Dark energy and possible alternatives

Abstract

We present a brief review of various approaches to late time acceleration of universe. The cosmological relevance of scaling solutions is emphasized in case of scalar field models of dark energy. The underlying features of a variety of scalar field models is highlighted. Various alternatives to dark energy are discussed including the string curvature corrections to Einstein-Hilbert action, higher dimensional effects, non-locally corrected gravity and $f(R)$ theories of gravity. The recent developments related to $f(R)$ models with disappearing cosmological constant are reviewed.