0904 0382 PDF

arXiv:0904.0382v9 [astro-ph.
CO] 8 Jun 2014
Dynamics of the Universe in Problems
A thousand problems in Cosmology
Yu.L. Bolotin1∗ , V.A. Cherkaskiy1, G.I. Ivashkevych1,

O.A. Lemets1 , I.V. Tanatarov1,2,
D.A. Yerokhin1
1
A.I.Akhiezer Institute for Theoretical Physics,
National Science Center ”Kharkov Institute of Physics and Technology”,
Akademicheskaya Str. 1, 61108 Kharkov, Ukraine
2
V.N. Karazin Kharkov National University,
Svobody Sq. 4, 61077 Kharkov, Ukraine
∗
ybolotin@gmail.com
2
Contents
1 Cosmo-warm-up 11
1.1 Astronomy ”before the Common Era” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
1.2 Quantities large and small . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
1.3 Geometric warm-up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
1.4 Astrophysical warm-up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
1.5 Planck scales and fundamental constants c, G, ~ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
1.6 Gravity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
1.7 Forest for the trees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
1.8 Life on Mars? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
1.8.1 Fine tuning of the Universe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
1.9 Thermo warm-up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
1.10 Play with Numbers after Sivaram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
2 Dynamics of Expanding Universe 23

2.1 Homogeneous and isotropic Universe, Hubble’s law . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
2.2 Equations of General Relativity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
2.3 Friedman–Lemaı̂tre–Robertson–Walker (FLRW) metric . . . . . . . . . . . 27
2.4 Expanding Universe: ordinarity, difficulties and paradoxes . . . . . . . . . 29
2.4.1 Warm-up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
2.4.2 The tethered galaxy problem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
2.4.3 Cosmological redshift . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
2.5 Friedman Equations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
2.6 Newtonian cosmology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
2.7 Energy balance in an expanding Universe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
2.8 Cosmography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
3 Dynamics of the Universe in the Big Bang model 43

3.1 General questions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
3.2 Solutions of Friedman equations in the Big Bang model . . . . . . . . . . . 43
3.3 The role of curvature in the dynamics of the Universe . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
3.4 The Milne Universe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
3.5 Cosmological horizons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
3.6 Energy conditions and the Raychaudhuri equation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
3.6.1 Energy conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
3.6.2 Raychaudhuri equation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
3
4 CONTENTS
3.6.3 Sudden Future Singularities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

3.7 Influence of cosmological expansion on local systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
3.8 Dynamics of the Universe in terms of redshift and conformal time . . . . . 53
3.9 Time Evolution of CMB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
4 Black Holes. Problems 57

4.1 Technical warm-up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
4.1.1 Uniformly accelerated observer, Rindler metric . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
4.1.2 Metric in curved spacetime . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
4.2 Schwarzschild black hole . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
4.2.1 Simple problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
4.2.2 Symmetries and integrals of motion of Schwarzschild metric . . . . 59
4.2.3 Radial motion in Schwarzchild metric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
4.2.4 Blackness of black holes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
4.2.5 Orbital motion, effective potential . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
4.2.6 Miscellaneous problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
4.2.7 Different coordinates, maximal extension . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
4.3 Kerr black hole . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
4.3.1 General axially symmetric metric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
4.3.2 Limiting cases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
4.3.3 Horizons and singularity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
4.3.4 Stationary limit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
4.3.5 Ergosphere and the Penrose process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
4.3.6 Integrals of motion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
4.3.7 The laws of mechanics of black holes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
4.3.8 Particles’ motion in the equatorial plane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
4.4 Physics in general black hole spacetimes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
4.4.1 Frames, time intervals and distances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
4.4.2 Fiducial observers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
4.4.3 Collision of particles: general relationships . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
4.5 Astrophysical black holes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
4.5.1 Preliminary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
4.5.2 Quantum effects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
5 Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) 73

5.1 Thermodynamics of Black-Body Radiation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
5.2 Time Evolution of CMB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
5.3 Statistical properties of CMB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
5.4 Primary anisotropy of CMB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
5.5 CMB interaction with other components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
5.6 Extras . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
CONTENTS 5
6 Thermodynamics of Universe 79
6.1 Thermodynamical Properties of Elementary Particles . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
6.2 Thermodynamics of Non-Relativistic Gas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
6.3 Entropy of Expanding Universe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
6.4 Connection between Temperature and Redshift . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
6.5 Peculiarities of Thermodynamics in Early Universe . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
6.6 The Saha equation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
6.7 Primary Nucleosynthesis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
7 Perturbation Theory 85
7.1 Non relativistic small perturbation theory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
7.2 Introduction to relativistic theory of small perturbations . . . . . . . . . . 86
7.2.1 Perturbations on flat background . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
7.2.2 Metrics perturbations, coordinates transforms and perturbed energy–
momentum tensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
7.3 Expansion of cosmological perturbations in helicities . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
7.3.1 Scalar perturbations in conformal Newtonian gauge . . . . . . . . . 88
7.3.2 Evolution of vector and tensor perturbations . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
7.4 CMB anisotropy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
7.5 Initial perturbations in the Universe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
7.5.1 Fluctuations power spectrum: non–relativistic approach . . . . . . . 90
7.5.2 Quantum fluctuations of fields in inflationary Universe . . . . . . . 91
8 Inflationary Universe 93
8.1 Problems of the Hot Universe (the Big Bang Model) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
8.1.1 The Horizon Problem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
8.1.2 The Flatness Problem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
8.1.3 The Entropy Problem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
8.1.4 The Primary Inhomogeneities Problem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
8.2 Cosmological Inflation: The Canonic Theory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
8.2.1 Scalar Field In Cosmology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
8.2.2 Inflationary Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
8.2.3 Inflation in the Slow-Roll Regime . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
8.2.4 Solution of the Hot Big Bang Theory Problems . . . . . . . . . . . 98
8.2.5 Different Models of Inflation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
9 Dark Energy 105

9.1 The Cosmological Constant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
9.2 Geometry and Destiny . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
9.3 Time-dependent Cosmological Constant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
9.4 Static Einstein’s Universe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
9.5 Dynamical Forms of Dark Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
9.5.1 The Quintessence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
9.5.2 Tracker Fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
9.5.3 The K-essence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
6 CONTENTS
9.5.4 Phantom Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114

9.5.5 Disintegration of Bound Structures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
9.5.6 Big Rip, Pseudo Rip, Little Rip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
9.5.7 The Statefinder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
9.5.8 Crossing the Phantom Divide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
9.6 Lost and Found . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
9.7 Single Scalar Cosmology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
9.7.1 Exact Solutions for the Single Scalar Cosmology . . . . . . . . . . . 121
9.8 Bianchi I Model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
9.9 Hybrid Expansion Law . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
9.10 The Power-Law Cosmology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
10 Dark Matter 125

10.1 Observational Evidence of the Dark matter Existence . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
10.2 ANONIMOUS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
10.3 Dark Matter Halo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
10.4 Candidates for Dark Matter Particles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
10.4.1 Standard Model Particles as Dark Matter Candidates . . . . . . . . 127
10.4.2 Supersymmetric Candidate Particles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
10.5 Dark Matter Detection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
10.6 The Dark Matter in the Solar System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
10.7 The Dark Stars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
11 Interaction in the dark sector 129

11.1 Physical mechanism of energy exchange . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
11.2 Phenomenology of interacting models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
11.3 Simple linear models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
11.4 Cosmological models with a change of the direction of energy transfer . . . 132
11.5 Non-linear interaction in the dark sector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
11.6 Phase space structure of models with interaction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
11.7 Peculiarity of dynamics of scalar field coupled to dark matter . . . . . . . . 135
11.7.1 Interacting quintessence model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
11.7.2 Interacting Phantom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
11.7.3 Tachyonic Interacting Scalar Field . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
11.8 Realization of interaction in the dark sector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
11.8.1 Time-dependent cosmological ”constant” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
11.9 Statefinder parameters for interacting dark energy and cold dark matter. . 139
11.10Interacting holographic dark energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
11.11Transient acceleration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
12 Standard Cosmological Model 145

12.1 Characteristic Parameters and Scales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
12.2 Evolution of Universe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
CONTENTS 7
13 Weak field limit and gravitational waves 151

13.1 Motivation and symmetries / Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
13.2 Linearized Einstein equations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
13.3 Gauge transformations and degrees of freedom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
13.4 Wave equation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
13.5 Transverse traceless gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
13.6 Gravitational waves and matter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
13.7 Energy of gravitational waves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
13.8 Binary systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
13.9 Gravitational Waves: scale of the phenomenon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
13.10Generation and detection of gravitational waves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
14 Observational Cosmology 159

14.1 Point gravitational lenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
14.2 Microlensing and Weak Lensing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
15 Holographic Universe 161

15.1 Information, Entropy and Holographic Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
16 Horizons 167
16.1 Simple English . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
16.2 Simple Math . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
16.3 Composite models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
16.4 Causal structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
16.5 Conformal diagrams: stationary black holes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
16.5.1 Schwarzschild-Kruskal black hole solution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
16.5.2 Other spherically symmetric black holes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
16.6 Hubble sphere . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
16.7 Proper horizons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
16.8 Inflation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
16.9 Holography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
17 Quantum Cosmology 181

17.1 Introduction to vacuum fluctuations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
8 CONTENTS
Abstract
To our best knowledge, there are no problem books on cosmology yet, that would include
its spectacular recent achievements. We believe there is a strong need for such now, when
cosmology is swiftly becoming a strict and vast science, and the book would be extremely
useful for the youth pouring in this area of research. Indeed, the only way to rise over the
popular level in any science is to master its alphabet, that is, to learn to solve problems.
Of course, most of modern textbooks on cosmology include problems. However, a
reader, exhausted by high theory, may often be thwarted by the lack of time and strength
to solve them. Might it be worth sometimes to change the tactics and just throw those
who wish to learn to swim into the water?
We present an updated version of the ”Dynamics of the Universe in Problems” We
have the following new sections , ’Gravitational Waves’, ”Interactions in the Dark Sector”,
”Horizons” and ”Quantum Cosmology” . A number of new problems have been added to
almost every section. The total number of problems exceeds fifteen hundred. Solutions
to all the problems can be found at Dynamics of the Universe in Problems
9
10 CONTENTS
Chapter 1
Cosmo-warm-up
1.1 Astronomy ”before the Common Era”

1. Aristotle knew there were stars, that one can see in Egypt but not in Greece. What
conclusions could be made from this observation?
2. How could Eratosthenes in 250 BCE determine the Earth’s radius with the help of
a well?
3. How could Aristarchus (310-230 BCE) compute the distance to the Moon, knowing
that it sets in about two minutes, and the maximum duration of a lunar eclipse is
three hours?
4. How can one calculate the size and distance to the Sun, while observing the phases
and eclipses of the Moon?
5. Can one estimate how farther is the Sun than the Moon using only naked eye
observations?
6. How to determine the distance to an Earth’s satellite (Moon, for example) or to the
Sun, using only a chronometer?
7. Ancient Babylonians knew, that apparent motion of Mars relative to the Earth is
periodic with the orbital period 780 days (the synodic period of Mars). Tycho Brahe,
in XVI century, measured the apperent Mars’ trajectory with great precision. How
could Johannes Kepler, using Brahe’s data, accurately calculate the orbits of both
Earth and Mars relative to the Sun and discover the laws named after him, which
in time enabled Newton to biuld the classical theory of gravity?
8. The orbital period of Io, one of the satellites of Jupiter, is equal to 42.5 hours. In the
1670-ties Ole Rømer was measuring the time between two successive eclipses of Io
when Earth moved on its orbit towards Jupiter and when it moved in the opposite
direction. The noticed difference allowed him to estimate the speed of light. Try to
reproduce the reasoning and estimates of Rømer.
11
12 CHAPTER 1. COSMO-WARM-UP
9. In 1982 Doppler predicted the effect of change in the percieved frequency of os-
cillations when there is relative motion of emitter and detector. Doppler assumed
that this effect can cause the difference in the color of stars: a star moving towards
the Earth seems “bluer”, while the one moving away “reddens”. Explain why the
Doppler effect cannot substantially change the color of a star.
10. In the beginning of the XXth century J.F. Hartmann, a German astronomer, was
studying the spectra of double stars. The wavelengths of their spectral lines shifted
periodically due to their relative motion, with the period equal to the orbital one.
In the spectra of some of the binaries he also noticed there were absorption lines
with wavelengths that did not change with time. What discovery did Hartmann
make due to this observation?
11. Originally the interstellar gas was discovered by its absorption of spectral lines
of calcium. Does that mean that calcium is the dominating component of the
interstellar medium?
12. One of the creators of the Theory of Relativity, Henry Poincare, when speaking in
1904 (!) of the fact that the speed of light c enters all the equations of electromag-
netism, compared the situation with the Ptolemy’s geocentric theory of epicycles,
in which the Earth’s year enters all the relations for the relative motion of celestial
bodies. Poincare expressed hope that a future Copernicus would rid electrodynamics
of c. Recall other examples of blunders of geniuses.
1.2 Quantities large and small

13. From what distance will one astronomical unit length have visible size of one angular
second?
14. What is the angular dimension of our Galaxy for an observer in the Andromeda
galaxy, if the distance to it is about 700kpc? Compare it with the angular size of
the Sun viewed from the Earth.
15. A glance on the night sky makes the impression of invariability of the Universe.
Why do the stars seem to us practically static?
16. * A supernova outburst in the Andromeda galaxy has been observed on Earth.
Estimate the time since the star’s explosion.
17. A galaxy at distance R from us at the moment of observation recedes with velocity
V . At what distance was it situated at the moment of emission of the observed
light?
18. Suppose that we have concentrated the whole cosmic history (14 billion years) in one
day. Display the main events in the history of the Universe using the logarithmic
time scale. Start from the Planck’s time to avoid singularities.
1.2. QUANTITIES LARGE AND SMALL 13
19. According to the Big Bang model the initial ratio of the uranium isotopes’ abun-
dances was U 235 /U 238 ≈ 1.65, while the presently observed one is U 235 /U 238 ≈
0.0072. Taking into account that the half–value periods of the isotopes are equal to
t1/2 (U 235 ) = 1.03 · 109 years and t1/2 (U 238 ) = 6.67 · 109 years, determine the age of
the Universe.
20. Estimate the mass MG of Milky Way and the number of stars in it, if the Sun is an
avarage star of mass M⊙ , situated almost at the edge of our Galaxy and it orbits its
center with the period T⊙ = 250 millions years at the distance RG = 30 thousands
light years.
21. Estimate the density of luminous matter in the Universe assuming that the Milky
Way containing ∼ 1011 stars of solar type is a typical galaxy, and average inter-
galactic distance is of order of L = 1Mpc.
22. Assume that the space is infinite and on average uniformly filled with matter. Es-
timate the distance from our observable part of the Universe to the part of the
Universe with identical distribution of galaxies and the same Earth.
23. Show that in the hydrogen atom the ratio of electrical forces to gravitational ones
is close to the ratio of the size of the Universe to the size of an electron (this fact
was first noted by P.Dirac).
24. Express the Bohr radius through the fine structure constant and Compton wave-
length.
25. Estimate the free path of a hydrogen atom in the intergalactic space.
26. ** Protons accelerated at LHC (E = 7T eV ) and photons are participants of a

cosmic Earth–Sun race. How much will the protons lose in time and distance?
27. Estimate the total amount of energy collected by optical telescopes during the past
XX century and compare it with the energy needed to turn over a page of a book.
28. * Estimate your own weight on the surface of white dwarf, neutron star, black hole.
29. Densities of astrophysical objects vary in a wide range. Estimate the ratio of a
neutron star’s density to the average density of Milky Way.
30. What cosmological process releases the maximum amount of energy simultaneosly
since the Big Bang?
31. Demonstrate, that for any Standard Model particle quantum gravity effects are
completely negligible at the particle level.
1.3 Geometric warm-up

32. What is maximum sum of angles in a triangle on a sphere?
33. * Consider the sphere of radius R. A circle is drawn on the sphere which has radius
r as measured along the sphere. Find the circumference of the circle as a function
of r.
34. Suppose that galaxies are distributed evenly on a two-dimensional sphere of radius
R with number density n per unit area. Determine the total number N of galaxies
inside a radius r. Do you see more or fewer galaxies out to the same radius, compared
to the flat case?
35. An object of size A is situated at distance B. Determine the angle at which the
object is viewed in flat space and in spaces of constant (positive and negative)
curvature.
1.4 Astrophysical warm-up

36. Obtain the non–relativistic approximation (to the first order in V /c) for the Doppler
effect.
37. Obtain the relativistic formula for the Doppler effect.
38. What are the differences between the Doppler effect for light and the ”analogous”
effect for sound?
39. Using the Doppler effect, how could we demonstrate that time is running differently
for observers which move relative to each other?
40. Every second about 1400J of solar energy falls onto one square meter of the Earth.
Estimate the absolute emittance of the Sun.
41. Assuming that the constant emittance stage for the Sun is of order of 1010 years,
find the portion of solar mass lost due to radiation.
42. Why was the connection between the emittance of variable stars (Cepheids) and the
period of their brightness variation discovered from observation of stars in Great
Magellan cloud rather than in our Galaxy?
43. A supernova in its maximum brightness reaches the absolute stellar magnitude of
M = −21. How often will the supernova outbursts be registered if observation is
carried out on the whole sky up to the limiting magnitude m = 14? Assume that
in a typical galaxy a supernova bursts on average once per 100 years, and galaxies
are distributed with spatial density of one galaxy per 10Mpc3 .
44. Calculate the average rate of star formation in our Galaxy.
45. * Determine the wavelengths of hydrogen resonant lines.

1.5. PLANCK SCALES AND FUNDAMENTAL CONSTANTS C, G, ~ 15
46. The main method for investigation of interstellar neutral hydrogen are observations
in unltraviolet band. The strongest interstellar absobtion line is α–Lyman hydrogen
line (λ = 121.6nm). This line corresponds to transition of electron from state with
quantum number n = 1 to the state with n = 2. At the same time, the Balmer
series characterized by electron transition from excited n = 2 state are not observed.
Why does this happen?
47. Hydrogen burning (hydrogen to helium transformation) in stars is realized in the

so-called p–p cycle, which starts from the reaction of deuterium formation p + p →
d+e+ +ν. To support such a reaction the colliding protons have to overcome Coulomb
barrier (in order to enter the region where nuclear forces act: rnf ≈ 10−13 cm.) It
requires energy as high as Ec = e2 /rnf ≈ 1.2MeV. Typical solar temperature is only
T⊙ = 107 K ≈ 0.9keV. The Coulomb barrier can be overcome due to the quantum
tunneling effect (classical probability to overcome the barrier for the protons in
the tail of Maxwell distribution is too low). Estimate the probability of tunneling
through the Coulomb barrier for protons on the Sun.
48. At present hydrogen in the Sun burns (transforms into helium) at temperature
1.5 · 107 K, but much higher temperature will be required to synthesize carbon from
helium (when hydrogen is exhausted) due to higher Coulomb barrier. What physical
mechanism could provide the increase of the Sun’s temperature at the later stages
of its evolution?
49. Accretion is the process of gravitational capture of matter and its subsequent pre-
cipitation on a cosmic body, i.e. a star. In such a process the kinetic energy of the
falling mass m transforms with some efficiency into radiation energy, which leads
to additional contribution to the brightness of the accreting system. Determine the
limiting brightness due to accretion (the Eddington limit).
50. Masses of stars vary in the limits
0.08M⊙ < Mstar < 100M⊙ .
How could this be explained?
51. How many quantities completely determine the orbit of a component of a double
star?
1.5 Planck scales and fundamental constants c, G, ~

The problems 52 and 53 are inspired by a paper by Okun’1 .
52. Consider some physical quantity A. The multiplication of A by any power of arbi-
trary fundamental constant certainly changes it’s dimensionality, but not its physical
meaning. For example, the quantity e ≡ E/c2 is energy, despite the fact that it has
1
Okun L B ”The theory of relativity and the Pythagorean theorem” Phys. Usp. 51 622–631 (2008);
the dimensionality of mass. Why, then, do we refer to the quantity E/~ as frequency,
but not as energy, although the Planck constant ~ is a fundamental constant as well
as c?
53. In special relativity mass is determined by the relation
m2 = e2 − p2 , e = E/c2 .
This expression presents the simpliest possible relation between energy, momentum
and mass. Why the relation between these quantities could not be linear?
54. Construct the quantities with dimensionalities of length, time, mass, temperature,
density from fundamental constants c, G, ~ and calculate their values (the corre-
sponding quantities are called the Planck units).
55. Perform the same procedure for just c, G. Considered quantities are called Newton
units. Construct, in particular, the Newton force unit and Newton power unit.
What is the physical meaning of these quantities? Why is there no Newton length
scale?
56. * Compare the delay of reception of an object located at 1 m from flat mirror, with
Planck time.
57. Demonstrate that gravitational radius of a particle with Planck mass coincides with
its Compton wavelength. Note that gravitational radius in General Relativity is
a radius of the spherically symmetric mass, for which the escape velocity at the
surface is equal to the speed of light.
58. Demonstrate that in the units c = ~ = 1
1 GeV ≈ 1.8 · 10−24 g; 1 GeV −1 ≈ 0.7 · 10−24 c ≈ 2 · 10−14 cm.
59. Estimate the energy scale, which correspond to current age of the Universe in units
~=c=1.
60. Express Planck mass in terms of K, cm−1 , s−1 .
61. Express Newton’s constant G in units c = 1.
62. Show that the fine structure constant α = e2 /~c is dimensionless only in a space of
dimension D = 3.
63. Construct a dimensionless combination from the constants c, ~, e, G in the space
of arbitrary dimension.
64. * Compare the constants of strong, weak, electromagnetic and gravitational inter-
actions.
65. * Estimate the order of magnitude of the temperature of Great Unification, i.e the
temperature at which intensity of gravitation comes up to intensities of three other
interactions.
66. Construct planck units in a space of arbitrary dimension.
1.6. GRAVITY 17
1.6 Gravity
67. Consider two observers with constant distance L between them, moving far from
any mass, i.e. in the absence of gravitational field, with constant acceleration a. At
t0 the rear observer emits a photon with wavelength λ. Calculate the redshift that
the leading observer will detect.
68. Let’s suppose that an elevator’s rope breaks and elevator enters the state of free fall.
Is it possible to determine experimentally, been inside, that the elevator is falling
near the Earth’s surface?
69. Richard Feynman wrote: ”The striking similarity of electrical and gravitational
forces . . . has made some people conclude that it would be nice if antimatter repelled
matter.” What arguments did Feynman use to demonstrate the inconsistence of this
assumption (at least in our world)?
70. What is the difference (quantitative and qualitative) between the gravitational waves
and the electromagnetic ones?
71. Find the probability that transition between two atomic states occurs due to grav-
itation rather than electromagnetic forces.
72. In his Lectures on Gravitation Feynman asks: ”. . .maybe nature is trying to tell us
something new here, maybe we should not try to quantize gravity. Is it possible per-
haps that we should not insist on a uniformity of nature that would make everything
quantized?”. And answers this question. Try to reproduce his arguments.
73. Evidently the role of gravitation grows with the mass of a body. Show that grav-
itation dominates if the number of atoms in the body exceeds the critical value
Ncr ≃ (α/αG )3/2 ≃ 1054 , where α = e2 /(~c) is the fine structure constant and
αG ≡ Gm2p /(~c) is the ”fine structure constant” for gravitation, mp is proton’s
mass.
74. Stars form from gas and dust due to gravitational instability, which forces gas clouds
to compress. This process is known as Jeans instability after the famous English
cosmologist James Jeans (1877 – 1946). What is the physical cause of the Jeans
instability?
75. Observations show that stars form not individually, but in large groups. Young stars
are detected in clusters, which contain, usually, several hundreds of stars, which were
formed at the same time. Theoretical calculations show that formation of individual
stars is almost impossible. How could this claim be justified?
76. A gas cloud of mass M consisting of molecules of mass µ is unstable if the gravi-
tational energy exceeds the kinetic energy of thermal motion. Derive the stability
condition for the spherically symmetric homogeneous cloud of radius R (the Jeans
criterion).
77. Estimate the critical density for a hydrogen cloud of solar mass at temperature
T = 1 000 K.
78. Compare the gravitational pressure in the centers of the Sun (ρ = 1.4 g/cm3 ) and
the Earth (ρ = 5.5 g/cm3 ).
79. Gravitational forces on the Sun are balanced by gas pressure. If pressure ”switches
of” at some moment, Sun would collapse. The time of gravitational collapse is called
the dynamic time. Calculate this time for the Sun.
80. Show that for any star its dynamic time is approximately equal to the ratio of star’s
radius to the escape velocity on its surface. Compare this estimate for the Sun with
the exact value obtained in the previous problem.
81. Show that stars (and star clusters) have the amazing property of negative thermal
capacity: the more the star looses energy due to radiation from its surface, the
higher is the temperature at its center.
82. Along with cosmological redshift, there is the gravitational redshift (the effect of
General Relativity), which consists in change in clock under varying gravitational
potential. How could these effects be distinguished qualitatively?
The following four problems are based on the paper2 . Here we try to understand the
effect of gravity on matter (particles and photons) in terms of Newtonian and relativis-
tic physics, but without relying on the General Theory of Relativity (GTR). Thus the
terminology differs from that of GTR, and one should not be surprised to see that i.e.
c is not constant. For readers familiar with GTR it would be instructive to reformulate
the solutions in its terms and establish the relations between the notions used in both
approaches.
83. Demonstrate that a photon emitted at lower floor of a building due to the transition
between two nuclear (atomic) levels could not induce the reverse transition in the
same nucleus (atom) at higher floor.
84. Consider a photon in a static gravitational field. Which characteristics of this photon
(energy, frequency, momentum, wavelength) change and which remain the same?
85. Describe the mechanism of light deflection in the gravitational fields of the Sun and
galaxies (see ***).
86. Trace the photon from problem 83 with clocks, located along the photon’s trajectory
(at each floor).
2
Okun L B “The theory of relativity and the Pythagorean theorem” Phys. Usp. 51 622–631 (2008)
1.7. FOREST FOR THE TREES 19
1.7 Forest for the trees

87. If the Universe was infinitely old and infinitely extended, and stars could shine
eternally, then in whatever direction you look the line of your sight should cross the
surface of a star, and therefore all the sky should be as bright as the Sun’s surface.
This notion is known under the name of Olbers’ paradox. Formulate the Olbers’
paradox quantitatively3 .
88. There are n trees per hectare in a forest. Diameter of each one is D. Starting from
what distance will we be unable to see the forest for the trees? How is this question
connected to the Olbers’ paradox4 ?
89. In a more romantic formulation this problem looks as following. Suppose that in
the Sherwood Forest the average radius of a tree is 30cm and average number of
trees per unit area is n = 0.005m−2 . If Robin Hood shoots an arrow in a random
direction, how far, on average, will it travel before it strikes a tree?
90. The same problem in the cosmological formulation looks this way. Suppose you are
in a infinitely large, infinitely old Universe in which the average number density of
stars is nst = 1011 Mpc−3 and the average stellar radius is equal to the Sun’s radius:
Rst = RJ = 7 · 108 m. How far, on average, could you see in any direction before
your line of sight strucks a star?
91. Demonstrate that stars in galaxies can be considered as collisionless medium.
1.8 Life on Mars?

92. Consider a highly developed alien civilization actively exploring the Earth in search
of intelligent life. How would citizens of the opposite part of Milky Way see their
”brothers in mind” from the Earth? And what about citizens of Andromeda galaxy?
93. Estimate the number of stars, which had already received the signal of homo sapi-
ens’existence on the Earth.
94. The inhabited planets in our Galaxy are likely to be located within the so–called
galactical habitable zone, which has the form of narrow ring with radius greater or
approximately equal to half the radius of Galaxy. Explain, why genesis of life is
unlikely to happen at too small or too large galactocentric distances.
95. Why does the width of galactic habitable zone gradually increase in time?
96. One of the possible formulations of the Fermi paradox, or the ”great silence” para-
dox, is the following: if there is intelligent life in the Universe, why does it not emit
any signal into space and generally manifest itself in any way? This paradox is
related to the name of Fermi, because once having listened to the arguments of his
3
L. Anchordoqui, arXiv:0706.1988, physics.ed-ph
4
Ryden, Introduction to cosmology, ADDISON-Wesley.
colleagues stating that there exist a great number of highly developed technological
civilizations, he asked after some pause: ”So, where are they?” Give arguments to
support or disprove the paradox.
1.8.1 Fine tuning of the Universe

97. * Imagine for a moment, that electron has the mass several times larger that aclual.
If all other conditions were the same, how would our Universe change?
98. Our Sun emits energy during billions of years and thus supports life development
on the Earth. It is possible due to very slow reaction of deuteron creation from
two interacting protons. Find the limiting value of electron mass providing the
necessarily low rate of such reaction.
1.9 Thermo warm-up

If someone points out to you that your pet theory of the universe is in disagreement with
Maxwell’s equations—then so much the worse for Maxwell’s equations. If it is found to
be contradicted by observation—well these experimentalists do bungle things sometimes.
But if your theory is found to be against the second law of thermodynamics I can give
you no hope; there is nothing for it but to collapse in deepest humiliation.
Sir Arthur Stanley Eddington
99. When designing a suit for open space, what should ingeneers be more careful of –
heating of heat extraction?
100. Estimate the number of photons in gas oven at room temperature and at maximum
heat.
101. Estimate the temperature at the surface of the Sun, assuming that the Earth with
mean temperature at its surface 15 C ◦ is in thermal equilibrium with the Sun.
102. What is the difference between the entropy of gravitational degrees of freedom and
ordinary entropy (e.g., entropy of ideal gas)?
103. One of the most used classifications divide physical systems into ”open” and ”iso-
lated”. The entropy in an isolated system could only increase, eventually reaching
the thermal equilibrium. In contrast, due to external interactions, entropy in open
systems could decrease, for example, through absorption of a component with low
entropy. Explain why the Sun is a source of low entropy for the Earth.
104. Estimate how many infrared photons Earth radiates per one ultraviolet photon it
absorbs from the Sub.
105. A human during his lifetime increases the entropy of the Universe by converting
chemical energy contained in the food to heat. Estimate the corresponding entropy
gain.
1.10. PLAY WITH NUMBERS AFTER SIVARAM 21
106. Estimate the contribution of Earth during its existence to the entropy production.
107. Show that the Sun has contributed the entropy increase of about 1040 J/K
1.10 Play with Numbers after Sivaram

108. (after C.Sivaram, Dark Energy may link the numbers of Rees, arXiv: 0710.4993)
Given Λ-dominated Universe, the requirement that for various large scale structures
(held together by self gravity) to form a variety of length scales, their gravitational
self energy density should at least match the ambient vacuum energy repulsion, as
was shown to imply [3] a scale invariant mass-radius relationship to the form (for
the various structures):
M √ c2
≈ Λ .
R2 G
This equation predicts a universality of M/R2 for a large variety of structures.
Check this statement for such structures as a galaxy, a globular cluster, a galaxy
cluster.
109. (after C.Sivaram, Scaling Relations for self-Similar Structures and the Cosmological
Constant, arXiv: 0801.1218) In recent papers [1], it was pointed out that the surface
gravities of a whole hierarchy of astronomical objects (i.e. globular clusters, galaxies,
clusters, super clusters, GMC’s etc.) are more or less given by a universal value
a0 ≈ cH0 ≈ 10−8 cm s−2 . Thus
GM
a= ≈ a0
R2
for all these objects, M being their typical mass and R their typical radius. Also
interestingly enough it was also pointed out [2] that the gravitational self energy of
a typical elementary particle (hadron) was shown to be
Gm3 c
EG ≈ ≈ ~H0
~
implying the same surface gravity value for the particle
GM Gm3 c c
ah = ≈ × ≈ cH0 ≈ a0 .
r2 ~ ~
Calculate actual value of the ratio
M √ c2
≈ Λ ∼1
R2 G
for such examples as a galaxy, whole Universe, globular cluster, a GMC, a super-
cluster, nuclei, an electron, Solar system, planetary nebula.
Chapter 2
Dynamics of Expanding Universe
Matter tells Specetime how to curve, and

Spacetime tells matter how to move.
John Wheeler
2.1 Homogeneous and isotropic Universe,

Hubble’s law
1. Most cosmological models are based on the assumption that the Universe is spatially
homogeneous and isotropic. Give examples to show that the two properties do not
automatically follow one from the other.
2. Show that if some spatial distribution is everywhere isotropic then it is also homo-
geneous. Is the opposite true?
3. What three-dimensional geometrical objects are both homogeneous and isotropic?
4. Why the notion of ”Big Bang” regarding the early evolution of the Universe should
not be treated too literally?
5. Show that the Hubble’s law is invariant with respect to Galilean transformations.
6. Show that the Hubble’s law represents the only form of expansion compatible with
homogeneity and isotropy of the Universe.
7. Show that if expansion of the Universe obeys the Hubble’s law then the initial
homogeneity is conserved for all its subsequent evolution.
8. In the 1940-ties Bondi, Gold and Hoyle proposed a stationary model of the Universe
basing on the generalized cosmological principle, according to which there is no
privileged position either in space or in time. The model describes a Universe,
in which all global properties and characteristics (density, Hubble parameter and
others) remain constant in time. Estimate the rate of matter creation in this model.
23
24 CHAPTER 2. DYNAMICS OF EXPANDING UNIVERSE
9. Galaxies typically have peculiar (individual) velocities of the order of Vp ≈ 100 km/s.
Estimate how distant a galaxy should be for its peculiar velocity to be negligible
compared to the velocity of Hubble flow VH = H0 R.
10. Estimate the age of the Universe basing on the observed value of the Hubble’s
constant (the Hubble time tH ).
11. Show that the model of the expanding Universe allows one to eliminate the Olbers’
paradox.
2.2 Equations of General Relativity

I have thought seriously about this question,
and have come to the conclusion that
what I have to say cannot reasonably be conveyed
without a certain amount of mathematical notation
and the exploration of genuine mathematical concepts.
Roger Penrose
The Road to Reality
12. Consider a spacetime with diagonal metric
ds2 = g00 (dx0 )2 + g11 (dx1 )2 + g22 (dx2 )2 + g33 (dx3 )2 .
Find the explicit expressions for the intervals of proper time and spatial length, and
for the 4-volume. Show that the invariant 4-volume is given by
√ √
−g d4 x ≡ −g dx0 dx1 dx2 dx3 ,
where g = det(gµν ).
13. Let there be an observer with 4-velocity uµ . Show that the energy of a photon with
4-wave vector k µ that he registers is uµ kµ , and the energy of a massive particle with
4-momentum pµ is uµ pµ .
14. The covariant derivative (or connection) ∇µ is a tensorial generalization of partial

derivative of a vector field Aµ (x) in the curved space-time. It’s action on vectors is
defined as
∇µ Aν = ∂µ Aν + Γν λµ Aλ ; ∇µ Aν = ∂µ Aν − Γρ νµ Aρ , (2.1)
where matrices Γi jk are called the connection coefficients, so that ∇µ Aν and ∇µ Aν

are tensors. The connection used in GR is symmetric in lower indices (Γλ µν = Γλ νµ )
and compatible with the metric ∇λ gµν = 0. It is called the Levi-Civita’s connection,
and the corresponding coefficients Γλ µν the Christoffel symbols. The action on
tensors is defined through linearity and Leibniz rule. Express the Christoffel symbols
through the metric tensor.
2.2. EQUATIONS OF GENERAL RELATIVITY 25
15. Derive the transformation rule for matrices Γλ µν under coordinate transformations.
Show that for any given point of spacetime there is a coordinate frame, in which
Γλ µν are equal to zero in this point. It is called a locally inertial, or locally geodesic
frame.
16. Free falling particles’ worldlines in General Relativity are geodesics of the spacetime—
i.e the curves xµ (λ) with tangent vector uµ = dxµ /dλ, such that covariant derivative
of the latter along the curve equals to zero:
uµ ∇µ uν = 0.
In a (pseudo-)Euclidean space the geodesics are straight lines. Obtain the general
equation of geodesics in terms of the connection coefficients. Show that the quantity
uµ uµ is conserved along the geodesic.
17. Consider the action for a massive particle of the form

Z B p
SAB = −mc ds, where ds = gµν dxµ dxν
A
and derive the geodesic equation from the principle of least action. Find the canon-
ical 4-momentum of a massive particle and the energy of a photon.
18. A Killing vector field, or just Killing vector, is a vector field K µ (x), such that
infinitesimal coordinate transformation x → x′ + εK (where ε → 0) leaves the
metric invariant in the sense1
′
gµν (x) = gµν (x).
A Killing vector defines a one-parametric symmetry group of the metric tensor,

called isometry.
Show that a Killing vector obeys the equation
∇µ Kν + ∇ν Kµ = 0,
called the Killing equation.
19. Suppose there is a coordinate frame, in which the metric does not depend on one
of the coordinates xk . Show that in this case the vectors ∂k constitute the Killing
vector field, and that the inverse is also true: if there is a Killing vector, we can
construct such a coordinate frame.
20. Prove that if K µ is a Killing vector, the quantity K µ uµ is conserved along a geodesic
with tangent vector uµ .
1 ′
That is, let gµν (x) be the components of the metric at some point A in the original frame. Then gµν (x)
are the components of the metric in the new frame, taken at point A′ , which has the same coordinates
in the new frame as A had in the old frame.
21. The Riemann curvature tensor Ri klm can be defined through the so-called Ricci
identity, written for arbitrary 4-vector Ai :
∇m ∇l Ai − ∇l ∇m Ai = Ri klm Ak .
Express Ri klm in terms of the Christoffel symbols. Show that the Ricci tensor
Rkm = Rl klm
is symmetric.
22. Prove the differential Bianchi identity for the curvature tensor:
∇i Rj klm + ∇l Rj kmi + ∇m Rj kil = 0, (2.2)
and show that
∇i Rji = 21 ∂j R.
23. The energy-momentum tensor in General Relativity is defined through the varia-
tional derivative of the action for matter
Z
µν 1 √
Sm [g , ψ] = d4 x −g Lm (g µν , ψ)
c
with respect to metric g µν :
Z
√
δg S = 1
2
d4 x −g δg µν Tµν .
Here Lm is the Lagrange function for the matter fields ψ. Show that for the cases
of a massless scalar field and electromagnetic field the above definition reduces to
the usual one.
24. The full action consists of the action for matter, discussed in the previous problem,
and the action for the gravitational field Sg :
Z
c3 √
S = Sg + Sm ; where Sg = − d4 x −g R,
16πG
R = Rii = g ik Rik is scalar curvature, G is the gravitational constant. Starting from
the variational principle, derive the Einstein-Hilbert equations2 for the gravitational
field
8πG
Rµν − 21 Rgµν = 4 Tµν . (2.3)
c
25. Show that the Einstein’s equation can be presented in the following form
8πG
Rµν = 4 Tµν − 21 T gµν , where T = Tµµ .
c
Show that it leads to the ”energy-momentum conservation law” for matter
∇µ T µν = 0.
Does it mean the energy and momentum of matter are actually conserved in general?
2
Also called Einstein field equations, or just Einstein equation (either in singular or plural); the action
Sg is referred to as Hilbert or Einstein-Hilbert action.
2.3. FRIEDMAN–LEMAÎTRE–ROBERTSON–WALKER (FLRW) METRIC 27
2.3 Friedman–Lemaı̂tre–Robertson–Walker (FLRW)

metric
26. Consider two points A and B on a two-dimensional sphere with radius a(t) de-
pending on time. Find the distance between the points rAB , as measured along the
surface of the sphere, and their relative velocity vAB = drAB /dt.
27. The comoving reference frame is defined so that matter is at rest in it, and the
distance χAB between any two points A and B is constant. Show that in a homoge-
neous and isotropic Universe the proper (physical) distance rAB between two points
is related to the comoving one as
rAB = a(t) · χAB ,
where quantity a is called the scale factor and it can depend on time only. Integrate
the Hubble’s law and find a(t).
28. Consider a spacetime with homogeneous and isotropic spatial section of constant
time dt = 0. Show that in the comoving coordinates its metric necessarily has the
form of the Friedman–Lemaı̂tre–Robertson–Walker (FLRW)3 metric:

ds2 = dt2 − a2 (t) dχ2 + Σ2 (χ)(dθ2 + sin2 θdϕ2 ) , (2.4)
where 
 sin2 χ
2
Σ (χ) = χ2

sinh2 χ.
The time coordinate t, which is the proper time for the comoving matter, is referred
to as cosmic (or cosmological) time.
29. Show that the FLRW metric (2.4) can be presented in the form

2 2 2 dr 2 2 2 2 2
ds = dt − a (t) + r (dθ + sin θdϕ ) , (2.5)
1 − kr 2
where k = 0, ±1 is the sign of spatial curvature (see problem 46).
30. Show that only the sign of spatial curvature has physical meaning, as renormaliza-
tion of the scale factor rescales the curvature.
31. Why is the normalization of the scale factor not fixed for a spatially flat Universe,
for which k = 0?
32. Consider a closed Universe (with k = +1) and find the length of equator and full
volume of its spatial section dt = 0.
3
Depending on geographical or historical preferences, named after a subset of the four scientists:
Alexander Friedmann, Georges Lemaı̂tre, Howard Percy Robertson and Arthur Geoffrey Walker. Thus
abbreviations FRW, RW or FL are also used.
33. Present arguments in favor of the affirmation that the electric charge of a closed
Universe should be exactly zero.
34. Using the FLRW metric, derive the Hubble’s law.
35. Conformal time η is defined as

dt = a(η)dη.
It can be interpreted as the time measured by a clock that decelerates along with
the expansion of the Universe. Rewrite the FLRW metric in conformal time. Show
that the logarithmic derivative of the scale factor with respect to conformal time
determines its evolution in the physical time.
36. Express the FLRW metric in comoving coordinates and conformal time. Show that
in the case k = 0 it is conformally flat, i.e. it can be made flat (pseudo-Euclidean)
by means of global stretching.
37. Consider an arbitrary function of time f (t) and express f˙ and f¨ in terms of deriva-
tives with respect to conformal time.
38. Obtain the equation of a photon’s worldline in terms of conformal time for the case
of the isotropic and spatially flat Universe.
39. Derive the equations of geodesics in terms of conformal time and comoving coordi-
nates for the case of radial motion in the FLRW metric.
40. A comoving observer is the one that is at rest in the comoving coordinates. He sees
the Universe as isotropic, and can also be called an isotropic observer. Show that
the frequency of a photon and velocity of a free particle, as measured by a comoving
observer4 at time t, are proportional to 1/a(t).
41. Express the detected redshift of a photon as a function of the cosmic time t at the
moment of its emission and vice versa: express the time t and conformal time η at
the moment of its emission in terms of its registered redshift.
42. Obtain the relation between the scale factor and conformal time using the properties
of conformal time interval.
43. Is it possible for an open Universe to evolve into a closed one or vice versa?
44. Calculate all connection coefficients (Christoffel symbols) for the FLRW metric.
45. Derive the components of Ricci tensor, scalar curvature and the trace of energy-
momentum tensor for the FLRW metric.
46. Obtain the components of the Ricci tensor and scalar curvature (3) R of the spatial
section t = const of the FLRW metric. Show that k = sign(3) R if (3) R 6= 0.
4
We will refer to these quantities as to the “physical” energy and momentum of a particle, to stress
that they are the ones directly measured in the most natural way.
2.4. EXPANDING UNIVERSE: ORDINARITY, DIFFICULTIES AND PARADOXES29
47. Derive the components and trace of the energy-momentum tensor which satisfies
the cosmological principle.
2.4 Expanding Universe:

ordinarity, difficulties and paradoxes
. . . how is it possible for space, which is utterly empty,
to expand? How can nothing expand? The answer is:
space does not expand. Cosmologists sometimes talk
about expanding space, but they should know better.
Stephen Weinberg
2.4.1 Warm-up
48. An elastic rubber cord of 1 meter length 1 is attached to a wall. A spider sits on it
at the junction to the wall, and a man holds the other end. The man starts moving
away from the wall with velocity 1 m/s, and at the same time the spider starts to
run along the cord with velocity 1 cm/s. Will the spider come up with the man?
49. Does the law of inertia hold in an expanding Universe?
50. Suppose a particle’s mean free path in an expanding Universe is small enough. Show
that its momentum decreases as5 p(t) ∝ a(t)−1 .
51. Show that the comoving phase volume equals to the physical one.
52. Show that the twins’ paradox is resolved in the FLRW Universe in the same way
as in the Minkowski spacetime: the twin who experienced non-zero acceleration
appears to be younger than his brother6 .
53. Show that the Hubble’s time H0−1 gives the characteristic time scale for any stage
of evolution of the Universe.
54. Show that in a Universe which expands with acceleration the Hubble’s radius de-
creases.
55. Show that the surface of Hubble’s sphere recedes with velocity V = c(1 + q), where
q = −aä/(ȧ)2 is the deceleration parameter.
56. Show that the standard definition of redshift is valid only inside the Hubble’s sphere.
5
This is a generalization of the previous problem to relativistic case, but still a simplification of the
general formulation 40.
6
O.Gron, S. Braeck, arXiv:0909.5364
2.4.2 The tethered galaxy problem

