Light Scalars in Cosmology
Abstract
Description
I discuss here some of the constraints imposed by quantum and gravitational corrections on two hypothetical excitations, axions and quintessence, which have important cosmological implications. Although these corrections can be kept under control, the resulting constraints are not too natural. In particular, to keep the quintessence field light one must essentially decouple it from ordinary matter. Some possible suggestions of how to avoid these troubles are briefly touched upon.
10 pages. To appear in the Proceedings of Dark Matter 2000, Santa Monica, California, February 2000
10 pages. To appear in the Proceedings of Dark Matter 2000, Santa Monica, California, February 2000