Constraining cosmological dynamics of scalar-tensor models of dark energy in teleparallel gravity

Abstract

We consider a scalar-tensor theory in teleparallel gravity where a general function of the scalar field, f(phi), is non-minimally coupled to the torsion scalar T. First, we derive the field equations in this framework. Then, we study the cosmological evolution in a spatially flat, homogeneous, and isotropic universe described by the FRW metric, containing radiation and non-relativistic matter with energy densities rho_r and rho_m, respectively. We analyze the system as an autonomous dynamical model of dark energy. The cosmological behavior depends on the coupling function sigma = f'(phi)/sqrt(f(phi)) and the potential parameter lambda = [V'(phi) * f(phi)] / [V(phi) * f'(phi)]. A constant coupling sigma leads to a quadratic form f(phi) proportional to (phi + c)^2, while a constant lambda results in a power-law potential V(phi) proportional to f(phi)^lambda. These forms are supported by mathematical and physical considerations. We perform phase space analysis and show that lambda much greater than 1 is a necessary condition to obtain a radiation-dominated era with effective equation of state w_eff approximately 1/3 and a matter-dominated era with w_eff approximately 0. Moreover, small sigma^2 ensures radiation and matter dominance in the respective eras. Finally, we derive the necessary conditions for a viable cosmological trajectory in this setting.