Inspired by7
57. Let us consider radial motion in the uniform and homogeneous Universe. For this
case the FLRW metric reduces to
ds2 = c2 dt2 − a2 (t)dχ2 .
Proper (physical) distance is defined as the distance (measured along the constant
time section dt = 0) between an observer and a galaxy with given comoving coordi-
nate. Let us define the total velocity of a test galaxy as the time derivative of the
proper distance
vtot = Ḋ, Ḋ = ȧχ + aχ̇, vtot = vrec + vpec .
Here vrec is the recession velocity of the test galaxy and vpec is its peculiar velocity.
What can be said of the possible values of these velocities?
58. Determine the distance to a galaxy which, due to the Hubble’s expansion, recedes
from us with the speed of light.
59. Is it possible for cosmological objects to recede from us with superluminal speeds?
60. Is it possible to observe galaxies receding with superluminal speeds?
61. Imagine that we separate a small test galaxy from the Hubble flow by tethering it to
an observer such that the proper distance between them remains constant. We can
think of the tethered galaxy as one that has received a peculiar velocity boost toward
the observer that exactly matches its recession velocity. We then remove the tether
(or turn off the boosting rocket) to establish the initial condition of constant proper
distance Ḋ0 = 0. Determine the future fate of the test galaxy: will it approach the
observer, recede from him or remain at constant distance?
62. Show that, provided the Universe expands forever, the test galaxy considered in the
previous problem asymptotically joins the Hubble flow.
63. Obtain the analogue of the Hubble’s law for acceleration in presence of radial pecu-
liar velocity.
64. Derive the result of the previous problem by direct differentiation of the Hubble’s
law.
65. In the context of special relativity (Minkowski space), objects at rest with respect to
an observer have zero redshift. However, in an expanding universe special relativistic
concepts do not generally apply. “At rest” is defined to be “at constant proper
distance” (vtot = Ḋ = 0), so our untethered galaxy with Ḋ = 0 satisfies the condition
for being at rest. Will it therefore have zero redshift? That is, are ztot = 0 and
vtot = 0 equivalent?
7
T. Davis, C. Lineweaver, J. Webb, 2001. Solutions to the tethered galaxy problem (arXiv:astro-
ph/0104349v3)
2.4. EXPANDING UNIVERSE: ORDINARITY, DIFFICULTIES AND PARADOXES31
66. Show that, although radial recession and peculiar velocities add vectorially, their
corresponding redshifts combine as
1 + ztot = (1 + zrec )(1 + zpec ).
2.4.3 Cosmological redshift

Inspired by8
67. Derive the cosmological redshift as the result of addition of infinitesimal Dopper
shifts due to relative velocities of galaxies along the worldline of a photon.
68. Suppose the source galaxy A and detector galaxy B are moving with the Hubble flow.
Imagine a family of comoving observers situated along the trajectory of the photon.
Let the observer 1, closest to the source galaxy, measure his velocity v1 relative
to the galaxy and send this information along with the photon to the next closest
to him observer 2. Observer 2 measures his velocity u relative to observer 1 and
calculates his velocity relative to the galaxy v2 according to the special relativistic
formula
v1 + u
v2 = .
1 + v1 u
He sends this information along. What will be the velocity vrel of the observers
relative to the galaxy, defined this way, in terms of scale factors at the moment of
emission and at the moment of detection?
69. Show that the registered cosmological redshift corresponds to Doppler effect with
this very velocity vrel .
70. Find the relative physical velocity of two particles with 4-velocities uµ1 and uµ2 . Let
uµ1 be the 4-velocity of the comoving detector at the moment of detection, and let
uµ2 be the 4-velocity of the source at the moment of emission, parallel transported
to the detector along the worldline of the photon9 .
71. A Killing tensor Kµν is a tensor field, which obeys the generalization of the Killing
equation
∇(µ Kνλ) = 0,
where parenthesis denote symmetrization over all indices. Prove that the quantity
Kµν uµ uν is conserved along a geodesics with tangent vector uµ .
72. Verify that the tensor
Kµν = a2 uµ uν − gµν , (2.6)
µ
where u is the 4-velocity of a comoving particle, is a Killing tensor for the FLRW
metric.
73. Show that due to the Killing tensor (2.6), the physical momentum of a particle,
measured by comoving observers, changes with time as p ∼ 1/a.
8
E. Bunn, D. Hogg. The kinematic origin of the cosmological redshift. Am. J. Phys. 77:688-694,
(2009); arXiv:0808.1081.
9
A vector a is parallel transported along a curve with tangent vector uµ , if uµ ∇µ aν = 0.
2.5 Friedman Equations

74. Starting from the Einstein equations, derive the equations for the scale factor a(t)
of the FLRW metric—the Friedman equations:
ȧ 2 8πG k
= ρ − 2; (2.7)
a 3 a
ä 4πG
=− ρ + 3p). (2.8)
a 3
Consider matter an ideal fluid with Tνµ = diag(ρ, −p, −p, −p) (see problem 47).
75. Derive the Friedman equations in terms of conformal time.
76. Show that the first Friedman equation is the first integral of the second one.
77. Show that in the weak field limit of General Relativity the source of gravity is the
quantity (ρ + 3p).
78. How does the magnitude of pressure affect the expansion rate?
79. Consider the case k = 0 and show that the second Friedman equation can be
presented in the form
HH ′ = −4πG (ρ + p) ,
dH
where H ′ ≡ d ln a
.
80. Are solutions of Friedman equations Lorentz-invariant?
81. The critical density corresponds to the case of spatially-flat Universe k = 0. Deter-
mine its actual value.
82. Show that the first Friedman equation can be presented in the form
X
Ωi = 1,
i
where Ωi are relative densities of the components,
ρi 3H 2 3 k
Ωi ≡ , ρcr = , ρcurv = − ,
ρcr 8πG 8πG a2
and ρcurv describes the contribution to the total density of the spatial curvature.
83. Express the scale factor a in a non-flat Universe through the Hubble’s radius and
total relative density ρ/ρcr .
84. Show that the relative curvature density ρcurv /ρcr in a given region can be interpreted
as a measure of difference between the average potential and kinetic energies in the
region.
2.5. FRIEDMAN EQUATIONS 33
85. Prove that in the case of spatially flat Universe

Ḣ = −4πG(ρ + p).
86. Obtain the Raychadhuri equation

4πG
H 2 + Ḣ = − (ρ + 3p).
3
87. Starting from the Friedman equations, obtain the conservation equation for matter
in an expanding Universe:
ρ̇ + 3H(ρ + p) = 0.
Show that it can be presented in the form
d ln ρ
+ 3(1 + w) = 0,
d ln a
where w = p/ρ is the state parameter for matter.
88. Obtain the conservation equation in terms of the conformal time.
89. Starting from the energy momentum conservation law ∇µ T µν = 0, obtain the con-
servation equation for the expanding Universe.
90. Show that among the three equations (two Friedman equations and the conservation
equation) only two are independent, i.e. any of the three can be obtained from the
two others.
91. For a spatially flat Universe rewrite the Friedman equations in terms of the e-foldings
number for the scale factor
a(t)
N(t) = ln .
a0
92. Express the conservation equation in terms of N and find ρ(N) for a substance with
equation of state p = wρ.
93. For the case of spatially flat Universe express pressure in terms of the Hubble pa-
rameter and its time derivative.
94. Express the state parameter w = p/ρ in terms of the Hubble parameter and its time
derivative.
95. Show that for a spatially flat Universe the Friedman equations are invariant10 under
the change of variables to a new scale factor
1
a→α=
a
and a the new equation of state:
(w + 1) → (ω + 1) = −(w + 1).
10
V. Faraoni. A symmetry of the spatially flat Friedmann equations with barotropic fluids.
arXiv:1108.2102v1.
96. Evaluate the derivatives of the state parameter w with respect to cosmological and
conformal times.
97. Consider an FLRW Universe dominated by a substance, such that Hubble parameter
depends on time as H = f (t), where f (t) is an arbitrary differentiable function. Find
the state equation for the considered substance.
98. Find the upper bound for the state parameter w.
99. Show that for non-relativistic particles the state parameter w is much less unity.
2.6 Newtonian cosmology

100. Obtain the first Friedman equation basing only on Newtonian mechanics.
101. Derive the analogue of the second Friedman equation in the Newtonian mechanics.
102. Obtain the conservation equation for non-relativistic matter from the continuity
equation for the ideal fluid.
103. Show that equations of Newtonian hydrodynamics and gravity prohibit the existence
of a uniform, isotropic and static cosmological model, i.e. a Universe constant in
time, uniformly filled by ideal fluid.
104. Find the generalization of the Newtonian energy conservation equation to an ex-
panding cosmological background11 .
105. Using the Layzer-Irvene equation, discussed in the previous problem, recover the
Newtonian virial theorem
2.7 Energy balance in an expanding Universe

106. Show that the first Friedman equation can be treated as the energy conservation
law in Newtonian mechanics. Use this equation to classify the solutions describing
different dynamics of the Universe.
107. Obtain the conservation equation for the expanding Universe using only thermody-
namical considerations.
108. A photon’s wavelength is redshifted due to the Universe’ expansion. Estimate the
rate of change of the energy of the Universe due to this process.
11
P.J.E. Peebles, Principles of Physical Cosmology, Princeton University Press, 1993
2.8. COSMOGRAPHY 35
2.8 Cosmography
In problems 109-56 we use an approach to the description of the evolution of the Uni-
verse’s, which is called “cosmography”12. It is based entirely on the cosmological principle
and on some consequences of the equivalence principle. The term ”cosmography” is a
synonym for ”cosmokinematics”. Let us recall that the kinematics represent the part of
mechanics which describes motion of bodies regardless of the forces responsible for it. In
this sense cosmography represents nothing else than the kinematics of cosmological expan-
sion.
In order to construct the key cosmological quantity a(t) one needs the equations of
motion (the Einstein’s equation) and some assumptions an the material composition of
the Universe, which enable one to obtain the energy-momentum tensor. The efficiency of
cosmography lies in the ability to test cosmological models of any kind, that are compatible
with the cosmological principle. Modifications of General Relativity or introduction of new
components (such as dark matter or dark energy) certainly change the dependence a(t),
but they absolutely do not affect the kinematics of the expanding Universe.
The rate of Universe’s expansion, determined by Hubble parameter H(t), depends on
time. The deceleration parameter q(t) is used to quantify this dependence. Let us define it
through the expansion of the scale factor a(t) in a Taylor series in the vicinity of current
time t0 :
1
a(t) = a (t0 ) + ȧ (t0 ) [t − t0 ] + ä(t0 )[t − t0 ]2 + · · ·
2
Let us present this in the form
a(t) q0
= 1 + H0 [t − t0 ] − H02 [t − t0 ]2 + · · ·
a (t0 ) 2
where the deceleration parameter is
ä(t)a(t) ä(t) 1
q(t) ≡ − = − .
ȧ2 (t) a(t) H 2 (t)
Note that the accelerated growth of scale factor takes place for q < 0. When the sign
of the deceleration parameter was originally defined, it seemed evident that gravity is the
only force that governs the dynamics of Universe and it should slow down its expansion.
The choice of the sign was determined then by natural wish to deal with positive quantities.
This choice turned out to contradict the observable dynamics and became an example of
historical curiosity.
12
See Weinberg, Gravitation and Cosmology, chapter 14
In order to describe the kinematics of the cosmological expansion in more details it is

useful to consider the extended set of the parameters:
1 da
H(t) ≡ (2.9)
a dt
−2
1 d2 a 1 da
q(t) ≡ − (2.10)
a dt2 a dt
−3
1 d3 a 1 da
j(t) ≡ (2.11)
a dt3 a dt
−4
1 d4 a 1 da
s(t) ≡ (2.12)
a dt4 a dt
−5
1 d5 a 1 da
l(t) ≡ (2.13)
a dt5 a dt
109. Using the cosmographic parameters introduced above, expand the scale factor into
a Taylor series in time.
110. Using these cosmographic parameters, expand the redshift into a Taylor series in
time.
111. Obtain the following relations between the deceleration parameter and Hubble’s
parameter

d 1 1 + z dH d ln H
q(t) = − 1; q(z) = − 1; q(z) = (1 + z) − 1.
dt H H dz dz
112. Show that for the deceleration parameter the following relation holds:
! !
dH dH
a
q (a) = − 1 + dt2 − 1 + da .
H H
113. Show that derivatives of lower cosmographic parameters can expressed through the
higher ones.
114. Prove that
dq
= j − q(2q + 1).
d ln(1 + z)
dH d2 H
115. Show that the derivatives dz
and dz 2
can be expressed through the parameters q
and j.
116. Show that the time derivatives of the Hubble’s parameter can be expressed through
the cosmographic parameters as follows:
Ḣ = −H 2 (1 + q); (2.14)
Ḧ = H 3 (j + 3q + 2) ; (2.15)
...
H = H 4 [s − 4j − 3q(q + 4) − 6] ; (2.16)
....
H = H 5 [l − 5s + 10 (q + 2) j + 30(q + 2)q + 24] . (2.17)
2.8. COSMOGRAPHY 37
117. Consider the case of spatially flat Universe and express the scalar (Ricci) curvature
and its time derivatives in terms of the cosmographic parameters q, j, s, l.
118. Show that the accelerated growth of expansion rate Ḣ > 0 takes place on the
condition q < −1.
119. Obtain the relation

1 dz
H(z) = − .
1 + z dt
120. Let ta be the moment in the history of the Universe when the decelerated expansion
turned to the accelerated one, i.e. q(ta ) = 0, and let t1 < ta and t2 > ta be two
moments in the vicinity of ta . Show that
1 1
∆t ≡ t1 − t2 = − .
H1 H2
121. Obtain the following integral relation between the Hubble’s parameter and the de-
celeration parameter
 z 
Z
H = H0 exp  [q(z ′ ) + 1]d ln(1 + z ′ ) .
0
122. Reformulate the Hubble’s law in terms of redshift for close galaxies (z ≪ 1).
123. Show that

d d
= −(1 + z)H .
dt dz
124. Obtain the transformation law from the higher time derivatives to the derivatives
with respect to redshift:
d(i) d(i)
→ .
dt dz
125. Calculate the derivatives of Hubble’s parameter squared with respect to redshift
d(i) H 2
, i = 1, 2, 3, 4
dz (i)
and express them in terms of the cosmographic parameters.
126. Show that the deceleration parameter q can be presented in the form
H ′ (x)
q(x) = x − 1; x = 1 + z.
H(x)
127. Show that

1 d ln H 2
q(z) = .
2 d ln(1 + z)
128. Express the derivatives dH/dz and d2 H/dz 2 throgh the parameters q and
...
a
r≡ .
aH 3
129. Consider the time average of the deceleration parameter

Z
1 t0
q̄ (t0 ) = q(t)dt
t0 0
and show that it can be evaluated without integration of equation of motion for the
scale factor.
130. Show that the current age of the Universe is proportional to H0−1 and the proportion-
ality coefficient is determined by the average value of the deceleration parameter.
131. Show that the proper distance to an object with redshift z is related to the current
deceleration parameter q0 as
c 1 h p i
R= q0 z + (q0 − 1) 1 + 2q0 − 1 .
H0 q02 1 + z
2 −2
132. Express the current values of deceleration parameter q0 ≡ − a1 ddt2a a1 da
dt and
t=t9
3 −3
the jerk parameter j ≡ a1 ddt3a a1 da
dt in terms of N ≡ − ln (1 + z)
t=t0
133. Using dl (z) = a0 (1 + z)f (χ), where


Zz  χ − f lat case
1 du
χ= , f (χ) = sinh(χ) − open case
a0 H(u) 
0 sin(χ) − closed case.
find the standard luminosity distance-versus-redshift relation up to the second order

in z:
z 1 − q0 2
dL = 1+ z + O(z ) .
H0 2
134. Many supernovae give data in the z > 1 redshift range. Why is this a problem for
the above formula for the z-redshift? (Problems 2) - 10) are all from the Visser
convergence article)
135. Give physical reasons for the above divergence at z = −1.
136. Sometimes a ”pivot” is used:

z = zpivot + ∆z,
1 a(t) 1 1
= = 1+H0 (t−t0 )− q0 H02 (t−t0 )2 + j0 H03 (t−t0 )3 +O(|t−t0|4 ).
1 + zpivot + ∆z a0 2! 3!
What is the convergence radius now?
2.8. COSMOGRAPHY 39
137. The most commonly used definition of redshift is
λ0 − λe ∆λ
z= = .
λ e λ e
Let’s introduce a new redshift:
λ0 − λe ∆λ
z= = .
λ 0 λ 0
138. Argue why, on physical grounds, we can’t extrapolate beyond y = 1.
139. The most commonly used distance is the luminosity distance, and it is related to
the distance modulus in the following way:
µD = 5 log1 0[dL /(10 pc)] = 5 log1 0[dL /(1 Mpc)] + 25.
However, alternative distances are also used (for a variety of mathematical pur-
poses):
1) The ”photon flux distance”:
dL
dF = .
(1 + z)1/2
2) The ”photon count distance”:
dL
dP = .
(1 + z)
3) The ”deceleration distance”:
dL
dQ = .
(1 + z)3/2
4) The ”angular diameter distance”:
dL
dA = .
(1 + z)2
Obtain the Hubble law for these distances (in terms of z-redshift, up to the second
power by z)
140. Do the same for the distance modulus directly.
141. Do problem 139 but for y-redshift.
142. Obtain the THIRD-order luminosity distance expansion in terms of z-redshift

143. Alternative (if less physically evident) redshifts are also viable. One promising
redshift is the y4 redshift: y4 = arctan(y). Obtain the second order redshift formula
for dL in terms of y4 .
144. H0 a0 /c ≫ 1 is a generic prediction of inflationary cosmology. Why is this an obstacle

in proving/measuring the curvature of pace based on cosmographic methods?
145. When looking at the various series formulas, you might be tempted to just take the
highest-power formulas you can get and work with them. Why is this not a good
idea?
146. Using the definition of the redshift, find the ratio

∆z
,
∆tobs
called ”redshift drift” through the Hubble Parameter for a fixed/commoving ob-
server and emitter:
Zto toZ
+∆to
dt dt
= .
a(t) a(t)
ts ts +∆ts
147. A photon’s physical distance traveled is

Z
D = c dt = c(t0 − ts ).
Using the definition of the redshift, construct a power series for z-redshift based on
this physical distance.
148. Invert result of the previous problem (up to z 3 ).
149. Obtain a power series (in z) breakdown of redshift drift up to z 3 (hint: use (dH)/(dz)
formulas)
150. Using the Friedmann equations, continuity equations, and the standard definitions
for heat capacity(that is,
∂U ∂h
CV = , CP = ,
∂T ∂T
where U = V0 ρt a3 , h = V0 (ρt + P )a3 , show that
V0 H 2 j − 1
CP = ,
4πG T ′ (1 + z)4
V0 H 2 2q − 1
CV = .
8πG T ′ (1 + z)4
151. What signs of Cp and Cv are predicted by the Λ − CDM model? (q0ΛCDM =
−1 + 32 Ωm , j0ΛCDM = 1 and experimentally, Ωm = 0.274 ± 0.015)
2.8. COSMOGRAPHY 41
152. In cosmology, the scale factor is sometimes presented as a power series
a(t) = c0 |t − t⊙ |η0 + c1 |t − t⊙ |η1 + c2 |t − t⊙ |η2 + c3 |t − t⊙ |η3 + . . .
. Get analogous series for H and q.
153. What values of the powers in the power series are required for the following singu-
larities?
a) Big bang/crunch (scale factor a = 0)
b) Big Rip (scale factor is infinite)
c) Sudden singularity (nth derivative of the scale factor is infinite)
d) Extremality event (derivative of scale factor = 1)
154. Analyze the possible behavior of the Hubble parameter around the cosmological
milestones (hint: use your solution of problem 152).
155. Going outside of the bounds of regular cosmography, let’s assume the validity of
the Friedmann equations. It is sometimes useful to expand the Equation of State
as a series (like p = p0 + κ0 (ρ − ρ0 ) + O[(ρ − ρ0 )2 ],) and describe the EoS parameter
(w9t) = p/ρ) at arbitrary times through the cosmographic parameters.
156. Analogously to the previous problem, analyze the slope parameter

dp
κ= .
dρ
Specifically, we are interested in the slope parameter at the present time, since that
is the value that is seen in the series expansion.
157. Continuing the previous problem, let’s look at the third order term - d2 p/dρ2 .
Chapter 3
Dynamics of the Universe in the Big

Bang model
At present the Big Bang model does not have any significant flaws.
I would even say that it is confirmed to be true to the same extent
that we know that the Earth revolves around the Sun.
Yakov B. Zel’dovich
3.1 General questions

1. What main observations underlie the Big Bang model?
3.2 Solutions of Friedman equations in the Big Bang

model
2. Derive ρ(a), ρ(t) and a(t) for a spatially flat1 (k = 0) Universe that consists of only
a) radiation,
b) non-relativistic matter2 .
3. Consider two spatially flat Universes. One is filled with radiation, the other with
dust. The current energy density is the same. Compare energy densities when both
of them are twice as old.
4. Find the scale factor and density of each component as functions of time in a flat
Universe which consists of dust and radiation, for the case one of the components
is dominating. Present the results graphically.
5. Derive the time dependence of the Hubble parameter for a flat Universe in which
either matter or radiation is dominating.
1
The “spatial” part is often omitted when there cannot be any confusion (and even when there can
be), generally and hereatfer.
2
In this context and below also quite often called just “matter” or dust.
43
44 CHAPTER 3. DYNAMICS OF THE UNIVERSE IN THE BIG BANG MODEL
6. Derive the exact solutions of the Friedman equations for the Universe filled with
matter and radiation. Plot the graphs of scale factor and both densities as functions
of time.
7. At what moment after the Big Bang did matter’s density exceed that of radiation
for the first time?
8. Determine the age of the Universe in which either matter or radiation has always
been dominating.
9. Derive the dependence a(t) for a spatially flat Universe that consists of matter
with equation of state p = wρ, assuming that the parameter w does not change
throughout the evolution.
10. Find the Hubble parameter as function of time for the previous problem .
11. Using the first Friedman equation, construct the effective potential V (a), which
governs the one-dimensional motion of a fictitious particle with coordinate a(t), for
the Universe filled with several non-interacting components.
12. Construct the effective one-dimensional potential V (a) (using the notation of the
previous problem) for the Universe consisting of non-relativistic matter and radia-
tion. Show that motion with ȧ > 0 in such a potential can only be decelerating.
13. Derive the exact solutions of the Friedman equations for the Universe with arbitrary
curvature, filled with radiation and matter.
14. Show that for a spatially flat Universe consisting of one component with equation
of state p = wρ the deceleration parameter q ≡ −ä/(aH 2 ) is equal to 12 (1 + 3w).
15. Express the age of the Universe through the deceleration parameter q = −ä/(aH 2 )
for a spatially flat Universe filled with single component with equation of state
p = wρ.
16. Find the generalization of relation q = 21 (1 + 3w) for the non-flat case.
17. Show that for a one-component Universe filled with ideal fluid of density ρ
1 d ln ρ
q = −1 − .
2 d ln a
18. Show that for a Universe consisting of several components with equations of state
pi = wi ρi the deceleration parameter is
Ω 3X
q= + wi Ωi ,
2 2 i
where Ω is the total relative density.

3.2. SOLUTIONS OF FRIEDMAN EQUATIONS IN THE BIG BANG MODEL 45
19. For which values of state parameter w the rate of expansion of a one-component
flat Universe increases with time?
20. Show that for a spatially closed (k = 1) Universe that contains only non-relativistic
matter the solution of the Friedman equations can be given in the form
4πGρ0
a(η) = a⋆ (1 − cos η); t(η) = a⋆ (η − sin η); a⋆ = ; 0 < η < 2π.
3
21. Find the relation between the maximum size and the total lifetime of a closed
Universe filled with dust.
22. Suppose we know the current values of the Hubble constant H0 and the deceleration
parameter q0 for a closed Universe filled with dust only. How many times larger will
it ever become?
23. In a closed Universe filled with non-relativistic matter the current values of the
Hubble constant is H0 , the deceleration parameter is q0 . Find the current age of
this Universe.
24. Suppose in the same Universe radiation is dominating during a negligibly small
fraction of total time of evolution. How many times will a photon travel around the
Universe during the time from its “birth” to its “death”?
25. In a closed Universe filled with dust the current value of the Hubble constant is H0
and of the deceleration parameter q0 .
a) What is the total proper volume of the Universe at present time?

b) What is the total current proper volume of space occupied by matter which we
are presently observing?
c) What is the total proper volume of space which we are directly observing?
26. Find the solution of Friedman equations for spatially open (k = −1) Universe filled
with dust in the parametric form a(η), t(η).
27. Suppose the density of some component in a spatially flat Universe depends on scale
factor as ρ(t) ∼ a−n (t). How much time is needed for the density of this component
to change from ρ1 to ρ2 ?
28. Using the expression for H(t), calculate the deceleration parameter for the cases of
domination of
a) radiation,
b) matter.
29. Consider a Universe consisting of n components, with equations of state pi = wi ρi ,

and find wtot , the parameter of the equation of state ptot = wtot ρtot .
30. Derive the equations of motion for relative densities Ωi = ρi /ρcr of the two compo-
nents comprising a spatially flat two-component Universe, if their equations of state
are p = wi ρ, i = 1, 2.
31. Suppose a Universe is initially filled with a gas of non-relativistic particles of mass
density ρ0 , pressure p0 , and cp /cv = γ. Construct the equation of state for such a
system.
32. Derive the expression for the critical density ρcr from the condition that Hubble’s
√
expansion velocity equals the second cosmic velocity (escape velocity) v = 2gR.
33. Suppose the Universe is filled with non-relativistic matter and some substance with
equation of state pX = wρX . Find the evolution equation for the quantity r ≡ ρρX
m
.
34. Express the deceleration parameter through the ratio r for the conditions of the
previous problem.
35. Let a spatially flat Universe be filled with non-relativistic dust and a substance with
equation of state pX = wρX . Show that in case ρX ∝ H 2 , the ratio r = ρm /ρX does
not depend on time.
36. Show that for the model of the Universe described in the previous problem the
parameter r is related with the deceleration parameter as
Ωcurv
ṙ = −2H q.
ΩX
37. Show that in the model of the Universe of problem 35, in case k = +1 and q > 0
(decelerated expansion) r increases with time, in case k = +1 and q < 0 (accelerated
expansion) r decreases with time, and for k = −1 vice-versa.
The following three problems on power-law cosmology are inspired by Kumar3
38. Let us consider a general class of power-law cosmologies described by the scale factor
t α
a(t) = a0 ,
t0
where t0 is the present age of theUniverse and α is a dimensionless positive param-

eter. Show that:
(a) the scale factor in terms of the deceleration parameter may be written as
t 1/1+q 1
a(t) = a0 , i.e. α = .
t0 1+q
3
S.Kumar arXiv:1109.6924.
3.3. THE ROLE OF CURVATURE IN THE DYNAMICS OF THE UNIVERSE 47
(b) the expansion of the Universe is described by Hubble parameter
1
H=
(1 + q) t
or in terms of redshift
H(z) = H0 (1 + z)1+q .
39. In the power-law cosmology find the age of the Universe at redshift z.
40. For the power-law cosmology find the luminosity distance between the observer and
the object with redshift z.
3.3 The role of curvature in the dynamics of the Uni-

verse
41. Derive ρ(t) in a spatially open Universe filled with dust for the epoch when the
curvature term in the first Friedman equation is dominating .
42. Show that in the early Universe the curvature term is negligibly small.
43. Show that k = sign(Ω − 1) and express the current value of the scale factor a0
through the observed quantities Ω0 and H0 .
44. Find the lower bound for a0 , knowing that the Cosmic background (CMB) data
combined with SSNIa data imply
−0.0178 < (1 − Ω) < 0.0063.
45. Fnd the time dependence of |Ω − 1| in a Universe with domination of
a) radiation,
b) matter.
46. Estimate the upper bound of the curvature term in the first Friedman equation
during the electroweak epoch (t ∼ 10−10 s) and the nucleosynthesis epoch (t ∼
1 − 200 s).
47. Derive and analyze the conditions of accelerated expansion for a one-component
Universe of arbitrary curvature with the component’s state parameter4 w.
4
S.Kumar arXiv: 1109.6924
3.4 The Milne Universe

48. Find the solutions of the Friedman equations for the Milne Universe: the expanding
Universe with ρ → 0 and k = −1. Why is it necessarily spatially open? What is
the scalar curvature of this spacetime?
49. Let us consider the Minkowski spacetime in spherical spatial coordinates (T, R, θ, φ).
Let at some moment of initial explosion a cloud of particles emerge from the origin
with all possible velocities v < c in all directions, which stay constant. Their mass is
considered negligible, so that they do not interact and do not affect the underlying
spacetime. The larger is the velocity of a particle, the further away from the origin
it is at a given moment of time, so the velocity of a particle v, or alternatively its
“rapidity”
1+v
r = artanh v ≡ 21 ln
1−v
serve as radial coordinates in the region R < T . Let τ be the proper time of
the particle. Show that the region R < T in coordinates (τ, r, θ, φ) is the Milne
Universe5 .
50. Let the density of matter in the Milne Universe (in the comoving frame) be small but
finite. Find the dependence of (number) density on the distance to the horizon R =
T in the Minkowski spacetime (the laboratory frame with regard to the experiment
of the Big Bang), if the distribution in the Milne Universe is homogeneous. What
is the total number of particles (galaxies) in each of the frames of reference?
3.5 Cosmological horizons

51. Calculate the particle horizon for a Universe with dominating
a) radiation,
b) dust,
c) matter with state equation p = wρ.
52. Show the the comoving particle horizon equals to the age of the Universe in confor-
mal time.
53. Show that, if ultrarelativistic matter is dominating in the matter content of a spa-
tially flat Universe (k = 0), its particle horizon coincides with the Hubble radius.
54. Find the comoving Hubble radius RH /a as function of the scale factor for a spatially
flat Universe that consists of one component with equation of state p = wρ.
5
In fact, this is the way Milne in his papers of 1935 and 1948 introduced this spacetime, trying to
show that Big Bang can be described by pure kinematics and in the frame of Special Theory of Relativity
only. This is in general not possible, but his renowned example is very instructive.
3.5. COSMOLOGICAL HORIZONS 49
55. Express the comoving particle horizon Lp /a through the comoving Hubble radius
RH /a for the case of domination of a substance with state parameter w.
56. Show that in an open Universe filled with dust the number of observed galaxies
increases with time.
57. Show that even in early Universe the scale of particle horizon is much less than
the curvature radius, and thus curvature does not play significant role within the
horizon.
58. Estimate the ratio of the volume enclosed by the Hubble sphere to the total volume
of the closed Universe.
The following five problems are based on work by F. Melia6

Standard cosmology is based on the FLRW metric for a spatially homogeneous and
isotropic three-dimensional space, expanding or contracting with time. In the coordinates
used for this metric, t is the cosmic time, measured by a comoving observer (and is the
same everywhere), a(t) is the expansion factor, and r is an appropriately scaled radial
coordinate in the comoving frame.
F.Melia demonstrated the usefulness of expressing the FRLW metric in terms of an
observer-dependent coordinate R = a(t)r, which explicitly reveals the dependence of the
observed intervals of distance, dR, and time on the curvature induced by the mass-energy
content between the observer and R; in the metric, this effect is represented by the
proximity of the physical radius R to the cosmic horizon Rh , defined by the relation
Rh = 2G M(Rh ).
In this expression, M(Rh ) is the mass enclosed within Rh (which terns out to be the
Hubble sphere). This is the radius at which a sphere encloses sufficient mass-energy to
create divergent time dilation for an observer at the surface relative to the origin of the
coordinates.
59. Show that in a flat Universe Rh = H −1 (t).
60. Represent the FLRW metric in terms of the observer-dependent coordinate R =

a(t)r.
61. Show, that if we were to make a measurement at a fixed distance R away from us,
the time interval dt corresponding to any measurable (non-zero) value of ds must
go to infinity as r → Rh .
62. Show that Rh is an increasing function of cosmic time t for any cosmology with
w > −1.
63. Using FLRW metric in terms of the observer-dependent coordinate R = a(t)r,

consider specific cosmologies:
6
F. Melia, arXiv: 0711.4181, arXiv:0907.5394
a) the De Sitter Universe ;

b) a cosmology with Rh = t, (w = −1/3);
c) radiation dominated Universe (w = 1/3);
d) matter dominated Universe (w = 0).
3.6 Energy conditions and the Raychaudhuri equa-

tion
3.6.1 Energy conditions
S. Carroll [10] writes:
Sometimes it is useful to think about Einstein’s equation without specifying

the theory of matter from which T µν is derived. This leaves us with a great
deal of arbitrariness; consider for example the question, What metrics obey
Einstein’s equation? In the absence of some constraints on T µν , the answer is
any metric at all; simply take the metric of your choice, compute the Einstein
tensor Gµν for this metric, and then demand that T µν be equal to Gµν . It will
automatically be conserved, by the Bianchi identity. Our real concern is with
the existence of solutions to Einstein’s equation in the presence of “realistic”
sources of energy and momentum, whatever that means. One strategy is to
consider specific kinds of sources, such as scalar fields, dust, or electromagnetic
fields. However, we occasionally wish to understand properties of Einstein’s
equations that hold for a variety of different sources. In this circumstance it
is convenient to impose energy conditions that limit the arbitrariness of T µν .
The energy conditions are formulated in coordinate-independent way, but in the context
of cosmology they are most useful in application to the energy-momentum tensor of a
perfect fluid7 :
Name Statement For perfect fluid

µ ν
Weak Tµν v v ≥ 0 ρ ≥ 0, ρ + p > 0;
Null Tµν k µ k ν ≥ 0 ρ + p ≥ 0;
Strong (Tµν − 21 T gµν )v ν v ν ≥ 0 ρ + p ≥ 0, ρ + 3p ≥ 0;
is non-spacelike and
Dominant Tνµ v ν ρ ≥ |p |.
future-directed
The conditions are assumed to hold for arbitrary timelike vectors v µ and arbitrary null
vectors k µ .
7
For more detailed discussion see textbooks: Carroll S. Spacetime and geometry: an introduction to
General Relativity. AW, 2003; ISBN 0805387323, 525p. (§4.6), and Poisson E. A relativist’s toolkit. CUP,
2004; ISBN 0521830915, 248p. (ch 2)
3.6. ENERGY CONDITIONS AND THE RAYCHAUDHURI EQUATION 51
64. Derive the energy conditions for the perfect fluid, shown in the last column, from
the coordinate-independent formulations.
65. Does the weak energy condition follow from the strong one? Which of the energy
conditions imply the others?
66. Express the energy conditions in terms of scale factor and its derivatives.
67. Express the null, weak and strong energy conditions in terms of the Hubble param-
eter and redshift.
68. Find the restrictions that the energy conditions impose on the deceleration param-
eter in a flat Universe with ρ > 0.
3.6.2 Raychaudhuri equation

69. Consider a timelike curve xµ (τ ) and find the projection operators on its tangent
vector and on its orthogonal complement.
70. A congruence is a set of curves having the property that each point in a given
region belongs to one and only one curve of the set. Consider a congruence of
timelike geodesics. Let us mark two infinitely close geodesics and look at their
relative evolution along their length. Let ξ µ be the infinitesimal 4-vector that is
directed normal to one of the curves towards the other. Show that
dξν
= Bνµ ξ µ ,
dτ
where
Bνµ = uν;µ ,
is a three-dimensional spacelike tensor orthogonal to uµ , and τ is the parameter
along the geodesic.
71. Show that any tensor field of second rank defined on an n−dimensional Riemannian
manifold with positive definite metric gµν can be uniquely decomposed into
1
Bµν = Θgµν + σµν + ωµν , (3.1)
n
where Θ = B µ µ , σµν is the symmetric traceless part of Bµν , and ωµν is the antisym-
metric part of Bµν .
72. Let there be a congruence in a three-dimensional Riemannian manifold. What is
the geometric meaning of Θ, σ and ω for Bµν = uν;µ ?
73. Derive the Raychaudhuri equation for a congruence of timelike geodesics in space-
time
dΘ 1
= − Θ2 − σµν σ µν + ωµν ω µν − Rµν uµ uµ . (3.2)
dτ 3
Here Θ, σµν and ωµν are the components (3.1) of decomposition of Bµν = uµ;ν .
74. Show that for a congruence of geodesics orthogonal to a family of hypersurfaces

ωµν = 0. Prove further, that in case the strong energy condition Rµν uµ uν ≥ 0 holds
(see problem 64 and the following), then the following (the focusing theorem) also
is true: if Θ = Θ0 < 0 at some initial moment, then in a finite period of proper time
Θ diverges and tends to −∞.
75. Write out the Raychaudhuri equation for the geodesics of comoving matter in the
FLRW Universe and show that it is reduced to the second Friedman equation.
3.6.3 Sudden Future Singularities

The following problems are composed in the spirit of8
76. Let us consider the possibility of sudden future singularities. The “suddenness”
implies that they occur at some time in the future, while both the scale factor and
the Hubble constant remain bounded and separated from zero:
a → as 6= 0, ∞, H → Hs 6= 0, ∞.
What scalars can in principle become unbounded in this scenario?
77. Consider a solution of Friedman equations of the form
a(t) = A + Btq + C(ts − t)n ,
where A, B, q, n > 0 and C are some free constants. What values of q and n are
compatible with the sudden singularity of the previous problem?
78. Is any energy condition violated by the solutions with the sudden future singularity?
What physical constraint on matter can be introduced that would prevent it?
3.7 Influence of cosmological expansion on local sys-

tems
Does the expansion of space mean that everything in it is stretched? Galaxies? Atoms?
A shallow answer to this question is: “bounded” systems do not take part in the expan-
sion. However, if space is stretched, then how can these systems not experience some,
at least minimal, extension? Should bounded systems be stretched less intensively? The
following several problems attempt to clarify the question by the example of a simple
model: a classical atom, which consists of a negatively charged electron with negligible
mass, rotating around a positively charged massive nucleus.
Let us place this atom in a homogeneous Universe which expands with scale factor
a(t). We will use two sets of spatial coordinates for its description, both spherical with
the atom at the origin. The first set consists of physical coordinates R, θ, ϕ, with R being
the distance between the electron and the nucleus at given time. The second set r, θ, ϕ
8
John D. Barrow, Sudden Future Singularities, arXiv:0403084v3.
3.8. DYNAMICS OF THE UNIVERSE IN TERMS OF REDSHIFT AND CONFORMAL TIME53
is the comoving coordinates, the fixed points that partake in the cosmological expansion.
The two sets are related through
R = a(t)r.
The angular coordinates are the same, as we assume that the cosmological expansion is
radial.
79. How can we understand in terms of the physical and comoving coordinates whether
the atom partakes in the cosmological (Hubble) expansion or not?
80. Derive the equation of motion for the atom’s electron accounting for the cosmological
expansion.
81. Write the effective potential for the electron for the case of exponential expansion
a(t) = eβt and use it to analyze the dynamics for the case L2 = C, where C is the
constant of electrostatic interaction.
82. Why does the Solar system not expand despite of expansion of all the Universe?
Give quantitative arguments.
3.8 Dynamics of the Universe in terms of redshift

and conformal time
83. Express the first Friedman equation in terms of redshift and analyze the contribution
of different terms in different epochs.
84. Find the conformal time as function of the scale factor for a Universe with domina-
tion of a) radiation and b) non-relativistic matter.
85. Find the relation between time and redshift in the Universe with dominating matter.
86. Derive a(η) for a spatially flat Universe with dominating radiation.
87. Express the cosmic time through the conformal time in a Universe with dominating
radiation.
88. Derive a(η) for a spatially flat Universe with dominating matter.
89. Find a(η) for a spatially flat Universe filled with a mixture of radiation and matter.
90. Suppose a component’s state parameter wi = pi /ρi is a function of time. Find its
density as function of redshift.
91. Derive the Hubble parameter as a function of redshift in a Universe filled with
non-relativistic matter.
92. The redshift of any object slowly changes with time due to acceleration (or decel-
eration) of the Universe’s expansion. Find the rate of change of redshift ż for a
Universe with dominating non-relativistic matter.
93. The Universe is known to have become transparent for electromagnetic waves at
z ≈ 1100 (in the process of formation of neutral hydrogen, recombination), i.e when
it was 1100 times smaller than at present. Thus in practice the possibility of optical
observation of the Universe optically is limited by the so-called optical horizon: the
maximal distance that light travels since the moment of recombination. Find the
ratio of the optical horizon to the particle one for a Universe dominated by matter.
94. Derive the particle horizon as function of redshift for a Universe filled with matter
and radiation with relative densities Ωm0 and Ωr0 .
95. Show that any signal emitted from the cosmological horizon will arrive to the ob-
server with infinite redshift.
3.9 Time Evolution of CMB

96. Show that in the expanding Universe the quantity aT is an approximate invariant.
97. Show that the electromagnetic radiation frequency decreases with expansion of the
Universe as ω(t) ∝ a(t)−1 .
98. Show that if the radiation spectrum was equilibrium at some initial moment, then
it will remain equilibrium during the following expansion.
99. Find the CMB temperature one second after the Big Bang.
100. Show that creation of the relic radiation (the photon decoupling) took place in the
matter-dominated epoch.
101. What was the color of the sky at the recombination epoch?
102. When the night sky started to look black?
103. Estimate the moment of time when the CMB energy density was comparable to
that in the microwave oven.
104. Estimate the moment of time when the CMB wavelength will be comparable to that
in the microwave oven, which is λ = 12.6 cm.
105. When the relic radiation obtained formal right to be called CMB? And for what
period of time?
106. Calculate the presently observed density of photons for the CMB and express it in
Planck units.
107. Find the ratio of CMB photons’ energy density to that of the neutrino background.
108. Determine the average energy of a CMB photon at present time.

