Light Scalars in Cosmology

Abstract

I discuss here some of the constraints imposed by quantum and gravitational corrections on two hypothetical excitations, axions and quintessence, which have important cosmological implications. Although these corrections can be kept under control, the resulting constraints are not too natural. In particular, to keep the quintessence field light one must essentially decouple it from ordinary matter. Some possible suggestions of how to avoid these troubles are briefly touched upon.