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Ramon Herrera

Publications and source records attributed to Ramon Herrera.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Creation of an inflationary epoch from an Emergent Universe through quantum tunneling

We consider that the very early Universe was well described by an Emergent Universe, whose geometry was that of a static and classically stable Einstein Universe, which is possible in certain Two Measures Theories (TMT). These solutions do not have a big bang, but rather they extend to arbitrarily early times. The TMT we consider are theories with spontaneously broken scale invariance and contain a dilaton field, crucial for the implementation of the scale invariance, that after the symmetry breaking acquires a nontrivial effective potential, which we study in the Einstein frame. Using the conserved quantity associated with the dilaton, we recast the cosmological evolution in terms of an effective potential $V(\dot{\phi})$, which exhibits a divergent barrier separating the static solution from the subsequent expanding evolution. Quantizing the corresponding minisuperspace Hamiltonian, we evaluate the tunneling probability in the WKB approximation. The tunneling action is well defined and finite once the branch of the square root is fixed by requiring a consistent semiclassical interpretation of the tunneling probability. We find that the barrier gives rise to a logarithmic contribution to the tunneling exponent, yielding a power-law rather than the usual exponential dependence of the tunneling probability, which for the parameter values considered is close to unity. The Universe thus emerges with a finite scale factor into a superinflationary phase that develops into slow-roll inflation. This quantum creation of an inflationary Universe does not represent a quantum creation of spacetime, which exists before the tunneling.

gr-qc

Generalizing the interacting dilatonic ghost condensate as a dark energy model

In this article, we study the cosmic evolution of a generalized dilatonic ghost condensate field as a dark energy candidate, formulated from a Lagrangian density with two dominant kinetic terms; one linear and one of arbitrary integer $n>2$ in combination with an exponential potential, which interacts with dark matter through a source term. We analyzed three scenarios: the non-interacting situation $Q=0$ and two different interaction models, $Q\propto\rho_m\dot{\phi}$ and $Q\propto \rho_m H$ to describe the evolution of the present universe. For each interaction $Q$, we perform a detailed phase-space analysis to obtain stability conditions and identify critical points. In all situations, the system reproduces the standard cosmological dynamics and evolves toward late-time dark energy-dominated attractors, with quintessence or phantom features depending on the sign of the coupling parameter $\alpha$ associated with the standard kinetic term. Furthermore, a joint likelihood analysis with Cosmic Chronometers, PantheonPlus, and DESI observations is performed for two values of power $n$ ($n=3$ and $n=5$) to determine marginalized parameter constraints at the confidence levels of 68$\%$ and 95$\%$ for the different $Q-$models. For the interaction term $Q\propto \dot{\phi}\rho_m$, we find that the direction of the flow of energy depends on the sign of the coupling parameter $\alpha$ associated with the standard kinetic term. However, for the interaction $Q\propto H\,\rho_m$, the direction of the energy flow is independent of the sign of the coupling parameter $\alpha$ and always remains negative, corresponding to an energy transfer from dark matter to dark energy.

gr-qc

Reconstructing inflation in a generalized Rastall theory of gravity

We investigate the reconstruction of standard and generalized Rastall gravity inflationary models, using the scalar spectral index and the Rastall parameter expressed as functions of the number of $e-$folds $N$. Within a general formalism, we derive the effective potential in terms of the relevant cosmological parameters and the Rastall parameter for these gravity frameworks. As a specific example, we analyze the attractor $n_s(N) - 1 \propto N^{-1}$, first by considering constant values of the Rastall parameter to reconstruct the inflationary stage in standard Rastall gravity, and then by assuming a linear dependence on the number of $e-$folds $N$ to reconstruct the inflationary model in generalized Rastall gravity. Thus, the reconstruction of the potential $V(\phi)$ is obtained for both standard and generalized Rastall gravity inflationary models. In both frameworks, we constrain key parameters of the reconstructed models during inflation using the latest observational data from Planck.

