Brans-Dicke Scalar Field as a Unique k-essence

Abstract

In the present work, the Brans-Dicke theory of gravity is taken as a possible theory of k-essence coupled to gravity and then the role played by the Brans-Dicke scalar field in relation to the unified model for dark matter and dark energy is explored. It has been realized that the BD scalar field does indeed play a role of a k-essence, but in a very unique way which distinguishes it from other k-essence fields studied in the literature such as the (generalized) Chaplygin gas or the purely kinetic k-essence studied recently by Scherrer. That is, instead of providing an interpolation between the dark matter-like evolution and the dark energy-like evolution, the BD theory predicts the emergence of a yet-unknown {\it zero acceleration} epoch which is an intermediate stage acting as a ``crossing bridge'' between the decelerating matter-dominated era and the accelerating phase.