Speaker
Prof.
Nemanja Kaloper
(University of California, Davis)
Description
We outline a dynamical dark energy scenario whose signatures may be
simultaneously tested by astronomical observations and laboratory
experiments. The dark energy is a field with slightly sub-gravitational
couplings to matter, a logarithmic self-interaction potential with a scale
tuned to $\sim 10^{-3} {\rm eV}$, as is usual in quintessence models, and
an effective mass $m_\phi$ influenced by the environmental energy density.
Its forces may be suppressed just below the current bounds by the
chameleon-like mimicry, whereby only outer layers of mass distributions,
of thickness $1/m_\phi$, give off appreciable long range forces. We
discuss its cosmological evolution and consequences. Among the signatures
of this scenario may be dark energy equation of state $w \ne -1$,
stronger gravity in dilute mediums, that may influence BBN and appear as
an excess of dark matter, and sub-millimeter corrections to Newton's law,
close to the present laboratory limits.
