Ekpyrotic loop quantum cosmology

Understand

We consider the ekpyrotic paradigm in the context of loop quantum cosmology.

• In loop quantum cosmology the classical big-bang singularity is resolved due to quantum gravity effects, and so the contracting ekpyrotic branch of the universe and its later expanding phase are connected by a smooth bounce.
• Thus, it is possible to explicitly determine the evolution of scalar perturbations, from the contracting ekpyrotic phase through the bounce and to the post-bounce expanding epoch.
• The possibilities of having either one or two scalar fields have been suggested for the ekpyrotic universe, and both cases will be considered here.