Unified Model of k-Inflation, Dark Matter & Dark Energy

Abstract

We present a \textit{k}-essence model where a single scalar field is responsible for the early expansion of the universe through the process of \textit{k}-inflation and at appropriate subsequent stages acts both as dark matter and dark energy. The Lagrangian contains a potential for the scalar field as well as a non-canonical kinetic term, and is of the form $F(X)V(\phi)$ which has been widely used as a \textit{k}-essence Lagrangian. After the period of inflation is over the model can be approximated as purely kinetic \textit{k}-essence, generating dark matter and dark energy at late times. We show how observational results are used to put constraints on the parameters of this model.