3.9. TIME EVOLUTION OF CMB 55
109. Why, when calculating the energy density of electromagnetic radiation in the Uni-
verse, we can restrict ourselves to the CMB photons?
110. The relation ργ ∝ a−4 assumes conservation of photon’s number. Strictly speaking,
this assumption is inaccurate. The Sun, for example, emits of the order of 1045 pho-
tons per second. Estimate the accuracy of this assumption regarding the photon’s
number conservation.
111. Can hydrogen burning in the thermonuclear reactions provide the observed energy
density of the relic radiation?
112. Find the ratio of relic radiation energy density in the epoch of last scattering to the
present one.
113. Find the ratio of average number densities of photons to baryons in the Universe.
114. Explain qualitatively why the temperature of photons at the surface of last scattering
(0.3 eV) is considerably less than the ionization energy of the hydrogen atom (13.6
eV).
115. Estimate the moment of the beginning of recombination: transition from ionized
plasma to gas of neutral atoms.
116. Determine the moment of time when the mean free path of photons became of the
same order as the current observable size of Universe).
117. How will the 31 and the time when 32 change if one takes into account the possibility
of creation of neutral hydrogen in excited states?
118. Why is the cosmic neutrino background (CNB) temperature at present lower than
the one for CMB?
Chapter 4
Black Holes. Problems
4.1 Technical warm-up

The problems collected here introduce the tools needed for solving problems in the fol-
lowing sections. They can be solved in succession, or one can return to them if and when
questions arise. For more background see the section “Equations of General Relativity”
of chapter 2.
4.1.1 Uniformly accelerated observer, Rindler metric

Einstein’s equivalence principle states that locally a gravitational field cannot be distin-
guished from a non-inertial frame of reference. Therefore a number of effects of General
Relativity, such as time dilation in a gravitational field and formation of horizons, can be
studied in the frame of Special Theory of Relativity when considering uniformly accelerated
observers.
1. Derive the equation of motion x(t) of a charged particle in Minkowski space in a

uniform electric field without initial velocity. Show that its acceleration is constant.
2. What region of spacetime is unobservable for such an accelerated observer? In what

region is this observer unobservable?
3. Consider the set of particles, which move with constant accelerations a = const > 0
in Minkowski space, with initial conditions at time t = 0 set as x = ρ = c2 /a. Let τ
be the proper time of these particles in the units of ρ/c. What region of spacetime
is parametrized by the pair of positive numbers (τ, ρ)? Express the metric in this
region in the coordinates (ρ, ϕ), where ϕ = cτ /ρ. This is the Rindler metric.
4.1.2 Metric in curved spacetime

We see here, how, given an arbitrary metric tensor, to determine physical distance between
points, local time and physical velocity of a particle in an arbitrary frame of reference.
This problem, though fundamentally important, is necessary in full form only for con-
sideration of particle dynamics in the Kerr metric. In order to analyze the dynamics
57
58 CHAPTER 4. BLACK HOLES. PROBLEMS
in the Schwarzschild metric, it suffices to answer all the questions with a substantially
simplifying condition g0i = 0, where i = 1, 2, 3 (see the last of the problems).
Let the spacetime metric have the general form
ds2 = gµν dxµ dxν .
Coordinates are arbitrary and do not carry direct metrical meaning. An observer, sta-
tionary in a given coordinate frame, has 4-velocity uµ = (u0 , 0, 0, 0), and the interval
determines his proper “local” time
c2 dτ 2 = ds2 = g00 (dx0 )2 .
An observer in point A, with coordinates xµ , determines the physical “radar” distance to

an infinitely close point B, with coordinates xµ + dxµ , in the following way. She sends a
light beam to B and measures the time it takes for the reflected beam to come back. Then
distance to B is half the proper time she waited from emission to detection times c. It is
also natural for her to consider the event of the beam reflection in B to be simultaneous
with the middle of the infinitely small 4-distance between the events of emission and
detection of light beam in A.
4. Find the physical distance dl between two events with coordinates xµ and xµ + dxµ .
5. Find the difference between coordinate times of two infinitely close simultaneous
events.
6. Let a particle’s world line be xµ (λ). What is the proper time interval δτ of a
stationary observer, in which this particle covers distance from xµ to xµ + dxµ ?
7. Physical velocity v of the particle is defined as dl/δτ . Express it through the 4-

velocity of the particle and through its coordinate velocity dxi /dx0 ; find the interval
along the world line ds in terms of v and local time dτ .
8. How are all the previous answers simplified if g0i = 0?
4.2 Schwarzschild black hole

The spherically symmetric solution of Einstein’s equations in vacuum for the spacetime
metric has the form [4]
rg 2GM
ds2 = h(r) dt2 − h−1 (r) dr 2 − r 2 dΩ2 , where h(r) = 1 − ; rg = ; (4.1)
r c2
dΩ2 = dθ2 + sin2 θ dϕ2 – metric of unit sphere.
The Birkhoff’s theorem (1923) [5, 6] states, that this solution is unique up to coordinate
transformations. The quantity rg is called the Schwarzschild radius, or gravitational
radius, M is the mass of the central body or black hole.
4.2. SCHWARZSCHILD BLACK HOLE 59
4.2.1 Simple problems

9. Find the interval of local time (proper time of stationary observer) at a point (r, θ, ϕ)
in terms of coordinate time t, and show that t is the proper time of an observer at
infinity. What happens when r → rg ?
10. What is the physical distance between two points with coordinates (r1 , θ, ϕ) and
(r2 , θ, ϕ)? Between (r, θ, ϕ1 ) and (r, θ, ϕ2 )? How do these distances behave in the
limit r1 , r → rg ?
11. What would be the answers to the previous two questions for r < rg and why1 ?
Why the Schwarzschild metric cannot be imagined as a system of “welded” rigid
rods in r < rg , as it can be in the external region?
12. Calculate the acceleration of a test particle with zero velocity.
13. Show that Schwarzschild metric is a solution to Einstein’s equations.
4.2.2 Symmetries and integrals of motion of Schwarzschild met-

ric
14. What integral of motion arises due to existance of a timelike Killing vector? Express
it through the physical velocity of the particle.
15. Derive the Killing vectors for a sphere in Cartesian coordinate system; in spherical
coordinates.
16. Verify that in coordinates (t, r, θ, ϕ) vectors
Ωµ = (1, 0, 0, 0),
Rµ = (0, 0, 0, 1),
S µ = (0, 0, cos ϕ, − cot θ sin ϕ),
T µ = (0, 0, − sin ϕ, − cot θ cos ϕ)
are the Killing vectors of the Schwarzschild metric.
17. Show that existence of Killing vectors S µ and T µ leads to motion of particles in a
plane.
18. Show that the particles’ motion in the plane is stable.
19. Write down explicitly the conserved quantities pµ Ωµ and pµ Rµ for movement in the
plane θ = π/2.
20. What is the work needed to pull a particle from the horizon to infinity? Will a black
hole’s mass change if we drop a particle with zero initial velocity from immediate
proximity of the horizon?
1
It is actually not a very simple problem
4.2.3 Radial motion in Schwarzchild metric

Consider a particle’s radial motion: ϕ̇ = θ̇ = 0. In this problem one is especially interested
in asymptotes of all functions as r → rg .
21. Derive the equation for null geodesics (worldlines of massless particles).
22. Use energy conservation to derive v(r), ṙ(r) = dr/dt, r(t) for a massive particle.
Initial conditions: g00 |ṙ=0 = h0 (the limiting case h0 → 1 is especially interesting
and simple).
23. Show that the equation of radial motion in terms of proper time of the particle is the
same as in the non-relativistic Newtonian theory. Calculate the proper time of the
fall from r = r0 to the center. Derive the first correction in rg /r to the Newtonian
result. Initial velocity is zero.
24. Derive the equations of radial motion in the ultra-relativistic limit.
25. A particle (observer) falling into a black hole is emitting photons, which are detected
on the same radial line far away from the horizon (i.e. the photons travel from
emitter to detector radially). Find r, v and ṙ as functions of the signal’s detection
time in the limit r → rg .
4.2.4 Blackness of black holes

A source radiates photons of frequency ωi , its radial coordinate at the time of emission is
r = rem . Find the frequency of photons registered by a detector situated at r = rdet on
the same radial line in different situations described below. By stationary observers here,
we mean stationary in the static Schwarzschild metric; “radius” is the radial coordinate
r.
26. The source and detector are stationary.
27. The source is falling freely without initial velocity from radius r0 ; it flies by the
stationary detector at the moment of emission.
28. The source is freely falling the same way, while the detector is stationary at rdet >
rem .
29. The source is falling freely and emitting continuously photons with constant fre-
quency, the detector is stationary far away from the horizon rdet ≫ rg . How does
the detected light’s intensity depend on rem at the moment of emission? On the
proper time of detector?
4.2. SCHWARZSCHILD BLACK HOLE 61
4.2.5 Orbital motion, effective potential

Due to high symmetry of the Schwarzschild metric, a particle’s worldline is completely
determined by the normalizing condition uµ uµ = ǫ, where ǫ = 1 for a massive particle and
ǫ = 0 for a massless one, plus two conservation laws—of energy and angular momentum.
30. Show that the ratio of specific energy to specific angular momentum of a particle
equals to rg /b, where b is the impact parameter at infinity (for unbounded motion).
31. Derive the geodesics’ equations; bring the equation for r(λ) to the form
1 dr 2
+ Vǫ (r) = ε,
2 dλ
where Vǫ (r) is a function conventionally termed as effective potential.
32. Plot and investigate the function V (r). Find the radii of circular orbits and analyze
their stability; find the regions of parameters (E, L) corresponding to bound and
unbound motion, fall into the black hole. Consider the cases of a) massless, b)
massive particles.
33. Derive the gravitational capture cross-section for a massless particle; the first cor-
rection to it for a massive particle ultra-relativistic at infinity. Find the cross-section
for a non-relativistic particle to the first order in v 2 /c2 .
34. Find the minimal radius of stable circular orbit and its parameters. What is the
maximum gravitational binding energy of a particle in the Schwarzschild spacetime?
4.2.6 Miscellaneous problems

35. Gravitational lensing is the effect of deflection of a light beam’s (photon’s) trajec-
tory in the gravitational field. Derive the deflection of a photon’s trajectory in
Schwarzschild metric in the limit L/rg ≫ 1. Show that it is twice the value for a
massive particle with velocity close to c in the Newtonian theory.
36. Show that the 4-acceleration of a stationary particle in the Schwarzschild metric
can be presented in the form
√
aµ = −∂µ Φ, where Φ = ln g00 = 12 ln g00
is some generalization of the Newtonian gravitational potential.
37. Let us reformulate the problem in a coordinate-independent manner. Suppose we

have an arbitrary stationary metric with timelike Killing vector ξ µ , and we denote
the 4-velocity of a stationary observer by uµ = ξ µ /V . What is the 4-force per unit
mass that we need to apply to a test particle in order to make it stay stationary?
Show in coordinate-independent way that the answer coincides with ∂µ Φ (up to the
sign), and rewrite Φ in coordinate-independent form.
38. Surface gravity κ of the Schwarzschild horizon can be defined as acceleration of

a stationary particle at the horizon, measured in the proper time of a stationary
observer at infinity. Find κ.
Solving Einstein’s equations for a spherically symmetric metric of general form in

vacuum (energy-momentum tensor equals to zero), one can reduce the metric to
C 2 C −1 2
ds2 = f (t) 1 − dt − 1 − dr − r 2 dΩ2 ,
r r
where C is some integration constant, and f (t) an arbitrary function of time t.
39. Suppose all the matter is distributed around the center of symmetry, and its energy-
momentum tensor is spherically symmetric, so that the form of gµν written above is
correct. Show that the solution in the exterior region is reduced to the Schwarzschild
metric and find the relation between C and the system’s mass M.
40. Let there be a spherically symmetric void r < r0 in the spherically symmetric matter
distribution. Show that spacetime in the void is flat.
41. Let the matter distribution be spherically symmetric and filling regions r < r0 and
r1 < r < r2 (r0 < r1 ). Can one affirm, that the solution in the layer of empty space
r0 < r < r1 is also the Schwarzschild metric?
4.2.7 Different coordinates, maximal extension

We saw that a particle’s proper time of reaching the singularity is finite. However, the
Schwarzschild metric has a (removable) coordinate singularity at r = rg . In order to
eliminate it and analyze the casual structure of the full solution, it is convenient to use
other coordinate frames. Everywhere below we transform the coordinates r and t, while
leaving the angular part unchanged.
42. Make coordinate transformation in the Schwarzschild metric near the horizon (r −
rg ) ≪ rg by using physical distance to the horizon as a new radial coordinate instead
of r, and show that in the new coordinates it reduces near the horizon to the Rindler
metric.
43. Derive the Schwarzschild metric in coordinates t and r ⋆ = r + rg ln |r − rg |. How do

the null geodesics falling to the center look like in (t, r ⋆ )? What range of values of
r ⋆ corresponds to the region r > rg ?
44. Rewrite the metric in coordinates r and u = t − r ⋆ , find the equations of null
geodesics and the value of g = det(gµν ) at r = rg . Likewise in coordinates r and
v = t + r ⋆ ; in coordinates (u, v). The coordinate frames (v, r) and (u, r) are called
the ingoing and outgoing Eddington-Finkelstein coordinates.
4.3. KERR BLACK HOLE 63
45. Rewrite the Schwarzschild metric in coordinates (u′ , v ′ ) and in the Kruskal coordi-
nates (T, R) (Kruskal solution), defined as follows:
u′ + v ′ v ′ − u′
v ′ = ev/2rg , u′ = −e−u/2rg ; T = , R= .
2 2
What are the equations of null geodesics, surfaces r = const and t = const, of the
horizon r = rg , singularity r = 0, in the coordinates (T, R)? What is the range
space of (T, R)? Which regions in the Schwarzschild coordinates do the regions
{I : R > |T |}, {II : T > |R|}, {III : R < −|T |} and {IV : T < −|R|} correspond
to? Which of them are casually connected and which are not? What is the geometry
of the spacelike slice T = const and how does it evolve with time T ?
46. Pass to coordinates
v′ u′
v ′′ = arctan √ , u′′ = arctan √
rg rg
and draw the spacetime diagram of the Kruskal solution in them.
47. The Kruskal solution describes an eternal black hole. Suppose, for simplicity, that
some black hole is formed as a result of radial collapse of a spherically symmetric
shell of massless particles. What part of the Kruskal solution will be realized, and
what will not be? What is the casual structure of the resulting spacetime?
4.3 Kerr black hole

Kerr solution is the solution of Einstein’s equations in vacuum that describes a rotating
black hole (or the metric outside of a rotating axially symmetric body) [7]. In the Boyer-
Lindquist coordinates [8] it takes the form

2µr 4µa r sin2 θ ρ2 2
ds = 1 − 2 dt2 +
2
dt dϕ − dr − ρ2 dθ2 +
ρ ρ2 ∆

2 2 2µr a2 sin2 θ
− r +a + 2
sin2 θ dϕ2 ; (4.2)
ρ
where ρ2 = r 2 + a2 cos2 θ, ∆ = r 2 − 2µr + a2 . (4.3)
Here µ is the black hole’s mass, J its angular momentum, a = J/µ; t and ϕ are time
and usual azimuth angle, while r and θ are some coordinates that become the other two
coordinates of the spherical coordinate system at r → ∞.
4.3.1 General axially symmetric metric

A number of properties of the Kerr solution can be understood qualitatively without use
of its specific form. In this problem we consider the axially symmetric metric of quite
general kind
ds2 = Adt2 − B(dϕ − ωdt)2 − C dr 2 − D dθ2 , (4.4)
where functions A, B, C, D, ω depend only on r and θ.
48. Find the components of metric tensor gµν and its inverse g µν .
49. Write down the integrals of motion corresponding to Killing vectors ∂t and ∂ϕ .
dϕ
50. Find the coordinate angular velocity Ω = dt
of a particle with zero angular momen-
tum uµ (∂ϕ )µ = 0.
51. Calculate A, B, C, D, ω for the Kerr metric.
4.3.2 Limiting cases

52. Show that in the limit a → 0 the Kerr metric turns into Schwarzschild with rg = 2µ.
53. Show that in the limit µ → 0 the Kerr metric describes Minkowski space with the
spatial part in coordinates that are related to Cartesian as
√
x = r 2 + a2 sin θ cos ϕ,
√
y = r 2 + a2 sin θ sin ϕ,
z = r cos θ,
where r ∈ [0, ∞), θ ∈ [0, π], ϕ ∈ [0, 2π).
Find equations of surfaces r = const and θ = const in coordinates (x, y, z). What
is the surface r = 0?
54. Write the Kerr metric in the limit a/r → 0 up to linear terms.
4.3.3 Horizons and singularity

Event horizon is a closed null surface. A null surface is a surface with null normal vector
nµ :
nµ nµ = 0.
This same notation means that nµ belongs to the considered surface (which is not to be
wondered at, as a null vector is always orthogonal to self). It can be shown further, that
a null surface can be divided into a set of null geodesics. Thus the light cone touches it in
each point: the future light cone turns out to be on one side of the surface and the past
cone on the other side. This means that world lines of particles, directed in the future,
can only cross the null surface in one direction, and the latter works as a one-way valve,
– “event horizon”.
55. Show that if a surface is defined by equation f (r) = 0, and on it g rr = 0, it is a null

surface.
56. Find the surfaces g rr = 0 for the Kerr metric. Are they spheres?
57. Calculate surface areas of the outer and inner horizons.
58. What values of a lead to existence of horizons?

On calculating curvature invariants, one can see they are regular on the horizons and
diverge only at ρ2 → 0. Thus only the latter surface is a genuine singularity.
59. Derive the internal metric of the surface r = 0 in Kerr solution.
60. Show that the set of points ρ = 0 is a circle. How it it situated relative to the inner
horizon?
4.3.4 Stationary limit

Stationary limit is a surface that delimits areas in which particles can be stationary and
those in which they cannot. An infinite redshift surface is a surface such that a phonon
emitted on it escapes to infinity with frequency tending to zero (and thus its redshift
tends to infinity). The event horizon of the Schwarzschild solution is both a stationary
limit and an infinite redshift surface (see problems 26-29). In the general case the two do
not necessarily have to coincide.
61. Find the equations of surfaces gtt = 0 for the Kerr metric. How are they situated
relative to the horizons? Are they spheres?
62. Calculate the coordinate angular velocity of a massless particle moving along ϕ in
the general axially symmetric metric (4.4). There should be two solutions, corre-
sponding to light traveling in two opposite directions. Show that both solutions
have the same sign on the surface gtt = 0. What does it mean? Show that on the
horizon g rr = 0 the two solutions merge into one. Which one?
63. What values of angular velocity can be realized for a massive particle? In what
region angular velocity cannot be zero? What can it be equal to near the horizon?
64. A stationary source radiates light of frequency ωem . What frequency will a stationary
detector register? What happens if the source is close to the surface gtt = 0? What
happens if the detector is close to this surface?
4.3.5 Ergosphere and the Penrose process

Ergosphere is the area between the outer stationary limit and the outer horizon. As it lies
before the horizon, a particle can enter it and escape back to infinity, but gtt < 0 there.
This leads to the possibility of a particle’s energy in ergosphere to be also negative, which
leads in turn to interesting effects.
All we need to know of the Kerr solution in this problem is that it has an ergosphere,
i.e. the outer horizon lies beyond the outer static limit, and that on the external side of
the horizon all the parameters A, B, C, D, ω are positive (you can check!). Otherwise, it
is enough to consider the axially symmetric metric of general form.
65. Let a massive particle move along the azimuth angle ϕ, with fixed r and θ. Express
the first integral of motion ut through the second one2 uϕ (tip: use the normalizing
condition uµ uµ = 1).
2
Relations problem 7 and 14) do not hold, as they were derived in assumption that g00 > 0.
66. Under what condition a particle can have ut < 0? In what area can it be fulfilled?
Can such a particle escape to infinity?
67. What is the meaning of negative energy? Why in this case (and in GR in general)
energy is not defined up to an additive constant?
68. Let a particle A fall into the ergosphere, decay into two particles B and C there,
and particle C escape to infinity. Suppose C’s energy turns out to be greater than
A’s. Find the bounds on energy and angular momentum carried by the particle B.
4.3.6 Integrals of motion

69. Find the integrals of motion for a massless particle moving along the azimuth angle
ϕ (i.e. dr = dθ = 0). What signs of energy E and angular momentum L are possible
for particles in the exterior region and in ergosphere?
70. Calculate the same integrals for massive particles. Derive the condition for nega-
tivity of energy in terms of its angular velocity dϕ/dt. In what region can it be
fulfilled? Show that it is equivalent to the condition on angular momentum found
in problem 66.
71. Derive the integrals of motion for particles with arbitrary 4-velocity uµ . What is
the allowed interval of angular velocities Ω = dϕ/dt? Show that for any particle
(E − Ω̃L) > 0 for any Ω̃ ∈ (Ω− , Ω+ ).
4.3.7 The laws of mechanics of black holes

If a Killing vector is null on some null hypersurface Σ, Σ is called a Killing horizon.
72. Show that vector K = ∂t + ΩH ∂ϕ is a Killing vector
for the Kerr solution, and it is

null on the outer horizon r = r+ . Here ΩH = ω r=r+ is the angular velocity of the
horizon.
73. Let us define the surface gravity for the Kerr black hole as the limit
√ µ
a aµ
κ = lim
r→r+ u0
for a particle near the horizon with 4-velocity u = ut (∂t + ω∂ϕ ). In the particular
case of Schwarzschild metric this definition reduces to the one given in problem 38.
Calculate κ for particles with zero angular momentum in the Kerr metric. What is
it for the critical black hole, with a = µ?
74. Find the change of (outer) horizon area of a black hole when a particle with energy
E and angular momentum L falls into it. Show that it is always positive.
75. Let us define the irreducible mass Mirr of Kerr black hole as the mass of Schwarzschild
black hole with the same horizon area. Find Mirr (µ, J) and µ(Mirr , J). Which part
of the total mass of a black hole can be extracted from it with the help of Penrose
process?
76. Show that an underextremal Kerr black hole (with a < µ) cannot be turned into
the extremal one in any continuous accretion process.
This problem’s results can be presented in the form that provides far-reaching analogy
with the laws of thermodynamics.
0: Surface gravity κ is constant on the horizon of a stationary black hole. The ze-
roth law of thermodynamics: a system in thermodynamic equilibrium has constant
temperature T .
1: The relation
κ
δµ = δA+ + ΩH δJ
8π
gives an analogy of the first law of thermodynamics, energy conservation.
2: Horizon area A+ is nondecreasing. This analogy with the second law of thermody-
namics hints at a correspondence between the horizon area and entropy.
3: There exists no such continuous process, which can lead as a result to zero surface
gravity. This is an analogy to the third law of thermodynamics: absolute zero is
unreachable.
4.3.8 Particles’ motion in the equatorial plane

The following questions refer to a particle’s motion in the equatorial plane θ = π/2 of the
Kerr metric.
77. Put down explicit expressions for the metric components and parameters A, B, C, D, ω.
78. What is the angular velocity of a particle with zero energy?
79. Use the normalizing conditions for the 4-velocity uµ uµ = ǫ2 and two conservation
laws to derive geodesic equations for particles, determine the effective potential for
radial motion.
80. Integrate the equations of motion for null geodesics with L = aE, investigate the
asymptotes close to the horizons, limits a → 0 and a → µ.
81. Find the minimal radii of circular geodesics for massless particles, the corresponding
values of integrals of motion and angular velocities. Show that of the three solutions
one lies beyond the horizon, one describes motion in positive direction and one in
negative direction. Explore the limiting cases of Schwarzschild a → 0 and extreme
Kerr a → µ.
82. Find L2 and E 2 as functions of radii for circular geodesics of the massive particles.
83. Derive equation for the minimal radius of a stable circular orbit; find the energy
and angular momentum of a particle on it, the minimal radius in the limiting cases
a/µ → 0, 1.
4.4 Physics in general black hole spacetimes

In this section we use the (− + ++) signature, Greek letters for spacetime indices and
Latin letters for spatial indices.
4.4.1 Frames, time intervals and distances

In the next several problems we again consider the procedure of measuring time and space
intervals by different observers, but in a different, more formal and powerful approach.
84. Let a particle move with the four-velocity U µ . It can be viewed as some observer
carrying a frame attached to him. Locally, it defines the hypersurface orthogonal
to it. Show that
hµν = gµν + Uµ Uν (4.5)
is (i) the projection operator onto this hypersurface, and at the same time (ii) the
induced metric of the hypersurface. This means that (i) for any vector projected at
this hypersurface by means of hµν , only the components orthogonal to U µ survive,
(ii) the repeated application of the projection operation leaves the vector within the
hypersurface unchanged. In other words, hµν satisfies
hµν U ν = 0; (4.6)
hµν hνλ = hµλ . (4.7)
85. Let us consider a particle moving with the four-velocity U µ . The interval ds2 between
two close events is defined in terms of differentials of coordinates,
ds2 = gµν dxµ dxν . (4.8)
For given dxµ , what is the value of the proper time dτobs between the corresponding
events measured by this observer? How can one define locally the notions of simul-
taneity and proper distance dl for the observer in terms of its four-velocity and the
corresponding projection operator hµν ? How is the interval ds2 related to dτobs and
dl?
86. Let our observer measure the velocity of some other particle passing in its immediate
vicinity. Relate the interval to dτobs and the particle’s velocity w.
87. Analyze the formulas derived in the previous three problems applied to the case
of flat spacetime (Minkovskii space) and compare them to the known formulas of
special relativity.
88. Consider an observer being at rest with respect to a given coordinate frame: xi =
const (i = 1, 2, 3). Find hµν , dτobs , the condition of simultaneity and dl2 for this
case. Show that the corresponding formulas are equivalent to eqs. (84.6), (84.7) of
[11], where they are derived in a different way.
89. Consider two events at the same point of space but at different values of time. Find
the relation between dxµ and dτobs for such an observer.
4.4. PHYSICS IN GENERAL BLACK HOLE SPACETIMES 69
4.4.2 Fiducial observers

90. Consider an observer with
Uµ = −Nδµ0 = −N(1, 0, 0, 0). (4.9)
We call it a fiducial observer (FidO) in accordance with [17]. This notion is applied
in [17] mainly to static or axially symmetric rotating black holes. In the latter case
it is usually called the ZAMO (zero angular momentum observer). We will use FidO
in a more general context.
Show that a FidO’s world-line is orthogonal to hypersurfaces of constant time t =
const.
91. Find the explicit form of the metric coefficients in terms of the components of
the FidO’s four-velocity. Analyze the specific case of axially symmetric metric in
coordinates (t, φ, r, θ) with g0i = gtφ δiφ .
92. Consider a stationary metric with the time-like Killing vector field ξ µ = (1, 0, 0, 0).
Relate the energy E of a particle with four-velocity uµ as measured at infinity by a
stationary observer to that measured by a local observer with 4-velocity U µ .
93. Express Erel and E in terms of the relative velocity w between a particle and the
observer (i.e. velocity of the particle in the frame of the observer and vice versa).
94. Show that in the flat spacetime the formulas derived in the previous problem are
reduced to the usual ones of the Lorentz transformation.
95. Find the expression for E for the case of a static observer (U i = 0).
96. Find the expression for E for the case of the ZAMO observer and, in particular, in
case of axially symmetric metric.
4.4.3 Collision of particles: general relationships

97. Let two particles collide. Define the energy in the center of mass (CM) frame Ec.m.
at the point of collision and relate it to Erel and the Lorentz factor of relative motion
of the two particles.
98. Let us consider a collision of particles 1 and 2 viewed from the frame attached
to some other particle 0. How are different Lorentz factors related to each other?
Analyze the case when the laboratory frame coincides with that of particle 0.
99. When can the relative Lorentz factor of two particles γ as a function of their in-
dividual Lorentz factors in some frame γ1 and γ2 grow unbounded? How can the
answer be interpreted in terms of relative velocities?
100. A tetrad basis, or the orthonormal tetrad, is the set of four unit vectors hµ(a) (sub-
scripts in parenthesis a = 0, 1, 2, 3 enumerate these vectors), of which one, hµ(0) , is
timelike, and three vectors hµ(i) (i = 1, 2, 3) are spacelike, so that
gµν hµ(a) hν(b) = ηab , a, b = 0, 1, 2, 3. (4.10)
A vector’s tetrad components are
u(a) = uµ hµ(a) , u(b) = η ab u(b) . (4.11)
Define the local three-velocities with the help of the tetrad basis attached to the
observer, which would generalize the corresponding formulas of special relativity.
101. Derive the analogues of the results of problems 92 and 93 for massless particles
(photons). Analyze the cases of static and ZAMO observers.
102. The ergosphere is a surface defined by equation g00 = 0. Show that it is the surface
of infinite redshift for an (almost) static observer.
103. Consider an observer orbiting with a constant angular velocity Ω in the equatorial
plane of the axially symmetric back hole. Analyze what happens to redshift when
the angular velocity approaches the minimum or maximum values Ω± .
104. Let two massive particle 1 and 2 collide. Express the energy of each particle in the
centre of mass (CM) frame in terms of their relative Lorentz factor γ(1, 2). Analyze
the limiting cases of ultra-relativistic γ(1, 2) → ∞ and non-relativistic γ(1, 2) ≈ 1
collisions.
105. For a stationary observer in a stationary space-time the quantity α = (U 0 )−1 is the
redshifting factor: if this observer emits a ptoton with frequency ωem , it is detected
at infinity by another stationary observer with frequency ωdet = αωem. For a generic
observer this interpretation is invalid, however, α = ds/dt still determines the time
dilation for this observer, and thus can still be called the same way. Express the
redshifting factor of the center of mass frame αc.m. through the redshifting factors
of the colliding particles α1 and α2 .
106. Relate the energy of a particle at infinity E1 , its energy at the point of collision in
the C.M. frame (E1 )c.m. and µ.
107. Solve the same problem when both particles are massless (photons). Write down
formulas for the ZAMO observer and for the C.M. frame.
4.5 Astrophysical black holes

4.5.1 Preliminary
108. Calculate in the frame of Newtonian mechanics the time of collapse of a uniformly
distributed spherical mass with density ρ0 .
4.5. ASTROPHYSICAL BLACK HOLES 71
109. Why are stars of a certain type called “white dwarfs”?
110. What is the physical reason for the stopping of thermonuclear reactions in the stars
of white dwarf type?
111. Estimate the radius and mass of a white dwarf.
112. What is the average density of a white dwarf of one solar mass, luminosity one
thousandth of solar luminosity and surface temperature twice that of the Sun?
113. Explain the mechanism of explosion of massive enough white dwarfs, with masses
close to the Chandrasekhar limit.
114. Thermonuclear explosions of white dwarfs with masses close to the Chandrasekhar
limit lead to the phenomenon of supernova explosions of type I. Those have lines of
helium and other relatively heavy elements in the spectrum, but no hydrogen lines.
Why is that?
115. A supernova explosion of type II is related to the gravitational collapse of a neutron

star. There are powerful hydrogen lines in their spectrum. Why?
116. Estimate the radius and mass of a neutron star.
117. Why do neutron stars have to possess strong magnetic fields?
118. Find the maximum redshift of a spectral line emitted from the surface of a neutron
star.
119. What is the gravitational radius of the Universe? Compare it with the size of the
observable Universe.
120. What is the time (the Salpeter time) needed for a black hole, radiating at its Ed-
dington limit, to radiate away all of its mass?
121. The time scales of radiation variability of active galactic nuclei (AGNs) are from
several days to several years. Estimate the linear sizes of AGNs.
122. What mechanisms can be responsible for the supermassive black hole (SMBH) in
the center of a galaxy to acquire angular momentum?
123. The Galactic Center is so “close” to us, that one can discern individual stars there
and examine in detail their movement. Thus, observations carried out in 1992-2002
allowed one to reconstruct the orbit of motion of one of the stars (S2) around the
hypothetical SMBH at the galactic center of the Milky Way. The parameters of
the orbit are: period 15.2 years, maximum distance from the black hole 120 a.u.,
eccentricity 0.87. Using this data, estimate the mass of the black hole.
124. Using the results of the previous problem, determine the density of the SMBH at
the Galactic Center.
125. Show that for a black hole of mass M the temperature of the surrounding hot gas
in thermal equilibrium is proportional to
T ∼ M −1/4 .
126. Show that luminosity of a compact object (neutron star or black hole) of several
solar masses is mostly realized in the X-rays.
127. In order to remain bound while subject to the rebound from gigantic radiative
power, AGNs should have masses M > 106 M⊙ . Make estimates.
128. AGNs remain active for more than tens of millions of years. They must have tremen-
dous masses to maintain the luminosity
L ∼ 1047 erg/sec
during such periods. Make estimates for the mass of an AGN.
129. What maximum energy can be released at the merger of two black holes with masses
M1 = M2 = M2 ?
130. Show that it is impossible to divide a black hole into two black holes.
131. J. Wheeler noticed that in the frame of classical theory of gravity the existence of
black holes itself contradicts the law of entropy’s increase. Why is that?
132. What is the reason we cannot attribute the observed entropy’s decrease (see the
previous problem) to the interior of the black hole?
133. Find the surface area of a stationary black hole as a function of its parameters:
mass, angular momentum and charge.
4.5.2 Quantum effects

134. Estimate the maximum density of an astrophysical black hole, taking into account
that black holes with masses M < 1015 g would not have lived to our time due to
the quantum mechanism of evaporation.
135. Determine the lifetime of a black hole with respect to thermal radiation.
136. Determine the temperature of a black hole (Hawking temperature) of one solar mass,
and the temperature of the supermassive black hole at the center of our Galaxy.
137. Particles and antiparticles of given mass m (neutrinos, electrons and so on) can be
emitted only if the mass M of the black hole is less than some critical mass Mcr .
Estimate the critical mass of a black hole Mcr (m).
Chapter 5
Cosmic Microwave Background

(CMB)
5.1 Thermodynamics of Black-Body Radiation

1. Show that the photon gas in thermal equilibrium has zero chemical potential.
2. Find number of photons in black-body radiation of temperature T in volume V ,

which have frequencies in the interval [ω, ω + dω].
3. Find total photon number of black body radiation in volume V at temperature T .
4. Estimate number of photons in a gas oven at room temperature and at maximum

heat.
5. Find energy of photons in black-body radiation of temperature T in volume V ,

which have frequencies in the interval [ω, ω + dω].
6. Calculate free energy, entropy and total energy of black-body radiation.
7. Calculate thermal capacity of black-body radiation.
8. Find pressure of black-body radiation and construct its state equation.
9. Find adiabate equation for the photon gas of black-body radiation.
10. Why CMB cannot be used to warm up food like in the microwave oven?
11. The binding energy of electron in the hydrogen atom equals to 13.6 eV . What is
the temperature of Planck distribution, with this average photon energy?
5.2 Time Evolution of CMB

12. Show that in the expanding Universe the quantity aT is an approximate invariant.
73
74 CHAPTER 5. COSMIC MICROWAVE BACKGROUND (CMB)
13. Show that the electromagnetic radiation frequency decreases with expansion of Uni-
verse as ω(t) ∝ a(t)−1 .
14. Show that if the radiation spectrum was equilibrium at some initial moment, then
it will remain equilibrium during the following expansion.
15. Find the CMB temperature one second after the Big Bang.
16. Show that creation of the relic radiation (the photon decoupling) took place in the
matter-dominated epoch.
17. What color had the sky at the recombination epoch?
18. When the night sky started to look black?
19. Estimate the moment of time when the CMB energy density was comparable to
that in the microwave oven.
20. Estimate the moment of time when the CMB wavelength will be comparable to that
in the microwave oven, which is λ = 12.6 cm.
21. When the relic radiation obtained formal right to be called CMB? And for what
period of time?
22. Calculate the presently observed density of photons for the CMB and express it in
Planck units.
23. Find the ratio of CMB photons’ energy density to that of the neutrino background.
24. Determine the average energy of a CMB photon at present time.
25. Why, when calculating the energy density of electromagnetic radiation in the Uni-
verse, we can restrict ourself to the CMB photons?
26. The relation ργ ∝ a−4 assumes conservation of photon’s number. Strictly speaking,
this assumption is inaccurate. The Sun, for example, emits of the order of 1045 pho-
tons per second. Estimate the accuracy of this assumption regarding the photon’s
number conservation.
27. Can hydrogen burning in the thermonuclear reactions provide the observed energy
density of the relic radiation?
28. Find the ratio of relic radiation energy density in the epoch of last scattering to the
present one.
29. Find the ratio of average number densities of photons to baryons in the Universe.
30. Explain qualitatively why the temperature of photons at the surface of last scattering
(0.3 eV) is considerably less than the ionization energy of the hydrogen atom (13.6
eV).
5.3. STATISTICAL PROPERTIES OF CMB 75
31. Estimate the moment of the beginning of recombination—transition from ionized

plasma to gas of neutral atoms.
32. Determine the moment of time when the mean free path of photons became of the
same order as the current observable size of Universe).
33. How will the results of problems 31 and 32 change if one takes into account the
possibility of creation of neutral hydrogen in excited states?
34. Why is the cosmic neutrino background (CNB) temperature at present lower than
the one for CMB?
5.3 Statistical properties of CMB

35. Construct the differential equation for the photons’ distribution function ϕ(ω, t) in
a homogeneous and isotropic Universe.
36. The magnitude of dipole component of anisotropy generated by the Solar system’s
motion relative to the relic radiation equals ∆Td ≃ 3.35mK. Determine the velocity
of the Solar system relative to the relic radiation.
37. Estimate the magnitude of annual variations of CMB anisotropy produced by rota-
tion of the Earth around the Sun.
38. Show that the angular resolution ∆θ is related to the maximum harmonic lmax (in
the spherical harmonics decomposition) by ∆θ = 180◦ /lmax .
39. Does the measurement of velocity relative to the CMB mean violation of the rela-
tivity principle and an attempt to introduce an absolute reference frame?
5.4 Primary anisotropy of CMB

40. Determine the size of the sound horizon on the last scattering surface.
41. Determine the radius of the surface of last scattering.
42. Estimate the thickness of the layer of last scattering.
43. Determine the position of the first acoustic peak in the CMB power spectrum pro-
duced by baryon oscillations on the surface of last scattering in the Einstein-de
Sitter Universe.
44. Propose a scheme to use acoustic oscillations of CMB for the determination of
geometry of the Universe.
45. Find relative perturbation in the CMB temperature due to the Doppler effect.
46. Find relation between the relative perturbation in the CMB temperature and that
of matter density for the case of adiabatic potential perturbations.
47. How perturbations of gravitational potential affect the perturbations of the CMB
temperature?
48. Find mean square variation of the CMB temperature due to the potential pertur-
bations (see problems 45,46,47).
49. Estimate angular resolution of CMB anisotropy measurements required to detect the
seeds of large scale structures in form of density fluctuations on the last scattering
surface.
5.5 CMB interaction with other components

50. Show that an isolated free electron can neither emit nor absorb a photon.
51. A photon of frequency ω impacts on an electron at rest and is scattered at angle ϑ.

