Scalar-Tensor Cosmology and Dark Energy Dynamics
Summary
Scalar-tensor cosmology extends Einstein’s theory of gravitation by introducing a dynamical scalar field that mediates part of the gravitational interaction alongside the metric tensor. These models offer a natural framework to explore the nature of dark energy through modifications of general relativity, with the scalar field driving cosmic acceleration or interacting non-minimally with matter. Key features include screening mechanisms that suppress deviations from standard gravity in high-density regions, and late-time attractors that mimic a cosmological constant or exhibit phantom behaviour. Contemporary research has focused on confronting these theories with precision surveys, probing perturbation growth and expansion history to resolve tensions in the Hubble constant and structure formation. The global significance lies in unifying dark energy dynamics with fundamental physics, while practical applications range from improved forecasts for Euclid and other observatories to refined models of large-scale structure.
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Scalar-Tensor Cosmology and Dark Energy Dynamics publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in scalar-tensor cosmology and dark energy dynamics across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Scalar field: A space-filling quantity characterised by a single value at each point, responsible for mediating modified gravitational effects.
Scalar-tensor theory: A generalisation of general relativity in which gravity is carried by both the metric tensor and one or more scalar fields.
Equation of state (w): The ratio of pressure to energy density of a dark energy component, dictating its influence on cosmic expansion.
Phantom energy: A hypothetical dark energy with equation-of-state parameter w < –1, leading to super-accelerated expansion and potential instabilities.
Screening mechanism: A process by which a scalar field’s modifications to gravity are suppressed in high-density regions, recovering general relativity locally.
Brans–Dicke parameter (ω): A dimensionless constant governing the coupling strength between the scalar field and curvature in Brans–Dicke gravity.
References
- Euclid: Constraining linearly scale-independent modifications of gravity with the spectroscopic and photometric primary probes★. Astronomy & Astrophysics (2024).
- Phantom scalar-tensor models and cosmological tensions. Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics (2023).
- Anisotropic massive Brans–Dicke gravity extension of the standard ΛCDM model. European Physical Journal C (2020).
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