gr-qc

Connecting Early Dark Energy to Late Dark Energy by the Diluting Matter Potential

In this work we study a scale invariant gravity theory containing two scalar fields, dust particles and a measure defined from degrees of freedom independent of the metric. The integration of the degrees of freedom that define the measure spontaneously break the scale symmetry, leaving us in the Einstein frame with an effective potential that is dependent on the density of the particles. The potential contains three flat regions, one for inflation, another for early dark energy and the third for late dark energy. At a certain point, as the matter dilutes, tunneling from the early dark energy to the late dark energy can start efficiently. This mechanism naturally alleviated the observed Hubble tension by modifying the sound horizon prior to recombination while preserving late-time cosmology. Moreover, the model predictions are consistent with observations from the reduced CMB, BAO, and local measurement of $H_0$, providing a coherent and unified description of the universe. In this context, the Bayesian analysis of these datasets confirms the viability of our scenario, with the best-fit parameters indicating an early dark energy fraction of $f_{\rm NEDE}\approx 0.3$ at a redshift of $z^{\prime}=5000$. This preliminary estimate, obtained using the reduced CMB dataset, is expected to be tightened once the full CMB likelihood is considered.

gr-qc

Unifying Inflation, dark energy and dark matter with a scalar field and exotic fermions

In this paper we consider a new approach to unify inflation and the late universe with dark energy and dark matter formulated in a model that includes a non-Riemannian metric independent measure and a scalar field with spontaneously broken scale symmetry. Here first of all inflation is possible, which is then followed by a reheating oscillating period and this leads to the formation of all kind of particles, including fermions, which as the universe expands can contribute to the dark energy and the to the dark matter of the universe. During the inflationary epoch, we find different constraints on the parameter space associated to the effective potential of the scalar field from the observational data. After reheating the scalar field retraces its trajectory in field space but now the scalar field potential can be drastically modified by the effect of the fermions. In this sense, the present dark energy with its very small value in comparison to the inflationary phase which can be adjusted by choosing appropriately the parameter space of couplings of the Riemannian and non Riemannian measures to the fermions.

gr-qc

Reconstructing inflation and reheating in the framework of a generalized $\mathcal{F}(H)$ Friedmann equation

The reconstruction of an inflationary universe considering the parametrization of the scalar spectral index as a function of the number of $e-$folds in the framework of a modified Friedmann equation is analyzed. In this context, we examine the possibility of reconstructing the Hubble parameter together with the effective potential considering a modified Friedmann equation specified by $\mathcal{F}(H)\propto \rho$, where $\mathcal{F}(H)$ corresponds to an arbitrary function of the Hubble parameter $H$ and $\rho$ denotes the energy density associated with the matter in the universe. To reconstruct the background variables during the inflationary scenario, we develop a new methodology by expressing the spectral index in terms of the Hubble parameter and its derivatives. Thus, we obtain a general formalism for the reconstruction of the inflation, using the slow roll approximation together with the parametrization of the scalar spectral index as a function of the number of $e-$folds $N$. As specific examples, we consider the simplest attractor $n_s-1=-2/N$ together with different functions $\mathcal{F}(H)$, associated to the modified Friedmann equation, to rebuild the Hubble parameter and the effective potential in terms of the scalar field $\phi$. Additionally, we examine the reheating epoch by considering a constant equation of state parameter, in which we determine the temperature and the number of e-folds during this epoch, using the background variables found during the reconstruction of the different $\mathcal{F}(H)-$models studied. Besides, we constrain the different parameters associated with the reconstructed inflationary $\mathcal{F}(H)-$models during the epochs of inflation and reheating, using current astronomical data from Planck and BICEP/Keck results.

gr-qc

Inflation in a scalar-vector gravity theory

We study the possibility that inflation is driven by a scalar field together with a vector field minimally coupled to gravity. By assuming an effective potential that incorporates both fields into the action, we explore two distinct scenarios: one where the fields interact and another where they do not. In this context, we find different analytical solutions to the background scalar-vector fields dynamics during the inflationary scenario considering the slow-roll approximation. Besides, general conditions required for these models of two fields to be realizable are determined and discussed. From the cosmological perturbations, we consider a local field rotation, and then we determine these perturbations (scalar and tensor) during inflation, and we also utilize recent cosmological observations for constraining the parameter-space in these scalar-vector inflationary models.