Find the change of the photon frequency.
52. When a relativistic charged particle is scattered on a photon, the process is called the
inverse Compton scattering of the photon. Consider the inverse Compton scattering
in the case when a charged particle with rest mass m and total energy E ≫ m in
laboratory frame impacts a photon with frequency ν. What is the maximum energy
that the particle can transfer to the photon?
53. Estimate the probability of the fact that a photon observed on Earth has already
experienced Thomson scattering since the moment it left the surface of last scatter-
ing.
54. Cosmic rays contain protons with energies up to 1020 eV . What energy can be
transmitted from such a proton to a photon of temperature 3K?
55. Relic radiation passes through hot intergalactic gas and is scattered on the electrons.
Estimate the CMB temperature variation due to the latter process (the Sunyaev-
Zel’dovich effect).
56. A photon with energy E ≪ mc2 undergoes collisions and Compton scattering in the
electron gas with temperature kT ≪ mc2 . Show that to the leading order in E and
T the average energy lost by photons in collisions takes the form
E
h∆Ei = (E − 4kT ).
mc2
57. Find the force acting on an electron moving through the CMB with velocity v ≪ c.
58. Estimate the characteristic time of energy loss by high-energy electrons with energy
of order 100GeV passing through the CMB.
5.6. EXTRAS 77
59. Find the energy limit above which the γ-rays interacting with the CMB should not
be observed.
5.6 Extras
60. In year 1953 the article ”Extended Universe and creation of Galactics” by G.A. Gamov
was published. In that paper Gamov took two numbers—the age of the world
and average density of matter in the Universe—and basing on them he determined
the third number: the temperature of the relic radiation (cosmic microwave back-
ground). Try to repeat the scientific feat of Gamov.
Chapter 6
Thermodynamics of Universe
In the mid-forties G.A. Gamov proposed the idea

of the ”hot” origin of the World. Therefore thermodynamics
was introduced into cosmology, and nuclear physics too.
Before him the science of the evolution of Universe
contained only dynamics and geometry of the World.
A.D. Chernin.
6.1 Thermodynamical Properties of Elementary Par-

ticles
1. Find the energy and number densities for bosons and fermions in the relativistic
limit.
2. Find the number densities and energy densities, normalized to the photon energy
density at the same temperature, for neutrinos, electrons, positrons, pions and nu-
cleons in the relativistic limit.
3. Calculate the average energy per particle in the relativistic and non-relativistic
limits.
4. Find the number of internal degrees of freedom for a quark.
5. Find the entropy density for bosons end fermions with zero chemical potential.
6. Find the effective number of internal degrees of freedom for a mixture of relativistic
bosons and fermions.
7. Generalize the results of the previous problem for the case when some i-components
have temperature Ti different from the CMB temperature T .
8. Find the effective number of internal degrees of freedom for the Standard Model
particles at temperature T > 1T eV .
79
80 CHAPTER 6. THERMODYNAMICS OF UNIVERSE
Particles Mass Number of states g (particles and

spin color anti-particles)
Photon(γ) 0 2 1 2
W +, W − 80.4 GeV 3 1 6
Z 91.2 GeV 3 1 3
Gluon (g) 0 2 8 16
Higgs boson > 114 GeV 1 1 1
Bosons 28
u, /, ū 3 MeV 2 3 12
d, /, d̄ 6 MeV 2 3 12
s, /, s̄ 100 MeV 2 3 12
c, /, c̄ 1.2 GeV 2 3 12
b, /, b̄ 4.2 GeV 2 3 12
t, /, t̄ 175 GeV 2 3 12
e+ , e− 0.511 MeV 2 1 4
µ+ , µ− 105.7 MeV 2 1 4
τ +, τ − 1.777 GeV 2 1 4
νe , ν¯e < 3 eV 1 1 2
νµ , ν¯µ < 0.19 MeV 1 1 2
ντ , ν¯τ < 18.2 MeV 1 1 2
Fermions 90
Table 6.1: The Standard Model particles and their properties.
9. Find the change of the number of internal degrees of freedom due to the quark
hadronization process.
10. Find the relation between the energy density and temperature at 1010 K.
11. Find the ratio of the energy density at temperature 1010 K to that at 108 K.
12. Determine Fermi energy of cosmological neutrino background (CNB) (a gas).
6.2 Thermodynamics of Non-Relativistic Gas

13. Find the ratio of thermal capacities of matter in the form of monatomic gas and
radiation.
14. Expansion of the Universe tends to violate thermal equilibrium between the radia-
tion (T ∝ a−1 ) and gas of non-relativistic particles (T ∝ a−2 ). Which of these two
components determines the temperature of the Universe?
15. Show that in the non-relativistic limit (kT ≪ mc2 ) p ≪ ρ.
16. Show that for a system of particles in thermal equilibrium the following holds
dp 1
= (ρ + p).
dT T
6.3. ENTROPY OF EXPANDING UNIVERSE 81
17. Show that for a substance with the equation of state p = wρ the following holds
w
T ∝ ρ w+1 .
18. Show that for a substance with the equation of state p = wρ the following holds
T ∝ a−3w .
19. Obtain a generalization of Stefan-Boltzmann law for cosmological fluid, described

by generalized polytropic equation of state
p = wρ + kρ1+1/n ,
assuming that 1 + w + kρ1/n > 0.
20. Show that the velocity of sound for cosmological fluid described by generalized
polytropic equation of state p = wρ + kρ1+1/n , where 1 + w + kρ1/n > 0, vanishes at
the point where the temperature is extremum.
6.3 Entropy of Expanding Universe

21. Transform the energy conditions for the flat Universe to conditions for the entropy
density (see arXiv:1009.4513).
22. Find the entropy density for the photon gas.
23. Use the result of the previous problem to derive an alternative proof of the fact that
aT = const in the adiabatically expanding Universe.
24. Find the adiabatic index for the CMB.
25. Show that the ratio of CMB entropy density to the baryon number density sγ /nb
remains constant during the expansion of the Universe.
26. Estimate the current entropy density of the Universe.
27. Estimate the entropy of the observable part of the Universe.
28. Why is the expansion of the Universe described by the Friedman equations adia-
batic?
29. Show that entropy is conserved during the expansion of the Universe described by
the Friedman equations.
30. Show that the entropy density behaves as s ∝ a−3 .
31. Using only thermodynamical considerations, show that if the energy density of some
component is ρ = const than the state equation for that component reads p = −ρ.
32. Show that the product aT is an approximate invariant in the Universe dominated
by relativistic particles.
6.4 Connection between Temperature and Redshift

33. Find the dependence of radiation temperature on the redshift.
34. Find the dependence of free non-relativistic gas’ temperature on the redshift.
35. Estimate the time moment when the recombination started, i.e. when ionized
plasma transited to the gas of neutral atoms, and determine the corresponding
redshift value. The recombination temperature equals to Trec ≈ 0.3 eV.
6.5 Peculiarities of Thermodynamics in Early Uni-

verse
36. Find the temperature dependence for the Hubble parameter in the early flat Uni-
verse.
37. Find the time dependence of the temperature of the early Universe by direct inte-
gration of the first Friedman equation.
38. Prove that results of the problems 36 and 37 are equivalent.
39. What was the time dependence for temperature at the early stages of evolution of
the Universe?
40. Determine the energy density of the Universe at the Planck time.
41. Show that at Planck time the energy density of the Universe corresponded to 1077
proton masses in one proton volume.
42. What was the temperature of radiation-dominated Universe at the Planck time?
43. Determine the age of the Universe when its temperature was equal to 1 MeV .
44. In the first cyclic accelerator—the cyclotron (1931)—particles were accelerated up

to energies of order 1MeV . In the next generation accelerators—the bevatrons—
energy was risen to 1GeV . In the last generation accelerator—the LHC—protons
are accelerated to energy of 1 T eV . What times in the Universe history do those
energies allow to investigate?
45. Show that in the epoch when the energy density of the Universe was determined by
ultra-relativistic matter and effective number of internal degrees of freedom did not
change, held Ṫ /T ∝ −T 2 .
46. Estimate the baryon-antibaryon asymmetry A ≡ (nb − nb̄ )/nb̄ in the early Universe.
47. Determine the monopoles’ number density and their contribution to the energy
density of the Universe at the great Unification temperature. Compare the latter
with the photons’ energy density at the same temperature.
6.6. THE SAHA EQUATION 83
48. At what temperature and time does the contribution of monopoles into the Universe
energy density become comparable to the contribution of photons?
6.6 The Saha equation

Degree of ionization of atomic hydrogen in thermal equilibrium can be described by the
Saha equation
1−X 3 I
= nλ T e e kT ,
X2
where X = ne /n is the degree of ionization, ne and n are concentrations of electrons and
atoms (both neutral and ionized) respectively,
2π~2
λ2T e =
me kT
is the electron’s thermal de Broglie wave length and I = 13.6eV is the ionization energy
for hydrogen. It is often used in astrophysics for description of stellar dynamics.
49. Using the Saha equation, determine the hydrogen ionization degree
a) 100 seconds after the Big Bang;

b) at the epoch of recombination;
c) at present time.
Assume for simplicity Ω = 1.
50. Assuming that the ionization degree at the last scattering was equal to 10%, deter-
mine the decoupling temperature using the Saha equation.
51. How many iterations in the Saha equation are needed in order to obtain the de-
coupling temperature with accuracy 1K? Write down analytically the approximate
result.
52. Estimate the duration of the epoch of recombination: how long did it take for hydro-
gen ionization degree to change from 90% to 10% according to the Saha equation?
53. Using the Saha equation, determine the hydrogen ionization degree in the center of
the Sun (ρ = 100g/cm3 , T = 1.5 · 107 K).
6.7 Primary Nucleosynthesis

54. Find the ratio of neutrons to protons number densities in the case of thermal equi-
librium between them.
55. Up to what temperature can the reaction nνe ↔ pe− support thermal equilibrium
between protons and neutrons in the expanding Universe?
56. Determine the ratio nn /np at the temperature of freeze-out.
57. Determine the age of Universe when it reached the temperature of freeze-out.
58. Determine the time period during which the synthesis of light elements took place.
59. At what temperature and at what time did efficient deuterium synthesis start?
60. Determine the ratio of neutrons to protons number densities at temperature interval
from the freeze-out to the creation of deuterium.
61. Determine the relative abundance of 4 He in the Universe.
62. How many helium atoms are there for each hydrogen atom?
63. What changes in relative 4 He abundance would be caused by
a) decreasing of average neutron lifetime τn ;

b) decreasing or increasing of the temperature of freeze-out Tf ?
64. What nuclear reactions provided the 4 He synthesis in the early Universe?
65. Why is synthesis of elements heavier than 7 Li suppressed in the early Universe?
66. In our Universe the neutron half-value period (the life-time) approximately equals to
600 seconds. What would the relative helium abundance be if the neutron life-time
decreased down to 100 seconds?
67. At what temperature in Universe did the synthesis reactions stop?
Extras
68. What is more important for the open space suit: heating or cooling function?
69. If the Universe is electrically neutral then how many electrons are there for each
baryon?
70. Explain why the thermonuclear processes in the first stars considerably influenced
the evolution of the Universe as a whole?
71. Why is the present relative abundance of chemical elements approximately the same
as right after the creation of the Solar system?
Chapter 7
Perturbation Theory
7.1 Non relativistic small perturbation theory

Perturbation theory in expanding Universe has a number of distinctive festures. Strictly
speaking, this theory shloud be based within the framework of general relativity. However,
if inhomogeneities are small one could neglect the effects of curvature and finite speed of
interaction and use newtonian dynamics.
To describe the fluctuations of density in this approximation we need the continuity
equation
∂ρ
+ ∇ · (ρ~v ) = 0
∂t
and Euler equation
∂~v 1
+ (~v ∇) ~v + ∇P + ∇Φ = 0,
∂t ρ
where Newtonian gravitational potential satisfies the Laplace equation
∆Φ = 4πGρ.
1. Express the deviation of expansion rate from Hubble law in terms of physical and
comoving coordinates.
2. Obtain the equations for perturbations in linear approximation, assuming that un-
perturbed state is stationary gas. uniformly distributed in space.
3. Demonstrate, that perturbations depend exponentially on time if unperturbed so-

lution is stationary.
4. Consider time dependent adiabatic perturbations and find the characterictic scale
of instability (so–called Jeans instability).
5. Using the results of previous problem, consider the cases of
a) long–wave λ > λJ and

b) short–wave λ < λJ
85
86 CHAPTER 7. PERTURBATION THEORY
perturbations. Cosider also the limiting case of short waves (λ ≪ λJ ).
6. Construct the equation for small relative fluctuations of density
δρ
δ=
ρ
in Newtonian approximation neglecting the entropy perturbations.
7. Rewrite equation from previous problem in terms of Fourier components, eliminating

the Lagrangian coordinates. Estimate the order of “physical” Jeans wavelength for
matter dominated Universe.
8. Obtain the dependence of fluctuations on time in flat Universe when a) matter, b)

radition is dominating.
9. Assuming, that a particular solution to equation from prob. 6 has the form δ1 (t) ∼
H (t), construct the general solution for δ(t). Consider the flat Universe filled with
the substance with p = wρ.
10. Demonstrate, that transverse or rotational mode in expanding Universe tends to

decrease.
7.2 Introduction to relativistic theory of small per-

turbations
In the following section we consider only the linear in perturbations theory.
7.2.1 Perturbations on flat background

11. Consider the stability of stationary Universe, filled with matter (p = 0) and by
substance with p = wρ.
12. Determine the dependence of density fluctuations on scale factor in the flat Universe
when
a) radiation,
b) matter
is dominating.
13. Determine the dependence of density fluctuations on time in the closed Universe
with k = 1.
14. Determine the dependence of density fluctuations on time in the open Universe with
k = −1.
7.3. EXPANSION OF COSMOLOGICAL PERTURBATIONS IN HELICITIES 87
7.2.2 Metrics perturbations, coordinates transforms and per-

turbed energy–momentum tensor
15. The inhomogeneities in matter distribution in the Universe generate perturbations
of different kinds. In linear approximation these perturbations do not interact with
each other and evolve independently. Construct the classifications of perturbations.
16. Determine the number of independent functions required for description of pertur-
bations, considered in the previous problem.
17. Demonstrate, that spatial velocity v i from previous problem is physical.
18. Using the results of two previous problems, calculate the components of energy–
momentum tensor perturbation δTνµ , which is induced by the perturbations of den-
sity and pressure
ρe = ρ + δρ, pe = p + δp,
where ρ, p are their background values.
19. Obtain the equations of covariant convervation in linear approximation in compo-
nents of tensor perturbations hµν . Use the gauge h0i = 0 for simplicity.
20. In the first order of hik calculate the components of energy–momentum tensor for
the Universe. filled with ideal fluid with equation of statep = wρ and metrics (??)
21. In linear approximation determine the transformation of metrics gµν , which is gen-
erated by the space transformation xα → x̃α = xα + ξ α , where ξ α is infinitesimal
scalar function.
22. Using the results of previous problem determine the transformation of metrics, gen-
erated by the transformation xα → x̃α = xα + ξ α . Here the four–vector ξ α = (ξ 0, ξ i )
satisfies the condition ξ i = ξ⊥i
+ ζ i , ξ⊥
i
is a three–vector with zero divergence
i i
(ξ⊥,i = 0) and ζ is a scalar function.
23. Demonstrate, that non–uniform flat Friedman metrics

2 ˙
2
ds = 1 − √ f (t, ~r) dt2 − a2 (δij − 2B,ij )dxi dxj ,
λ
with arbitrary small function f (t, ~r), can be trnsformed to the uniform one.
7.3 Expansion of cosmological perturbations in he-

licities
When dealing with perturbations in cosmology one usually doesn’t distinguish between orig-
inal functions and their Fourier transforms. Coordinate and momenetum representations
are connected by Fourier transform:
Z
~
hµν (η, ~x) = d3 keik~x hµν (~k),
which is reduced to the replacement ∂i ←→ iki (see problem 30), and ~k has a meaning of
conformal momentum.
Due to isotropy, metrics is invariant under spatial rotations, while at fixed conformal
momentum ~k it is invariant under the rotations around the direction of ~k, i.e. posses
posses SO(2) symmetry. Arbitrary three–dimensional tensor can be expanded in irre-
ducible representations of SO(2), which have certain helicity (eigenvalues of a rotation
∂
operator Lα = −i dα at angle α ).
For example, three–dimensional scalar has zero helicity, since it doesn’t transform under
rotations around ~k. Since for three–dimensional vector vi ∝ ki , it has unit helicity, or
more precisely a superposition of helicities +1 and -1. Three–dimensional tensor of the
form hij ∝ vi vj or hij ∝ δij has the same helicity. Symmetric transverse traceless tensor
hTijT has double helicity. Mathematically this can be expressed as
hTii T = 0, ki hTijT = kj hTijT = 0. (7.1)
In linear theory, the Einstein’s equations and equations of energy–momentum tensor co-
variance split into independent equations for helical components of cosmological pertur-
bations. Thus, the perturbations are divided into tensor (double helicity), vector (unit
helicity) and scalar (zero helicity). Expansion of perturbed metrics in helical components
in general case has the form (see, for example [?]):
h00 = 2Φ, (7.2)

h0i = iki Z + ZiT , (7.3)
hij = −2Ψδij − 2ki kj E + i(ki WjT + kj WiT ) + hTijT , (7.4)
where Φ, Z, Ψ, E are scalar functions of coordinates,ZiT , WiT are transverse vectors (ki ZiT =
ki WiT = 0) and hTijT is a transverse traceless tensor.
In the subsequent problems the all types of perturbations are considered: scalar, vecotr
and tensor. Also, we will use the gauge h0i = 0.
7.3.1 Scalar perturbations in conformal Newtonian gauge

24. Calculate the Christoffel symbols in conformal Newtonian coordinate system with
metrics
ds2 = a2 (η)[(1 + 2Φ)dη 2 − (1 − 2Φ)δij dxi dxj ], (7.5)
where Φ is a scalar function.
25. In conformal Newtonian gauge and perturbed energy–momenetum tensor derive the
covariant conservation equations
26. Calculate the components of Ricci tensor in conformal Newtonian metrics (7.5).
27. Calculate the components of perturbed Einstein tensor Gνµ using the components of
Ricci tensor..
28. Calculate the components of linearized Einstein tensor using the results of previous
problems.
7.3. EXPANSION OF COSMOLOGICAL PERTURBATIONS IN HELICITIES 89
29. Obtain the linearized Friedman equations in conformal Newtonian gauge using the
results of previous problems.
30. Rewrite the linearized Friedman equations in momentum representation.
31. Using the linearized Friedman equations in momentum representation, obtain the
equation, which contains only gravitational potential Φ.
32. Determine the evolution of relativistic matter perturbations in single component

expansing Universe.
33. Derive the continuity equation and Euler equation for single component relativistic
medium.
34. Calculate the fluctuations (perturbations) of density and velocity of non–relativistic

matter in the Universe dominated by non–relativistic matter.
35. Determine the evolution of non–relativistic matter density perturbations in hypo-

thetical expanding Universe, dominated by negative spatial curvature.
36. Consider the Universe filled with ideal fluid with the equation of state p = wρ
with metrics from previous (?) problem. Derive the equations, corresponding to
β
condition Tα,β = 0.
37. Using the metrics (7.5), derive the equation of motion of scalar field ϕ from varia-
tional princile.
38. Derive the equation for fluctuations of scalar field δφ(t) using the metrics (7.5) and
assuming linear approximation in scalar potential Φ.
39. Using the conformal Newtonian gauge, determine the components of energy–momentum
tensor of scalar field, which is represented as a sum of unifom background field ϕ(t)
and perturbation part ψ(~x, t).
40. Considering the scalar field from previous problem, determine which quantity plays
a part of velocit of medium.
41. Using the conformal Newtonian gauge determine the scalar of three–dimensional
curvature in co–moving reference frame.
7.3.2 Evolution of vector and tensor perturbations

42. Calculate the components of the Christoffel symbols in a coordinate system for
which the metric is given in the form
ds2 = a2 (η)[(ηµν + hµν (~x))dxµ dxν ], (7.6)
where ηµν is a standard Minkowski metrics and hµν (~(x)) – function of the coordinates
describing the perturbations over a flat background.
43. Obtain the components of the Ricci tensor for perturbed metrics of the form (7.6).
Calculate also the Ricci scalar curvature.
44. Calculate the components of linearized Einstein tensor in metrics (7.6).
45. Construct the equation describing the evolution of tensor perturbations in the ex-
panding Universe.
46. Construct the expression for the action of gravitational waves in the expanding
Universe.
47. Construct the equation for gravitational perturbations in the Minkowski background
metrics.
48. Find the solution for the equation describing the evolution of tensor modes beyond
the horizon.
49. Determine the amplitude of the tensor perturbations in the Universe filled with
relativistic matter. Consider the case η → 0.
50. Determine the amplitude of the tensor perturbations in the Universe filled with
relativistic matter. Consider the case η → 0, η → ∞.
7.4 CMB anisotropy

51. Obtain the equation of motion for photon in metrics (7.5) in linear approximation
in Φ.
52. For the Universe, dominated by a substance with equation of state p = wρ, connect
in the first approximation the fluctuations of the gravitational potential of the CMB
with Φ.
53. Estimate the spatial scale of Silk effect. Assume that at the temperatures we are
interested in, photon changes direction randomly, and its energy does not change
when scattering on electrons.
54. Estimate the angular scale of the CMB anisotropy due to the Silk effect.
7.5 Initial perturbations in the Universe

7.5.1 Fluctuations power spectrum: non–relativistic approach
55. Construct the correlation function of the Fourier components of the relative density
fluctuations, which satisfies the cosmological principle.
56. Express the correlation function of the relative density fluctuations through the
power spectrum of these fluctuations.
7.5. INITIAL PERTURBATIONS IN THE UNIVERSE 91
7.5.2 Quantum fluctuations of fields in inflationary Universe

57. Estimate the amplitude of vacuum fluctuations of the free massless scalar quantum
field ϕ(~x, t) with characteristic momenta q and frequencies wq = q with background
Minkowski metrics.
58. Considering the free massless scalar quantum field as a set of quantum harmonic
oscillators, refine the estimate obtained in the problem 57.
59. Representing the inflanton field as a superposition of uniform scalar field ϕb (t) and
small perturbation ψ(~x, t) on the background of unperturbed FRW metrics, obtain
the equations of motion of small perturbation ψ(~x, t),, assuming, that action for
perturbation is quadratic.
60. Perform a qualitative analysis of the equation for small perturbations of the inflaton
from previous problemin the different modes of inflation.
61. Estimate the amplitude of vacuum fluctuations at the moment of exit of cosmological
perturbations beyond the on the horizon.
62. Demonstrate that the inflationary stage provides amplification of vacuum fluctua-
tions of inflaton field.
63. Consider the difference in the sequence of events during the evolution of cosmological
perturbations in the radiation–dominated stage, or during the stage of domination
nonrelativistic matter and inflationary cosmology.
64. Demonstrate that in the slow–roll regime at the beginning of inflation the inflaton
field behaves like a massless scalar field in the Minkowski space.
65. What is the initial state of the inflaton quantum field towards the creation and
annihilation operators?
66. For modes beyond the horizon at the inflationary stage, obtain a qualitative solution
to the equation, obtained in problem 64.
67. Obtain the exact solution to the equation from problem 64 at the inflationary stage.
Consider the case of modes below and beyondthe horizon.
68. Demonstrate, that power spectrum Pk (ϕ) of the modes, which cross the horizon is
the same as for free massless scalar field (see problem 58.)
69. Obtain the equation, connecting the gravitational potential Φ, background inflanton
scalar field ϕ(t) and its perturbation ψ(~x, t).
70. Obtain the equations of evolution of scalar perturbations generated by the inflanton
field perturbation in the case, when there is no other fields of matter in the Universe.
What form does its solution has in the case for the mode under the horizon and
what its implies?
71. Construct the solution of the equation obtained in the previous problem for the case
of inflation in the slow–roll approximation. Find the spatial curvature of hypersur-
faces of constant inflaton field R in this regime.
72. Find the power spectrum of Pϕ (k) of spatial curvature of hypersurfaces generated
by fluctuations of the inflaton field in the comoving reference frame.
p
73. Express the amplitude of the scalar perturbations ∆P ≡ |Pϕ (k)| generated by
fluctuations of the inflaton field through the potential of this field.
74. Express the amplitude of the scalar perturbations ∆P generated by fluctuations of

the inflaton field for the potential V (ϕ) = gϕn .
(T )
75. Find the power spectrum of initial perturbations Ph , generated at the inflationary
stage.
76. Construct the relation between the power amplitudes of the primary gravitational
and scalar perturbations generated at the inflationary stage.
Chapter 8
Inflationary Universe
”...some researchers to question whether

inflationary cosmology is a branch of science at all.”
J.Barrow
Although inflation is remarkably successful as a phenomenological model for the
dynamics of the very early universe, a detailed understanding of the physical origin of
the inflationary expansion has remained elusive.
D. Baumann, L. McAllister
8.1 Problems of the Hot Universe (the Big Bang

Model)
”Sad the week without a paradox,
a difficulty, an apparent contradiction!
For how can one then make progress?”
John Wheeler
8.1.1 The Horizon Problem

1. Determine the size of the Universe at Planck temperature (the problem of the size
of the Universe).
2. Determine the number of causally disconnected regions at the redshift z, represented
in our causal volume today.
3. What is the expected angular scale of CMB isotropy (the horizon problem)?
4. Show that in the radiation-dominated Universe there are causally disconnected re-
gions at any moment in the past.
8.1.2 The Flatness Problem

5. If at present time the deviation of density from the critical one is ∆, then what was
the deviation at t ∼ tP l (the problem of the flatness of the Universe)?
93
94 CHAPTER 8. INFLATIONARY UNIVERSE
6. Show that both in the radiation–dominated and matter–dominated epochs the com-
bination a2 H 2 is a decreasing function of time. Relate this result to the problem of
flatness of the Universe.
7. Show that both in the radiation–dominated and matter–dominated cases

x = 0 is an unstable fixed point for the quantity
Ω−1
x≡ .
Ω
8.1.3 The Entropy Problem

8. Formulate the horizon problem in terms of the entropy of the Universe.
9. Show that the standard model of Big Bang must include the huge dimensionless
parameter–the initial entropy of the Universe–as an initial condition.
8.1.4 The Primary Inhomogeneities Problem

10. Show that any mechanism of generation of the primary inhomogeneities generation
in the Big Bang model violates the causality principle.
11. How should the early Universe evolve in order to make the characteristic size λp
of primary perturbations decrease faster than the Hubble radius lH , if one moves
backward in time?
12. Suppose that in some initial moment the homogeneity scale in our Universe was
greater than the causality scale. Show that in the gravitation–dominated Universe
this scale relation will be preserved in all future times.
13. If the presently observed CMB was strictly homogeneous, then in what number of
causally independent regions would constant temperature be maintained at Planck
time?
14. Suppose an initial homogeneous matter distribution in the Universe is given. The
initial velocities must obey Hubble law (otherwise the initially homogeneous matter
distribution will be quickly destroyed). What should the accuracy of the initial ve-
locity field homogeneity be in order to preserve the homogeneous matter distribution
until present time?
15. Estimate the present density of relict monopoles in the framework of the model of
the Hot Universe.
16. The cyclic model of the Universe is interesting because it avoids the intrinsic prob-
lem of the Big Bang model–the ”initial singularity” problem. However, as it often
happens, avoiding old problems, the model produces new ones. Try to determine
the main problems of the cyclic model of the Universe.
8.2. COSMOLOGICAL INFLATION: THE CANONIC THEORY 95
17. In the Big Bang model the Universe is homogeneous and isotropic. In this model
the momentum of a particle decreases as p(t) ∝ a(t)−1 as the Universe expands.
At first sight it seems that due to homogeneity of the Universe the translational
invariance must ensure the conservation of the momentum. Explain this seeming
contradiction.
8.2 Cosmological Inflation: The Canonic Theory

”Inflation hasn’t won the race,
But so far it’s the only horse”
Andrei Linde
8.2.1 Scalar Field In Cosmology

18. A scalar field ϕ(~r, t) in a potential V (ϕ) is described by Lagrangian
1 2
L= ϕ̇ − ∇ϕ · ∇ϕ − V (ϕ)
2
Obtain the equation of motion (evolution) from the least action principle for that
field.
19. Using the action for free scalar field minimally coupled to gravitation
Z
4 √ 1 µν
Sϕ = d x −g g ∂µ ϕ∂ν ϕ
2
obtain action for this field in the FRW metric.
20. Using the action obtained in the previous problem, obtain evolution equation for
the scalar field in the expanding Universe.
21. Calculate the density and pressure of homogeneous scalar field ϕ(t) in potential
V (ϕ) in the FRW metric.
22. Starting from the scalar field’s action in the form
Z
4 √ 1 2
S = d x −g (∇ϕ) − V (ϕ)
2
obtain the equation of motion for this field for the case of FRW metric.
23. Construct the Lagrange function describing the dynamics of the Universe filled with
a scalar field in potential V (ϕ). Using the obtained Lagrangian, obtain the Friedman
equations and the Klein–Gordon equation.
24. Obtain the equation of motion for a homogeneous scalar field ϕ(t) in potential V (ϕ)
starting from the conservation equation
ȧ
ρ̇ + 3 (ρ + p) = 0.
a
25. Obtain the equation of motion for the homogeneous scalar field ϕ(t) in potential
V (ϕ) using the analogy with Newtonian dynamics.
26. Express V (ϕ) and ϕ through the Hubble parameter H and its derivative Ḣ for the
Universe filled with quintessence.
27. Show that Friedman equations for the scalar field ϕ(t) in potential V (ϕ) can be
presented in the form
2 8πG 1 2
H = ϕ̇ + V (ϕ) ,
3 2
Ḣ = −4πGϕ̇2 .
28. Provided that the scalar field ϕ(t) is a single–valued function of time, transform the
second order equation for the scalar field into a system of first order equations.
29. Express the equations for the scalar field in terms of conformal time.
30. Show that condition Ḣ > 0 cannot be realized for the scalar field with positively
defined kinetic energy.
31. Show that the Klein–Gordon equation could be rewritten in dimensionless form
1 dV
ϕ′′ + (2 − q) ϕ′ = χ; χ≡− ,
H 2 dϕ
where prime denotes the derivative by ln a, and q = −aä/ȧ2 is the deceleration

parameter.
32. Represent the equation of motion for the scalar field in the form
s
V,ϕ 3(1 + w) 1 d ln (xϕ )
± = 1+ ,
V Ωϕ (a) 6 d ln a
where
1 + wϕ ϕ̇2 + 2V (ϕ)
xϕ = , wϕ = 2 ,
1 − wϕ ϕ̇ − 2V (ϕ)
in the system of units such that 8πG = 1.
33. The term 3H ϕ̇ in the equation for the scalar field formally acts as friction that
damps the inflation evolution. Show that, nonetheless, this term does not lead to
dissipative energy production.
34. Obtain the system of equations describing the scalar field dynamics in the expanding
Universe containing radiation and matter in the conformal time.
35. Calculate pressure of homogeneous scalar field in the potential V (ϕ) using the ob-
tained above energy density of the field and its equation of motion.
36. What condition should the homogeneous scalar field ϕ(t) in potential V (ϕ) satisfy
in order to provide accelerated expansion of the Universe?
37. What conditions should the scalar field satisfy in order to provide expansion of the
Universe close to the exponential one?
8.2.2 Inflationary Introduction

38. What considerations led A.Guth to name his theory describing the early Universe
dynamics as ”inflation theory”?
39. A. Vilenkin in his cosmological bestseller ”Many world in one” remembers: ”On a
Wednesday afternoon, in the winter of 1980, I was sitting in a fully packed Harvard
auditorium, listening to the most fascinating talk I had heard in many years. The
speaker was Alan Guth, a young physicist from Stanford, and the topic was a new
theory for the origin of the universe. . . The beauty of the idea was that in a single
shot inflation explained why the universe is so big, why it is expanding, and why
it was so hot at the beginning. A huge expanding universe was produced from
almost nothing. All that was needed was a microscopic chunk of repulsive gravity
material. Guth admitted he did not know where the initial chunk came from, but
that detail could be worked out later. ”It’s often said that you cannot get something
for nothing.” he said, ”but the universe may be the ultimate free lunch” ”. Explain,
why can this be.
40. Is energy conservation violated during the inflation?
41. The inflation is defined as any epoch for which the scale factor of the Universe
has accelerated growth, i.e. ä > 0. Show that the condition is equivalent to the
requirement of decreasing of the comoving Hubble radius with time.
42. Show that in the process of inflation the curvature term in the Friedman equation
becomes negligible. Even if that condition was not initially satisfied, the inflation
quickly realizes it.
43. It is sometimes said, that the choice of k = 0 is motivated by observations: the

density of curvature is close to zero. Is this claim correct?
8.2.3 Inflation in the Slow-Roll Regime

44. Obtain the evolution equations for the scalar field in expanding Universe in the
inflationary slow-roll regime.
45. Find the time dependence of scale factor in the slow–roll regime for the case V (ϕ) =
m2 ϕ2 /2.
46. Find the dependence of scale factor on the scalar field in the slow-roll regime.
47. Show that the conditions for realization of the slow–roll limit can be presented in
the form:
2
MP∗2l V ′ ∗2 V ′′
ε(ϕ) ≡
≪ 1; |η(ϕ)| ≡ MP l ≪ 1; M ∗ ≡ (8πG)−1/2 .
2 V V Pl
48. Show that the condition ε ≪ 1 for the realization of the slow–roll limit obtained in
the previous problem is also sufficient condition for the inflation.
49. Find the slow–roll condition for power law potentials.
50. Show that the condition ε ≪ η is satisfied in the vicinity of inflection point of the
inflationary potential V (ϕ).
51. Show that the inflation parameter ε can be expressed through the parameter w in
the state equation for the scalar field.
52. Show that the second Friedman equation

ä 4πG
=− (ρ + 3p)
a 3
ä
= H 2 (1 − ε).
a
53. Show that in the slow–roll regime εH → ε and ηH → η − ε.
54. Show that the inflation parameters εH , ηH can be presented in the following sym-
metric form
d ln H d ln H ′
εH = − ; ηH = − .
d ln a d ln a
55. Prove that the definition of inflation as the regime for which ä > 0 is equivalent to
condition εH < 1.
56. Show that inflation appears every time when the scalar field’s value exceeds the
Planck mass.
57. Find the energy momentum tensor for homogeneous scalar field in the slow–roll
regime.
8.2.4 Solution of the Hot Big Bang Theory Problems

58. Show that in the inflation epoch the relative density Ω exponentially tends to unity.
59. Estimate the temperature of the Universe at the end of inflation.
60. Estimate the size of the Universe at the end of inflation.
61. Find the number Ne of e-foldings of the scale factor in the inflation epoch.
62. Find the number Ne of e-foldings of the scale factor for the inflation process near
the inflection point.
63. Show that inflation transforms the unstable fixed point x = 0 for the quantity
Ω−1
x≡
Ω
into the stable one, therefore solving the problem of the flatness of the Universe.
64. Find the particle horizon in the inflationary regime, assuming H ≈ const.
65. Find the solution of the horizon problem in the framework of inflation theory.
66. Did entropy change during the inflation period? If yes, then estimate what its
change was.
67. Does the inflation theory explain the modern value of entropy?
68. Find the solution of the monopole problem in frame of inflation theory.
8.2.5 Different Models of Inflation

There is a number of inflationary models. All of them deal with potentials of scalar fields
which realize the slow-roll regime during sufficiently long period of evolution, then the
inflation terminates and Universe enters the hot stage. It is worth noting that the models
considered below are among the simplest ones and they do not exhaust all the possibilities,
however they give main idea about possible features of the evolution of inflanton and scale
factor in the slow-roll regime.
Chaotic Inflation (The Inflation with Power Law Potential)

The chaotic inflation or the inflation with high field, is considered as a rule with the
power law potentials of the form
V = gϕn ,
where g is a dimensional constant of interaction:
[g] = (mass)4−n
It should be noted that the sow-roll conditions for the given potential are always satisfied
for sufficiently high values of the inflaton field
nMP l
ϕ≫ √ ,
4 3π
therefore the slow-roll takes place at field values which are great compared to Planck units.
69. Consider an inflaton with simple power law potential
V = gφn ,
where g = (mass4−n ) is the interaction constant, and show that there is wide range
of scalar field values where classical Einstein equations are applicable and the slow-
roll regime is realized too. Assume that the interaction constant g is sufficiently
small in Planck units.
70. Estimate total duration of the chaotic inflation in the case of power law potentials
of second and forth order.
71. Express the slow-roll parameters for power law potentials in terms of e-folding num-
ber Ne till the end of inflation.
72. Obtain number N of e-fold increase of the scale factor in the model

V (ϕ) = λϕ4 λ = 10−10 .
73. Estimate the range of scalar field values corresponding to inflation epoch in the
model
V (ϕ) = λϕ4 (λ ≪ 1) .
74. Show that the classical analysis of the evolution of the Universe is applicable for the
scalar field value ϕ ≫ MP l , which allows the inflation to start.
75. Find the time dependence for the scale factor in the inflation regime for potential
(1/n)λϕn , assuming ϕ ≫ MP l .
76. The inflation conditions definitely break down near the minimum of the inflaton
potential and the Universe leaves the inflation regime. The scalar field starts to
oscillate near the minimum. Assuming that the oscillations’ period is much smaller
than the cosmological time scale, determine the effective state equation near mini-
mum of the inflaton potential.
77. Show that effective state equation for the scalar field, obtained in previous problem
for potential V ∝ ϕn , in the case n = 2 corresponds to non–relativistic matter and
for n = 4—to the ultra–relativistic component (radiation).
78. Obtain the time dependence of scalar field near the minimum of the potential.
79. Find the energy-momentum tensor of a homogeneous scalar field in the regime of
fast oscillations near the potential minimum.
80. Check wether the chaotic inflation model agrees with the experimental data, which
give the value r = PT /PR < 0.2 for the tensor perturbation amplitude and ns =
0.94 ÷ 0.99 for the spectrum slope. For the inflaton potential take V (ϕ) = m2 ϕ2 /2.
81. Consider chaotic inflation with potential V (ϕ) = m2 ϕ2 /2 and obtain difference be-
tween the spectrum slopes for the waves corresponding to cosmological perturbations
of sizes 100 kpc and 10 Gpc.
82. What is the difference between the chaotic inflation model by Linde and its original
version by Starobinsky–Guth?
The Novel Inflation (the Inflation Near Minimum of the Potntial)

As the reader might notice in the previous subsection, the chaotic inflation requires to
include the super-Planck field values, however it is worth noting that there is an inflation
model free of such requirement. Conditions of possible inflation start in this model con-
siderably differ from the chaotic initial data. At the same time the flatness requirement
for the inflaton potential is present in this model too.
Consider the inflaton potential (see fig. 8.1) and suppose that near the origin it takes
the form
V (φ) = V0 − gφn ,
where n ≥ 3. The most often considered potential is the forth order one
λ
V (φ) = V0 − φ4 .
4
The inflation model with such potential is called the novel inflation.
Figure 8.1: The inflaton potential in the inflation model with small field values.
83. Show that the inflation regime can start without super-Planck values of the inflaton
field. Consider potential of the form
λ
V (ϕ) = V0 − ϕ4 .
4
84. Consider an inflation model in which in inflaton potential near the origin takes the
form
λ
V (ϕ) = V0 − ϕ4 .
4
Assume that the slow-roll regime terminates at comparably small value of the infla-
ton field, so that λϕ4e ≪ V0 , to obtain the ratio ǫ/|η|. Determine which of the two
parameters reaches unity first.
85. Using the results of the previous problem and the condition λϕ4e ≪ V0 , obtain the
inequality giving the condition for realization of the novel inflation scenario.
86. For the model of problem 84 obtain the post-inflation heat up temperature Treh .
87. For the model of problem 84 determine relation between the inflaton field value on
the inflation stage and the e-folding number till the end of inflation.
88. For the model of problem 84 determine relation between the slow-roll parameters
and the e-folding number till the end of inflation.
89. Obtain estimate of the novel inflation duration.
90. Obtain the relation

n−1 1
η=−
n − 2 Ne
for the novel inflation model with potential of the form V (ϕ) = V0 − gϕn , where
n ≥ 3.
Inflation with Exponential Potential (the Power Law Inflation)

91. Find the scalar field potential giving rise the power law for the scalar factor growth
a(t) ∝ tp .
92. Find the exact particular solution of the system of equations for the scalar field in
potential V (ϕ) = g exp(−λϕ).
93. Compare the solution obtained in the previous problem with the solution of evolution
equations for the scalar field in the expanding Universe in the inflation limit.
94. Show that the dependence

r
1 ϕ
H(ϕ) ∝ exp −
2p MP l
leads to the power law inflation a(t) = a0 tp .
95. Show that the dependence H(ϕ) = ϕ−β leads to the so-called intermediate infla-
tion (the Universe expansion goes faster than any power law and slower than the
exponential one), at which
a(t) ∝ exp(Atf ), 0 < f < 1, A > 0, f = (1 + β/2)−1.

96. Consider the inflation model with the potential V (ϕ) = Λ exp(−ϕ/ϕ0 ) and obtain
the field values at which the slow-roll conditions are satisfied. Assume that the
inflation terminates at ϕ = ϕ1 .
97. Consider the inflation model of the previous problem and obtain the initial value of
the field required to prolong the inflation
√ for Ne & 60 e-foldings. What value of Λ
gives the correct amplitude δρ/ρ ≃ PR ≃ 5 · 10−5 of the scalar perturbations?
The Hybrid Inflation

One more inflation model free of super-Planck fields is called the hybrid inflation. In
the simplest version this model contains two scalar fields—the inflaton field ϕ and an
additional field χ (see Fig. 8.2). During the inflation stage the field ϕ is high, and the
system slowly rolls along the valley χ = 0. After that the valley χ = 0 transforms into
saddle, the fast roll takes place in perpendicular direction, the inflation terminates, and
the oscillations near the minimum ϕ = 0, χ = ν lead to heat up of the Universe. The
potential of inflaton field for the hybrid inflation takes the form
1 2 2 h
V (ϕ, χ) = g ϕ − µ2 χ2 + χ4 + U(ϕ) + V0 , (8.1)
2 4
where g and h are positive dimensionless constants, µ is a parameter of dimension of
mass, U(ϕ) is the monotonically growing inflaton potantial.
Figure 8.2: The inflaton potential in the hybrid inflation model.
98. Consider the hybrid inflation model with potential of the form 8.1, where U(ϕ =
0) = 0 and U(ϕ)
√ = m2 ϕ2 /2. The potential V (ϕ, χ) has maximum at ϕ = 0,
χ = ν = µ/ h. The constant V0 is determined from the requirement that the
potential value at minimum is equal to zero, resulting in
µ4
V0 = .
4h
The line χ = 0 represents the valley of the potential V (ϕ, χ) at ϕ > ϕc , where
ϕc = µ/g. Consider the case when the contribution of the inflaton field into the
total energy at critical value of the former is small
Uc ≡ U(ϕc ) ≪ V0 . (8.2)
Obtain the slow-roll parameters under the requirement that the inflation endures
up to the moment when the inflaton rolls down the critical value ϕc (ϕ ≫ ϕc ), and
show that the inflation can take place at sub-Planck values of the inflaton field.
99. Consider the inflation model of problem 98 and obtain the potential value Vef f (χ)
corresponding to the field value χ, at which it starts to roll down to the potential
minimum ϕ = 0 after the Hubble time ∆t ∼ H −1 (ϕc ) and χ = ν after the inflaton
reaches the critical value ϕc .
100. Obtain the value ηχ corresponding to the fast roll down of the field χ along the
potential Vef f (χ) (see the previous problem).
101. Use the results of the problems 98 – 100, the condition Uc ≡ U(ϕc ) ≪ V0 and assume
that the critical value of the inflaton field is small compared to the Planck mass to
obtain the chain of inequalities giving the conditions to realize the hybrid inflation
scenario.
102. Obtain dependence of the e-folding number till the inflation end on the inflaton field
value.
103. Obtain relation between η and Ne for the hybrid inflation model in the case of
quadratic potential of the inflaton field.
104. Consider the hybrid inflation model with Uc ∼ V0 . Show that in this case ϕc & MP l .
What region of the (ǫ, η) plane corresponds to the models of such type?
Other Types of Inflation

105. Formulate the differences between the models of cold and warm inflation.
106. The Standard Model of particles allows instability of baryons, which can decay to
leptons within the framework of this model. But as the rate of the processes vio-
lating the baryon number conservation is very low (for example, the proton lifetime
τp ≥ 1030 years), it is extremely difficult to find experimental proofs of the proton
instability. Try to formulate the ”inflationary proof” of the proton instability.
107. In what way is the inflation theory related to the solution of the problem: ”why is
mathematics so efficient in description of our world and prediction of its evolution?”
Chapter 9
Dark Energy
The observed accelerated expansion of the Universe requires either modification of General Relativity or
existence within the framework of the latter of a smooth energy component with negative pressure, called
the ”dark energy”. This component is usually described with the help of the state equation p = wρ. As it
follows from Friedman equation,
ä 4πG
=− (ρ + 3p).
a 3
For cosmological acceleration it is needed that w < −1/3. The allowed range of values of w can be split
into three intervals. The first interval −1 < w < −1/3 includes scalar fields named the quintessence.
The substance with the state equation p = −ρ (w = −1) was named the cosmological constant, because
ρ = const: energy density does not depend on time and is spacially homogeneous in this case. Finally,
scalar fields with w < −1 were called the phantom fields. Presently there is no evidence for dynamical
evolution of the dark energy. All available data agree with the simplest possibility - the cosmological
constant. However the situation can change in future with improved accuracy of observations. That is
why one should consider other cases of dark energy alternative to the cosmological constant.
9.1 The Cosmological Constant

1. Derive the Einstein equations in the presence of the cosmological constant by variation of the
gravitational field action with the additional term
Z
Λ √
SΛ = − −g d4 x.
8πG
2. Show that the Λ-term is a constant (the cosmological constant): ∂µ Λ = 0.

