Classical and quantum Cosmology of the S\'aez-Ballester theory

Abstract

We study the generalization of the S\'aez-Ballester theory applied to a flat FRW cosmological model. Classical exact solutions up to quadratures are easily obtained using the Hamilton-Jacobi approach. Contrary to claims in the specialized literature, it is shown that the S\'aez-Ballester theory cannot provide a realistic solution to the dark matter problem of Cosmology. Furthermore the quantization procedure of the theory can be simplified by reinterpreting the theory in the Einstein frame, where the scalar field can be interpreted as part of the matter content of the theory, in this approach, exact solutions are also found for the Wheeler-DeWitt equation in the quantum regime.