gr-qc

Speed of sound and scalar spectral index: Reconstructing inflation and reheating in a non-canonical theory

In this article we analyze the reconstruction of inflation in the framework of a non-canonical theory. In this sense, we study the viability of reconstructing the background variables assuming a non-lineal kinetic term given by $K(X,\phi)=X+g(\phi)X^2$, with $X$ the standard kinetic term associated to the scalar field $\phi$ and $g(\phi)$ an arbitrary coupling function. In order to achieve this reconstruction in the context of inflation, we assume the slow-roll approximation together with the parametrization of the scalar spectral index $n_s$ and the speed of sound $c_s$ as a function of the number of $e-$folds $N$. By assuming the simplest parametrizations for $n_s-1=-2/N$ and $c_s\propto N^{-\beta}$ with $\beta$ a constant, we find the reconstruction of the effective potential $V(\phi)$ and the coupling function $g(\phi)$ in terms of the scalar field. Besides, we study the reheating epoch by considering a constant equation of state parameter, where we determine the temperature and number of $e-$folds during the reheating epoch in terms of the reconstructed variables and the observational parameters. In this way, the parameter-space related to the reconstructed inflationary model are constrained during the epochs of inflation and reheating by assuming the current astronomical data from Planck and BICEP/Keck results.

astro-ph.CO

Reconstructing k-inflation from $n_s(N)$ and reheating constraints

Inspired by the reconstruction scheme of the inflaton field potential $V(\phi)$ from the attractors$n_s(N)$, we investigate the viability of reconstruct the inflationary potential within the framework of k-inflation for a non-linear kinetic term $K(X)=k_{n+1}X^n$ through three expressions for the scalar spectral index $n_s(N)$, namely: (i) $n_s-1=-\frac{2}{N}$, (ii) $n_s-1=-\frac{p}{N}$, and (iii) $n_s-1=-\frac{\beta}{N^q}$. For each reconstructed potential, we determine the values of the parameter space which characterize it by requiring that it must reproduce the observable parameters from PLANCK 2018 and BICEP/Keck results. Furthermore, we analyze the reheating era by assuming a constant equation of state, in which we derive the relations between the reheating duration, the temperature at the end of reheating together with the reheating epoch, and the number of $e$-folds during inflation. In this sense, we unify the inflationary observables in order to narrow the parameter space of each model within the framework of the reconstruction in k-inflation.

gr-qc

Unification: Emergent universe followed by inflation and dark epochs from multi-field theory

A two scalar field model that incorporates non Riemannian Measures of integration or usually called Two Measures Theory (TMT) is introduced, in order to unify the early and present universe. In the Einstein frame a K-essence is generated and as a consequence for the early universe, we can have a Non Singular Emergent universe followed by Inflation and for the present universe dark epochs with consistent generation of dark energy (DE), dark matter (DM) and stiff matter. The scale invariance is introduced and then is spontaneously broken from the integration of the degrees of freedom associated with the modified measures. The resulting effective potentials and K-essence in the Einstein frame produce three flat regions corresponding to the different epochs mentioned before. For the first flat region we can associate an emergent and an inflationary universe. Here for a parameter-space region this flat plateau possesses a non singular stable emergent universe solution which characterizes an initial epoch of evolution that precedes the inflationary scenario. Also assuming this first plateau, we study the inflation in the framework of the slow-roll approximation. The corresponding cosmological perturbations in our model are determined and we also obtain the different constrains on the parameter-space from the Planck data.In the following flat region DE and also the DM, which does not need to be introduced separately, it is instead a result of a K-essence induced by the multi measures, multi field theory. Also stiff matter component is automatically generated from the K-essence theory from two scalar fields. From the perturbative analysis associated to the perturbation solution of background, we find a correlation between the two scalars. Besides, we obtain that our model during the dark epoch has a behavior of tracking freezing model.