3. Derive Friedman equations in the presence of the cosmological constant.
4. Consider the case of two-component Universe with arbitrary curvature filled by non-relativistic
matter and dark energy in the form of cosmological constant. Show that in such case the first
Friedman equation can be presented in terms of dimensionless variables ā ≡ a/a0 , Ωm , ΩΛ and
τ ≡ H0 t) in the following way:
2
dā 1
= 1 + Ωm0 − 1 + ΩΛ0 (ā2 − 1).
dτ ā
5. Represent the first Friedman equation in terms of intrinsic Gaussian curvature of the three-space
K(t) = K0 /a2 (t).
6. Analyze the contribution of different energy components to the intrinsic Gaussian curvature of the
three-space.
105
106 CHAPTER 9. DARK ENERGY
7. Find equation for the scale factor in a two-component Universe filled with matter with equation
of state p = wρ and cosmological constant.
8. Find the natural scale of length and time appearing due to introduction of cosmological constant
into General Relativity.
9. Show that the relativity principle results in the state equation p = −ρ for dark energy in form of
cosmological constant if it is treated as the vacuum energy.
10. Show that the cosmological constant’s equation of state p = −ρ ensures Lorentz-invariance of the
vacuum energy-momentum tensor.
11. Show that the equation of state p = −ρ is the only form which ensures Lorentz-invariance of the
vacuum energy-momentum tensor.
12. Show explicitly that the state equation p = −ρ is Lorenz–invariant.
13. Consider the observer that moves with constant velocity V in the Universe described by FLRW
metrics and filled with substance with equation of state p = wρ. Calculate the energy density,
which the observer will register. Consider the cases of decelerated and accelerated expansion of
the Universe.
14. Does the energy conservation law hold in the presence of dark energy in the form of cosmological
constant?
15. Show that by assigning energy to vacuum we do not revive the notion of ”ether”, i.e. we do not
violate the relativity principle or in other words we do not introduce the notions of absolute rest
and motion relative to vacuum.
16. Suppose that density of the dark energy as cosmological constant is equal to the present critical
density, ρΛ = ρcr . What is then the total amount of dark energy inside the Solar System? Compare
this number with M⊙ c2 .
17. Estimate the upper limit for the cosmological constant. Can an upper or lower limit be derived
from the observed rate of growth of cosmological structures?
18. Knowing the age of the oldest objects in the Universe, determine the lower physical limit of the
physical vacuum density.
19. Find time dependence of the scale factor in the case of flat Universe filled by dark energy in the
form of cosmological constant and non-relativistic matter with current relative densities ΩΛ0 and
Ωm0 respectively (see Chapter 11 for more detailed analysis).
20. Consider flat Universe filled by matter and cosmological constant with Λ < 0 and show that it
collapses in time period
2π
tcol = p .
3|Λ|
21. Find the value of redshift in the cosmological constant dominated flat Universe, for which a source
of linear size d has the minimum visible angular dimension.
22. Find (in the Newton’s approximation) a critical distance r0 around a point mass m, embedded
into medium which is the cosmological constant Λ > 0, where the gravity vanishes: it is attractive
if r < r0 and repulsive if r > r0 .
9.2 Geometry and Destiny

(see L.Krauss, M. Turner, arXiv:9904020; B.Ryden, Introduction to cosmology, Addison Wesley;
J.E.Felten,R.Isaacman, Rev.Mod.Phys. 58,689 , 1986)
9.3. TIME-DEPENDENT COSMOLOGICAL CONSTANT 107
Presence of the cosmological constant reevaluates standard notions about the connection between
geometry and the fate of the Universe. The traditional philosophy of General Relativity is that ”Ge-
ometry is Destiny”, with ”geometry” in this context implying openness or closure of the three-space
of constant cosmological time. If energy content is provided by ”ordinary” matter (nonrelativistic
matter or radiation) this slogan transforms into ”Density is Destiny”. If the density of matter is
less or equal than the critical value (and the Universe is open), then the destiny of Universe is eter-
nal expanding; if the density is greater, and the Universe is closed, then the destiny is recollapse.
If the Universe contains cosmological constant (or any energy component with w < −1/3) the
situation changes radically: an open Universe can recollapse, while a closed Universe can expand
forever. Geometry no longer determines the fate of the Universe.
23. As Ωtot − 1 = k/(H 2 a2 ) the sign of k is determined by whether Ωtot is greater or less than 1.
A measurement of Ωtot at any epoch—including the present—determines the geometry of the
Universe. However, as opposed to situation with only non-relativistic matter, we can no longer
claim that the magnitude of Ωtot uniquely determines the fate of the Universe. Explain decoupling
between Ωtot and destiny using deceleration parameter.
24. Show that decoupling between Ωtot and destiny of the Universe is due to violation of strong energy
condition.
25. Find the maximum value of scale factor for a hypothetical flat Universe with ΩΛ0 < 0.
26. For the Universe considered in the previous problem, find the analytical solution t(a) and time of
the collapse from a = amax back down to a = 0.
27. In the flat Universe with Ωm0 < 1 and positive cosmological constant find the late time asymptotic
for the scale factor.
28. Show that eternal expansion is inevitable if and only if

1 4π
ΩΛ > 4Ωm cos arccos(Ω−1
m − 1) + .
3 3
29. Show that if Ωm0 + ΩΛ0 > 1 (positive spatial curvature) and Λ > 0, then it is possible to have a
Universe that expands at late times, but without the initial Big Bang (a = 0, t = 0).
30. Show that collapse of the Universe is possible if the following conditions are satisfied:
1. Closed (k > 0) Universe: ρm > 2ρΛ when H = 0.
2. Open, flat (k ≤ 0) or closed (k > 0) Universe: ρΛ ≤ 0.
31. Show that eternal expansion of the Universe is possible if the following conditions are satisfied
1. Closed (k > 0) Universe: ρm < 2ρΛ before H = 0.
2. Open or flat (k ≤ 0) Universe: ρΛ ≥ 0.
9.3 Time-dependent Cosmological Constant

(Inspired by I.Shapiro,J.Sola, H.Stefancic, hep-ph/0410095)
32. Obtain the analogue of the conservation equation ρ̇+3H(ρ+p) = 0 for the case when the gravitation
constant G and the cosmological ”constant” Λ depend on time.
33. Show that when G is constant, Λ is also a constant if and only if the ordinary energy-momentum
tensor Tµν is also conserved.
34. Show that in case the cosmological constant depends on time, the energy density related to the
latter can be converted into matter.
35. Derive the time dependence of the scale factor for a flat Universe with the Λ–dynamical constant
Λ = Λ0 (1 + αt).
36. Construct the dynamics of the Universe in the cosmological model with Λ = σH, σ > 0.
37. Construct the dynamics of the Universe in the cosmological model with Λ(H) = σH + 3βH 2 and
ρ = ρΛ + ρm .
9.4 Static Einstein’s Universe

38. Find the static solution of Friedman equations with cosmological constant and non-relativistic
matter (static Einstein’s Universe).
39. Show that the static Einstein’s Universe must be closed. Find the total volume and mass of this
Universe.
40. Find the parameters of static Einstein’s Universe under the assumption that both matter and
radiation are absent.
41. Estimate the radius of static Einstein’s Universe if the zero-point energy of electromagnetic field
is cut off at the classical electron radius.
42. Show that Einstein’s Universe is unstable.
43. What are the concrete mechanisms that drive the instability of the static Einstein’s Universe?
44. What is the most unsatisfactory peculiarity of the static Einstein’s model of the Universe (besides
the instability)?
45. Construct the effective one-dimensional potential V (a) for the case of flat Universe filled with
non-relativistic matter and dark energy in the form of cosmological constant.
46. Show that the static Einstein’s Universe may be realized only in the maximum of the effective
potential V (a) of the previous problem.
47. Problem 45 can be considered in more general setup. Assuming arbitrary values for the contribu-
tions of the cosmological constant λ, matter µ, radiation γ and curvature κ respectively, present
the first Friedman equation
2
2 ȧ κ µ γ
H ≡ = λ− 2 + 3 + 4 (9.1)
a a a a
in the form of the energy conservation law
p2 /2 + U (q) = E.
9.5 Dynamical Forms of Dark Energy

9.5.1 The Quintessence
The cosmological constant represents nothing but the simplest realization of the dark energy—the
hypothetical substance introduced to explain the accelerated expansion of the Universe. There is a
dynamical alternative to the cosmological constant—the scalar fields, formed in the post-inflation
epoch. The most popular version is the scalar field ϕ evolving in a properly designed potential
V (ϕ). Numerous models of such type differ by choice of the scalar field Lagrangian. The simplest
model is the so-called quintessence. In antique and medieval philosophy this term (literally ’the
fifth essence’, after the earth, water, air and fire) meant the concentrated extract, the creative
force, penetrating all the material world. We shall understand the quintessence as the scalar field
in a potential, minimally coupled to gravity, i.e. feeling only the influence of space-time curvature.
9.5. DYNAMICAL FORMS OF DARK ENERGY 109
Besides that we restrict ourselves to the canonic form of the kinetic energy. The action for fields
of such type takes the form
Z Z
√ √ 1 ∂ϕ ∂ϕ
S = d4 x −g L = d4 x −g g µν µ ν − V (ϕ) .
2 ∂x ∂x
The equations of motion for the scalar field are obtained as usual, by variation of the action with
respect to the field (see Chapter ’Inflation’).
48. Obtain the Friedman equations for the case of flat Universe filled with quintessence.
49. Obtain the general solution of the Friedman equations for the Universe filled with free scalar field,
V (ϕ) = 0.
50. Show that in the case of Universe filled with non-relativistic matter and quintessence the following
relation holds: Ḣ = −4πG(ρm + ϕ̇2 ).
51. Show that in the case of Universe filled with non-relativistic matter and quintessence the Friedman
equations
8πG 1
H2 = ρm + ϕ̇2 + V (ϕ) ,
3 2
Ḣ = −4πG(ρm + ϕ̇2 )
can be transformed to the form
2
8πG dϕ 2 d ln H Ωm0 x
= − ;
3H02 dx 2
3H0 x dx H2
8πG H2 x dH 2 1
2 V (x) = 2 − − Ωm0 x3 ;
3H0 H0 6H02 dx 2
x ≡ 1 + z.
52. Show that the conservation equation for quintessence can be obtained from the Klein-Gordon
equation
dV
ϕ̈ + 3H ϕ̇ + = 0.
dϕ
53. Find the explicit form of Lagrangian describing the dynamics of the Universe filled with the scalar
field in potential V (ϕ). Use it to obtain the equations of motion for the scale factor and the scalar
field.
54. In the flat Universe filled with scalar field ϕ obtain the isolated equation for ϕ only. [see S.Downes,
B.Dutta, K.Sinha, arXiv:1203.6892 ]
55. What is the reason for the requirement that the scalar field’s evolution in the quintessence model
is slow enough?
56. Find the potential and kinetic energies for quintessence with the given state parameter w.
57. Find the dependence of state equation parameter w for scalar field on the quantity
ϕ̇2
x=
2V (ϕ)
and determine the ranges of x corresponding to inflation in the slow-roll regime, matter-dominated
epoch and the rigid state equation (p ∼ ρ) limit correspondingly.
58. Show that if kinetic energy K = ϕ̇2 /2 of a scalar field is initially much greater than its potential
energy V (ϕ), then it will decrease as a−6 .
59. Show that the energy density of a scalar field ϕ behaves as ρϕ ∝ a−n , 0 ≤ n ≤ 6.
60. Show that dark energy density with the state equation p = w(a)ρ(a) can be presented as a function
of scale factor in the form
ρ = ρ0 a−3[1+w̄(a)] ,
where w̄(a) is the parameter w averaged in the logarithmic scale
R
w(a)d ln a
w̄(a) ≡ R .
d ln a
61. Consider the case of Universe filled with non-relativistic matter and quintessence with the state
equation p = wρ and show that the first Friedman equation can be presented in the form
h R z dz ′ ′
i
H 2 (z) = H02 Ωm0 (1 + z)3 + (1 − Ωm0 )e3 0 1+z′ (1+w(z )) .
62. Show that for the model of the Universe considered in the previous problem the state equation
parameter w(z) can be presented in the form
2 d ln H
3 (1 + z) dz − 1
w(z) = H 2 .
1 − H02 Ωm0 (1 + z)3
63. Show that the result of the previous problem can be presented in the form
2/3E(z)E ′(z) − Ωm0 (1 + z)2 H(z)
w(z) = −1 + (1 + z) , E(z) ≡ .
E 2 (z) − Ωm0 (1 + z)3 H0
64. Show that decreasing of the scalar field’s energy density with increasing of the scale factor slows
down as the scalar field’s potential energy V (ϕ) starts to dominate over the kinetic energy density
ϕ̇2 /2.
65. Express the time derivative ϕ̇ through the quintessence’ density ρϕ and the state equation param-
eter wϕ .
66. Estimate the magnitude of the scalar field variation ∆ϕ during time ∆t.
67. Show that in the radiation-dominated or matter-dominated epoch the variation of the scalar field
is small, and the measure of its smallness is given by the relative density of the scalar field.
68. Show that in the quintessence (w > −1) dominated Universe the condition Ḣ < 0 always holds.
69. Consider simple bouncing solution of Friedman equations that avoid singularity. This solution
requires positive spatial curvature k = +1, negative cosmological constant Λ < 0 and a ”matter”
source with equation of state p = wρ with w in the range
1
−1 < w < − .
3
In the special case w = −2/3 Friedman equations describe a constrained harmonic oscillator
(a simple harmonic Universe). Find the corresponding solutions. (Inspired by P.Graham et al.
arXiv:1109.0282/hp-th)
70. Derive the equation for the simple harmonic Universe (see previous problem), using the results of
problem 7.
71. Barotropic liquid is a substance for which pressure is a single–valued function of density. Is
quintessence generally barotropic?
72. Show that a scalar field oscillating near the minimum of potential is not a barotropic substance.
73. For a scalar field ϕ with state equation p = wρ and relative energy density Ωϕ calculate the
derivative
dw
w′ = .
d ln a
74. Calculate the sound speed in the quintessence field ϕ(t) with potential V (ϕ).
75. Find the dependence of quintessence energy density on redshift for the state equation pDE =
w(z)ρDE .
76. The equation of state p = w(a)ρ for quintessence is often parameterized as w(a) = w0 + w1 (1 − a).
Show that in this parametrization energy density and pressure of the scalar field take the form:
ρ(a) ∝ a−3[1+wef f (a)] , p(a) ∝ (1 + wef f (a))ρ(a),
where
wef f (a) = (w0 + w1 ) + (1 − a)w1 / ln a.
77. Find the dependence of Hubble parameter on redshift in a flat Universe filled with non-relativistic
matter with current relative density Ωm0 and dark energy with the state equation pDE = w(z)ρDE .
78. Show that in a flat Universe filled with non–relativistic matter and arbitrary component with the
state equation p = w(z)ρ the first Friedman equation can be presented in the form:
1 d ln(δH 2 /H02 )
w(z) = −1 + ,
3 d ln(1 + z)
where
8πG
δH 2 = H 2 − ρm
3
describes the contribution into the Universe’s expansion rate of all components other than matter.
79. Express the time derivative of a scalar field through its derivative with respect to redshift dϕ/dz.
80. Show that the particle horizon does not exist for the case of quintessence because the corresponding
integral diverges (see Chapter 2(3)).
81. Show that in a Universe filled with quintessence the number of observed galaxies decreases with
time.
82. Let t be some time in the distant past t ≪ t0 . Show that in a Universe dominated by a substance
with state parameter w > −1 the current cosmic horizon (see Chapter 3) is
3
Rh (t0 ) ≈ (1 + hwi)t0 ,
2
where hwi is the time-averaged value of w from t to the present time
Zt0
1
hwi ≡ w(t)dt.
t0
t
83. From WMAP1 observations we infer that the age of the Universe is t0 ≈ 13.7 ·109 years and cosmic
horizon equals to Rh (t0 ) = H0−1 ≈ 13.5 · 109 light-years. Show that these data imply existence of
some substance with equation of state w < −1/3,—”dark energy”.
84. The age of the Universe today depends upon the equation-of-state of the dark energy. Show that
the more negative parameter w is, the older Universe is today.
85. Consider a Universe filled with dark energy with state equation depending on the Hubble parameter
and its derivatives,
p = wρ + g(H, Ḣ, Ḧ, . . . , ; t).
What equation does the Hubble parameter satisfy in this case?
1
Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe is a spacecraft which measures differences in the temperature
of the Big Bang’s remnant radiant heat—the cosmic microwave background radiation—across the full
sky.
86. Show that taking function g (see the previous problem) in the form

2 3
g(H, Ḣ, Ḧ) = − 2 Ḧ + Ḣ + ω02 H + (1 + w)H 2 − H0 , κ2 = 8πG
κ 2
leads to the equation for the Hubble parameter identical to the one for the harmonic oscillator,
and find its solution.
87. Find the time dependence of the Hubble parameter in the case of function g (see problem 85) in
the form
2f˙(t)
g(H; t) = − 2 H, κ2 = 8πG
κ f (t)
where f (t) = − ln(H1 + H0 sin ω0 t), H1 > H0 is arbitrary function of time.
88. Show that in an open Universe the scalar field potential V [ϕ(η)] depends monotonically on the
conformal time η.
89. Reconstruct the dependence of the scalar field potential V (a) on the scale factor basing on given
dependencies for the field’s energy density ρϕ (a) and state equation parameter w(a).
90. Find the quintessence potential providing the power law growth of the scale factor a ∝ tp , where
the accelerated expansion requires p > 1.
91. Let a(t), ρ(t), p(t) be solutions of Friedman equations. Show that for the case k = 0 the function
ψn ≡ an is the solution of ”Schrödinger equation” ψ̈n = Un ψn with potential [see A.V.Yurov,
arXiv:0905.1393]
3n
U n = n2 ρ − (ρ + p).
2
92. Consider flat FLRW Universe filled with a scalar field ϕ. Show that in the case when ϕ = ϕ(t),
the Einstein equations with the cosmological term are reduced to the ”Schrödinger equation”
ψ̈ = 3(V + Λ)ψ
3
with ψ = a . Derive the equation for ϕ(t) [see A.V.Yurov, arXiv:0305019].
93. Consider FLRW space-time filled with non-interacting matter and dark energy components. As-
sume the following forms for the equation of state parameters of matter and dark energy
1 w̄xα
wm = α
, wDE = ,
3(x + 1) xα + 1
where x = a/a∗ with a∗ being some reference value of a, α is some positive constant and w̄ is
a negative constant. Analyze the dynamics of the Universe in this model. [see S.Kumar,L.Xu,
arXiv:1207.5582]
9.5.2 Tracker Fields

A special type of scalar fields—the so-called tracker fields—was discovered at the end of the nineties.
The term reflects the fact that a wide range of initial values for the fields of such type rapidly
converges to the common evolutionary track. The initial values of energy density for such fields
may vary by many orders of magnitude without considerable effect on the long-time asymptote.
The peculiar property of tracker solutions is the fact that the state equation parameter for such a
field is determined by the dominant component of the cosmological background.
It should be stressed that, unlike the standard attractor, the tracker solution is not a fixed point
(in the sense of a solution corresponding to the fixed point in a system of autonomous differential
equations ): the ratio of the scalar field energy density to that of background component (matter or
radiation) continuously changes as the quantity ϕ descends along the potential. It is well desirable
feature because we want the energy density ϕ to exceed ultimately the background density and to
transfer the Universe into the observed phase of the accelerated expansion.
Below we consider a number of concrete realizations of the tracker fields.
94. Show that initial value of the tracker field should obey the condition ϕ0 = MP l .
95. Show that densities of kinetic and potential energy of the scalar field ϕ in the potential of the form
MP2 L
V (ϕ) = M 4 exp(−αϕM ), M≡
16π
are proportional to the density of the concomitant component (matter or radiation) and therefore
it realizes the tracker solution.
96. Consider a scalar field potential
A −n
V (ϕ) = ϕ ,
n
where A is a dimensional parameter and n > 2. Show that the solution ϕ(t) ∝ t2/(n+2) is a
tracker field under condition a(t) ∝ tm , m = 1/2 or 2/3 (either radiation or non-relativistic matter
dominates).
97. Show that the scalar field energy density corresponding to the tracker solution in the potential
A −n
V (ϕ) = ϕ
n
(see the previous problem 96) decreases slower than the energy density of radiation or non-
relativistic matter.
98. Find the equation of state parameter wϕ ≡ pϕ /ρϕ for the scalar field of problem 96.
99. Use explicit form of the tracker field in the potential of problem 96 to verify the value of wϕ
obtained in the previous problem.
9.5.3 The K-essence

Let us introduce the quantity
1 µν ∂ϕ ∂ϕ
X≡ g
2 ∂xµ ∂xν
and consider action for the scalar field in the form
Z
√
S = d4 x −g L (ϕ, X) ,
where Lagrangian L is generally speaking an arbitrary function of variables ϕ and X. The dark
energy model realized due to modification of the kinetic term with the scalar field, is called the
k-essence. The traditional action for the scalar field corresponds to
L (ϕ, X) = X − V (ϕ).
In the problems proposed below we restrict ourselves to the subset of Lagrangians of the form
L (ϕ, X) = K(X) − V (ϕ),
where K(X) is a positively defined function of kinetic energy X. In order to describe a homogeneous
Universe we should choose
1
X = ϕ̇2 .
2
100. Find the density and pressure of the k-essence.

101. Construct the equation of state for the k-essence.
102. The sound speed cs in any medium must satisfy two fundamental requirements: first, the sound
waves must be stable and second, its velocity value should be low enough to preserve the causality
condition. Therefore
0 ≤ c2s ≤ 1.
Reformulate the latter condition in terms of scale factor dependence for the equation of state
parameter w(a) for the case of the k-essence.
103. Find the state equation for the simplified k-essence model with Lagrangian L = F (X) (the so-called
pure kinetic k-essence).
104. Find the equation of motion for the scalar field in the pure kinetic k-essence.
105. Show that the scalar field equation of motion for the pure kinetic k-essence model gives the tracker
solution.
9.5.4 Phantom Energy

The full amount of available cosmological observational data shows that the state equation param-
eter w for dark energy lies in a narrow range near the value w = −1. In the previous subsections
we considered the region −1 ≤ w ≤ −1/3. The lower bound w = −1 of the interval corresponds to
the cosmological constant, and all the remainder can be covered by the scalar fields with canonic
Lagrangians. Recall that the upper bound w = −1/3 appears due to the necessity to provide the
observed accelerated expansion of Universe. What other values of parameter w can be used? The
question is very hard to answer for the energy component we know so little about. General Relativ-
ity restricts possible values of the energy -momentum tensor by the so-called ”energy conditions”
(see Chapter 2). One of the simplest among them is the so-called Null Dominant Energy Condi-
tion (NDEC) ρ + p ≥ 0. The physical motivation of the latter is to avoid the vacuum instability.
Applied to the dynamics of Universe, the NDEC requires that density of any allowed energy com-
ponent cannot grow with the expansion of the Universe. The cosmological constant with ρ̇Λ = 0,
ρΛ = const represents the limiting case. Because of our ignorance concerning the nature of dark
energy it is reasonable to question whether this mysterious substance can differ from the already
known ”good” sources of energy and if it can violate the NDEC. Taking into account that dark
energy must have positive density (it is necessary to make the Universe flat) and negative pressure
(to provide the accelerated expansion of Universe), the violation of the NDEC must lead to w < −1.
Such substance is called the phantom energy. The phantom field ϕ minimally coupled to gravity
has the following action:
Z Z
4 √ 4 √ 1 µν ∂ϕ ∂ϕ
S = d x −gL = − d x −g g + V (ϕ) ,
2 ∂xµ ∂xν
which differs from the canonic action for the scalar field only by the sign of the kinetic term.
106. Show that the action of a scalar field minimally coupled to gravitation
Z
√ 1
S = d4 x −g (∇ϕ)2 − V (ϕ)
2
leads, under the condition ϕ̇2 /2 < V (ϕ), to wϕ < −1, i.e. the field is phantom.
107. Obtain the equation of motion for the phantom scalar field described by the action of the previous
problem.
108. Find the energy density and pressure of the phantom field.
109. Show that the phantom energy density grows with time. Find the dependence ρ(a) for w = −4/3.
110. Show that the phantom scalar field violates all four energy conditions.
111. Show that in the phantom scalar field (w < −1) dominated Universe the condition Ḣ > 0 always
holds.
112. As we have seen in Chapter 3, the Friedman equations, describing spatially flat Universe, possess
the duality, which connects the expanding and contracting Universe by appropriate transformation
of the state equation. Consider the Universe where the weak energetic condition ρ ≥ 0, ρ + p ≥ 0
holds and show that the ideal liquid associated with the dual Universe is a phantom liquid or the
cosmological constant.
113. Show that the Friedman equations for the Universe filled with dark energy in the form of cosmo-
logical constant and a substance with the state equation p = wρ can be presented in the form of
nonlinear oscillator [see M.Dabrowski, arXiv0307128]
D2
Ẍ − ΛX + D(D − 1)kX 1−2/D = 0
3
where
3
X = aD(w) , D(w) = (1 + w).
2
114. Show that the Universe dual to the one filled with a free scalar field, is described by the state
equation p = −3ρ.
115. Show that in the phantom component of dark energy the sound speed exceeds the light speed.
116. Construct the phantom energy model with negative kinetic term in the potential satisfying the
slow-roll conditions
1 dV
≪1
V dϕ
and
1 d2 V
≪ 1.
V dϕ2
9.5.5 Disintegration of Bound Structures

Historically the first criterion for decay of gravitationally bound systems due to the phantom
dark energy was proposed by Caldwell, Kamionkowski and Weinberg (CKW) [see arXiv:astro-
ph/0302506v1]. The authors argue that a satellite orbiting around a heavy attracting body becomes
unbound when total repulsive action of the dark energy inside the orbit exceeds the attraction of
the gravity center. Potential energy of gravitational attraction is determined by the mass M of the
attracting center, while the analogous quantity for repulsive potential equals to ρ + 3p integrated
over the volume inside the orbit. It results in the following rough estimate for the disintegration
condition
4π
− (ρ + 3p)R3 ≃ M. (9.2)
3
117. Show that for w ≥ −1 a system gravitationally bound at some moment of time (Milky Way for
example) remains bound forever.
118. Show that in the phantom energy dominated Universe any gravitationally bound system will
dissociate with time.
119. Show that in a Universe filled with non–relativistic matter a hydrogen atom will remain a bound
system forever.
120. Demonstrate, that any gravitationally bound system with mass M and radius (linear scale) R,
immersed in the phantom background (w < −1) will decay in time
r
|1 + 3w| 2 3
t≃P
|1 + w| 9 2π
before Big Rip. Here r

R3
P = 2π
GM
is the period on the circular orbit of radius R around the considered system.
121. Use the result of the previous problem to determine the time of disintegration for the following
systems: galaxy clusters, Milky Way, Solar System, Earth, hydrogen atom. Consider the case
w = −3/2.
9.5.6 Big Rip, Pseudo Rip, Little Rip

The future finite-time singularity is an essential element of phantom cosmology [see S.Nojiri, S.
Odintsov, arXiv:hep-th/0505215]. One may classify the future singularities as in the following way
[see S.Nojiri, S. Odintsov and S.Tsajikava, arXiv:hep-th/0501025]:
1. For t → ts , a → ∞, ρ → ∞, |p| → ∞ (”Big Rip”).
The density of phantom dark energy and scale factor become infinite at some finite time ts .
2. For t → ts , a → as , ρ → ρs or ρ → 0, |p| → ∞ (”sudden singularity”).
The condition w < −1 is necessary for future singularities, but it is not sufficient. If w approaches
to −1 sufficiently rapidly, then it is possible to have a model in which there are no future sin-
gularities. Models without future singularities in which ρDE increases with time will eventually
lead to dissolution of bound systems. This process received the name ”Little Rip”[see P.Frampton,
K.Ludwick and R.Scherrer, arXiv:1106.4996]. In the Big Rip the scale factor and energy density
diverge at finite future time. As opposed to Big Rip in the ΛCDM, there is no such divergence.
Little Rip represents an interpolation between these two limit cases.
3. For t → ts , a → as 6= 0, ρ → ∞, |p| → ∞.
4. For t → ts , a → as 6= 0, ρ → ρs (including ρs = 0), while derivatives of H diverge.
Here ts , as 6= 0 and ρs are constants.
122. For the flat Universe composed of matter (Ωm ≃ 0.3) and phantom energy (w = −1.5) find the
time interval left to the Big Rip.
Immediate consequence of approaching the Big Rip is the dissociation of bound systems due to
negative pressure inside them.
123. Show that all little-rip models can be described by condition f¨ > 0 where f (t) is a nonsingular
function such that a(t) = exp[f (t)].
124. Consider the approach of the following authors [see S. Nojiri, S.D. Odintsov, and S. Tsujikawa,
Phys. Rev. D 71, 063004 (2005); S. Nojiri and S.D. Odintsov, Phys. Rev. D 72, 023003 (2005);
H. Stefancic, Phys. Rev. D 71, 084024 (2005)], who expressed the pressure as a function of the
density in the form
p = −ρ − f (ρ).
Show that condition f (ρ > 0) ensures that the density increases with the scale factor.
125. Find the dependencies a(ρ) and t(ρ) for the case of flat Universe filled by a substance with the
following state equation
p = −ρ − f (ρ).
126. Solve the previous problem in the case of f (ρ)Aρα , α = const.
127. Find the condition for big-rip singularity in the case p = −ρ − f (ρ).
128. Show that taking a power law for f (ρ), namely f (ρ) = Aρα a future singularity can be avoided for
α ≤ 1/2.
129. Solve the previous problem using the condition for absence of future singularities obtained in
Problem 123.
130. Formulate the condition for the absence of a finite-time future (Big Rip) singularity in terms of
function ρ(a) .
The problems below develop an alternative approach to investigate the singularities in the phantom
Universe [see P-H. Chavanis, arXiv:1208.1195]
131. Consider the polytropic equation of state

p = αρ + kρ1+1/n ≡ −ρ + ρ 1 + α + kρ1/n
under assumption −1 < α ≤ 1. The case α = −1 is treated separately in Problem 132. The
additional assumption 1 + α + kρ1/n ≤ 0 (and necessary condition k < 0) guarantees that the
density increases with the scale factor. This corresponds to phantom Universe. Find explicit
dependence ρ(a) and analyze limits a → 0 and a → ∞.
132. Consider the previous problem with α = −1 and k < 0. This equation of state was introduced
by Nojiri and Odintsov (see problem 131). Chavanis re-derives their results in a more transparent
form.
”The little-rip dissociates all bound structures, but

the strength of the dark energy is not enough to rip
apart space-time as there is no finite-time singularity”
P. Frampton, K. Ludwick1, and R. Scherrer
[see A. Astashenok, S. Nojiri, S. Odintsov, and R. Scherrer, arXiv:1203.1976]

133. Show that for any bound system the rip always occurs when either H diverges or Ḣ diverges
(assuming Ḣ > 0 ( expansion of Universe is accelerating)).
134. Solve the previous problem in terms of function f (ρ).
135. Perform analysis of possible singularities in terms of characteristics of the scalar field ϕ with the
potential V (ϕ).
All the Big Rip, Little Rip and Pseudo-Rip arise from the assumption that the dark energy density
ρ(a) is monotonically increasing. Let us investigate what will happen if this assumption is broken
and then propose a so-called ”Quasi-Rip” scenario, which is driven by a type of quintom dark
energy. In this work, we consider an explicit model of Quasi-Rip in details. We show that Quasi-
Rip has an unique feature different from Big Rip, Little Rip and Pseudo-Rip. Our universe has a
chance to be rebuilt in the ash after the terrible rip. This might be the last hope in the ”hopeless”
rip.
136. So-called soft singularities are characterized by a diverging ä whereas both the scale factor a and
ȧ are finite. Analyze features of intersections between the soft singularities and geodesics.
137. (see F.Cannata, A. Kamenshchik, D.Regoli, arXiv:0801.2348) The power law cosmological evo-
lution a(t) ∝ tβ leads to the Hubble parameter H(t) ∝ 1/t. Consider a ”softer” version of the
cosmological evolution given by the law
S
H(t) = ,
tα
where S is a positive constant and 0 < α < 1. Analyze the dynamics of such model at t → 0.
138. Reconstruct the potential of the scalar field model, producing the given cosmological evolution
H(t).
139. Reconstruct the potential of the scalar field model, producing the cosmological evolution
S
H(t) = , (9.3)
tα
using the technique described in the previous problem.
9.5.7 The Statefinder

In the models including dark energy in different forms it is useful to introduce a pair of cosmological
parameters {r, s}, which is called the statefinder (see V.Sahni, T.Saini, A.Starobinsky, U.Alam
astro-ph/0201498 ): ...
a r−1
r≡ , s≡ .
aH 3 3(q − 1/2)
These dimensionless parameters are constructed from the scale factor and its derivatives. Parame-
ter r is the next member in the sequence of the kinematic characteristics describing the Universe’s
expansion after the Hubble parameter H and the deceleration parameter q (see Chapter ”Cosmog-
raphy”). Parameter s is the combination of q and r chosen in such a way that it is independent of
the dark energy density. The values of these parameters can be reconstructed with high precision
basing on the available cosmological data. After that the statefinder can be successfully used to
identify different dark energy models.
140. Explain the advantages for the description of the current Universe’s dynamics brought by the
introduction of the statefinder.
141. Express the statefinder {r, s} in terms of the total density, pressure and their time derivatives for
a spatially flat Universe.
142. Show that for a flat Universe filled with a two-component liquid composed of non–relativistic matter
(dark matter + baryons) and dark energy with relative density ΩDE = ρDE /ρcr the statefinder
takes the form
9 3 ẇ
r = 1 + ΩDE w(1 + w) − ΩDE ;
2 2 H
1 ẇ pDE
s=1+w− ; w≡ .
3 wH ρDE
143. Express the statefinder in terms of Hubble parameter H(z) and its derivatives.
144. Find the statefinders
a) for dark energy in the form of cosmological constant;

b) for the case of time–independent state equation parameter w;
c) for dark energy in the form of quintessence.
145. Express the photometric distance dL (z) through the current values of parameters q and s.
9.5.8 Crossing the Phantom Divide

In the quintessence model of dark energy −1 < w < −1/3. In the phantom model with negative
kinetic energy w < −1. Recent cosmological data seem to indicate that there occurred the crossing of
the phantom divide line in the near past. This means that equation of state parameter wDE crosses
the phantom divide line wDE = −1. This crossing to the phantom region is possible neither for an
ordinary minimally coupled scalar field nor for a phantom field. There are at least three ways to
solve this problem. If dark energy behaves as quintessence at early stage, and evolves as phantom
at the later stage, a natural suggestion would be to consider a 2-field model (quintom model): a
quintessence and a phantom. The next possibility, discussed in the next Chapter, is to consider an
interacting model, in which dark energy interacts with dark matter. Yet another possibility would
be that General Relativity fails at cosmological scales. In this case quintessence or phantom energy
can cross the phantom divide line in a modified gravity theory. We investigate this approach in
Chapter 12.
146. Show that at the point of transition between the quintessence and the phantom phases Ḣ vanishes.
9.6. LOST AND FOUND 119
147. Show that the sound speed of a single perfect barotropic fluid is diverges when w crosses the
phantom divide line.
148. Find a dynamical law for the equation of state parameter w = p/ρ in the barotropic cosmic fluid
[see N.Caplar, H.Stefancic, arXiv:1208.0449].
149. Using the results of previous problem, find the functions w(z), ρ(z) and p(z) for the simplest
possibility cS = const.
150. Realize the procedure described in the problem 148 for the case of a minimally coupled scalar field
ϕ with potential V (ϕ) in a spatially flat Universe.
151. Consider the case of Universe filled with non-relativistic matter and quintessence and show that
the condition to cross the phantom divide line w = −1 is equivalent to sign change in the following
expression
dH 2 (z)
− 3Ωm0 H02 (1 + z)2 .
dz
152. Consider a model with the scale factor of the form
n
t
a = ac ,
t − ts
where ac is a constant, n > 0, ts is the time of a Big Rip singularity. Show that on the interval
0 < t < ts there is crossing of the phantom divide line w = −1.
153. Show, that for the model considered in the previous problem the parameter H(t) and density ρ(t)
achieve their minimal values at the phantom divide point. (see K.Bamba, S.Capozziello, S.Nojiri,
S.Odintsov,arXiv:1205.3421)
154. Find condition of intersection with the line w = −1 for the quintom Lagrangian

1 µν ∂ϕ ∂ϕ ∂ψ ∂ψ
L= g − µ ν − W (ϕ, ψ).
2 ∂xµ ∂xν ∂x ∂x
9.6 Lost and Found

155. Consider the case of spatially flat Universe dominated by non-relativistic matter and spatially
homogeneous scalar complex field Φ and obtain the equations to describe the dynamics of such a
Universe.
156. Consider the case of the Universe composed of non-relativistic matter and quintessence and relate
the quantities ϕ, ρϕ , H, V (ϕ) with the redshift-dependent state equation parameter w(z).
157. When solving the equation for the scalar field one assumes that the time dependence of the scalar
factor, which is necessary to calculate the Hubble parameter in the equation, is determined by the
dominant component. Such approximation becomes invalid at some time moment, because the
energy density for the scalar field decays slower than that of matter or radiation. Determine the
value of the scalar field at that time moment for the potential of the problem 96
9.7 Single Scalar Cosmology

The discovery of the Higgs particle has confirmed that scalar fields play a fundamental role in
subatomic physics. Therefore they must also have been present in the early Universe and played
a part in its development. About scalar fields on present cosmological scales nothing is known,
but in view of the observational evidence for accelerated expansion it is quite well possible that
they take part in shaping our Universe now and in the future. In this section we consider the
evolution of a flat, isotropic and homogeneous Universe in the presence of a single cosmic scalar
field. Neglecting ordinary matter and radiation, the evolution of such a Universe is described by
two degrees of freedom, the homogeneous scalar field ϕ(t) and the scale factor of the Universe a(t).
The relevant evolution equations are the Friedmann and Klein-Gordon equations, reading (in the
units in which c = ~ = 8πG = 1)
1 2
ϕ̇ + V = 3H 2 , ϕ̈ + 3H ϕ̇ + V ′ = 0,
2
where V [ϕ] is the potential of the scalar fields, and H = ȧ/a is the Hubble parameter. Furthermore,
an overdot denotes a derivative w.r.t. time, whilst a prime denotes a derivative w.r.t. the scalar
field ϕ.
158. Show that the Hubble parameter cannot increase with time in the single scalar cosmology.
159. Obtain first-order differential equation for the Hubble parameter H as function of ϕ and find its
stationary points.
160. Consider eternally oscillating scalar field of the form ϕ(t) = ϕ0 cos ωt and analyze stationary points
in such a model.
161. Obtain explicit solution for the Hubble parameter in the model considered in the previous problem.
162. Obtain explicit time dependence for the scale factor in the model of problem 160.
163. Reconstruct the scalar field potential V (ϕ) needed to generate the model of problem 160.
164. Describe possible final states for the Universe governed by a single scalar field at large times.
165. Formulate conditions for existence of end points of evolution in terms of the potential V (ϕ).
166. Consider a single scalar cosmology described by the quadratic potential
m2 2
V = v0 + ϕ .
2
Describe all possible stationary points and final states of the Universe in this model.
167. Obtain actual solutions for the model of previous problem using the power series expansion
H[ϕ] = h0 + h1 ϕ + h2 ϕ2 + h3 ϕ3 + ...
Consider the cases of v0 > 0 and v0 < 0.

168. Estimate main contribution to total expansion factor of the Universe.
169. Explain difference between end points and turning points of the scalar field evolution.
170. Show that the exponentially decaying scalar field
ϕ(t) = ϕ0 e−ωt
can give rise to unstable end points of the evolution.

171. Analyze all possible final states in the model of previous problem.
172. Express initial energy density of the model of problem 170 in terms of the e-folding number N .
173. Estimate mass of the particles corresponding to the exponential scalar field considered in problem
170.
174. Calculate the deceleration parameter for flat Universe filled with the scalar field in form of
quintessence.
175. Whenpconsidering dynamics of scalar field ϕ in flat Universe, let us define a function f (ϕ) so that
ϕ̇ = f (ϕ). Obtain the equation describing evolution of the function f (ϕ). (T. Harko, F. Lobo
and M. K. Mak, Arbitrary scalar field and quintessence cosmological models, arXiv: 1310.7167)
9.7. SINGLE SCALAR COSMOLOGY 121
9.7.1 Exact Solutions for the Single Scalar Cosmology

after Harko (arXiv:1310.7167v4)
176. Rewrite the equations of the single scalar cosmology
φ̇2
3H 2 = ρφ = + V (φ) , (9.4)
2
φ̇2
2Ḣ + 3H 2 = −pφ = − + V (φ) , (9.5)
2
φ̈ + 3H φ̇ + V ′ (φ) = 0, (9.6)
in terms of the parameter G(φ) introduced as
φ̇2 = 2V (φ) sinh2 G(φ).
177. Obtain equation to determine the parameter G as function of time.

178. Obtain equation to determine the parameter G as function of scale factor.
179. Obtain the deceleration parameter q in terms of the parameter G.
180. Obtain solution of the equation
r
dG 1 dV 3
+ coth G + = 0. (9.7)
dφ 2V dφ 2
with √
V = V0 exp 6α0 φ . (9.8)
in the case α0 6= ±1.
√
181. Obtain explicit solution of the problem 180 in the case α0 = ± 2.
p
182. Obtain explicit solution of the problem 180 in the case α0 = ± 3/2.
√
183. Obtain explicit solution of the problem 180 in the case α0 = ±2/ 3.
184. Obtain a particular solution of the problem 180 in the case G(φ) = G0 = constant.
185. Obtain solution of the problem 180 in the case α0 = ±1.
186. Obtain solution of the equation
r
dG 1 dV 3
+ coth G + = 0. (9.9)
dφ 2V dφ 2
with r
1 dV 3
= α1 tanh G, (9.10)
2V dφ 2
where α1 is an arbitrary constant.
187. Obtain solution of the equation (9.9) for the case
r !
3 φ
G = arccoth , α2 = constant. (9.11)
2 α2
188. Rewrite the equation (9.9) in form of the two linear differential equations for the variable w = e−G .
189. Obtain a consistency integral relation between the separation function M (φ) and the self-interaction
potential V (φ), corresponding to the equations for the variable w, obtained in the previous prob-
lem.
√
190. Obtain exact solution of the equation (9.9) in the case M (φ) = V .
191. Obtain exact solution of the equation (9.9) in the case M (φ) = V −3/2 .
9.8 Bianchi I Model

(after Esra Russell, Can Battal Kilinc, Oktay K. Pashaev, Bianchi I Models: An Alternative Way
To Model The Present-day Universe, arXiv:1312.3502)
Theoretical arguments and indications from recent observational data support the existence of
an anisotropic phase that approaches an isotropic one. Therefore, it makes sense to consider
models of a Universe with an initially anisotropic background. The anisotropic and homogeneous
Bianchi models may provide adequate description of anisotropic phase in history of Universe. One
particular type of such models is Bianchi type I (BI) homogeneous models whose spatial sections
are flat, but the expansion rates are direction dependent,
ds2 = c2 dt2 − a21 (t)dx2 − a22 (t)dy 2 − a23 (t)dz 2
where a1 , a2 and a3 represent three different scale factors which are a function of time t.
192. Find the field equations of the BI Universe.
193. Reformulate the field equations of the BI Universe in terms of the directional Hubble parameters.
a˙1 a˙2 a˙3
H1 ≡ , H2 ≡ , H3 ≡ .
a1 a2 a3
194. The BI Universe has a flat metric, which implies that its total density is equal to the critical
density. Find the critical density.
195. Obtain an analogue of the conservation equation ρ̇ + 3H(ρ + p) = 0 for the case of the BI Universe.
196. Obtain the evolution equation for the mean of the three directional Hubble parameters H̄.
197. Show that the system of equations for the BI Universe
H1 H2 + H1 H3 + H2 H3 = ρ,
Ḣ1 + H12 + Ḣ3 + H32 + H1 H3 = −p,
Ḣ1 + H12 + Ḣ2 + H22 + H1 H2 = −p,
Ḣ2 + H22 + Ḣ3 + H32 + H2 H3 = −p,
can be transformed to the following
H1 H2 + H1 H3 + H2 H3 = ρ,
1
Ḣ1 + 3H1 H̄ = (ρ − p),
2
1
Ḣ2 + 3H2 H̄ = (ρ − p),
2
1
Ḣ3 + 3H3 H̄ = (ρ − p).
2
198. Show that the mean of the three directional Hubble parameters H̄ is related to the elementary
volume of the BI Universe V ≡ a1 a2 a3 as
1 V̇
H̄ = .
3V
199. Obtain the volume evolution equation of the BI model.

