Solvable potentials in a FLRW+Scalar universe and Fits to type Ia supernovae data

TL;DR

This paper explores solvable scalar field potentials in a flat FLRW universe, demonstrating their compatibility with supernovae data and their role in modeling dark energy and dark matter through a dynamic cosmological constant.

Contribution

It introduces specific solvable scalar potentials that fit supernovae data and unify dark matter and dark energy in a scalar field framework.

Findings

Certain potentials fit supernovae data well

Scalar field acts as a dynamic cosmological constant

Model unifies dark matter and dark energy

Abstract

FLRW equations are analyzed in a universe with a cosmic scalar background that is spatially uniform but time-varying. Some solvable potentials to the combined dynamics in such a universe are presented, that are consistent with the scalar dynamics as a consequence of energy momentum conservation. Certain potentials are found to provide very good fits to type Ia supernovae data, with the kinetic and potential energies of the scalar providing the source for dark matter and dark energy. The scalar rolls down the potential as the universe expands with the potential playing the role of a time-varying cosmological constant, modeling a scenario recently discussed in the literature.