gr-qc

Reconstructing inflation and reheating in $f(\phi)T$ gravity

The reconstruction of an inflationary universe in the context of one $f(\phi)T$ gravity, in which $T$ corresponds to the trace of energy momentum tensor is studied. To realize this reconstruction during the inflationary epoch, we consider as attractor the scalar spectral index $n_s$ in terms of of the number of $e$-folds $N$, in the framework of the slow-roll approximation. By assuming a specific function $f(\phi)$ together with the simplest attractor $n_s(N)$, we find different expressions for the reconstructed effective potential $V(\phi)$. Additionally, we analyze the era of reheating occurs after of the reconstruction obtained during the inflationary epoch. In this scenario we determine the duration and temperature during the reheating epoch, in terms of the equation of state parameter and the observational parameters. In this context, the different parameters associated to the reconstructed model are restricted during the scenarios of inflation and reheating by considering the recent astronomical observations.

gr-qc

Unifying Inflation with early and late Dark Energy in Multi-Fields: Spontaneously broken scale invariant TMT

A unified multi scalar field model with three flat regions is discussed. The three flat regions are the inflation, early and late dark energy epochs. The potential is obtained by a spontaneous breaking of scale invariance generated by Non Riemannian Measures of integration (or Two Measures Theories (TMT)).We define the scale invariant couplings of the scalar fields to the different measures through exponential potentials. Spontaneous breaking of scale invariance takes place when integrating the fields that define the measures. When going to the Einstein frame we obtain: (i) An effective potential for the scalar fields with three flat regions which allows for a unified description of both early universe inflation (in the higher energy density flat region) as well as of present dark energy epoch which can be realized with a double phase, i.e., in two flat regions. (ii) In the slow roll inflation, only one field combination the ``dilaton", which transforms under scale transformations, has non trivial dynamics, the orthogonal one, which is scale invariant remains constant. (iv) In the late universe we define scale invariant couplings of Dark Matter to the dilaton. These couplings define a matter induced potential for the dilaton and extremizing this potential determines the scale invariant scalar field, while all exotic non canonical behavior of the Dark Matter as well as any possible $5^{th}$ force disappear. (v) We calculate the evolution of the late universe under these conditions with the realization of two different possible realizations of $Λ$CDM type scenarios depending of the flat region in the late universe. These two phases could appear at different times in the history of the universe.(vi) From the Planck data, we find the constraints on the parameters during the inflationary epoch and these values are used to obtain constraints relevant to the present epoch.

gr-qc

G-constant-roll inflation

The constant-roll inflation in the context of Galilean inflation or G-inflation is analyzed. By considering a coupling function $G(\varphi,\chi)\propto g(\varphi)\,\chi^n$ for the model of G-inflation, we find different expressions for a suitable development of a model inflationary in the context of constant roll inflation. In order to obtain analytical solutions, we analyze two specific cases; $g(\varphi)=\varphi$ and $n=0$, i.e., $G(\varphi,\chi)\propto\,\varphi$ and when $g(\varphi)=$ constant and $n=1$ with which $G(\varphi,\chi)\propto\,\chi$. In both cases, we find different expressions for the reconstruction of the background variables and the cosmological perturbations in the framework the constant roll inflation. We utilize recent astronomical observations to constrain the different parameters appearing in the stage of constant roll condition as well in the coupling function $G(\varphi,\chi)$.

gr-qc

Reconstructing k-essence: Unifying the attractor $n_S(N)$ and the swampland criteria