200. Find the generic solution of the directional Hubble parameters.
201. Find the energy density of the radiation dominated BI Universe in terms of volume element Vr .
202. Find the mean Hubble parameter of the radiation dominated case.
9.9. HYBRID EXPANSION LAW 123
203. Find the directional expansion rates of the radiation dominated model.
204. Find time dependence for the scale factors ai in the radiation dominated BI Universe.
205. Find the partial energy densities for the two components of the BI Universe dominated by radiation
and matter in terms of volume element Vrm .
206. Obtain time evolution equation for the total volume Vrm in the BI Universe dominated by radiation
and matter.
207. Using result of the previous problem, obtain a relation between the mean Hubble parameter and
the volume element.
9.9 Hybrid Expansion Law

In problems 208 - 214 we follow the paper of Ozgur Akarsu, Suresh Kumar, R. Myrzakulov, M.
Sami, and Lixin Xu4, Cosmology with hybrid expansion law: scalar field reconstruction of cosmic
history and observational constraints (arXiv:1307.4911) to study expansion history of Universe,
using the hybrid expansion law—a product of power-law and exponential type of functions
α
t t
a(t) = a0 exp β −1 ,
t0 t0
where α and β are non-negative constants. Further a0 and t0 respectively denote the scale factor
and age of the Universe today.
208. Calculate Hubble parameter, deceleration parameter and jerk parameter for hybrid expansion law.
209. For hybrid expansion law find a, H, q and j in the cases of very early Universe (t → 0) and for the
late times (t → ∞).
210. In general relativity, one can always introduce an effective source that gives rise to a given expansion
law. Using the ansatz of hybrid expansion law obtain the EoS parameter of the effective fluid.
211. We can always construct a scalar field Lagrangian which can mimic a given cosmic history. Con-
sequently, we can consider the quintessence realization of the hybrid expansion law. Find time
dependence for the the quintessence field ϕ(t) and potential V (t), realizing the hybrid expansion
law. Obtain the dependence V (ϕ).
212. Quintessence paradigm relies on the potential energy of scalar fields to drive the late time accel-
eration of the Universe. On the other hand, it is also possible to relate the late time acceleration
of the Universe with the kinetic term of the scalar field by relaxing its canonical kinetic term. In
particular this idea can be realized with the help of so-called tachyon fields, for which
V (ϕ) p
ρ= p , p = −V (ϕ) 1 − ϕ̇2 .
1 − ϕ̇2
Find time dependence of the tachyon field ϕ(t) and potential V (t), realizing the hybrid expansion
law. Construct the potential V (ϕ).
213. Calculate Hubble parameter and deceleration parameter for the case of phantom field in which the
energy density and pressure are respectively given by
1 1
ρ = − ϕ̇2 + V (ϕ), p = − ϕ̇2 − V (ϕ).
2 2
214. Solve the problem 211 for the case of phantom field.
215. Find EoS parameter for the case of phantom field.
9.10 The Power-Law Cosmology

216. Show that for power law a(t) ∝ tn expansion slow-roll inflation occurs when n ≫ 1.
217. Show that in the power-law cosmology the scale factor evolution a ∝ η q in conformal time trans-
forms into a ∝ tp in physical (cosmic) time with
q
p= .
1+q
218. Show that if a ∝ η q then the state parameter w is related to the index q by the following
2−q
w= = const.
3q
Chapter 10
Dark Matter
Since the original suggestion of the

existence of dark matter,
the evidence has become overwhelming.
The question has changed from
”Does dark matter exist?” to
”What is this most common of substances?”
G.Jungman, M.Kamionkowski, K.Griest
In the beginning of thirties of the last century a Swiss cosmologist F. Zwicky applied the virial theorem (in
the gravitational field 2hEkin i + hEpot i = 0) in order to estimate the mass of the Coma cluster (Berenice’s
Hair). He was surprised to discover that in order to support the finite motion of the galaxies belonging
to the cluster, its mass must be at least two orders of magnitude greater than the observed mass (in form
of luminous galaxies). He was the first to introduce the term ”dark matter” which strongly entered the
vocabulary of modern cosmology. At present the term is understood as the non-baryon matter component
which neither emits nor absorbs electromagnetic waves in any range.
10.1 Observational Evidence of the Dark matter Ex-

istence
1. Analyze the problem of a small satellite galaxy moving in the gravitational field of a large galaxy
(the problem of non-decreasing behavior of the rotational curves.)
2. What radial dependence of the density of a spherically symmetric galactic halo corresponds to the
constant velocity of satellite galaxies?
3. We have noted above that outside the optically observed range of a galactic disk the rotation
curves of the dwarf satellite galaxies do not depend on the galacto-centric distance (the flatness of
the rotational curves). External regions of the galaxies are mostly filled by cold neutral hydrogen.
Evidently the rotation velocity of the gas gives important information about the mass distribution
in the galaxy. How can one measure that velocity?
4. Using the virial theorem, express the mass of a galaxy cluster through the observed quantities—
the average velocity of galaxies in the cluster and its size. Estimate the mass of the Coma cluster
(Berenice’s hair) for R ≈ 1023 m, hv 2 i1/2 ≈ 2 · 106 m/s.
5. Show that the age of the matter–dominated Universe contradicts observations.
6. A galaxy has the visible mass of 1011 M⊙ and a horizontal rotation curve up to distance of 30kpc
at velocity 250km/s. What is the ration What is the dark to visible mass ratio in the galaxy?
125
126 CHAPTER 10. DARK MATTER
10.2 ANONIMOUS
7. Find the lower limit for the mass of the dark matter particles in case they are:
a) bosons;
b) fermions.
8. Find the lower limit for the mass of fermion particles that constitute a compact spherical object
of dark matter with radius R and mass M .
9. Show that particles that contitute a galaxy of mass M = 1010 M⊙ and radius R = 3kpc must be
non-relativistic.
10. In assumption that neutrinos have mass mν and temperature of decoupling TD ≃ 1M eV , determine
their contribution to the presently observed energy density.
If WIMPs represent dark matter, they will not just generate the background density of Universe,
but they will also cluster together with the usual baryon matter in the galactic halo. In particular,
they will be presented in our own galaxy — the Milky Way. It gives hope to detect the relic
WIMPs immediately on the Earth. What is these hope related to? By definition, WIMPs do not
interact with photons. However, WIMPs could annihilate into usual matter (quarks and leptons)
in the early Universe. Otherwise they would have too high relative abundance today. Due to the
crossover symmetry, the temperature of annihilation of e.g. WIMPs into quarks is related to the
amplitude of elastic scattering of WIMPs on quarks. Therefore WIMPs should interact, though
weakly, with usual matter. Due to this interaction, WIMPs can elastically scatter on target nuclei
and lead to a recoil of detector nuclei partially transferring energy to them. Therefore the search
for the events of elastic scattering of WIMPs on detector nuclei is one of the prospective ways of
galactic dark matter research.
11. Show that preservation of thermal equilibrium for a certain component in the expanding Universe
is possible only under the condition Γ ≪ H, where Γ is the rate of reaction needed to support the
equilibrium.
12. Show that at high temperatures T ≫ mχ (mχ is the WIMPs mass) the ratio of equilibrium
densities of WIMPs and photons is constant: neq eq
χ /nγ = const.
13. Show that the Boltzmann equation describing the evolution of WIMPs number density nχ in
particle number preserving interactions leads to the usual relation for non-relativistic matter nχ ∝
a−3 .
14. Show that in the early Universe for T ≥ mχ , the WIMPs number density follows its equilibrium
value at temperature decreasing.
15. Show that decreasing of the annihilation cross-section leads to increasing of the relic density:
contrary to Charles Darwin, the weakest wins.
16. What temperature does neutrino’s density ”freezing” take place at?
17. Considering the WIMPs as the thermal relics of the early Universe, estimate their current density.
10.3 Dark Matter Halo

18. Estimate the local density of the dark halo in the vicinity of the Earth, assuming that its density
decreases as ρg = C/r2 .
19. Build the model of the spherically symmetric dark halo density corresponding to the observed
galactic rotation curves.
10.4. CANDIDATES FOR DARK MATTER PARTICLES 127
20. In frames of the halo model considered in the previous problem determine the local dark matter
density ρ0 basing on the given rotation velocities of satellite galaxies at the outer border of the
halo v∞ ≡ v(r → ∞) and in some point r0 .
21. For the halo model considered in problem 19 obtain the dependencies ρ(r) and v(r) in terms of ρ0
and v∞ . Plot the dependencies ρ(r) and v(r).
22. Many clusters are sources of X-ray radiation. It is emitted by the hot intergalactic gas filling the
cluster volume. Assuming that the hot gas (kT ≈ 10keV ) is in equilibrium in the cluster with
linear size R = 2.5M pc and core radius rc = 0.25M pc, estimate the mass of the cluster.
10.4 Candidates for Dark Matter Particles

10.4.1 Standard Model Particles as Dark Matter Candi-
dates
10.4.2 Supersymmetric Candidate Particles
Supersymmetry on weak scale (∼ 100GeV, it is the scale which lies in the center of the candidate
particles search) represents the most motivated basis for new Particle Physics. It naturally pro-
vides the dark matter candidates with approximately correct relic density. This fact gives strongly
fundamental and absolutely independent motivation for the supersymmetric theories. That is whay
application of supersymmetry to cosmology and vice versa deserves the most attentive considera-
tion. An indirect result of the dark matter research is to transfer the results of the supersymmetry
theory into applicative domain where its predictions can be chacked in the nearest future.
23. Why accelerator energies just exceeding the WIMP rest mass are insufficient to observe the
WIMPs?
24. What consequences follow from the R-parity conservation?
10.5 Dark Matter Detection

25. Estimate the WIMPs’ flow onto the Earth’s surface.
26. What are the main processes due to which the WIMPs can be detected?
27. Show that WIMPs of mass ∼ 100GeV being elastically scattered on Xenon nuclei with mass
∼ 130GeV lead to energy recoil ≤ 40keV .
28. Show that the WIMPs’ elastic scattering experiments will be most efficient if the target nuclei’s
mass is comparable with the WIMPs’ mass.
29. Determine the minimum velocity of WIMPs that can transmit energy Q to a nucleus with mass
mN .
30. Estimate the count rate for the detector registering elastic events of WIMPs.
31. Obtain the expression for the count rate of the detector registering elastic events of WIMPs.
32. Reconstruct the one–dimensional WIMPs’ velocities distribution f1 (v) (see the previous problem)
basing on the given count rate of the elastic events.
33. Construct a model-independent scheme for WIMPs’ mass determination using the results of
WIMPs’ elastic scattering events detection for two or more sets of experimental data with de-
tectors of different composition.
128 CHAPTER 10. DARK MATTER
34. Show that if a WIMP has the mass of the order 100GeV and velocity of the order of 300km/s,
then it coherently interacts with nucleons of a detector nuclei.
35. Find the total WIMP–nucleus cross–section determining the elastic events’ count rate.
36. How will the number of counts for the elastic events detector be affected by transition to heavier
target nuclei at fixed detector mass?
37. Show that if the WIMPs’ mass is of the order of 100GeV then the elastic spin-independent cross-
section for WIMPs on a nucleus with A ∼ 100 is eight orders of magnitude larger then the
corresponding cross-section on a nucleon
38. Estimate the annual modulations’ amplitude of the WIMPs elastic scattering cross-section.
39. Estimate the diurnal modulations’ amplitude of the WIMPs elastic scattering cross-section.
10.6 The Dark Matter in the Solar System

40. Estimate upper bound of the relative perturbation of the Earth orbit due to presence of the dark
matter in the Solar system. Assume that the upper limit on the dark matter in the Solar system
lies on the level ρDM ≈ 1.5 · 10−12 g/cm3 and it remains constant at the distance discussed.
41. Find the velocity change of a spaceship rotating around the Earth with period T as the result of
dark matter particles scattering on the nuclei of particles that compose the spaceship.
42. Assume that due to interaction with dark matter particles the spaceship’s velocity changed by ∆v
in one period. Given its mass is m and it moves around the Earth on a circular orbit, estimate
the dark matter density in the Earth’s neighborhood.
10.7 The Dark Stars

43. Estimate how much will the period of rotation of the Earth around the Sun change in one year
due to gravitational capture of dark matter particles.
44. Estimate the rate of energy outcome due to the WIMP-annihilation process using the parameter
values mW IMP = 100GeV and hσviann = 3 · 10−26 cm3 /sec for the annihilation cross section.
45. It is theorized that the dark matter particles’ annihilation processes could be a competitive energy
source in the first stars. Why did those processes play an important role only in the early Universe
and why are they not important nowadays?
Chapter 11
Interaction in the dark sector
The evolution of any broadly applied model is accompanied by multiple generalizations that aim to resolve
conceptual problems, as well as to explain the ever-increasing array of observations. In the case of
Standard Cosmological Model one of the most promising directions of generalization is the replacement of
the cosmological constant with a more complicated, dynamic form of dark energy, as well as the inclusion of
interaction between the dark components. Typically, dark energy (DE) models are based on the scalar fields
minimally coupled to gravity, and do not implement the explicit coupling of the field to the background dark
matter (DM). However there is no fundamental reason for this assumption in the absence of an underlying
symmetry which would suppress the coupling. Given that we do not know the true nature of either DE
or DM, one cannot exclude the possibility that there exists a coupling between them. Whereas new forces
between DE and normal matter particles are heavily constrained by observations (e.g. in the solar system
and gravitational experiments on Earth), this is not the case for DM particles. In other words, it is
possible that the dark components interact with each other, while not being coupled to standard model
particles. Therefore, the possibility of DE-DM interaction must be looked at with the utmost seriousness.
11.1 Physical mechanism of energy exchange

1. Models with interaction between DM and the DE field can be realized if we make just an obvious
assumption: the mass of the cold DM particles is a function of the DE field. Let the dark matter
particles will be collisionless and nonrelativisic. Hence, the pressure of this fluid and its energy
density are pdm = 0 and ρdm = nm respectively, where m is the rest mass and n is the number
density of DM particles. We define m = λϕ where ϕ is a scalar field and λ is a dimensionless
constant. Show how such assumption affects the scalar field dynamics (after [18]).
2. Show that the DM on a inhomogeneous vacuum background can be treated as as interacting DE
and DM. (after [19]).
3. Obtain general equations of motion for DE interacting with DM [20].
11.2 Phenomenology of interacting models

4. Find the effective state parameters w(de)ef f and w(dm)ef f that would allow one to treat the inter-
acting dark components as non-interacting.
5. Using the effective state parameters obtained in the previous problem, analyze dynamics of dark
matter and dark energy depending on sign of the rate of energy density exchange in the dark
sector.
6. Find the effective state parameters w(de)ef f and w(dm)ef f for the case of the warm dark matter
(wdm 6= 0) and analyze the features of dynamics in this case.
129
130 CHAPTER 11. INTERACTION IN THE DARK SECTOR
7. Show that the quintessence coupled to DM with certain sign of the coupling constant behaves like
a phantom uncoupled model, but without negative kinetic energy.
8. In order to compare dynamics of a model with observational results it is useful to analyze all dy-
namic variables as functions of redshift rather than time. Obtain the corresponding transformation
for the system of interacting dark components.
9. (after [21]) Show that energy exchange between dark components leads to time-dependent effective
potential energy term in the first Friedman equation.
10. Show that the system of interacting components can be treated as the uncoupled one due to
introduction of the partial effective pressure of the dark components
Q Q
Πde ≡ , Πdm ≡ − .
3H 3H
11. Assume that the mass mdm of dark matter particles depends on a scalar field ϕ. Construct the
model of interacting dark energy and dark matter in this case.
12. Assume that the mass mdm of DM particles depends exponentially on the DE scalar field m =
m∗ e−λϕ . Find the interaction term Q in this case.
13. Find the equation of motion for the scalar field interacting with dark matter if its particles’ mass
depends on the scalar field.
14. Make the transformation from the variables (ρde , ρdm ) to

ρdm
r= , ρ = ρdm + ρde
ρde
for the system of interacting dark components.
15. Generalize the result of previous problem to the case of warm dark matter.
16. Calculate the derivatives dr/dt and dr/dH for the case of flat universe with the interaction Q.
17. It was shown in the previous problem that

ρ̇dm ρ̇de 1+r Q r Q
ṙ = r − = 3Hr wde + = (1 + r) 3Hwde +Γ , Γ≡ .
ρdm ρde ρdm 3H 1+r ρde
Exclude the interaction Q and reformulate the equation in terms of ρde , H and its derivatives.
18. Generalize the result, obtained in the previous problem, for the case of non-flat Universe [22].
19. Show that critical points in the system of equations obtained in problem 14 exist only for the case
of dark energy of the phantom type.
20. Show that the result of previous problem holds also for warm dark matter.
21. Show that existence of critical points in the system of equations obtained in problem 14 requires
a transfer from dark energy to dark matter.
22. Show that the result of previous problem holds also for warm dark matter.
23. Assume that the ratio of the interacting dark components equals
ρdm
r≡ ∝ a−ξ , ξ ≥ 0.
ρde
Analyze how the interaction Q depends on ξ.
24. Show that the choice
ρdm
r≡ ∝ a−ξ , (ξ ≥ 0)
ρde
guarantees existence of an early matter-dominated epoch.
11.3. SIMPLE LINEAR MODELS 131
25. Find the interaction Q for the Universe with interacting dark energy and dark matter, assuming
that ratio of their densities takes the form
ρdm
r≡ = f (a),
ρde
where f (a) is an arbitrary differentiable function of the scale factor.
26. Let
f˙(t)
Q= ρdm .
f (t
Show that the sign of the deceleration parameter is defined by the ratio
f˙
.
fH
27. Show that in the model, considered in the previous problem, the transition from the accelerated
expansion to the decelerated one can occur only due to time dependence of the interaction.
11.3 Simple linear models

28. Find the scale factor dependence for the dark matter density assuming that the interaction between
the dark matter and the dark energy equals Q = δ(a)Hρdm .
29. Obtain the equation for the evolution of the DE energy density for Q = δ(a)Hρdm .
30. Find ρdm and ρde in the case Q = δHρdm , δ = const, wde = const.
31. As was shown above, interaction between dark matter and dark energy leads to non–conservation
of matter, or equivalently, to scale dependence for the mass of particles that constitute the dark
matter. Show that, within the framework of the model of previous problem (Q = δHρdm , δ =
const, wde = const) the relative change of particles mass per Hubble time equals to the interaction
constant.
32. Find ρdm and ρde in the case Q = δHρde , δ = const, wde = const.
33. Find ρdm and ρde in the case Q = δ(a)Hρde , δ(a) = β0 aξ , wde = const. (after [23].)
34. Let’s look at a more general linear model for the expansion of a Universe that contains two
interacting fluids with the equations of state
p1 = (γ1 − 1)ρ1 ,
p2 = (γ2 − 1)ρ2 ,
and energy exchange

ρ̇1 + 3Hγ1 ρ1 = −βHρ1 + αHρ2 ,
ρ̇2 + 3Hγ2 ρ2 = βHρ1 − αHρ2 .
Here α and β are constants describing the energy exchanges between the two fluids. Obtain the
equation for H(t) and find its solutions (After [24, 25]).
35. Show that the energy balance equations (modified conservation equations) for Q ∝ H do not
depend on H.
36. The Hubble parameter is present in the first Friedmann equation quadratically. This gives rise
to a useful symmetry within a class of FLRW models. Because of this quadratic dependence,
Friedmann’s equation remains invariant under a transformation H → −H for the spatially flat
case. This means it describes both expanding and contracting solutions. The transformation
H → −H can be seen as a consequence of the change a → 1/a of the scale factor of the FLRW
metric. If, instead of just the first Friedmann equation, we want to make the whole system of
Universe-describing equations invariant relative to this transformation, we must expand the set of
values that undergo symmetry transformations. Then, when we refer to a duality transformation,
we have in mind the following set of transformations
ρ+p ρ̄ + p̄
H → H̄ = −H, ρ → ρ̄ = ρ, p → p̄ = −2ρ − p, γ≡ → γ̄ ≡ = −γ.
ρ ρ̄
Generalize the duality transformation to the case of interacting components.(after [26].)
11.4 Cosmological models with a change of the di-

rection of energy transfer
Let us consider one more type of interaction Q, whose sign (i.e., the direction of energy transfer) changes
when the mode of decelerated expansion is replaced by the mode of accelerated expansion, and vice versa.
The simplest interaction of this type is the one proportional to the deceleration parameter. An example
of such interaction is
Q = q(αρ̇ + βHρ),
where α and β are dimensionless constants, and ρ can be any of densities ρde , ρdm or ρtot . In the
following problems for simplicity we restrict ourselves to the decaying Λ model, for which ρ̇de = ρ̇Λ = −Q
and pde = −ρde . (after [27])
37. Construct general procedure to the Hubble parameter and the deceleratio parameter for the case
Q = q(αρ̇dm + βHρdm ).
38. Find deceleration parameter for the case α = 0 in the model considered in the previous problem.
39. Consider the model Q = q(αρ̇Λ + 3βHρΛ ). Obtain the Hubble parameter H(a) and deceleration
parameter for the case α = 0.
11.5 Non-linear interaction in the dark sector

The interaction studied so far are linear in the sense that the interaction term in the individual energy
balance equations is proportional either to dark matter density or to dark energy density or to a linear
combination of both densities. Also from a physical point of view an interaction proportional to the product
of dark components seems preferred: an interaction between two components should depend on the product
of the abundances of the individual components, as, e.g., in chemical reactions. Moreover, such type of
interaction looks more preferable then the linear one when compared with the observations. Below we
investigate the dynamics for a simple two-component model with a number of non-linear interactions.
In problems 32-34 let a spatially flat FLRW Universe contain perfect fluids with densities ρ1 and ρ2 .
Consider a nonlinear interaction of the form Q = γρ1 ρ2 . (after [28]).
40. Consider a model in which both fluids are dust. Find r(t) ≡ ρ1 (t)/ρ2 (t).
41. Consider a Universe with more than two CDM components interacting with each other. What is
the asymptotic behavior of the individual densities of the components in the limit t → ∞?
42. Consider a Universe containing a cold dark matter and a dark energy, in which the dark energy be-
haves like a cosmological constant. Show that in such model dark energy is a perpetual component
of the Universe.
11.6. PHASE SPACE STRUCTURE OF MODELS WITH INTERACTION 133
43. Consider a two-component Universe with the interaction Q = γρ1 ρ2 . Let one component is CDM
(ρ1 = ρdm , w1 = 0), and the second is the dark energy with arbitrary state equation (ρ2 = ρde ,
w2 = γde − 1). (The case considered in the previous problem corresponds to γde = 0.) Find the
relation between the dark energy and dark matter densities.
44. Let interaction term Q be a non-linear function of the energy densities of the components and/or
the total energy density. Motivated by the structure
r r
ρdm = ρ, ρde = ρ,
1+r 1+r
ρdm
ρ ≡ ρdm + ρde , r≡
ρde
consider ansatz
Q = 3Hγρm rn (1 + r)s .
where γ is a positive coupling constant. Show that for s = −m interaction term is proportional to
a power of products of the densities of the components. For (m, n, s) = (1, 1, −1) and (m, n, s) =
(1, 0, −1) reproduce the linear case.(After [29])
45. Find analytical solution of non-linear interaction model covered by the ansatz of previous problem
for (m, n, s) = (1, 1, −2), Q = 3Hγρde ρdm /ρ.
46. Find analytical solution of non-linear interaction model for (m, n, s) = (1, 2, −2), Q = 3Hγρ2dm/ρ.
47. Find analytical solution of non-linear interaction model for (m, n, s) = (1, 0, −2), Q = 3Hγρ2de /ρ.
48. Consider a flat Universe filled by CDM and DE with a polytropic equation of state
11
pde = Kρden
where K and n are the polytropic constant and polytropic index, respectively. Find dependence of
DE density on the scale factor under assumption that the interaction between the dark components
is Q = 3αHρde . (after [30])
49. Show that under certain conditions the interacting polytropic dark energy with Q = 3αHρde
behaves as the phantom energy.
50. Find deceleration parameter for the system considered in the problem 48.
11.6 Phase space structure of models with interac-

tion
The evolution of a Universe filled with interacting components can be effectively analyzed in terms of
dynamical systems theory. Let us consider the following coupled differential equations for two variables
ẋ = f (x, y, t),
(11.1)
ẏ = g(x, y, t).
We will be interested in the so-called autonomous systems, for which the functions f and g do not
contain explicit time-dependent terms. A point (xc , yc ) is said to be a fixed (a.k.a. critical) point of the
autonomous system if
f (xc , yc ) = g(xc , yc ) = 0.
A critical point (xc , yc ) is called an attractor when it satisfies the condition (x(t), y(t)) → (xc , yc ) for
t → ∞. Let’s look at the behavior of the dynamical system (11.1) near the critical point. For this
purpose, let us consider small perturbations around the critical point
x = xc + δx, y = yc + δy.
Substituting it into (11.1) leads to the first-order differential equations:

d δx δx
= M̂ .
dN δy δy
Taking into account the specifics of the problem that we are solving, we made the change
d d
→ ,
dt dN
where N = ln a. The matrix M̂ is given by
 
∂f ∂f
∂x ∂y
 
M̂ =  
∂g ∂g
∂x ∂y
The general solution for the linear perturbations reads
δx = C1 eλ1 N + C2 eλ2 N ,
δy = C3 eλ1 N + C4 eλ2 N ,
The stability around the fixed points depends on the nature of the eigenvalues.
Let us treat the interacting dark components as a dynamical system described by the equations
ρ′de + 3(1 + wde )ρde = −Q
ρ′dm + 3(1 + wdm )ρdm = Q

Here, the prime denotes the derivative with respect to N = ln a. Note that although the interaction can
significantly change the cosmological evolution, the system is still autonomous. We consider the following
specific interaction forms, which were already analyzed above:
Q1 = 3γdm ρdm , Q1 = 3γde ρde , Q1 = 3γtot ρtot
51. Find effective EoS parameters w(dm)ef f and w(de)ef f for the interactions Q1 , Q2 and Q3 .
52. Find the critical points of equation for ratio r = ρdm /ρde if Q = 3αH(ρdm + ρde ), where the
phenomenological parameter α is a dimensionless, positive constant, wdm = 0, wde = const.
53. Show, that the remarkable property of the model, considered in the previous problem, is that for
the interaction parameter α, consistent with the current observations α < 2.3 × 10−3 the ratio r
tends to a stationary but unstable value at early times, rs+ , and to a stationary and stable value,
rs− (an attractor), at late times. Consequently, as the Universe expands, r(a) smoothly evolves
from rs+ to the attractor solution rs− .
54. Transform the system of equations
ρ′de + 3(1 + wde )ρde = −Q,
ρ′dm + 3(1 + wdm )ρdm = Q,

into the one for the fractional density energies.(after [31])
55. Analyze the critical points of the autonomous system, obtained in the previous problem
Ω′dm = 3fj Ωdm Ωde ,
Ω′de = −3fj Ωdm Ωde ,

by imposing the conditions Ω′dm = Ω′de = 0 and Ωdm + Ωde = 1 (flatness of Universe).
11.7. PECULIARITY OF DYNAMICS OF SCALAR FIELD COUPLED TO DARK MATTER135
56. Construct the stability matrix for the dynamical system considered in the problem 54 and deter-
mine its eigenvalues.
57. Using result of the previous problem, determine eigenvalues of the stability matrix for the following
cases: i) Ωdm = 1, Ωde = 0, fj 6= 0; ii) Ωdm = 0, Ωde = 1, fj 6= 0; iii) fj = 0.
58. Obtain position and type of the critical points obtained in the previous problem for the case of
cosmological constant interacting with dark matter as Q = 3γdm ρdm .
59. Construct the stability matrix for the following dynamical system

wde
ρ′ = − 1 + ρ,
1+r

(1 + r)2
r′ = r wde − Π ,
rρ
and determine its eigenvalues. (After [29])
11.7 Peculiarity of dynamics of scalar field coupled

to dark matter
11.7.1 Interacting quintessence model
Given that the quintessence field and the dark matter have unknown physical natures, there seem to be
no a priori reasons to exclude a coupling between the two components. Let us consider a two-component
system (scalar field ϕ + dark matter) with the energy density and pressure
ρ = ρϕ + ρdm , p = pϕ + pdm
(we do not exclude the possibility of warm DM (pdm 6= 0).) If some interaction exists between the scalar
field and DM, then
ρ̇dm + 3H(ρdm + pdm ) = Q
ρ̇ϕ + 3H(ρϕ + pϕ ) = −Q.
Using the effective pressures Πϕ and Πdm ,
Q = −3HΠdm = 3HΠϕ
one can transit to the system
ρ̇dm + 3H(ρdm + pdm + Πdm ) = 0,

ρ̇ϕ + 3H(ρϕ + pϕ + Πϕ ) = 0.
60. Obtain the modified Klein-Gordon equation for the scalar field interacting with the dark matter.
61. Consider a quintessence scalar field ϕ which couples to the dark matter via, e.g., a Yukawa-like
interaction f (ϕ/MP l )ψ̄ψ, where f is an arbitrary function of ϕ and ψ is a dark matter Dirac
spinor. Obtain the modified Klein-Gordon equation for the scalar field interacting with the dark
matter in such way. (after [32])
62. (The problems 62-66 are inspired by [33])
Show that the Friedman equation with interacting scalar field and dark matter allow existence of
stationary solution for the ratio r ≡ ρdm /ρϕ .
63. Find the form of interaction Q which provides the stationary relation r for interacting cold dark
matter and quintessence in spatially flat Universe.
64. For the interaction Q which provides the stationary relation r for interacting cold dark matter and
quintessence in spatially flat Universe (see the previous problem), find the dependence of ρdm and
ρϕ on the scale factor.
65. Show that in the case of interaction Q obtained in the problem 63, the scalar field ϕ evolves
logarithmically with time.
66. Reconstruct the potential V (ϕ), which realizes the solution r = const, obtained in the problem 63.
67. (after [34])
Let the DM particle’s mass M depend exponentially on the DE scalar field as M = M∗ e−λϕ , where
λ is positive constant and the scalar field potential is
V (ϕ) = V∗ eηϕ .
Obtain the modified Klein-Gordon equation for this case.

68. Let the DM particle’s mass M depend exponentially on the DE scalar field as M = M∗ e−α , and
the scalar field potential is
V (ϕ) = V∗ eβ ,
where α, β > 0. Obtain the modified Klein-Gordon equation for this case.
11.7.2 Interacting Phantom

Let the Universe contain only noninteracting cold dark matter (wdm = 0) and a phantom field (wde <
−1). The densities of these components evolve separately: ρdm ∝ a−3 and ρde ∝ a−3(1+wde ) . If matter
domination ends at tm , then at the moment of time
wde
tBR = tm
1 + wde
the scale factor, as well as a series of other cosmological characteristics of the Universe become infinite.
This catastrophe has earned the name ”Big Rip”. One of the way to avoid the unwanted big rip singularity
is to allow for a suitable interaction between the phantom energy and the background dark matter.
69. Show that through a special choice of interaction, one can mitigate the rise of the phantom com-
ponent and make it so that components decrease with time if there is a transfer of energy from
the phantom field to the dark matter. Consider case of Q = δ(a)Hρdm and wde = const.
70. Calculate the deceleration parameter for the model considered in the previous problem.
71. (after [35].)
Let the interaction Q of phantom field ϕ with DM provide constant relation r = ρdm /ρϕ . Assuming
that wϕ = const, find ρϕ (a), ρϕ (ϕ) and a(ϕ) for the case of cold dark matter (CDM).
72. Construct the scalar field potential, which realizes the given relation r for the model considered in
the previous problem.
11.7.3 Tachyonic Interacting Scalar Field

Let us consider a flat Friedmann Universe filled with a spatially homogeneous tachyon field T evolving
according to the Lagrangian q
L = −V (T ) 1 − g00 Ṫ 2 .
11.8. REALIZATION OF INTERACTION IN THE DARK SECTOR 137
The energy density and the pressure of this field are, respectively
V (T )
ρT = p
1 − Ṫ 2
and p
pT = −V (T ) 1 − Ṫ 2 .
The equation of motion for the tachyon is
T̈ 1 dV
+ 3H Ṫ + .
1 − Ṫ 2 V (T ) dT
(Problems 73-77 are after [36].)
73. Find interaction of tachyon field with cold dark matter (CDM), which results in r ≡ ρdm /ρT =
const.
74. Show that the stationary solution ṙ = 0 exists only when the energy of the tachyon field is
transferred to the dark matter.
75. Find the modified Klein-Gordon equation for arbitrary interaction Q of tachyon scalar field with
dark matter.
76. Find the modified Klein-Gordon equation for the interaction Q obtained in the problem 73 and
obtain its solutions for the case ϕ̇ = const.
77. Show that sufficiently small values of tachyon field provide the accelerated expansion of Universe.
11.8 Realization of interaction in the dark sector

Let us consider the Einstein field equations

Λ
Rµν − f rac12Rgµν = 8πG Tµν + gµν .
8πG
According to the Bianchi identities, (i) vacuum decay is possible only from a previous existence of some
sort of non-vanishing matter and/or radiation, and (ii) the presence of a time-varying cosmological term
results in a coupling between Tµν and Λ. We will assume (unless stated otherwise) coupling only between
vacuum and CDM particles, so that
µν
Λg
uµ , T;ν(CDM)µν = −uµ = −uµ (ρΛ g µν );ν
8πG ;ν
(CDM)
where Tµν = ρdm uµ uν is the energy-momentum tensor of the CDM matter and ρΛ is the vacuum
energy density. It immediately follows that
ρ̇dm + 3Hρdm = −ρ̇Λ .
Note that although the vacuum is decaying, wΛ = −1 is still constant, the physical equation of state
(EoS) of the vacuum wΛ ≡= pΛ /ρΛ is still equal to constant −1, which follows from the definition of the
cosmological constant.
(see [37, 38] )
78. Since vacuum energy is constantly decaying into CDM, CDM will dilute in a smaller rate compared
with the standard relation ρdm ∝ a−3 . Thus we assume that ρdm = ρdm0 a−3+ε , where ε is a small
positive small constant. Find the dependence ρΛ (a) in this model.
79. Solve the previous problem for the case when vacuum energy is constantly decaying into radiation.
80. Show that existence of a radiation dominated stage is always guaranteed in scenarios, considered
in the previous problem.
81. Find how the new temperature law scales with redshift in the case of vacuum energy decaying into
radiation.
Since the energy density of the cold dark matter is ρdm = nm, there are two possibilities for storage
of the energy received from the vacuum decay process:
(i) the equation describing concentration, n, has a source term while the proper mass of CDM particles
remains constant;
(ii) the mass m of the CDM particles is itself a time-dependent quantity, while the total number of
CDM particles, N = na3 , remains constant.
Let us consider both the possibilities.
82. Find dependence of total particle number on the scale factor in the model considered in problem
78.
83. Find time dependence of CDM particle mass in the case when there is no creation of CDM particles
in the model considered in problem 78.
84. Consider a model where the cosmological constant Λ depends on time as Λ = σH. Let a flat
Universe be filled by the time-dependent cosmological constant and a component with the state
equation pγ = (γ − 1)ργ . Find solutions of Friedman equations for this system [39] .
85. Show that the model considered in the previous problem correctly reproduces the scale factor
evolution both in the radiation-dominated and non-relativistic matter (dust) dominated cases.
86. Find the dependencies ργ (a) and Λ(a) both in the radiation-dominated and non-relativistic matter
dominated cases in the model considered in problem 84.
87. Show that for the Λ(t) models
dS
T = −ρ̇Λ a3 .
dt
11.8.1 Time-dependent cosmological ”constant”

88. Consider a two-component Universe filled by matter with the state equation p = wρ and cosmo-
logical constant and rewrite the second Friedman equation in the following form
2
ä 1 ȧ k 1 − 3w
= (1 + 3w) + 2 + Λ. (11.2)
a 2 a2 a 6
89. Consider a two-component Universe filled by matter with the state equation p = wρ and cosmo-
logical constant with quadratic time dependence Λ(τ ) = Aτ 2 , and find the time dependence for of
the scale factor.
90. Consider a flat two-component Universe filled by matter with the state equation p = wρ and cos-
mological constant with quadratic time dependence Λ(τ ) = Aτ ℓ . Obtain the differential equation
for Hubble parameter in this model and classify it.
91. Find solution of the equation obtained in the previous problem 90 in the case ℓ = 1. Analyze the
obtained solution.
92. Solve the equation obtained in the problem 90 for ℓ = 2. Consider the following cases
a) λ0 > −1/(3γτ0)2 ,
b) λ0 = −1/(3γτ0 )2 ,
c) λ0 < −1/(3γτ0)2
(see the previous problem). Analyze the obtained solution.
11.9. STATEFINDER PARAMETERS FOR INTERACTING DARK ENERGY AND COLD DARK MAT
93. Consider a flat two-component Universe filled by matter with the state equation p = wρ and
cosmological constant with the following scale factor dependence
Λ = B a−m , (11.3)
Find dependence of energy density of matter on the scale factor in this model.
94. Find dependence of deceleration parameter on the scale factor for the model of previous problem.
11.9 Statefinder parameters for interacting dark en-

ergy and cold dark matter.
95. (after [40])
Show that in flat Universe both the Hubble parameter and deceleration parameter do not depend
on whether or not dark components are interacting. Become convinced the second derivative Ḧ
does depend on the interaction between the components.
96. Find statefinder parameters for interacting dark energy and cold dark matter.
97. Show that the statefinder parameter r is generally necessary to characterize any variation in the
overall equation of state of the cosmic medium.
98. Find relation between the statefinder parameters in the flat Universe.
99. Express the statefinder parameters in terms of effective state parameter w(de)ef f , for which
ρ̇de + 3H(1 + w(de)ef f )ρde = 0.
100. Find the statefinder parameters for Q = 3δHρdm , assuming that wde = const.
101. Find statefinder parameters for the case ρdm /ρde = a−ξ , where ξ is a constant parameter in the
range [0, 3] and wde = const.
102. Show that in the case ρdm /ρde = a−ξ the current value of the statefinder parameter s = s0 can be
used to measure the deviation of cosmological models from the SCM.
103. Find how the statefinder parameters enter the expression for the luminosity distance.
11.10 Interacting holographic dark energy

The traditional point of view assumed that dominating part of degrees of freedom in our World are
attributed to physical fields. However it became clear soon that such concept complicates the construction
of Quantum Gravity: it is necessary to introduce small distance cutoffs for all integrals in the theory
in order to make it sensible. As a consequence, our World should be described on a three-dimensional
discrete lattice with the period of the order of Planck length. Lately some physicists share an even more
radical point of view: instead of the three-dimensional lattice, complete description of Nature requires
only a two-dimensional one, situated on the space boundary of our World. This approach is based on
the so-called ”holographic principle”. The name is related to the optical hologram, which is essentially
a two-dimensional record of a three-dimensional object. The holographic principle consists of two main
statements:
1. All information contained in some region of space can be ”recorded” (represented) on the boundary
of that region.
2. The theory, formulated on the boundaries of the considered region of space, must have no more
than one degree of freedom per Planck area:
A G~
N≤ , Apl = . (11.4)
Apl c3
Thus, the key piece in the holographic principle is the assumption that all the information about the
Universe can be encoded on some two-dimensional surface — the holographic screen. Such approach
leads to a new interpretation of cosmological acceleration and to an absolutely unusual understanding of
Gravity. The Gravity is understood as an entropy force, caused by variation of information connected
to positions of material bodies. More precisely, the quantity of information related to matter and its
position is measured in terms of entropy. Relation between the entropy and the information states that
the information change is exactly the negative entropy change ∆I = −∆S. Entropy change due to matter
displacement leads to the so-called entropy force, which, as will be proven below, has the form of gravity.
Its origin therefore lies in the universal tendency of any macroscopic theory to maximize the entropy.
The dynamics can be constructed in terms of entropy variation and it does not depend on the details
of microscopic theory. In particular, there is no fundamental field associated with the entropy force.
The entropy forces are typical for macroscopic systems like colloids and biophysical systems. Big colloid
molecules, placed in thermal environment of smaller particles, feel the entropy forces. Osmose is another
phenomenon governed by the entropy forces.
Probably the best known example of the entropy force is the elasticity of a polymer molecule. A single
polymer molecule can be modeled as a composition of many monomers of fixed length. Each monomer can
freely rotate around the fixation point and choose any spacial direction. Each of such configurations has
the same energy. When the polymer molecule is placed into a thermal bath, it prefers to form a ring as
the entropically most preferable configuration: there are many more such configurations when the polymer
molecule is short, than those when it is stretched. The statistical tendency to transit into the maximum
entropy state transforms into the macroscopic force, in the considered case—into the elastic force.
Let us consider a small piece of holographic screen and a particle of mass m approaching it. According
to the holographic principle, the particle affects the amount of the information (and therefore of the
entropy) stored on the screen. It is natural to assume that entropy variation near the screen is linear on
the displacement ∆x:
mc
∆S = 2πkB ∆x. (11.5)
~
The factor 2π is introduced for convenience, which the reader will appreciate solving the problems of this
section. In order to understand why this quantity should be proportional to mass, let us imagine that the
particle has split into two or more particles of smaller mass. Each of those particles produces its own
entropy change when displaced by ∆x. As entropy and mass are both additive, then it is natural that
the former is proportional to the latter. According to the first law of thermodynamics, the entropy force
related to information variation satisfies the equation
F ∆x = T ∆S. (11.6)
If we know the entropy gradient, which can be found from (15.2), and the screen temperature, we can
calculate the entropy force.
An observer moving with acceleration a, feels the temperature (the Unruh temperature)
1 ~
kB TU = a. (11.7)
2π c
Let us assume that the total energy of the system equals E. Let us make a simple assumption that the
energy is uniformly distributed over all N bits of information on the holographic screen. The temperature
is then defined as the average energy per bit:
1
E= N kB T. (11.8)
2
Equations (15.2)–(15.5) allow one to describe the holographic dynamics, and as a particular case—the
dynamics of the Universe, and all that without the notion of Gravity.
104. For the interacting holographic dark energy Q = 3αHρL , with the Hubble radius as the IR cutoff,
find the depending on the time for the scale factor, the Hubble parameter and the deceleration
parameter.
11.11. TRANSIENT ACCELERATION 141
105. Show that for the choice ρhde ∝ H 2 (ρhde = βH 2 , β = const)an interaction is the only way to
have an equation of state different from that of the dust.
106. Calculate the derivative
dρde
d ln a
for the holographic dark energy model, where IR cut-off L is chosen to be equal to the future event
horizon. (after [41])
107. Find the effective state parameter value wef f , such that
ρ′de + 3(1 + wef f )ρde = 0
for the holographic dark energy model, considered in the previous problem, with the interaction
of the form Q = 3αHρde .
108. Analyze how fate of the Universe depends on the parameter c in the holographic dark energy
model, where IR cut-off L is chosen to be equal to the future event horizon.
109. In the case of interacting holographic Ricci dark energy with interaction is given by
Q = γHρR , (11.9)
where γ is a dimensionless parameter, find the dependence of the density of dark energy and dark
matter on the scale factor.
110. Find the exact solutions for linear
interactions
between Ricci DE and DM, if the energy density
of Ricci DE is given by ρx = 2Ḣ + 3αH 2 /∆, where ∆ = α − β and α, β are constants.
111. Find the equation of motion for the relative density
n2
Ωq = , (11.10)
H 2T 2
were Z a
da′
T = . (11.11)
0 Ha′
of interacting agegraphic dark energy and the deceleration parameter, for sets of interaction term
Q = 3αHρq ; 3βHρm ; 3γHρtot .
11.11 Transient acceleration

112. Consider a simple model of transient acceleration with decaying cosmological constant
ȧ
ρ̇m + 3 ρm = −ρ̇Λ , (11.12)
a
where ρm and ρΛ energy density DE and cosmological constant Λ. At the early stages of the
expansion of the Universe, when ρΛ is quite small, such a decay does not influence cosmological
evolution in any way. At later stages, as the DE contribution increases, its decay has an ever
increasing effect on the standard dependence of the DM energy density ρm ∝ a−3 on the scale
factor a. We consider the deviation to be described by a function of the scale factor - ǫ(a).
ρm = ρm,0 a−3+ǫ(a) , (11.13)
where a0 = 1 in the present epoch. Other fields of matter (radiation, baryons) evolve independently
and are conserved. Hence, the DE density has the form
Z1
ǫ(ã) + ãǫ′ ln(ã)
ρΛ = ρm0 dã + X , (11.14)
ã4−ǫ(ã)
a
where the prime denotes the derivative with respect to the scale factor, and X is the integration
constant. If radiation is neglected, the first Friedmann equation takes the form
1/2
H = H0 Ωb,0 a−3 + Ωm0 ϕ(a) + ΩX,0 , (11.15)
Using the assumption that the function ǫ(a) has the following simple form
ǫ(a) = ǫ0 aξ = ǫ0 (1 + z)−ξ , (11.16)
where ǫ0 and ξ can take both positive and negative values, find function ϕ(a) and relative energy
density Ωb (a), Ωm (a) and ΩΛ (a).
113. Using the results of the previous problem, find the deceleration parameter for this model is q(a).
Draw the graph deceleration parameter as a function of log(a) for various values of ǫ0 and ξ:
ξ = 1.0 and ǫ0 = 0.1, ξ = −1.0 and ǫ0 = 0.1, ξ = 0.8 and ǫ0 = 0.5, ξ = −0.5 and ǫ0 = −0.1..
114. Consider the possibility of an accelerating transient regime within the interacting scalar field model
using potential of the form
√
λ √ 2 √ α σ 2
V (φ) = ρφ 0 [1 − (1 + α σφ) )] exp [−λ σ(φ + φ )], (11.17)
6 2
where ρφ 0 is a constant energy density, σ = 8πG/λ, and α and λ are two dimensionless, positive
parameters of the model, that the deceleration parameter is non-monotonically dependent on the
scale factor. Plot the deceleration parameter as a function of the scale factor.
115. Consider a simple parameterization:
Q = 3β(a)Hρde (11.18)
with a simple power-law ansatz for β(a), namely:
β(a) = β0 aξ . (11.19)
Substituting this interaction form into conservation equations for DM and DE:
ρ̇dm + 3Hρdm = Q, (11.20)
ρ̇de + 3H(ρde + pde ) = −Q, (11.21)
we get
−3(1+w0 ) 3β0 (1 − aξ )
ρde = ρde0 a · exp , (11.22)
ξ
where the integration constant ρde0 is value of the dark energy at present, and the dark energy
EoS parameter w ≡ pde /ρde is a constant-w0 . Substituting Eq. (11.22) into Eq. (11.21), we get
the dark matter energy density,
ρdm = f (a)ρdm0 , (11.23)
where
( 3β0 )
1 Ωde0 3β0 a−3w0 e ξ
ξ 3β0 aξ 3w0 3β0
f (a) ≡ 3 1− · a E 3w0 −a E 3w0 , (11.24)
a Ωdm0 ξ ξ ξ ξ ξ
R∞
where ρdm0 is dark matter density at present day, and En (z) = 1 t−n e−xt dt the usual exponential
integral function. Note however that Eq. (11.23) is an analytical expression, while in the corre-
sponding expressions were left as integrals and were calculated numerically. Obviously, in the case
of non-interaction (that is, for β0 = 0), Eq. (11.23) recovers the standard result ρdm = ρdm0 /a3 .
2
For the special case ξ = 0 find dimensionless Hubble parameter E 2 (z) ≡ H H02
, the evolution of
the density parameters Ωb (a), Ωdm (a) and Ωde (a) and q(a). For what values of β0 the cosmic
acceleration is transient?
11.11. TRANSIENT ACCELERATION 143
116. Consider the flat FLRW cosmology with two coupled homogeneous scalar fields Φ and Ψ:
ρ˙b = −3Hγb ρb (11.25)

Φ̈ = −3H Φ̇ − ∂Φ V (11.26)
Ψ̈ = −3H Ψ̇ − ∂Ψ V (11.27)
Ḣ = −4πG(γm ρm + γr ρr + γQ ρQ ) , (11.28)
8πG k
H2 = (ρm + ρr + ρQ ) − 2 . (11.29)
3 a
Here a dot denotes a derivative with respect to the cosmic time t, the subscript b refers to the
dominant background quantity, either dust (m) or radiation (r) while Q refers to the Dark Energy
sector, here the two quintessence scalar fields.
The quintessence fields with potential V have the following energy density and pressure:
1 2 1 2
ρQ = Φ̇ + Ψ̇ + V (Φ, Ψ) (11.30)
2 2
1 1 2
pQ = Φ̇2 + Ψ̇ − V (Φ, Ψ) (11.31)
2 2
with pQ = (γQ − 1)ρQ . It is convenient to define the following new variables :
r r r
8πG Φ̇ 8πG Ψ̇ 8πG √
XΦ = √ , X Ψ = √ , X V = V. (11.32)
3H 2 2 3H 2 2 3H 2
Find expressions for the Φ′ , Ψ′ , XΦ′ , XΨ

′
, XV′ where a prime denotes a derivative with respect to
the quantity N , the number of e-folds with respect to the present time,
a
N ≡ ln , (11.33)
a0
and we have also H = Ṅ .

