General dynamics of varying-alpha universes

John D. Barrow and Alexander A. H. Graham
Phys. Rev. D 88, 103513 – Published 11 November 2013

Abstract

We introduce and study extensions of the varying alpha theory of Bekenstein-Sandvik-Barrow-Magueijo to allow for an arbitrary coupling function and self-interaction potential term in the theory. We study the full evolution equations without assuming that variations in alpha have a negligible effect on the expansion scale factor and the matter density evolution, as was assumed in earlier studies. The background Friedmann-Robertson-Walker cosmology of this model in the cases of zero and nonzero spatial curvature is studied in detail, using dynamical systems techniques, for a wide class of potentials and coupling functions. All the asymptotic behaviors are found, together with some new solutions. We study the cases where the electromagnetic parameter, zeta, is positive and negative, corresponding to magnetic and electrostatic energy domination in the nonrelativistic matter. In particular, we investigate the cases where the scalar field driving alpha variations has exponential and power-law self-interaction potentials and the behavior of theories where the coupling constant between matter and alpha variations is no longer a constant.

  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Received 26 July 2013

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevD.88.103513

© 2013 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

John D. Barrow* and Alexander A. H. Graham

  • Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics, Centre for Mathematical Sciences, University of Cambridge, Wilberforce Road CB3 0WA, United Kingdom

  • *J.D.Barrow@damtp.cam.ac.uk
  • A.A.H.Graham@damtp.cam.ac.uk

Article Text (Subscription Required)

Click to Expand

References (Subscription Required)

Click to Expand
Issue

Vol. 88, Iss. 10 — 15 November 2013

Reuse & Permissions
Access Options
Author publication services for translation and copyediting assistance advertisement

Authorization Required


×
×

Images

×

Sign up to receive regular email alerts from Physical Review D

Log In

Cancel
×

Search


Article Lookup

Paste a citation or DOI

Enter a citation
×