Dynamics of Multi-Component, Multi-Field Quintessence

TL;DR

This paper formulates the dynamics of multi-component, multi-field quintessence and gravity as relativistic N-particle dynamics, deriving effective potentials and providing a framework for analyzing superhorizon perturbations.

Contribution

It introduces a microscopic, relativistic N-particle framework for multi-field quintessence, connecting it to effective single-field models and aiding perturbation analysis.

Findings

Derivation of Ratra-Peebles potential from microscopic perspective

Effective dynamics can match single complex quintessence models

Provides a gauge for superhorizon perturbation analysis

Abstract

Dynamics of the multi-component, multi-field quintessence and gravity is formulated as relativistic N-particle dynamics, embedded in a static viscus flat space and under the forces given by an interacting Lorentz scalar potential via exchange of field bosons. The Ratra-Peebles power-law potential of effective single-field quintessence can be derived from this microscopic perspective. In certain situations, the effective dynamics can be made identical to that of the single complex quintessence, except for that the overall U(1) symmetry is not manifestly broken. The present formulation provides a convenient gauge for analyzing the superhorizon perturbations and possibly for quantization of superhorizon fields and gravity.