeski framework, linking particle production to universe evolution.

Findings

Derived scalar particle production rate and entropy in the model

Established thermodynamic constraints on the universe and Horndeski theory

Linked non-conservation of energy-momentum to particle production processes

Abstract

The scalar particle production through a scalar field non-minimally coupled with geometry is investigated in the context of a spatially homogeneous and isotropic universe. In this paper, in order to study the evolution of particle production over time in the case of analytical solutions, we focus on a simple Horndeski theory. We first suppose that the universe is dominated by a scalar field and derive the energy conservation condition. Then from the thermodynamic point of view, the macroscopic non-conservation of the scalar field energy-momentum tensor can be explained as an irreversible production of the scalar particles. Based on the explanation, we obtain a scalar particle production rate and the corresponding entropy. Finally, since the universe, in general, could be regarded as a closed system satisfying the laws of thermodynamics, we naturally impose some thermodynamic constraints on it. The thermodynamic properties of the universe can provide additional constraints on the simple Horndeski theory.