Departamento de Matemática - IST

ABSTRACT We review recent work on the stability of flat spatially homogeneous and isotropic backgrounds with a self-interacting scalar field. We derive a first order quasi-linear symmetric hyperbolic system for the Einstein-nonlinear-scalar field system. Then, using the linearized system, we show how to obtain necessary and sufficient conditions which ensure the exponential decay to zero of small non-linear perturbations.

ABSTRACT We consider the evolution of covariant and gauge invariant linear density perturbations of scalar field cosmologies using a dynamical systemsʼ approach. We find conditions for which the perturbations decay in time, so that the spacetime approaches a homogeneous solution which inflates, for quadratic and exponential potentials. This pre-inflationary homogenization is found to be stable in the potentialsʼ parameter spaces. Furthermore, in each case, we determine the minimum size of the resultant homogeneous patch and show that, for quadratic potentials, the resulting inflationary solutions include those with the necessary number of e-folds.

ABSTRACT We derive a set of equations monitoring the evolution of covariant and gauge-invariant linear scalar perturbations of Friedman-Lema\^itre-Robertson-Walker models with multiple interacting non-linear scalar fields. We use a dynamical systems' approach in order to perform a stability analysis for some classes of scalar field potentials. In particular, using a recent approximation for the inflationary dynamics of the background solution, we derive conditions under which homogenization occurs for chaotic (quadratic and quartic potentials) and new inflation. We also prove a cosmic no-hair result for power-law inflation and its generalisation for two scalar fields with independent exponential potentials (assisted power-law inflation).

This article seeks to measure deprivation among Portuguese households, taking into account four well-being dimensions–housing, durable goods, economic strain and social relationships–with survey data from the European Community Household Panel. We ...