The accelerated expansion in $F(G,T_{\mu \nu}T^{\mu \nu})$ gravity

Abstract

In the present manuscript the basic Einstein--Hilbert cosmological model is extended, by adding a new functional $F(G, T_{\mu\nu}T^{\mu\nu})$ in the fundamental action, encoding specific geometrical effects due to a nontrivial coupling with the Gauss-Bonnet invariant ($G$), and the energy--momentum squared term ($T_{\mu\nu}T^{\mu\nu}$). After obtaining the corresponding gravitational field equations for the specific decomposition where $F(G, T_{\mu\nu}T^{\mu\nu})=f(G)+g(T_{\mu\nu}T^{\mu\nu})$, we have explored the physical features of the cosmological model by considering the linear stability theory, an important analytical tool in the cosmological theory which can reveal the dynamical characteristics of the phase space. The analytical exploration of the corresponding phase space structure revealed that the present model can represent a viable dark energy model, with various stationary points where the effective equation of state corresponds to a de--Sitter epoch, possible explaining the early and late time acceleration of the Universe.