Quintom scenario

The Quintom scenario (derived from the words quintessence and phantom, as in phantom energy) is a hypothetical scenario involving dark energy. The Quintom scenario (derived from the words quintessence and phantom, as in phantom energy) is a hypothetical scenario involving dark energy. In this scenario, the equation of state p = w ρ {displaystyle p=w ho } of the dark energy, relating its pressure and energy density, can cross the boundary w = − 1 {displaystyle w=-1} associated with the cosmological constant. The boundary separates the phantom-energy-like behavior with w < − 1 {displaystyle w<-1} from the quintessence-like behavior with w > − 1 {displaystyle w>-1} . A no-go theorem shows that this behavior requires at least two degrees of freedom for dark energy models involving ideal gases or scalar fields. If this quintom energy exists, it may indicate how the universe avoids Big Bangs, Big Rips, and other time-like singularities. The Quintom Scenario was applied in 2008 to produce a model of inflationary cosmology with a Big Bounce instead of a Big Bang singularity. It was also applied in 2007 to a Big Bounce model of the universe.