Nonminimal coupling and quintessence

TL;DR

This paper investigates how a self-interacting Brans-Dicke scalar field with specific coupling parameters can produce the observed accelerated expansion of the universe, offering an alternative to the cosmological constant.

Contribution

It demonstrates that a quadratic self-coupling and negative coupling constant in Brans-Dicke theory can lead to cosmic acceleration, expanding the scope of scalar-tensor models.

Findings

Accelerated solutions are possible with quadratic self-coupling.

Negative coupling constant ω is essential for acceleration.

Brans-Dicke field dynamics can mimic dark energy effects.

Abstract

Recent studies of Type Ia Supernovae with redshifts up to about $z~\laq~1$ reveal evidence for a cosmic acceleration in the expansion of the Universe. The most straightforward explanation to account for this acceleration is a cosmological constant dominating the recent history of our Universe; however, a more interesting suggestion is to consider an evolving vacuum energy. Several proposals have been put forward along these lines, most of them in the context of General Relativity. In this work we analyse the conditions under which the dynamics of a self-interacting Brans-Dicke field can account for this accelerated expansion of the Universe. We show that accelerated expanding solutions can be achieved with a quadratic self-coupling of the Brans-Dicke field and a negative coupling constant $\omega$.