Non-singular Bounce from a Phase transition

TL;DR

This paper proposes a phase transition mechanism in a scalar field model that results in a non-singular cosmological bounce, potentially explaining the smallness of dark energy.

Contribution

It introduces a novel phase transition scenario in the Ekpyrotic model that achieves a non-singular bounce in Einstein frame, linking to dark energy.

Findings

Non-singular bounce achieved via phase transition

Scalar field with double well potential in Ekpyrosis

Potential implications for dark energy smallness

Abstract

The single field Ekpyrosis of Khoury and Steinhardt \cite{khoury}-\cite{khoury1} admits a Jordan frame scalar field with a double well potential. After the end of the ekpyrotic phase, as energy density increases we find a phase transition scenario to a symmetric phase at the conformal coupling fixed point leads to a non-singular bounce in Einstein frame. This scenario could admit a simple prescription for the small value of dark energy.