117. Using result from the previous problem find the relative energy density for matter, radiation and
quintessence, Ωm , Ωr and ΩQ , the deceleration parameter q, the Hubble-parameter-free luminosity
distance DL and the age of the Universe t0 .
Chapter 12
Standard Cosmological Model
”The history of cosmology shows that in every age

devout people believe that they have at last discovered
the true nature of the Universe”
E.R. Harrison
On the frontier between XX and XXI centuries the Standard Cosmological Model (SCM) became the
dominant model of Universe. It is based on two most important observational results:
1. Accelerated expansion of the Universe
2. Euclidean geometry of space.
The theoretical basis of the SCM is the theory of General Relativity. Also it is assumed that early Universe
is adequately described by the inflation theory (see Chapter ??). SCM fixes a set of parameters of the
Universe and, in particular, its energy composition: Ωk0 = 0, Ωm0 = 0.27, Ωr0 = 8.1 × 10−5 , ΩΛ = 0.73.
According to SCM, two components dominate in the present Universe—the dark energy (in form of
cosmological constant Λ) and the cold dark matter (CDM). Therefore the model was named ΛCDM .
In the problems below, unless specified otherwise, the standard values for the SCM parameters are to
be used.
12.1 Characteristic Parameters and Scales

1. Calculate the dark energy density and the cosmological constant value.
2. Estimate total number of baryons in the Universe.
3. Find dependence of relative density of dark energy ΩΛ on the redshift. Plot ΩΛ (z).
4. Estimate total number of stars in the Universe.
5. Find the ratio of dark energy density to the energy density of electric field of intensity 1 V /m.
Compare the dark energy density with gravitational field energy density on the Earth surface.
6. Estimate the distance between two neutral hydrogen atoms at which the gravitational force of their
attraction is balanced by the repulsion force generated by dark energy in the form of cosmological
constant. Make the same estimates for the Sun-Earth system.
7. Can an open Universe recollapse or a closed Universe expand forever?
8. Current observations show that the Universe is flat with high precision: |Ωcurv | < 0.02. Consider
a hypothetic situation: all dark energy in the Universe instantly disappears, but the curvature
remains as small as it is, and k = +1 (Ωcurv < 0) (closed Universe). What ratio of scale factors
a(t)/a0 corresponds to the moment when expansion change to contraction in such a Universe?
9. Calculate magnitude of physical acceleration.
145
146 CHAPTER 12. STANDARD COSMOLOGICAL MODEL
10. How far can one see in the Universe?

11. Find age of the Universe.
12. Give a qualitative explanation why the age of Universe in SCM is considerably greater than the
age of matter dominated Universe (Einstein-de Sitter model).
12.2 Evolution of Universe

13. Rewrite the first Friedman equation in terms of redshift and analyze the contributions of separate
components at different stages of Universe evolution.
14. Find the time dependence for the scale factor and analyze asymptotes of the dependence. Plot
a(t).
15. Determine the redshift value corresponding to equality of radiation and matter densities.
16. Show that the following holds: Ḣ = −4πGρm and Ḧ = 12πGρm H.
17. Expand the scale factor in Taylor series near the time moment t0 :
X∞
a(t) An (t0 ) 1 dn a
=1+ [H0 (t − t0 )]n ; An ≡
a(t0 ) n=1
n! aH n dtn
and calculate values for few first coefficients An .

18. Show that all the coefficients An can be expressed through elementary functions of the deceleration
parameter q or the density parameter
2
Ωm = (1 + q).
3
19. Consider the case of flat Universe filled by non-relativistic matter and dark energy with state
equation pX = wρX , where the state parameter w is parameterized as the following
z
w = w0 + wa (1 − a) = w0 + wa .
1+z
Express current values of cosmographic parameters through w0 and wa .
20. Show that the results of the previous problem applied to SCM coincide with the ones obtained in
the problem 17.
21. Photons with z = 0.1, 1, 100, 1000 are registered. What was the Universe age tU in the moment
of their emission? What period of time tph were the photons on the way? Plot tU (z) and tph (z).
22. Determine the present physical distance to the object that emitted light with current redshift z.
23. A photon was emitted at time t and registered at time t0 with red shift z. Find and plot the
dependence of emission time on the redshift t(z).
24. Find the time dependence for the scale factor and analyze its asymptotes. Plot a(t).
25. Using the explicit solution for scale factor a(t), obtained in the previous problem, find the cosmic
horizon Rh (see Chapter 3).
26. Show that the Universe becomes Rh -delimited only after the cosmological constant starts to dom-
inate.
27. Analyze the stability of Friedmann equations.
28. Determine solutions for the perturbations δρm and δH. Make sure that the solutions are stable.
12.2. EVOLUTION OF UNIVERSE 147
29. Rewrite the first Friedman equation in terms of conformal time.

30. Find relation between the scale factor and conformal time
31. Find explicit dependence of the scale factor on the conformal time.
32. Find relative density of dark energy 109 years later.
33. Find variation rate of relative density of dark energy. What are its asymptotic values? Plot its
time dependence.
34. Estimate size of the cosmological horizon.
35. Find time dependence of Hubble parameter and plot it.
36. Find time dependence of dark matter density.
37. Find the asymptotic (in time) value of the Hubble parameter.
38. At present the age of the Universe t0 ≃ 13.7 · 109 years is close to the Hubble time tH = H0−1 ≃
14 · 109 years. Does the relation t∗ ≃ tH (t∗ ) = H −1 (t∗ ) for the age t∗ of the Universe hold for any
moment of its evolution?
39. Determine values of state parameter for the dark energy, that provide accelerated expansion of
Universe in the present time.
40. Find current value of the deceleration parameter.
41. Find the redshift dependence of the deceleration parameter. Analyze the limiting cases.
42. Find and plot the time dependence of the deceleration parameter.
43. Find the moment of time when the dark energy started to dominate over dark matter. What
redshift did it correspond to?
44. Determine the moment of time and redshift value corresponding to the transition from decelerated
expansion of the Universe to the accelerated one.
45. Solve the previous problem using the derivative dη/d ln a.
46. Is dark energy domination necessary for transition to the accelerated expansion?
47. Consider flat Universe composed of matter and dark energy in form of cosmological constant. Find
the redshift value corresponding to equality of densities of the both components ρm (zeq ) = ρΛ (zeq )
and the one corresponding to beginning of the accelerated expansion q (zaccel ) = 0. Obtain relation
between zeq and zaccel .
48. Show that density perturbations stop to grow after the transition from dust to Λ-dominated era.
49. What happens to the velocity fluctuations of non-relativistic matter and radiation with respect to
Hubble flow in the epoch of cosmological constant domination?
50. Find the ratio of baryon to non-baryon components in the galactic halo.
51. Imagine that in the Universe described by SCM the dark energy was instantly switched off. Analyze
further dynamics of the Universe.
52. Estimate density of dark energy in form of cosmological constant using the Hubble diagram (see
fig.12.1) for the neighborhood of the Local group.
53. Estimate the Local group mass by methods used in the previous problem.
54. Find ”weak” points in the argumentation of the two preceding problems.
55. The product of the age of the Universe and current Hubble parameter (the Hubble’s constant) is a
very important test (Sandage consistency test) of internal consistency for any model of Universe.
Analyze the parameters on which the product H0 t0 depends in the Big Bang model and in the
SCM.
Figure 12.1: To problem 52: Hubble diagram for the neighborhood of the Local group.
12.2. EVOLUTION OF UNIVERSE 149
56. Show that for a fixed source of radiation the luminosity distance for high redshift values in flat
Universe is greater for the dark energy dominated case compared to the non-relativistic matter
dominated one.
57. In the observations that discovered the accelerated expansion of the Universe the researchers in
particular detected two Ia type supernovae: 1992P , z = 0.026, m = 16.08 and 1997ap, z = 0.83,
m = 24.32. Show that these observed parameters are in accordance with the SCM.
58. Find the redshift value, at which a source of linear dimension d has minimum visible angular size.
59. Compare the observed value of the dark energy density with the one expected from the dimen-
sionality considerations (the cosmological constant problem).
60. Determine the density of vacuum energy using the Planck scale as cutoff parameter.
61. Identifying the vacuum fluctuations density with the observable dark energy value in SCM, find
the required frequency cutoff magnitude in the fluctuation spectrum.
νmax = 1012 Hz.
62. What purely cosmological problem originates from the divergence of the zero-point energy density?
63. With exact supersymmetry, the bosonic contribution to cosmological constant is canceled by its
fermionic counterpart. However, we know that our world looks like not supersymmetric. Super-
symmetry, if exists, has to be broken above or around 100GeV scale. Compare the observed value
of the dark energy density with the one expected from broken supersymmetry.
64. Determine duration of the inflation period.
65. Plot the dependence of luminosity distance dL (in units of H0−1 ) on the redshift z for the two-
component flat Universe with non-relativistic liquid (w = 0) and cosmological constant (w = −1).
Consider the following cases:
a) Ω0Λ = 0;
b) Ω0Λ = 0.3;
c) Ω0Λ = 0.7;
d) Ω0Λ = 1.
66. For a Universe filled by dark energy with state equation pDE = wDE ρDE and non-relativistic
matter obtain the Taylor series for dL in terms of z near the observation point z0 = 0. Explain
the obtained result.
67. Determine position of the first acoustic peak in the CMB power spectrum produced by baryon
oscillations on the surface of the last scattering.
68. Compare the asymptotes of time dependence of the scale factor a(t) for the SCM and de Sitter
models. Explain physical reasons of their distinction.
69. Redshift for any object slowly changes due to the acceleration (or deceleration) of the Universe
expansion. Estimate change of velocity in one year.
70. Determine the lower limit of ratio of the total volume of the Universe to the observed one?
71. What is the difference between the inflationary expansion in the early Universe and the present
accelerated expansion?
72. Compare the values of Hubble parameter at the beginning of the inflation period and at the
beginning of the present accelerated expansion of Universe.
73. Consider the quantity

h2 (x) − 1
O(x) = ,
x3 − 1
where x = 1+z, h(x) = H(x)/H0 (x). Show that if the state parameter w = const then O(x) = Ω0m
for cosmological constant, O(x) > Ω0m for quintessence and O(x) < Ω0m for phantom energy, and
therefore O(x) can be used to probe the dark energy state equation.
74. Plot the dependencies h(x) = H(x)/H0 (x), where x = 1 + z, in the SCM, for quintessence and for
phantom energy cases.
75. Find the constraints imposed by the Weak Energy Condition (WEC) for the dark energy on the
redshift-dependent Hubble parameter. (Inspired by A.Sen, R.Scherrer, arXiv:astro-ph/ 0703416)
76. Using the statefinders, show that the power law cosmology mimics SCM model at (see Chapters 3
and 9).
Chapter 13
Weak field limit and gravitational

waves
13.1 Motivation and symmetries / Introduction

1. Show that relic neutrinos can provide us with information on the Universe at temperatures less
that 1 MeV (i.e. from the age of the order of seconds). What is the corresponding limit for
gravitons?
2. The basic theory of gravitational waves, discussed below, deals mostly with small perturbations on
flat Minkowski background. Can this approximation be useful for studying waves on a non-trivial
non-flat background, and if yes then in which cases?
3. Show that generation of either electromagnetic or gravitational monopole radiation is impossible.
4. Show that dipole gravitational radiation is prohibited by the momentum conservation law.
5. Obtain, using dimensional analysis, the quadrupole formula for the energy loss by a system due
to emission of gravitational waves
dE G ... ...αβ
∼ 5 · Qαβ Q ,
dt c
where
Z
Qαβ = d3 x (xα xβ − 31 r2 δαβ )ρ(x).
is the reduced quadrupole moment of the system.
6. Using the quadrupole formula, find the upper limit for gravitational luminosity of a source.
7. Construct the limiting luminosity from dimensional analysis
8. Why the upper limit on luminosity, obtained in General Relativity, should not change in the future
quantum theory of gravitation?
9. Estimate the gravitational luminosity for gravitationally bound systems
10. Estimate the upper bound of the gravitational wave frequency generated by a compact source with
size R and mass M .
151
152 CHAPTER 13. WEAK FIELD LIMIT AND GRAVITATIONAL WAVES
13.2 Linearized Einstein equations

Let us consider small perturbations on Minkowski background, such that in some frame the metric
gµν (x) = ηµν + hµν (x), |hµν (x)| ≪ 1. (13.1)
We can also consider perturbations on the background of other exact solutions of the Einstein
(0)
equations by replacing ηµν with the corresponding gµν . Thus cosmological perturbations are
naturally studied in the Friedmanninan background.
The linearized Einstein equations are obtained in the first order by hµν , discarding quadratic
terms. On Minkowski background the zero-order terms for the curvature tensor and its contractions
vanish, so from the Einstein’s equation the stress-energy tensor in the considered region must also
be small (if non-zero) and ∼ h. The constraints this places on matter will be considered in more
detail in the next section.
11. Show that on Minkowski background the inverse metric is
g µν (x) = η µν − hµν (x) + O(h2 ), where hµν ≡ η µρ η νσ hρσ ,
and we agree to use η for raising and lowering of the indices.

(0)
12. Show∗ that using the background metric gµν to raise and lower indices instead of the true metric
gµν only makes difference in the next order by h.
Consider for definiteness a second rank tensor Aµν :
Aµν = gµρ gνσ Aρσ = gµρ

(0) (0) ρσ
gνσ A + O(hA).
∗
Is it really a problem at all?
13. Derive the curvature, Ricci and Einstein tensors in the first order by hµν .
14. Write the Einstein’s tensor in terms of the trace-reversed metric perturbation
1
h̄µν = hµν − h ηµν .
2
13.3 Gauge transformations and degrees of free-

dom
The general equations
8πG
Gµν = Tµν
c4
are valid in any coordinate frame, in which the metric obeys (13.1), so∗ we have the freedom to
make coordinate transformation
µ
xµ → x′ = xµ + ξ µ (x),
with four arbitrary functions ξ µ , which are of the first order by hµν .
∗
In addition to global Lorentz transformations, which are symmetries of the Minkowski back-
ground, or in general the isometries of the background spacetime.
15. Find hµν in the new (primed) coordinates; show that curvature tensor and its contractions are
gauge invariant and do not change their functional form.
In a given frame the metric perturbation hµν can be decomposed into pieces which transform under
spatial rotations as scalars, vectors and tensors (the irreducible representations of the rotation
13.4. WAVE EQUATION 153
group SO(3)) in the following way (spatial components are denoted by Greek indices from the
beginning of the alphabet α, β, γ . . . = 1, 2, 3):
h00 = 2Φ; (13.2)
h0α = −wα ; (13.3)

hαβ = 2 sαβ + Ψηαβ , (13.4)
where hαβ is further decomposed in such a way that sij is traceless and Ψ encodes the trace:
h ≡ hα
α =η
αβ
hαβ = 0 + 2Ψδαα = 6Ψ; (13.5)
1
Ψ= 6 h; (13.6)
1 1

sαβ = 2 hαβ − 6h ηαβ . (13.7)
Thus the metric takes the form

ds2 = (1 + 2Φ)dt2 − 2wα dt dxα − (1 − 2Ψ)ηαβ − 2sαβ dxα dxβ
16. Write down geodesic equations for a particle in the weak field limit in terms of fields Φ, wα , hαβ .
What are the first terms of expansion by v/c in the non-relativistic limit?
17. Derive the Einstein equations for the scalar Φ, Ψ, vector wα and tensor sαβ perturbations. Which
of them are dynamical?
18. Find the gauge transformations for the scalar, vector and tensor perturbations.
19. This one is equivalent to Gaussian normal coordinates and is fixed by setting
Φ = 0, wα = 0. (13.8)
Write the explicit coordinate transformations and the metric in this gauge.
20. This is a generalization of the conformal Newtonian or Poisson gauge sometimes used in cosmology,
which is fixed by demanding that
∂α sαβ = 0, ∂α wα = 0. (13.9)
Find the equations for ξ µ that fix the transverse gauge.
13.4 Wave equation

21. The Lorenz∗ gauge conditions are
∂µ h̄µν = 0. (13.10)
Write down the Einstein’s equations in the Lorenz gauge.
∗
By analogy with electromagnetism; note the spelling: Lorenz, not Lorentz.
22. Lorenz frame is the coordinate frame in which the Lorenz gauge conditions (13.10) are satisfied.
µ
1) find the coordinate transformation xµ → x′ = xµ + ξ µ from a given frame to the Lorenz frame;
2) is the Lorenz frame unique? what is the remaining freedom for the choice of ξ µ ?
23. Obtain the Einstein’s equation in the Lorenz gauge in the first order by h directly from the action
24. Simplify the vacuum Einstein’s equations in the transverse gauge (without the Lorenz gauge con-
ditions), assuming vanishing boundary conditions.
The only difference of the wave equation for gravitational perturbations from the one for the
electromagnetic field is in its tensorial nature. The Green’s function for the wave equation is
known and the retarded solution, which is usually thought of as the one physically relevant, is
Z
1 d3 x′ 16πG |x − x′ | ′
h̄µν (t, x) = · T µν t − ,x . (13.11)
4π |x − x′ | c4 c
13.5 Transverse traceless gauge

From now on we consider only vacuum solutions. Suppose we use the Lorenz gauge. As shown
above, we still have the freedom of coordinate transformations with ξ µ = 0, which preserve the
gauge. So, let us choose some arbitrary (timelike) field uµ and, in addition to the Lorenz gauge
conditions, demand that the perturbation is also transverse uµ h̄µν = 0 with regard to it plus that
it is traceless h̄µµ = 0. Then hµν = h̄µν and we can omit the bars. In the frame of observers with
4-velocity uµ the full set of conditions that fix ”the transverse traceless (TT) gauge” is then
∂µ hµ ν = 0, h0µ = 0, hµ µ = 0. (13.12)
Simplest solutions of the vacuum wave equation are plane waves

λ
hµν = hµν eikλ x .
Indeed, substitution into hµν = 0 yields
k λ kλ · hµν = 0.
Thus:
1) either the wave vector is null k λ kλ = 0, which roughly translates as that gravitational waves
propagate with the speed of light,
2) or hµν = 0, which means that in any other (non-TT) coordinate frame, in which metric pertur-
bation is non-zero, it is due to the oscillating coordinate system, while the true gravitational field
vanishes.
25. Rewrite the gauge conditions for the TT and Lorenz gauge
1) in terms of scalar, vector and tensor decomposition; 2) in terms of the metric perturbation for
the plane wave solution
λ
hµν = hµν eikλ x = hµν eiωt−ikz
with wave vector k µ = (ω, 0, 0, k) directed along the z-axis.
So any plane-wave solution with k µ = (ω, 0, 0, k) in the z-direction in the TT gauge has the form
(in coordinates t, x, y, z)  
0 0 0 0
0 h+ h× 0 ikz−iωt
hµν = 0 h× −h+ 0 e
 , (13.13)
0 0 0 0
or more generally any wave solution propagating in the z direction can be presented as
   
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0
hµν (t, z) =   
0 0 −1 0 h+ (t − z) + 0 1 0
 h (t − z) = (13.14)
0 ×
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
= e(+) (×)
µν h+ (t − z) + eµν h× (t − z). (13.15)
Here h+ and h× are the amplitudes of the two independent components with linear polarization,
(×) (+)
and eµν , eµν are the corresponding polarization tensors.
(×) (+)
26. Show that eµν and eµν transform into each other under rotation by π/8
27. Consider the plane wave solution of the wave equation in the Lorenz gauge:
λ
h̄µν = Aµν ei kλ x , k µ kµ = 0.
13.6. GRAVITATIONAL WAVES AND MATTER 155
1) Show that the TT gauge is fixed by the coordinate transformation x → x + ξ with

λ
ξµ = Bµ eikλ x ; (13.16)
Aµν lµ lν Aµµ 1
Bλ = − 4
kλ − 2
lλ + Aλµ lµ ; (13.17)
8iω 4iω 2iω 2
where k µ = (ω, k), lµ = (ω, −k). (13.18)
2) What is the transformation to the Lorenz gauge for arbitrary gravitational wave in vacuum?
28. Consider the plane-wave solution, in which
λ
Rµνρσ = Cµνρσ eikλ x .
1) Using the Bianchi identity, show that all components of the curvature tensor can be expressed
through R0α0β ;
2) Show that in the coordinate frame such that k µ = (k, 0, 0, k) is directed along the z-axis the
only possible nonzero components are R0x0x , R0y0y and R0x0y , obeying R0x0x = −R0y0y , leaving
only two independent non-zero components;
3) in the TT gauge (denoted by the superscript T T )
R0α0β = − 21 ∂02 gαβ
TT
;
13.6 Gravitational waves and matter

29. Consider a plane wave with ”+” polarization. 1) Write down the equations of motion for a non-
relativistic particle; what happens to particles at rest?
2) Find the geodesic deviation from the Raychaudhuri equation and show that the result is the
same;
30. Find the variation of proper distance between two particles at rest in the TT frame in the presence
of a plane gravitational wave with the ”+” polarization. Show that a ring of test particles placed
initially at rest in the plane orthogonal to the wave vector will be distorted into an ellipse with its
axes directed along the polarization tensor’s main axes and oscillating with the wave’s frequency.
31. Derive the equation of motion and geodesic deviation in the proper frame of one of the particles.
32. Consider the plain gravitational wave with ”+” polarization, propagating in the z direction
(+)
hαβ (t, z) = eαβ f (t − z)
and introduce new coordinates in the (x, y) plane at z = 0:

1 1
X = 1 + f x, Y = 1 − f y
2 2
The coordinates (x, y) of test particles do not change with time, but (X, Y ) do.
Show, that the distance between the particles can be calculated in the first order by the wave’s
amplitude in the (X, Y ) coordinates using the Euclidean metric
33. Show that far from an isolated non-relativistic system of small enough mass the spacial components
of the metric perturbation in the long-wave approximation are
2 d2 Iαβ (tr )
h̄αβ (t, r) = ,
r dt2
where tr = t − r is retarded time and
Z
Iαβ = d3 x xα xβ T00 (t, x)
is the second mass moment of the system.

13.7 Energy of gravitational waves

34. Derive the quadrupole formula for the energy loss by a system due to emission of gravitational
waves
13.8 Binary systems

35. Find the strain tensor h̄αβ of the metric perturbation far from a binary system with components
of equal masses M . The radius of the orbit is R, orbital frequency ω.
36. Calculate the gravitational luminosity for the binary system with equal masses of the previous
problem.
37. Calculate the gravitational luminosity for a binary system with components of arbitrary masses
M1 and M2 .
38. Find the rate of the two components of a binary with masses M1 and M2 approaching due to
emission of gravitational waves. Obtain the distance between them R as a function of time.
39. Calculate the lifetime of a binary system of mass M and orbital radius R due to emission of
gravitational waves alone. Make estimates for the Hulse-Taylor binary pulsar PSR1913+16 with
the following characteristics: M ≈ 2.8M⊙ , R ≈ 4.5R⊙ , R⊙ ≈ 7 × 108 m.
40. Show that the mass of a binary can be determined through the frequency of gravitational waves
it generates.
13.9 Gravitational Waves: scale of the phenomenon

41. A world champion in sprint starts the race. Estimate the portion of energy he spends that goes
into production of gravitational waves.
42. Imagine a dumb-bell consisting of two 1-ton compact masses with their centers separated by 2
meters and spinning at 1 kHz about a line bisecting and orthogonal to their symmetry axis.Estimate
the amplitude of gravitational waves at the distance of r = 300km from this source.
43. Estimate the amplitude of the gravitational wave produced by a supernova explosion in our Galaxy.
44. Consider a pair of 1.4M⊙ neutron stars 15M pc away (e.g., near the center of the Virgo galactic
cluster) on a circular orbit of 20km radius and orbital frequency of 400Hz. Estimate the amplitude
of gravitational wave.
45. Estimate the energy flux of gravitational waves, registered on Earth, from a pair of merging neutron
stars in the Virgo cluster with the same parameters. Compare with the energy flux from the Sun.
46. In the Solar system the most considerable source of gravitational waves is the subsystem of Sun
and Jupiter. Estimate its power.
47. Estimate the lifetime of the hydrogen atom in the 3d state with respect to decay into 1s due to
gravitational (as opposed to electromagnetic) interaction, and emission of a graviton.
13.10 Generation and detection of gravitational

waves
48. Show that effectiveness of gravitational wave production increases with the increase of mass.
13.10. GENERATION AND DETECTION OF GRAVITATIONAL WAVES 157
49. What is the reason for the very low efficiency of gravitational waves’ production, i.e. conversion
of mechanical energy into that of gravitational waves?
50. What happens to a single particle as a gravitational wave passes through?
51. One may wonder, how it is possible to infer the presence of an astronomical body by the grav-
itational waves that it emits, when it is clearly not possible to sense its much larger stationary
(essentially Newtonian) gravitational potential. What gives us hope to overcome this problem?
The next three problems are inspired by S.Hughes, Listening to the Universe with gravitational-
wave astronomy, arXiv:astro-ph/0210481
52. What could be the origin of this poetic terminology?
53. The most promising sources (neutron binaries, supernovae) of gravitational waves should give the
amplitudes of the order of h ∼ 10−21 . For every kilometer of baseline L we need to be able to
measure a distance shift of ∆L better than 10−16 cm. How can we possibly hope to measure an
effect that is ∼ 1012 times smaller than the wavelength of visible light (all interferometers use
optical lasers)?
54. The atoms on the surface of the interferometers’ test mass mirrors oscillate with an amplitude
r
kT
δlatom = ∼ 10−10 cm
mω 2
at room temperature T , with m the atomic mass, and with a vibrational frequency ω ∼ 1014 s−1 .
This amplitude is huge relative to the effect of the gravitational waves. Why doesn’t it wash out
the gravitational wave?
Chapter 14
Observational Cosmology
14.1 Point gravitational lenses

1. Compare the dependence of refraction angle α̂ on impact parameter p for optical and gravitational
lenses.
2. Obtain the formula α̂ = rg /p for refraction of light ray using the Newtonian theory.
3. Calculate the angle of refraction of light in the gravitational field of the Sun.
4. Propagation of light in gravitational field could be considered as propagation in a ”medium”.
Calculate the effective refractive index for such a medium.
5. Determine the dependence of a ray’s shifting from the axis of symmetry after the refraction on
a nontransparent lens. Find the region of shadow and estimate its size, considering the Sun as a
lens.
6. What scales of angles and distances determine the position of the images of the light source after
the passage through the gravitational lens? Consider two cases: 1) the source and the lens are at
cosmological distances from the observer; 2) the distance from the observer to the lens is much
smaller than the distance to the source.
7. Show that when the gravitational lens is placed between source and observer in the general case
the two images of the source would be observed. How are the images placed relative to the lens
and observer?
8. How should source, gravitational lens and observer be placed relative to each other in order to
observe the Einstein ring? Calculate the radius of the ring.
9. How would the Einstein ring change if we take into account the finite size of the source? Estimate
the space characteristics of the observed image assuming that the radius of the lens is much smaller
than the raius of the lens.
10. Qualitatively consider the general situation, when a source of finite size, lens and observer are not
on one line. Estimate the angular sizes of the observed images.
11. Calculate the angular shift of the Einstein ring from the circle of the gravitational lens. Estimate
it, considering the Sun as a lens. Is this value observable?
12. Recently the exceptional phenomenon was observed using the Hubble space telescope: the double
Einstein ring, formed by the influence of the gravitational field of the galaxy on the light from two
other more distant galaxies. What conditions are necessary for the observation of this phenomenon?
13. Calculate the energy amplification coefficient for images produced by the gravitational lens. De-
termine its peculiarities. Compare with an optical lens.
159
160 CHAPTER 14. OBSERVATIONAL COSMOLOGY
14.2 Microlensing and Weak Lensing

14. The microlensing occurs when a lens passes in front of a distant source. Consider the conditions
of existence of such an effect and its main features.
15. In order to describe the probability of microlensing the notion of optical depth is used. Consider
its physical sense. How many sources should one observe in order to register a few events per year?
16. How can microlensing help to detect and characterize dark matter in a galactic halo?
17. Obtain the general relation for reflection angle in the lens’ field, if the surface density of the lens
is given.
18. Introduce the Jacobian of the transformation from the coordinates without lensing to the coordi-
nates after lensing. What is its physical sense?
19. Propose a method to reconstruct the mass distribution basing on the measured surface brightness
of the images.
Chapter 15
Holographic Universe
The traditional point of view assumed that dominating part of degrees of freedom in our World are
attributed to physical fields. However it became clear soon that such concept complicates the construction
of Quantum Gravity: it is necessary to introduce small distance cutoffs for all integrals in the theory
in order to make it sensible. As a consequence, our world should be described on a three-dimensional
discrete lattice with the period of the order of Planck length. Lately some physicists share an even more
radical point of view: instead of the three-dimensional lattice, complete description of Nature requires
only a two-dimensional one, situated on the space boundary of our World. This approach is based on
the so-called ”holographic principle”. The name is related to the optical hologram, which is essentially
a two-dimensional record of a three-dimensional object. The holographic principle consists of two main
statements:
1. All information contained in some region of space can be ”recorded” (represented) on the boundary
of that region.
2. The theory, formulated on the boundaries of the considered region of space, must have no more
than one degree of freedom per Planck area:
A G~
N≤ , Apl = . (15.1)
Apl c3
Thus, the key piece in the holographic principle is the assumption that all the information about the
Universe can be encoded on some two-dimensional surface — the holographic screen. Such approach leads
to a new interpretation of cosmological acceleration and to an absolutely unusual understanding of Gravity.
The gravity is understood as an entropy force, caused by variation of information connected to positions of
material bodies. More precisely, the quantity of information related to matter and its position is measured
in terms of entropy. Relation between the entropy and the information states that the information change
is exactly the negative entropy change ∆I = −∆S. Entropy change due to matter displacement leads to
the so-called entropy force, which, as will be proven below, has the form of gravity. Its origin therefore
lies in the universal tendency of any macroscopic theory to maximize the entropy. The dynamics can be
constructed in terms of entropy variation and it does not depend on the details of microscopic theory. In
particular, there is no fundamental field associated with the entropy force. The entropy forces are typical
for macroscopic systems like colloids and biophysical systems. Big colloid molecules, placed in thermal
environment of smaller particles, feel the entropy forces. Osmose is another phenomenon governed by the
entropy forces.
Probably the best known example of the entropy force is the elasticity of a polymer molecule. A single
polymer molecule can be modeled as a composition of many monomers of fixed length. Each monomer can
freely rotate around the fixation point and choose any spacial direction. Each of such configurations has
the same energy. When the polymer molecule is placed into a thermal bath, it prefers to form a ring as
the entropically most preferable configuration: there are many more such configurations when the polymer
molecule is short, than those when it is stretched. The statistical tendency to transit into the maximum
entropy state transforms into the macroscopic force, in the considered case—into the elastic force.
161
162 CHAPTER 15. HOLOGRAPHIC UNIVERSE
Let us consider a small piece of holographic screen and a particle of mass m approaching it. According
to the holographic principle, the particle affects the amount of the information (and therefore of the
entropy) stored on the screen. It is natural to assume that entropy variation near the screen is linear on
the displacement ∆x:
mc
∆S = 2πkB ∆x. (15.2)
~
The factor 2π is introduced for convenience, which the reader will appreciate solving the problems of this
Chapter. In order to understand why this quantity should be proportional to mass, let us imagine that
the particle has split into two or more particles of smaller mass. Each of those particles produces its own
entropy change when displaced by ∆x. As entropy and mass are both additive, then it is natural that
the former is proportional to the latter. According to the first law of thermodynamics, the entropy force
related to information variation satisfies the equation
F ∆x = T ∆S. (15.3)
If we know the entropy gradient, which can be found from (15.2), and the screen temperature, we can
calculate the entropy force.
An observer moving with acceleration a, feels the temperature (the Unruh temperature)
1 ~
kB TU = a. (15.4)
2π c
Let us assume that the total energy of the system equals E. Let us make a simple assumption that the
energy is uniformly distributed over all N bits of information on the holographic screen. The temperature
is then defined as the average energy per bit:
1
E= N kB T. (15.5)
2
Equations (15.2)–(15.5) allow one to describe the holographic dynamics, and as a particular case—the
dynamics of the Universe, and all that without the notion of Gravity.
15.1 Information, Entropy and Holographic Screen

2
1. Show that information density on holographic screen is limited by the value ∼ 1069 bit/m .
2. Choosing the Hubble sphere as a holographic screen, find its area in the de Sitter model (recall
that in this model the Universe dynamics is determined by the cosmological constant Λ > 0).
3. Find the entropy of a quantum system composed of N spin-1/2 particles.
4. Consider a 3D lattice of spin-1/2 particles and prove that entropy of such a system defined in a
standard way is proportional to its volume.
5. Find the change of the holographic screen area when it is crossed by a spin-1/2 particle.
6. What entropy change corresponds to the process described in the previous problem?
7. According to Hawking, black holes emit photons (the black hole evaporation) with thermal spec-
trum and effective temperature
~c
TBH = rg ,
4πkB
where rg = 2GM /c2 is the black hole Schwarzschild radius. Neglecting accretion and CMB
absorption, determine the life time of a black hole with initial mass M0 . Calculate the lifetime for
black holes with the mass equal to Planck mass, mass of the Earth and Solar mass.
8. Show that black holes have negative thermal capacity.
9. Show that the black hole evaporation process is accompanied by increase of its temperature. Find
the relative variation of the black hole temperature if its mass gets twice smaller due to evaporation.
15.1. INFORMATION, ENTROPY AND HOLOGRAPHIC SCREEN 163
10. Show that in order to produce an entropy force when a particle approaches the holographic screen,
its temperature must be finite.
11. Determine the entropic acceleration of a particle crossing the holographic screen with temperature
Tb .
12. Show that the Unruh temperature is the Hawking radiation temperature
~c3
TBH =
8πkB GM
with substitution a → g, where g is the surface gravity of the black hole.
13. In order to verify experimentally the Unruh effect, it is planned to accelerate particles with accel-
eration of the order of 1026 m/ sec2 . What vacuum temperature does this acceleration correspond
to?
14. Derive the second Newton’s law from the holographic principle.
15. Show that the inertia law can be obtained from the holographic principle.
16. Obtain the Newton’s law of universal gravitation using the holographic principle.
17. Compare how close to a black hole are Earth, Sun and observable Universe.
18. Estimate the temperature of the Hubble sphere, considering it as a holographic screen.
19. Show that equilibrium between the relic radiation and holographic screen is possible only at Planck
temperature.
20. According to the holographic ideology, all physical phenomena can be described by the boundary
layer theory. Therefore a conclusion comes that one should account for contribution of such surface
terms while deriving the equations of General Relativity. Show that consideration of the boundary
terms in the Einstein-Hilbert action is equivalent to introduction of non-zero energy-momentum
tensor into the standard Einstein equations.
21. Derive the Friedman equations from the holographic principle.
22. Derive the Friedman equations from the holographic principle for a non-flat Universe.
23. Consider an effective field theory with the ultraviolet cutoff parameter equal to Λ and entropy
satisfying the inequality
S ≡ L3 Λ3 ≤ SBH ≃ L2 MP2 l ,
where SBH is the Beckenstein-Hawking entropy, and show that such a theory necessarily contains
the states with Schwarzschild radius RS much greater than the linear dimensions L of the system.
(see Zimdahl, Pavon, 0606555)
24. Estimate the dark energy density assuming that the total energy in a region with linear size L
cannot exceed the black hole mass of the same size.
25. Find the correspondence between the ultraviolet and infrared cutoff scales.
26. Show that the entropy force produces negative pressure.
27. Taking the Hubble sphere for the holographic screen, and using the SCM parameters, find the
entropy, the force acting on the screen and the corresponding pressure.
28. The most popular approach to explain the observed accelerated expansion of the Universe assumes
introduction of dark energy in the form of cosmological constant into the Friedman equations.
As we have seen in the corresponding Chapter, this approach is successfully realized in SCM.
Unfortunately, it leaves aside the question of the nature of the dark energy. An alternative approach
can be developed in the frame of holographic dynamics. In this case it is possible to explain the
observations without the dark energy. It is replaced by the entropy force, acting on the cosmological
horizon (Hubble sphere) and leading to the accelerated Universe’s expansion.
Show that the Hubble sphere acceleration obtained this way agrees with the result obtained in
SCM.
29. Plot the dependence of the deceleration parameter on the red shift in the Universe composed of
non-relativistic matter. Take into account the negative pressure generated by the entropy force
(see Problem 26). Compare the result with the SCM.
30. Show that the coincidence problem does not arise in the models with the holographic dark energy.
31. Show that the holographic screen in the form of Hubble sphere cannot explain the accelerated
expansion of Universe.
32. Obtain the equation of motion for the relative density of the holographic dark energy in the case
when the particle horizon serves as the holographic screen.
33. Solve the equation of motion obtained in the previous problem.
34. Find dependence the of holographic dark energy density on the scale factor taking the cosmological
event horizon Rh as the holographic screen. Find the equation of state parameter for such a dark
energy.
35. Obtain the equation of motion for the relative density of the holographic dark energy in the case
when the event horizon serves as a holographic screen.
36. Solve the equation of motion obtained in the previous problem.
37. Find the dependence of cosmological parameters (Hubble parameter H, state equation parameter
w and deceleration parameter q) on red shift in the model of the Universe composed of radiation,
non-relativistic matter and holographic dark energy, taking as the holographic screen the Ricci
scalar’s R characteristic length

α 3α 2 k
ρRDE = − R= Ḣ + 2H + 2 ,
16π 8π a
where α is a positive constant, k is the sign of space curvature.

38. Find the dependence of holographic dark energy density on the scale factor for the model of the
previous problem.
39. Find the pressure of holographic dark energy for the model of Problem 37.
40. In the frame of the holographic dark energy model considered in Problem 37, find the dependence
w(z) using the SCM parameters: Ωk0 = 0, Ωm0 = 0.27, Ωr0 = 8.1 × 10−5 ,ΩX0 = 0.73, w0 = −1.
41. Find the state equation parameter for the holographic dark energy in the agegraphic dark energy
model, in which the holographic screen is taken in the form of the surface situated at the distance
traversed by light during the Universe’s lifetime T .
42. Find the equation of motion for the relative density of agegraphic dark energy in the model
considered in the previous problem.
43. Using the equation of motion for the relative density of agegraphic dark energy, obtained in the
previous problem, find its dependence on scale factor in the Universe dominated by non-relativistic
matter.
44. Using the equation of motion for the relative density of agegraphic dark energy, obtained in Problem
42, find its dependence on scale factor in the case of the dark energy domination.
45. Derive the exact solution of the equation of motion obtained in Problem 42.
46. Find the state equation parameter for the agegraphic dark energy in the case when this form of
dark energy interacts with dark matter:
ρ̇m + 3Hρm = Q,
ρ̇q + 3H(1 + wq )ρq = −Q.

