omega dependence of the scalar field in Brans-Dicke theory

TL;DR

This paper critically analyzes the behavior of the scalar field in Brans-Dicke theory at large coupling parameter omega, challenging previous claims about its asymptotic form when matter is traceless.

Contribution

It demonstrates that the commonly assumed asymptotic form of the scalar field for large omega is not generally valid in Brans-Dicke theory.

Findings

The scalar field does not necessarily approach a constant as omega increases.

Previous assumptions about the scalar field's behavior at large omega are not universally correct.

The analysis clarifies the conditions under which the scalar field's asymptotic form holds.

Abstract

This article examines the claim that the Brans-Dicke scalar field \phi \to \phi_{0} + O(1/\sqrt{\omega}) for large $\omega$ when the matter field is traceless. It is argued that such a claim can not be true in general.