Cosmic magnetism, curvature and the expansion dynamics

Abstract

We discuss how a cosmological magnetic field could affect the expansion of the universe, through its interaction with the spacetime geometry. The tension of the field lines means that the magneto-curvature coupling tends to accelerate positively curved regions and decelerate those with negative curvature. Depending on the equation of state of the matter, the effect varies from mimicking that of a cosmological constant to resembling a time-decaying quintessence. Most interestingly, the coupling between magnetism and geometry implies that even weak fields have a significant impact if the curvature contribution is strong. This leads to kinematical complications that can inhibit the onset of the accelerated phase in spatially open inflationary models. We employ a simple cosmological model to illustrate these effects and examine the conditions necessary for them to have a appreciable impact.