Extended quintessence and the primordial helium abundance
In extended quintessence models, a scalar field which couples to the curvature scalar R provides most of the energy density of the universe. We point out that such models can also lead naturally to a decrease in the primordial abundance of helium-4, relieving the tension which currently exists between the primordial helium-4 abundance inferred from observations and the amount predicted by standard big bang nucleosynthesis corresponding to the observed deuterium abundance. Using negative power-law potentials for the quintessence field, we determine the range of model parameters which can lead to an interesting reduction in the helium-4 abundance, and we show that it overlaps with the region allowed by other constraints on extended quintessence models.
- Sponsoring Organization:
- (US)
- OSTI ID:
- 40203087
- Journal Information:
- Physical Review D, Vol. 63, Issue 12; Other Information: DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevD.63.123504; Othernumber: PRVDAQ000063000012123504000001; 036112PRD; PBD: 15 Jun 2001; ISSN 0556-2821
- Publisher:
- The American Physical Society
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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