Phase space geometry in scalar-tensor cosmology

Abstract

We study the phase space of spatially homogeneous and isotropic cosmology in general scalar-tensor theories. A reduction to a two-dimensional phase space is performed when possible-in these situations the phase space is usually a two-dimensional curved surface embedded in a three-dimensional space and composed of two sheets attached to each other, possibly with complicated topology. The results obtained are independent of the choice of the coupling function of the theory and, in certain situations, also of the potential.