f(R, φ, χ) cosmology with Noether symmetry

Abstract

This paper is devoted to explore modified f(R) theories of gravity using Noether symmetry approach. For this purpose, Friedmann–Robertson–Walker spacetime is chosen to investigate the cosmic evolution. The study is mainly divided into two parts: Firstly Noether symmetries of metric f(R) gravity are revisited and some new class of solutions with the help of conserved quantities are reported. It is shown that different scenarios of cosmic evolution can be discussed using Noether symmetries and one of the case indicates the chances for the existence of Big Rip singularity. Secondly, f(R) theory coupled with scalar field has been discussed in detail. The Noether equations of modified gravity are reported with three subcases for flat Friedmann–Robertson–Walker universe. It is concluded that conserved quantities are quite helpful to find some important exact solutions in the cosmological contexts. Moreover, the scalar field involved in the modified gravity plays a vital role in the cosmic evolution and an accelerated expansion phase can be observed for some suitable choices of f(R, φ, χ) gravity models.