15.1. INFORMATION, ENTROPY AND HOLOGRAPHIC SCREEN 165
47. In the model of interacting agegraphic dark energy and dark matter find the equation of motion
for the relative density of agegraphic dark energy.
Isolated systems are known to evolve towards the equilibrium state in such a way that entropy S(x)
never decreases
dS(x)
≥ 0,
dx
while
d2 S(x)
< 0.
dx2
In the context of eternally expanding FRW-cosmology the above mentioned conditions imply that
the entropy available to comoving observer plus the entropy on the cosmological horizon satisfy the
conditions (generalized second law of thermodynamics)
S ′ (a) ≥ 0, S ′′ (a) ≤ 0
where the prime stands for differentiation with respect to scale factor d/da and a → ∞. The latter
condition means that we deal below with late stages of the Universe evolution.
48. Show that in the Friedmannian Universe with energy density ρ the cosmological horizon area equals
3 1
A= .
2G ρ
49. Show that in the Friedmannian Universe filled with a substance with state equation p = wρ the
cosmological horizon area grows with the Universe’s expansion under the condition 1 + w > 0.
50. Using the results of Problem 48, find the entropy of the Universe.
51. Find the state equation for the substance, filling the Universe with A′′ ≤ 0.
Chapter 16
Horizons
In this chapter we assemble the problems that concern one of the most distinctive features of General
Relativity and Cosmology — the horizons. The first part gives an elementary introduction into the
concept in the cosmological context, following and borrowing heavily from the most comprehensible
text by E. Harrison [43]. Then we move to more formal exposition of the subject, making use of the
seminal works of W. Rindler [44] and G.F.R. Ellis, T. Rothman [45], and consider first simple, and then
composite models, such as ΛCDM. The fourth section elevates the rigor one more step and explores
the causal structure of different simple cosmological models in terms of conformal diagrams, following
mostly the efficient approach of V. Mukhanov [46]. The section on black holes relates the general scheme
of constructing conformal diagrams for stationary black hole spacetimes, following mostly the excellent
textbook of K. Bronnikov and S. Rubin [47]. The consequent sections focus on more specific topics, such
as the various problems regarding the Hubble sphere, inflation and holography.
16.1 Simple English

A vague definition of a horizon can be accepted as the following: it is a frontier between things observable
and things unobservable.
Particle horizon. If the Universe has a finite age, then light travels only a finite distance in that time
and the volume of space from which we can receive information at a given moment of time is limited.
The boundary of this volume is called the particle horizon.
Event horizon. The event horizon is the complement of the particle horizon. The event horizon
encloses the set of points from which signals sent at a given moment of time will never be received by an
observer in the future.
Space-time diagram is a representation of space-time on a two-dimensional plane, with one timelike
and one spacelike coordinate. It is typically used for spherically symmetric spacetimes (such as all
homogeneous cosmological models), in which angular coordinates are suppressed.
1. Draw a space-time diagram that shows behaviour of worldlines of comoving observers in a
(a) stationary universe with beginning

(b) expanding universe in comoving coordinates
(c) expanding universe in proper coordinates
2. Suppose there is a static universe with homogeneously distributed galaxies, which came into being
at some finite moment of time. Draw graphically the particle horizon for some static observer.
3. How does the horizon for the given observer change with time?
4. Is there an event horizon in the static Universe? What if the Universe ends at some finite time?
167
168 CHAPTER 16. HORIZONS
5. Consider two widely separated observers, A and B (see Fig. 16.1). Suppose they have overlapping
horizons, but each can apparently see things that the other cannot. We ask: Can B communicate
to A information that extends A’s knowledge of things beyond his horizon? If so, then a third
observer C may communicate to B information that extends her horizon, which can then be
communicated to A. Hence, an unlimited sequence of observers B, C, D, E,. . . may extend A’s
knowledge of the Universe to indefinite limits. According to this argument A has no true horizon.
This is the horizon riddle. Try to resolve it for the static Universe.
Figure 16.1: The horizon riddle: can two observers with overlapping horizons pass infor-
mation to each other regarding things outside of the other’s horizon?
6. Suppose observer O in a stationary universe with beginning sees A in some direction at distance
L and B in the opposite direction, also at distance L. How large must L be in order for A and B
to be unaware of each other’s existence at the time when they are seen by O?
7. Draw spacetime diagrams in terms of comoving coordinate and conformal time and determine
whether event or particle horizons exist for:
(a) the universe which has a beginning and an end in conformal time. The closed Friedman
universe that begins with Big Bang and ends with Big Crunch belongs to this class.
(b) the universe which has a beginning but no end in conformal time. The Einstein–de Sitter
universe and the Friedman universe of negative curvature, which begin with a Big Bang and
expand forever, belong to this class.
(c) the universe which has an end but no beginning in conformal time. The de Sitter and
steady-state universes belong to this class.
(d) the universe which has no beginning and no ending in conformal time, as in the last figure
of Fig. ??. The Einstein static and the Milne universes are members of this class.
Conformal time is the altered time coordinate η = η(t), defined in such a way that lightcones on
the spacetime diagram in terms of η and comoving spatial coordinate are always straight diagonal
lines, even when the universe is not stationary.
8. Draw the spacetime diagram in terms of comoving space and ordinary time or the universe with
an end but no beginning in conformal time.
9. Formulate the necessary conditions in terms of conformal time for a universe to provide a comoving
observer with
16.2. SIMPLE MATH 169
(a) a particle horizon

(b) an event horizon
10. Consider two galaxies, observable at present time, A and B. Suppose at the moment of detection
of light signals from them (now) the distances to them are such that LA B
det < Ldet . In other words,
if those galaxies had equal absolute luminosities, the galaxy B would seem to be dimmer. Is it
possible for galaxy B (the dimmer one) to be closer to us at the moment of its signal’s emission
than galaxy A (the brighter one) at the moment of A’s signal’s emission?
11. Show on a spacetime diagram the difference in geometry of light cones in universes with and
without particle horizons.
16.2 Simple Math

The problems of this section need basic understanding of Friedman equations, definitions of proper,
comoving and conformal coordinates, the cosmological redshift formula and simple cosmological models
(see Chapters 2 and 3).
Let us make our definitions a little more strict.
A particle horizon, for a given observer A and cosmic instant t0 is a surface in the instantaneous
three-dimensional section t = t0 of space-time, which divides all comoving particles1 into two classes:
those that have already been observable by A up to time t0 and those that have not.
An event horizon, for a given observer A, is a hyper-surface in space-time, which divides all events
into two non-empty classes: those that have been, are, or will be observable by A, and those that are
forever outside of A’s possible powers of observation. It follows from definition that event horizon, and
its existence, depend crucially on the observer’s (and the whole Universe’s) future as well as the past:
thus it is said to be an essentially global concept. It is formed by null geodesics.
The following notation is used hereafter: Lp (t0 ) is the proper distance from observer A to its particle
horizon, measured along the slice t = t0 . For brevity, we will also call this distance simply “the particle
horizon in proper coordinates”, or just “particle horizon”. The corresponding comoving distance lp is the
particle horizon in comoving coordinates.
Likewise, Le is the proper distance from an observer to its event horizon (or, rather, its section with
the hypersurface t = t0 ), measured also along the slice t = t0 . It is called “space event horizon at time
t0 ”, or just the event horizon, for brevity. The respective comoving distance is denoted le .
12. The proper distance Dp (t0 ) between two comoving observers is the distance measured between
them at some given moment of cosmological time t = t0 . It is the quantity that would be obtained
if all the comoving observers between the given two measure the distances between each other at
one moment t = t0 and then sum all of them up. Suppose one observer detects at time t0 the light
signal that was emitted by the other observer at time te . Find the proper distance between the
two observers at t0 in terms of a(t).
13. Show, that the proper distance Lp to the particle horizon at time t0 is
Lp (t0 ) = lim Dp (te , t0 ). (16.1)

te →0
14. The past light cone of an observer at some time t0 consists of events, such that light emitted in
each of them reaches the selected observer at t0 . Find the past light cone’s equation in terms of
proper distance vs. emission time Dplc (te ). What is its relation to the particle horizon?
15. The simplest cosmological model is the one of Einstein-de Sitter, in which the Universe is spatially
flat and filled with only dust, with a(t) ∼ t2/3 . Find the past light cone distance Dplc (??) for
Einstein-de Sitter.
1
Rindler uses the term “fundamental observers”
16. Demonstrate that in general Dplc can be non-monotonic. For the case of Einstein-de Sitter show
that its maximum – the maximum emission distance – is equal to 8/27LH , while the corresponding
redshift is z = 1.25.
17. In a matter dominated Universe we see now, at time t0 , some galaxy, which is now on the Hubble
sphere. At what time in the past was the photon we are registering emitted?
18. Show that the particle horizon in the Einstein-de Sitter model recedes at three times the speed of
light.
19. Does the number of observed galaxies in an open Universe filled with dust increase or decrease
with time?
20. Draw the past light cones Dplc (te ) for Einstein-de Sitter and a Universe with dominating radiation
on one figure; explain their relative position.
21. Find the maximum emission distance and the corresponding redshift for power law expansion
a(t) ∼ (t/t0 )n .
22. Show that the most distant point on the past light cone was exactly at the Hubble sphere at the
moment of emission of the light signal that is presently registered.
23. Show that the comoving particle horizon is the age of the Universe in conformal time
24. Show that
dLp
= Lp (z)H(z) + 1; (16.2)
dt
dLe
= Le (z)H(z) − 1. (16.3)
dt
25. Find L¨p and L¨e .

26. Show that observable part of the Universe expands faster than the Universe itself. In other words,
the observed fraction of the Universe always increases.
27. Show that the Milne Universe has no particle horizon.
28. Consider a universe which started with the Big Bang, filled with one matter component. How fast
must ρ(a) decrease with a for the particle horizon to exist in this universe?
29. Calculate the particle horizon for a universe with dominating
(a) radiation;
(b) matter.
30. Consider a flat universe with one component with state equation p = wρ. Find the particle horizon
at present time t0 .
31. Show that in a flat universe in case of domination of one matter component with equation of state
p = wρ, w > −1/3
2 3(1 + w)
Lp (z) = , L˙p (z) = . (16.4)
H(z)(1 + 3w) (1 + 3w)
32. Show that in a flat universe in case of domination of one matter component with equation of state
p = wρ, w < −1/3
2 3(1 + w)
Le (z) = − , L˙p (z) = − . (16.5)
H(z)(1 + 3w) (1 + 3w)
33. Estimate the particle horizon size at matter-radiation equality.

16.3. COMPOSITE MODELS 171
16.3 Composite models

P
34. Consider a flat universe with several components ρ = i ρi , each with density ρi and partial
pressure pi being related by the linear state equation pi = wi ρi . Find the particle horizon at
present time t0 .
35. Suppose we know the current material composition of the Universe Ωi0 , wi and its expansion rate
as function of redshift H(z). Find the particle horizon Lp (z) and the event horizon Lp (z) (i.e the
distances to the respective surfaces along the surface t = const) at the time that corresponds to
current observations with redshift z.
36. When are Lp and Le equal? It is interesting to know whether both horizons might have or not the
same values, and if so, how often this could happen.
37. Find the particle and event horizons for any redshift z in the standard cosmological model –
ΛCDM.
38. Express the particle Lp (z) and event Le (z) horizons in ΛCDM through the hyper-geometric func-
tion.
16.4 Causal structure

The causal structure is determined by propagation of light and is best understood in terms of conformal
diagrams. In this section we construct and analyze those for a number of important model cosmological
solutions (which are assumed to be already known), following mostly the exposition of [46].
In terms of comoving distance χ̃ and conformal time η̃ (in this section they are denoted by tildes)
the two-dimensional radial part of the FLRW metric takes form

ds22 = a2 (η̃) dη̃ 2 − dχ̃2 . (16.6)
In the brackets here stands the line element of two-dimensional Minkowski flat spacetime. Coordinate
transformations that preserve the conformal form of the metric

ds22 = Ω2 (η, χ) dη 2 − dχ2 ,
are called conformal transformations, and the corresponding coordinates (η, χ) – conformal coordinates.
39. Show that it is always possible to construct η(η̃, χ̃), χ(η̃, χ̃), such that the conformal form of metric
(16.6) is preserved, but η and χ are bounded and take values in some finite intervals. Is the choice
of (η, χ) unique?
In this section we will reserve notation η and χ and names “conformal coordinates” and “conformal
variables” to such variables that can only take values in a bounded region on R2 ; η̃ and χ̃ can span
infinite or semi-infinite intervals. Spacetime diagram in terms of conformal variables (η, χ) is called
conformal diagram. Null geodesics η = ±χ + const are diagonal straight lines on conformal diagrams.
40. Construct the conformal diagram for the closed Universe filled with
(a) radiation;
(b) dust;
(c) mixture of dust and radiation.
Show the particle and event horizons for the observer at the origin χ = 0 (it will be assumed
hereafter that the horizons are always constructed with respect to this chosen observer).
41. Construct the conformal diagram for the de Sitter space in the closed sections coordinates. Provide
reasoning that this space is (null) geodesically complete, i.e. every (null) geodesic extends to infinite
values of affine parameters at both ends.
42. Rewrite the metric of de Sitter space (??) in terms of “static coordinates” T, R:
cos η sin χ
tanh(HΛ T ) = − , HΛ R = . (16.7)
cos χ sin η
(a) What part of the conformal diagram in terms of (η, χ) is covered by the static coordinate
chart (T, R)?
(b) Express the horizon’s equations in terms of T and R
(c) Draw the surfaces of constant T and R on the conformal diagram.
(d) Write out the coordinate transformation between (η, χ) and (T, R) in the regions where
| cos η| > | cos χ|. Explain the meaning of T and R.
43. The scale factor in flat de Sitter is a(t) = HΛ−1 eHΛ t .
(a) Find the range of values spanned by conformal time η̃ and comoving distance χ̃ in the flat
de Sitter space
(b) Verify that coordinate transformation
− sin η sin χ
η̃ = , χ̃ = (16.8)
cos χ − cos η cos χ − cos η
bring the metric to the form of that of de Sitter in closed slicing (it is assumed that η̃ = 0
is chosen to correspond to infinite future).
(c) Which part of the conformal diagram is covered by the coordinate chart (η̃, χ̃)? Is the flat
de Sitter space geodesically complete?
(d) Where are the particle and event horizons in these coordinates?
44. What parts of the spacetime’s boundary on the conformal diagram of flat de Sitter space corre-
sponds to
(a) spacelike infinity i0 , where χ̃ → +∞;
(b) past timelike infinity i− , where η̃ → −∞ and from which all timelike worldlines emanate
(c) past lightlike infinity J − , from which all null geodesics emanate?
45. Consider the de Sitter space in open slicing, in which a(t) = HΛ sinh(HΛ t), so conformal time is
Zt
dt
η̃ = , (16.9)
a(t)
+∞
where again the lower limit is chosen so that the integral is bounded.
(a) Find η̃(t) and verify that coordinate transformation from (η̃, χ̃) to η, χ, such that
− sin η sin χ
tanh η̃ = , tanh χ̃ = (16.10)
cos cos χ cos η
brings the metric to the form of de Sitter in closed slicing.
(b) What are the ranges spanned by (η̃, χ̃) and (η, χ)? Which part of the conformal diagram do
they cover?
46. Rewrite the Minkowski metric in terms of coordinates (η, χ), which are related to (t, r) by the
relation
sin η sin χ
tanh η̃ = , tanh χ̃ = (16.11)
cos χ cos η
that mirrors the one between the open and closed coordinates of de Sitter. Construct the conformal
diagram and determine different types of infinities. Are there new ones compared to the flat de
Sitter space?
16.5. CONFORMAL DIAGRAMS: STATIONARY BLACK HOLES 173
47. The choice of conformal coordinates is not unique. Construct the conformal diagram for Minkowski
using the universal scheme: first pass to null coordinates, then bring their span to finite intervals
with arctan (one of the possible choices), then pass again to timelike and spacelike coordinates.
48. Draw the conformal diagram for the Milne Universe and show which part of Minkowski space’s
diagram it covers.
49. Consider open or flat Universe filled with matter that satisfies strong energy condition ε + 3p > 0.
What are the coordinate ranges spanned by the comoving coordinate χ̃ and conformal time η̃?
Compare with the Minkowski metric and construct the diagram. Identify the types of infinities
and the initial Big Bang singularity.
50. Draw the conformal diagram for open and flat Universes with power-law scale factor a(t) ∼ tn ,
with n > 1. This is the model for the power-law inflation. Check whether the strong energy
condition is satisfied.
16.5 Conformal diagrams: stationary black holes

In the context of black hole spacetimes there are many subtly distinct notions of horizons, with the most
useful being different from those used in cosmology. In particular, particle horizons do not play any role.
The event horizon is defined not with respect to some selected observer, but with respect to all external
observers: in an asymptotically flat spacetime2 a future event horizon is the hypersurface which separates
the events causally connected to future infinity and those that are not. Likewise the past event horizon
delimits the events that are causally connected with past infinity or not. Another simple but powerful
concept is the Killing horizon: in a spacetime with a Killing vector field ξ µ it is a (hyper-)surface, on
which ξ µ becomes lightlike. We will see explicitly for the considered examples that the Killing horizons
are in fact event horizons by constructing the corresponding conformal diagrams. In general, in the frame
of GR a Killing horizon in a stationary spacetime is (almost) always an event horizon and also coincides
with most other notions of horizons there are.
This section elaborates on the techniques of constructing conformal diagrams for stationary black
hole solutions. The construction for the Schwarzschild black hole, or its variation, can be found in most
textbooks on GR; for the general receipt see [47].
16.5.1 Schwarzschild-Kruskal black hole solution

51. The simplest black hole solution is that of Schwarzschild, given by
dr2 rg
ds2 = f (r)dt2 − − r2 dΩ2 , f (r) = 1 − , (16.12)
f (r) r
where rg is the gravitational radius, and dΩ2 is the angular part of the metric, which we will not
be concerned with. The surface r = rg is the horizon. Focus for now only on the external part of
the solution,
− ∞ < t < +∞, rg < r < +∞) .
The general procedure of building a conformal diagram for the (t, r) slice, as discussed in the cos-
mological context earlier, works here perfectly well, but needs one additional step in the beginning:
(a) use a new radial coordinate to bring the metric to conformally flat form;
(b) pass to null coordinates;
(c) shrink the ranges of coordinate values to finite intervals with the help of arctan;
(d) return to timelike and spacelike coordinates.
2
Meaning the spacetime possesses the infinity with the same structure as that of Minkowski, which is
important.
Identify the boundaries of Schwarzschild’s exterior region on the conformal diagram and compare
it with Minkowski spacetime’s.
52. The region r ∈ (0, rg ) represents the black hole’s interior, between the horizon r = rg and the
singularity r = 0. Construct the conformal diagram for this region following the same scheme as
before.
(a) Which of the coordinates (t, r) are timelike and which are spacelike?
(b) Is the singularity spacelike or timelike?
(c) Is the interior solution static?
The Schwarzschild black hole’s interior is an example of the T-region, where f (r) < 0, as opposed
to the R-region, where f (r) > 0.
53. Consider radial motion of a massive particle and show that the exterior and interior parts of the
Schwarzschild are not by themselves geodesically complete, i.e. particle’s worldlines are terminated
at the horizon at finite values of affine parameter. Show that, on the other hand, the horizon is
not a singularity, by constructing the null coordinate frame, in which the metric on the horizon is
explicitly regular.
54. Geodesic incompleteness means the full conformal diagram must be assembled from the parts
corresponding to external and internal solutions by gluing them together along same values of r
(remember that each point of the diagram corresponds to a sphere). Piece the puzzle.
Note that a) there are two variants of both external and internal solutions’ diagrams, differing with
orientation and b) the boundaries of the full diagram must go along either infinities or singularities.
16.5.2 Other spherically symmetric black holes

The Schwarzschild metric (16.12) is the vacuum spherical symmetric solution of Einstein’s equation. If we
add some matter, we will obtain a different solution, e.g. Reissner-Nordström for an electrically charged
black hole. In all cases, spherical symmetry means that in appropriately chosen coordinate frame the
metric takes the same form (16.12),
dρ2
ds2 = f (ρ)dt2 − − r2 (ρ)dΩ2 , (16.13)
f (ρ)
but with some different function f (ρ): one can always ensure that the metric functions have this form by
choosing the appropriate radial coordinate3 ρ. The angular part ∼ dΩ2 does not affect causal structure
and conformal diagrams. The zeros ρ = ρ⋆ of f (ρ) define the surfaces, which split the full spacetime into
R- and T-regions and are the horizon candidates.
55. Consider radial geodesic motion of a massive or massless particle. Make use of the integral of
motion E = −uµ ξµ due to the Killing vector and find ρ(t) and ρ(λ), where λ is the affine parameter
(proper time τ for massive particles)
(a) When is the proper time of reaching the horizon τ ⋆ = τ (ρ⋆ ) finite?
(b) Verify that surface ρ = ρ⋆ is a Killing horizon
56. Let us shift the ρ coordinate so that ρ⋆ = 0, and assume that
f (ρ) = ρq F (ρ), q ∈ N, (16.14)
where F is some analytic function, with F (0) 6= 0. Suppose we want to introduce a new radial
“tortoise” coordinate x, such that the two-dimensional part of the metric in terms of (t, x) has the
conformally flat form:
ds22 = f (ρ(x)) dt2 − dx2 . (16.15)
3
It is sometimes called the “quasiglobal coordinate”
16.5. CONFORMAL DIAGRAMS: STATIONARY BLACK HOLES 175
(a) What is the asymptotic form of relation ρ(x)?

(b) Rewrite the metric in terms of null coordinates
V = t + x, W = t − x. (16.16)
Where is the horizon in terms of these coordinates? Is there only one?
(c) Suppose we pass to new null coordinates V = V (v) and W = W (w). What conditions must
be imposed on functions V (v) and W (w) in order for the mixed map (v, W ) to cover the
past horizon and the map (w, V ) to cover the future horizon without singularities?
Thus a horizon candidate ρ = ρ⋆ is defined by condition f (ρ⋆ ) = 0. If ρ⋆ = ±∞, then the proper time
of reaching it diverges, so it is not a horizon, but an infinitely remote boundary of spacetime. It can be
a remote horizon if x⋆ = ±∞. In case x⋆ = O(1) the candidate is not a horizon, but a singularity, so
again there is no continuation. An asymptotically flat spacetime by definition has the same structure of
infinity as that of Minkowski spacetime; in general this is not always the case—recall the de Sitter and
other cosmological spacetimes.
57. Draw the parts of conformal diagrams near the boundary that correspond to the limiting process
ρ → ρ0 , |ρ0 | < ∞, (16.17)
under the following conditions:
(a) spacelike singularity: f (ρ0 ) > 0, |x0 | < ∞;
(b) timelike singularity: f (ρ0 ) < 0, |x0 | < ∞;
(c) asymptotically flat infinity: ρ0 = ±∞, f (ρ) → f0 > 0;
(d) a horizon in the R region: f (ρ) → +0, |x0 | → ∞;
(e) a horizon in the T region: f (ρ) → −0, |x0 | → ∞;
(f) remote horizon in a T-region: ρ0 = ±∞, f (ρ) → − < 0;
Remember that any spacelike line can be made “horizontal” and any timelike one can be made
“vertical” by appropriate choice of coordinates.
For arbitrary f (ρ) we can
• split the full spacetime into regions between the zeros ρi of f (ρ);
• draw for each region the conformal diagram, which is a square ♦ or half of it △, ∇, ⊳, ⊲;
• glue the pieces together along the horizons ρ = ρi , while leaving singularities and infinities as the
boundary.
The resulting diagram can turn out to be either finite, as for Schwarzshild, when singularities and infinities
form a closed curve enclosing the whole spacetime, or not.
58. Draw the conformal diagrams for the following spacetimes:
(a) Reissner-Nordström charged black hole:
rg q2
f (r) = 1 − + 2, 0 < q < rg , r > 0; (16.18)
r r
(b) Extremal Reissner-Nordström charged black hole
q 2
f (r) = 1 − , q > 0, r > 0; (16.19)
r
(c) Reissner-Nordström-de Sitter charged black hole with cosmological constant (it is not asymp-
totically flat, as f (∞) 6= 1)
rg q2 Λr2
f (r) = 1 − + 2 − q, Λ > 0; (16.20)
r r 3
analyze the special cases of degenerate roots.
16.6 Hubble sphere

The Hubble radius is the proper distance RH (t) = cH −1 (t). The sphere of this radius is called the Hubble
sphere. From definition, the Hubble recession “velocity” of a comoving observer on the Hubble sphere is
v(RH ) = HRH = c and equal to the speed of light c. This is true, of course, at the same moment of time
t, for which H(t) is taken.
59. All galaxies inside the Hubble sphere recede subluminally (slower than light) and all galaxies
outside recede superluminally (faster than light). This is why the Hubble sphere is sometimes
called the “photon horizon”. Does this mean that galaxies and their events outside the photon
horizon are permanently hidden from the observer’s view? If that were so, the photon horizon
would also be an event horizon. Is this correct?
60. Show, by the example of static universe, that the Hubble sphere does not coincide with the
boundary of the observable Universe.
61. Estimate the ratio of the volume enclosed by the Hubble sphere to the full volume of a closed
Universe.
62. Show that in a spatially flat Universe (k = 0), in which radiation is dominating, the particle
horizon coincides with the Hubble radius.
63. Find the dependence of comoving Hubble radius RH /a on scale factor in a flat Universe filled with
one component with the state equation ρ = wp.
64. Express the comoving particle horizon through the comoving Hubble radius for the case of domi-
nation of a matter component with state parameter w.
65. Show that

dRH
= c(1 + q), (16.21)
dt
where
ä/a
q=− (16.22)
H2
is the deceleration parameter.
66. Show that

dLp Lp
=1+ . (16.23)
dt RH
67. Show that in the Einstein-de Sitter Universe the relative velocity of the Hubble sphere and galaxies
on it is equal to c/2.
68. Find a(t) in a universe with constant positive deceleration parameter q.
69. Show that in universes of constant positive deceleration q, the the ratio of distances to the particle
and photon horizons is 1/q.
70. Show that the Hubble sphere becomes degenerate with the particle horizon at q = 1 and with the
event horizon at q = −1.
71. Show that if q is not constant, comoving bodies can be inside and outside of the Hubble sphere at
different times. But not so for the observable universe; once inside, always inside.
16.7. PROPER HORIZONS 177
16.7 Proper horizons

The following five problems are based on work by F. Melia [48].
Standard cosmology is based on the FLRW metric for a spatially homogeneous and isotropic three-
dimensional space, expanding or contracting with time. In the coordinates used for this metric, t is the
cosmic time, measured by a comoving observer (and is the same everywhere), a(t) is the expansion factor,
and r is an appropriately scaled radial coordinate in the comoving frame.
F. Melia demonstrated the usefulness of expressing the FRLW metric in terms of an observer-
dependent coordinate R = a(t)r, which explicitly reveals the dependence of the observed intervals of
distance, dR, and time on the curvature induced by the mass-energy content between the observer and
R; in the metric, this effect is represented by the proximity of the physical radius R to the cosmic horizon
Rh , defined by the relation
Rh = 2G M (Rh ).
In this expression, M (Rh ) is the mass enclosed within Rh (which terns out to be the Hubble sphere).
This is the radius at which a sphere encloses sufficient mass-energy to create divergent time dilation for
an observer at the surface relative to the origin of the coordinates.
72. Show that in a flat Universe Rh = H −1 (t).
73. Represent the FLRW metric in terms of the observer-dependent coordinate R = a(t)r.
74. Show, that if we were to make a measurement at a fixed distance R away from us, the time interval
dt corresponding to any measurable (non-zero) value of ds must go to infinity as r → Rh .
75. Show that Rh is an increasing function of cosmic time t for any cosmology with w > −1.
76. Using FLRW metric in terms of the observer-dependent coordinate R = a(t)r, find Φ(R, t) for the
specific cosmologies:
a) the De Sitter Universe ;
b) a cosmology with Rh = t, (w = −1/3);
c) radiation dominated Universe (w = 1/3);
d) matter dominated Universe (w = 0).
16.8 Inflation
77. Is spatial curvature important in the early Universe? Compare the curvature radius with the
particle horizon.
78. Comoving Hubble radius
RH 1 1
rH = = = (16.24)
a aH ȧ
plays crucial role in inflation. Express the comoving particle horizon le in terms of rH .
79. Show that for the conventional Big Bang expansion (with w ≥ 0) the comoving particle horizon
and Hubble radius grow monotonically with time.
The flatness problem
80. The “flatness problem” can be stated in the following way: spacetime in General Relativity is
dynamical, curving in response to matter in the Universe. Why then is the Universe so closely
approximated by Euclidean space? Formulate the “flatness problem” in terms of the comoving
Hubble radius.
81. Inflation is defined as any epoch, in which scale factor grows with acceleration4, i.e. ä > 0. Show
that this condition is equivalent to the comoving Hubble radius decreasing with time.
4
Technically, this includes also the current epoch of cosmological history – late-time accelerated cos-
mological expansion.
82. Show how inflation solves the flatness problem.

The horizon problem
83. What should be the scale of homogeneity in the early Universe, as function of time, for the
observed cosmological background (CMB) to be almost isotropic? Compare this with the functional
dependence of comoving particle horizon on time. How can this be compatible with the causal
evolution of the Universe?
84. If CMB was strictly isotropic, in what number of causally independent regions temperature had
had to be kept constant at Planck time?
85. Consider the case of dominating radiation. Show, that at any moment in the past, within the
matter comprising today the observable Universe, one can find regions that are out of causal
contact.
86. Illustrate graphically the solution of the horizon problem by the inflation scenario.
Growth of perturbations
87. Show that any mechanism of generation of the primary inhomogeneities in the Big Bang model
violates the causality principle.
88. How should the early Universe evolve in order to make the characteristic size λP of primary
perturbations decrease faster than the Hubble radius, if one moves backward in time?
16.9 Holography
In the context of holographic description of the Universe (see the minimal introduction on the subject in
the corresponding Chapter) the Hubble sphere is often treated as the holographic screen, and consequently
called a horizon, although technically it is not.
89. Formulate the problem of the cosmological constant (see chapter on Dark Energy) in terms of the
Hubble radius.
90. Choosing the Hubble sphere as the holographic screen, find its area in the de Sitter model (recall
that in this model the Universe’s dynamics is determined by the cosmological constant Λ > 0).
91. Find the Hubble sphere’s area in the Friedman’s Universe with energy density ρ.
92. Show that in the flat Friedman’s Universe filled with a substance with state equation p = wρ the
Hubble sphere’s area grows with the Universe’s expansion under the condition 1 + w > 0.
93. Estimate the temperature of the Hubble sphere TH considering it as the holographic screen.
94. Taking the Hubble sphere for the holographic screen and using the SCM parameters, find the
entropy, force acting on the screen and the corresponding pressure.
95. The most popular approach to explain the observed accelerated expansion of the Universe assumes
introduction of dark energy in the form of cosmological constant into the Friedman equations. As
seen in the corresponding Chapter, this approach is successfully realized in SCM. Unfortunately, it
leaves aside the question of the nature of the dark energy. An alternative approach can be developed
in the frame of holographic dynamics. In this case it is possible to explain the observations without
the dark energy. It is replaced by the entropy force, which acts on the cosmological horizon (in
this case it is the Hubble sphere) and leads to the accelerated expansion of the Universe. Show
that the Hubble sphere’s acceleration obtained this way agrees with the result obtained in SCM.
96. Show that a pure de Sitter Universe obeys the holographic principle in the form
Nsur = Nbulk . (16.25)
Here Nsur is the number of degrees of freedom on the Hubble sphere, and Nbulk is the effective num-
ber of degrees of freedom, which are in equipartition at the horizon temperature TH = ~H/2πkB .
16.9. HOLOGRAPHY 179
97. If it is granted that the expansion of the Universe is equivalent to the emergence of space (in the
form of availability of greater and greater volumes of space), then the law governing this process
must relate the emergence of space to the difference
Nsur − Nbulk (16.26)
(see previous problem). The simplest form of such a law is
∆V ∼ (Nsur − Nbulk )∆t. (16.27)
We could imagine this relation as a Taylor series expansion truncated at the first order. Show that
this assumption is equivalent to the second Friedman equation.
Chapter 17
Quantum Cosmology
1. Consider two neutral particles of equal mass M in flat space, whose motion obeys a Schrodinger
equation. The stationary ground state of the system is the analog of an atom, but with gravitational
binding instead of electricity. Estimate the size R of the ground state wave function. (Craig J.
Hogan, Quantum indeterminacy in local measurement of cosmic expansion, 1312.7797)
2. Obtain the condition for the acceleration due to the gravitation of the bodies to be smaller than the
cosmic acceleration, and their gravitational binding energy to be less than their cosmic expansion
kinetic energy. Give an interpretation of the obtained inequality in terms of the gravitational
free-fall time and the space-time curvature.
3. The standard quantum uncertainty in position x of a body of mass M measured at two times
separated by an interval τ is
∆xq (τ )2 ≡ h(x(t) − x(t + τ ))2 i > 2~τ /M. (17.1)
Consider two bodies of identical mass M in a state of minimal relative displacement uncertainty
∆x. What value of their masses should be in order to make the uncertainty in position to be less
than the change in their separation due to cosmic expansion.
4. Estimate minimum size of a system needed for the uncertainty in position of its parts to be less
than the change in their separation due to cosmic expansion.
5. (see M.Gasperini, String theory and primordial cosmology, 1402.0101)
Like all classical theories, GR has a limited validity range. Because of those limits the standard
cosmological model cannot be extrapolated to physical regimes where the energy and the space-time
curvature are too high. Show that SCM is not applicable in the vicinity of the initial singularity
(Big Bang).
6. Construct Lagrangian and hamiltonian corresponding to the action
Z X
√ R
S= −g −ρ , ρ= ρi .
16πG i
7. Using the lagrangian obtained in the previous problem, obtain the equation of motion for scale
factor in closed FRLW Universe, filled with cosmological constant ρ = ρΛ and show that it coincides
with the first Friedmann equation (see Vilenkin, 9507018)
8. Obtain and analyze the solution a(t) of the equation obtained in the previous equation.
9. Construct an effective Hamiltonian for the de Sitter model.
10. Using result of the previous problem, obtain the Wheeler-DeWitt equation for the de Sitter model.
11. Obtain Wheeler-de Witt equation for a Universe filled by cosmological constant and radiation.
(1301.4569)
181
182 CHAPTER 17. QUANTUM COSMOLOGY
17.1 Introduction to vacuum fluctuations

(V. F. Mukhanov and S. Winitzki, Quantum Fields in Classical Backgrounds, Lecture notes — 2004)
A vacuum fluctuations are fluctuation of an ”empty” space. The word empty quoted because the
quantum vacuum represents a collection of zero-point oscillations of quantum fields. We shall consider
only the scalar fields. A free real massive classical scalar field ϕ(x, t) (in a stationary Universe) satisfies
the Klein-Gordon equation
ϕ̈ − ∆ϕ + m2 ϕ = 0.
It is convenient to use the spatial Fourier decomposition,
Z
1 ~
ϕ(~x, t) = d3 ke−ik~x ϕ~k (t).
(2π)3/2
It is useful to consider a field ϕ(~x, t) in a box (a cube with sides L) of finite volume V with the periodic
boundary conditions imposed on the field ϕ at the box boundary. In this case the Fourier decomposition
can be written as
1 X ~
ϕ(~x, t) = √ ϕ~k (t)eik~x ,
V k
Z
1 ~
ϕ~k (t) = √ d3 xϕ(~x, t)eik~x ,
V
where the sum goes over three-dimensional wave numbers k with components of the form
2πn(x,y,z)
k(x,y,z) = , n(x,y,z) = 0, ±1, ±2, . . .
L
The Klein-Gordon equation for each k-component is
ϕ̈~k + (k 2 + m2 )ϕ~k = 0.
Each (in general) complex function ϕ~k (t) satisfies the harmonic oscillator equation with the frequency
ωk = (k 2 + m2 )1/2 . The functions ϕ~k (t) are called the modes of the field ϕ.
To quantize the field, each mode ϕ~k (t) is quantized as a separate harmonic oscillator. We replace
the classical ”coordinates” ϕ~k and momenta π~k ≡ ϕ̇~∗k by operators ϕ̂~k and π̂~k with the equal-time
commutation relations
[ϕ̂~k , π̂~k ] = iδ(~k + ~k ′ ).
12. Construct the wave function of the vacuum state of a scalar field.
13. Find the wave function, obtained in the previous problem, in the limit of quantization inside an
infinitely large box (V → ∞).
14. Estimate the typical amplitude δϕ~k of fluctuations in the mode ϕ~k .
15. Show, that if ϕL is the average of ϕ(t) over a volume V = L3 , the typical fluctuation δϕL of ϕL is

hϕ2L i ∼ k 3 δϕ~k k=L−1
.
16. Analyze the expression for amplitude of the scalar field fluctuations, obtained in the previous
problem, as a function of linear size L of the region of the averaging.
17. Obtain the modified Raychaudhuri equation in LQC.
18. Consider a model of Universe filled with dust-like matter, i.e. p = 0, to demonstrate the main
distinction between the standard (Fridmannian) and the LQC (see A. Barrau1, T. Cailleteau, J.
Grain4, and J. Mielczarek, Observational issues in loop quantum cosmology, arXiv:1309.6896 ).
19. Estimate the typical wavelength of photons radiated by a black hole of mass M and compare it
with the size of the black hole (the Schwarzschild radius).
17.1. INTRODUCTION TO VACUUM FLUCTUATIONS 183
20. The temperature of a sufficiently small black hole can be high enough to efficiently produce baryons
(e.g. protons) as components of the Hawking radiation. Estimate the required mass M of such
black holes and compare their Schwarzschild radius with the size of the proton (its Compton
length).
21. (see V.Frolov, A.Zelnikov, Introduction to black hole physics, Oxford University Press, 2011)
GR allows the existence of black holes of arbitrary mass. Why do we not observe formation of
small mass black holes in the laboratory or our everyday life?
22. Black holes of small masses can be created in the early Universe when the matter density was high.
Such black holes are called the primordial black holes (PBHs). The mass spectrum of the PBHs
could span an enormous mass range. Determine the mass range of the PBHs, created during the
radiation dominated epoch 10−43 sec < t < 1sec.
23. (see V. F. Mukhanov and S. Winitzki, Introduction to Quantum Fields in Classical Backgrounds,
Lecture notes - 2004)
A glass of water is moving with constant acceleration. Determine the smallest acceleration that
would make the water boil due to the Unruh effect.
In the de Broglie-Bohm causal interpretation of quantum mechanics the Schrodinger equation for a
single nonrelativistic particle

∂ψ(x, t) ~2 2
i~ = − ∇ + V (x) ψ(x, t)
∂t 2m
with the substitution Ψ = ReiS/~ is transformed to the system of equations
∂S (∇S)2 ~2 ∆R
+ +V − = 0,
∂t 2m 2m R
2
∂R ∇S
+ ∇ R2 = 0.
∂t m
The first equation is a Hamilton-Jacobi type equation for a particle submitted to an external potential
which is the classical potential plus a new quantum potential
~2 ∆R
Q=−
2m R
The second equation can be treated as the continuity equation for a fluid with the density ρ = R2 . In
a series of the problems below let us confine ourselves to the simple case when the Universe is supposed
to be filled with only one component, namely, the nonrelativistic gas of point-like particles of the equal
mass m. Then the energy-momentum tensor components have the following form:
T µν = (ρm + ρq + pq ) − pq g µν
where ρm is the classical energy density of nonrelativistic component (the corresponding classical pressure
pm is equal to zero), while ρq and pq represent quantum admixtures, generated by interaction with the
quantum potential.
24. Obtain relativistic generalization for the quantum potential.

25. Find energy density ρq of quantum admixture for the case when the background density ρm
represents a gas of point-like particles of the equal masses m.
26. Calculate energy density and pressure generated by the quantum potential in Friedmannian Uni-
verse filled with non-relativistic matter.
27. Show that in the limit a → ∞ the de Broglie-Bohm model disregards quantum effects.
184 CHAPTER 17. QUANTUM COSMOLOGY
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arXiv:0904.0382v9 [astro-ph.

CO] 8 Jun 2014

Dynamics of the Universe in Problems

A thousand problems in Cosmology

Yu.L. Bolotin1∗ , V.A. Cherkaskiy1, G.I. Ivashkevych1,

2 Dynamics of Expanding Universe 23

3 Dynamics of the Universe in the Big Bang model 43

3.6.3 Sudden Future Singularities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

4 Black Holes. Problems 57

5 Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) 73

9 Dark Energy 105

9.5.4 Phantom Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114

10 Dark Matter 125

11 Interaction in the dark sector 129

12 Standard Cosmological Model 145

13 Weak field limit and gravitational waves 151

14 Observational Cosmology 159

15 Holographic Universe 161

17 Quantum Cosmology 181

1.1 Astronomy ”before the Common Era”

1.2 Quantities large and small

26. ** Protons accelerated at LHC (E = 7T eV ) and photons are participants of a

1.3 Geometric warm-up

1.4 Astrophysical warm-up

44. Calculate the average rate of star formation in our Galaxy.

45. * Determine the wavelengths of hydrogen resonant lines.

47. Hydrogen burning (hydrogen to helium transformation) in stars is realized in the

50. Masses of stars vary in the limits

0.08M⊙ < Mstar < 100M⊙ .

How could this be explained?

1.5 Planck scales and fundamental constants c, G, ~

1.7 Forest for the trees

91. Demonstrate that stars in galaxies can be considered as collisionless medium.

1.8 Life on Mars?

1.8.1 Fine tuning of the Universe

1.9 Thermo warm-up

1.10 Play with Numbers after Sivaram

Dynamics of Expanding Universe

Matter tells Specetime how to curve, and

2.1 Homogeneous and isotropic Universe,

3. What three-dimensional geometrical objects are both homogeneous and isotropic?

2.2 Equations of General Relativity

12. Consider a spacetime with diagonal metric

ds2 = g00 (dx0 )2 + g11 (dx1 )2 + g22 (dx2 )2 + g33 (dx3 )2 .

14. The covariant derivative (or connection) ∇µ is a tensorial generalization of partial

where matrices Γi jk are called the connection coefficients, so that ∇µ Aν and ∇µ Aν

17. Consider the action for a massive particle of the form

A Killing vector defines a one-parametric symmetry group of the metric tensor,

called the Killing equation.

2.3 Friedman–Lemaı̂tre–Robertson–Walker (FLRW)

rAB = a(t) · χAB ,

where k = 0, ±1 is the sign of spatial curvature (see problem 46).

34. Using the FLRW metric, derive the Hubble’s law.

35. Conformal time η is defined as

2.4 Expanding Universe:

49. Does the law of inertia hold in an expanding Universe?

2.4.2 The tethered galaxy problem

2.4.3 Cosmological redshift

2.5 Friedman Equations