Is Phantom Divide Crossing in General Relativity Completely Impossible? Shortcomings and Possible Solutions

Fuente: arXiv
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Autori principali: Nojiri, Shin'ichi, Odintsov, S. D., Oikonomou, V. K.
Natura: Preprint
Pubblicazione: 2026
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author Nojiri, Shin'ichi
Odintsov, S. D.
Oikonomou, V. K.
author_facet Nojiri, Shin'ichi
Odintsov, S. D.
Oikonomou, V. K.
contents General relativity has its successes at the local astrophysical level, however, it seems to be insufficient in describing the Universe at large scales. In this work we investigate how the most general field theories in the context of general relativity can accomodate a phantom-to-quintessence transition which may be essential element of realistic Dark Energy scenarios in the late Universe. As we demonstrate in a very detailed manner, this is impossible for a canonical and minimally coupled single scalar field theory, but it may be possible for ghost condensate theories like $k$-essence theories. We point out how the ghost instabilities may be eliminated, and we analyze the quantitative features of a $k$-essence theory that may realize a phantom-to-quintessence transition in the late Universe. We also qualitatively compare the difficulties and fine-tunings required for $k$-essence theories to realize a phantom-to-quintessence transition, and how such a transition is naturally realized in modified gravity, without unnecessary fine-tunings and ghost eliminations.
format Preprint
id arxiv_https___arxiv_org_abs_2601_21356
institution arXiv
publishDate 2026
record_format arxiv
spellingShingle Is Phantom Divide Crossing in General Relativity Completely Impossible? Shortcomings and Possible Solutions
Nojiri, Shin'ichi
Odintsov, S. D.
Oikonomou, V. K.
General Relativity and Quantum Cosmology
Cosmology and Nongalactic Astrophysics
High Energy Physics - Theory
General relativity has its successes at the local astrophysical level, however, it seems to be insufficient in describing the Universe at large scales. In this work we investigate how the most general field theories in the context of general relativity can accomodate a phantom-to-quintessence transition which may be essential element of realistic Dark Energy scenarios in the late Universe. As we demonstrate in a very detailed manner, this is impossible for a canonical and minimally coupled single scalar field theory, but it may be possible for ghost condensate theories like $k$-essence theories. We point out how the ghost instabilities may be eliminated, and we analyze the quantitative features of a $k$-essence theory that may realize a phantom-to-quintessence transition in the late Universe. We also qualitatively compare the difficulties and fine-tunings required for $k$-essence theories to realize a phantom-to-quintessence transition, and how such a transition is naturally realized in modified gravity, without unnecessary fine-tunings and ghost eliminations.
title Is Phantom Divide Crossing in General Relativity Completely Impossible? Shortcomings and Possible Solutions
topic General Relativity and Quantum Cosmology
Cosmology and Nongalactic Astrophysics
High Energy Physics - Theory
url https://arxiv.org/abs/2601.21356