The reconstruction of a k-essence inflationary universe, considering the unification between the swampland criteria and the attractor given by the scalar spectral index $n_S(N)$ together with the slow roll parameter $ε(N)$in terms of the number of $e$-folds $N$ is studied. In the context of a coupling of the form $L(ϕ)\,X$ in the k-essence model, we find the effective potential $V$ and the coupling parameter $L$ in terms of the scalar spectral index and the slow roll parameter under a general formalism. To apply the unification in our model, we consider some examples in order to rebuild the effective potential $V(ϕ)$ and the coupling parameter $L(ϕ)$ as a function of the inflaton field $ϕ$. Here, we find that the reconstruction gives rise to an exponential potential and also to natural and hyperbolic inflation, respectively. Thus, in this article we show that it is possible to unify the theoretical foundations from the swampland criteria and the observational parameters corroborated by observations, in the reconstruction of an inflationary universe.

gr-qc

Instant preheating in a scale invariant two measures theory

The instant preheating mechanism in the framework of a scale invariant two measures theory is studied. We introduce this mechanism into a non oscillating inflationary model as another possible solution to the reheating of the universe in this theory. In this framework, we consider that the model includes two scalar matter fields, the first a dilaton field, that transforms under scale transformations and it will be considered also as the field that drives inflation and the second, a scalar field which will interact with the inflaton through an effective potential. By assuming this interaction term, we obtain a scenario of instant radiation or decay of particles according to the domain the effective mass of the field that interacts with the inflaton. Also, we consider a scale invariant Yukawa interaction and then after performing the transition to the physical Einstein frame we obtain an expression for the decay rate from our scalar field going into two fermions. Besides, from specific decay rates, different constraints and bounds for the coupling parameters associated with our model are found.

gr-qc

Reconstructing braneworld inflation

The reconstruction of a braneworld inflationary universe considering the parametrization (or attractor) of the scalar spectral index $n_s(N)$ in terms of the number of $e$-foldings N is developed. We also study the possibility that the reconstruction for the scenario of braneworld inflation, can be realized in terms of the tensor to scalar ratio $r(N)$. For both reconstruction methodologies, we consider a general formalism in order to obtain the effective potential as a function of the cosmological parameters $n_s(N)$ or $r(N)$. For both reconstruction methods, we consider the specific examples for large $N$ in the framework of the slow roll approximation as; the attractor $n_s-1\propto N^{-1}$ for the scalar spectral index and the attractor $r\propto N^{-2}$ for the tensor to scalar ratio. In this context and depending on the attractors used, we find different expressions for the effective potential $V(ϕ)$, as also the constraints on the parameters present in the reconstruction.

gr-qc

G-Warm inflation: Intermediate model

A warm-intermediate inflationary universe model is studied in the presence of the Galileon coupling $G(ϕ,X)=g(ϕ)X$. General conditions required for successful inflation are deduced and discussed from the background and cosmological perturbations under slow-roll approximation. In our analyze we assume that the dynamics of our model evolves accordingly two separate regimes, namely $3g\dotϕH\gg 1+R$, i.e., when the Galileon term dominates over the standard kinetic term and the dissipative ratio, and secondly in the regime where both $3g\dotϕH$ and $R$ become of the same order than unity. For these regimes and assuming that the coupling parameter $g=g_0=$ constant, we consider two different dissipative coefficients $Γ$; one constant and the other being a function of the inflaton field. Furthermore, we find the allowed range in the space of parameters for our G-warm model by considering the latest data of Planck and also the BICEP2/Keck-Array data from the $r=r(n_s)$ plane, in combination with the conditions in which the Galileon term dominates and the thermal fluctuations of the inflaton field predominate over the quantum ones.

gr-qc

G-inflation: From the intermediate, logamediate and exponential models

The intermediate, logamediate and exponential inflationary models in the context of Galileon inflation or G-inflation are studied. By assuming a coupling of the form $G(ϕ,X)\proptoϕ^ν\,X^{n}$ in the action, we obtain different analytical solutions from the background cosmological perturbations assuming the slow-roll approximation. General conditions required for these models of G-inflation to be realizable are determined and discussed. In general, we analyze the condition of inflation and also we use recent astronomical and cosmological observations for constraining the parameters appearing in these G-inflationary models.

gr-qc