R+αR2 loop quantum cosmology

Abstract

Working in Einstein frame, we introduce, in order to avoid singularities, holonomy corrections to the f(R)=R+αR2 model. We perform a detailed analytical and numerical study when holonomy corrections are taken into account in both Jordan and Einstein frames, obtaining, in Jordan frame, a dynamics which differs qualitatively, at early times, from the one of the original model. More precisely, when holonomy corrections are taken into account, the Universe is not singular, starting at early times in the contracting phase and bouncing to enter the expanding one where, as in the original model, it inflates. This dynamics is completely different from the one obtained in the original R+αR2 model, where the Universe is singular at early times and never bounces. Moreover, we show that these holonomy corrections may lead to better predictions for the inflationary phase as compared with current observations. © 2014 American Physical Society.