Depending on the choice of its potential, the scalar phantom field $ϕ$ (the equation of state parameter $w<-1$) leads to various catastrophic fates of the universe including big rip, little rip and other future singularity. For example, big rip results from the evolution of the phantom field with an exponential potential and little rip stems from a quadratic potential in general relativity (GR). By choosing the same potential as in GR, we suggest a new mechanism to avoid these unexpected fates (big and little rip) in the inverse-\textit{R} gravity. As a pedagogical illustration, we give an exact solution where phantom field leads to a power-law evolution of the scale factor in an exponential type potential. We also find the sufficient condition for a universe in which the equation of state parameter crosses $w=-1$ divide. The phantom field with different potentials, including quadratic, cubic, quantic, exponential and logarithmic potentials are studied via numerical calculation in the inverse-\textit{R} gravity with $R^{2}$ correction. The singularity is avoidable under all these potentials. Hence, we conclude that the avoidance of big or little rip is hardly dependent on special potential.
We construct phantom energy models with the equation-of-state parameter $w$ such that $w<-1$, but finite-time future singularity does not occur. Such models can be divided into two classes: (i) energy density increases with time ("phantom energy" without "Big Rip" singularity) and (ii) energy density tends to constant value with time ("cosmological constant" with asymptotically de Sitter evolution). The disintegration of bound structure is confirmed in Little Rip cosmology. Surprisingly, we find that such disintegration (on example of Sun-Earth system) may occur even in asymptotically de Sitte…
We study the phantom inflation in little rip cosmology, in which the current acceleration is driven by the field with the parameter of state w < -1, but since w tends to -1 asymptotically, the rip singularity occurs only at infinite time. In this scenario, before the rip singularity is arrived, the universe is in an inflationary regime. We numerically calculate the spectrum of primordial perturbation generated during this period and find that the results may be consistent with observations. This implies that if the reheating happens again, the current acceleration might be just a start of phan…
In this paper we study the behavior of the multi-field in phantom inflation, when massive scalar fields work collectively, in which the scale factor is a power law. We evaluate its parameter values by applying certain constraints on our model parameters, and we investigate that before the Big Rip singularity occurs the universe is in phantom inflationary phase. Furthermore, we calculate these values for this period then compare with current observations of CMB, BAO and observational Hubble data. We find that results may be consistent with observations. This implies that in the dark-energy equa…
The effects of the gravitational back reaction of cosmological perturbations are investigated in a cosmological model where the universe is dominated by phantom energy. We assume a COBE normalized spectrum of cosmological fluctuations at the present time and calculate the effective energy-momentum tensor of the gravitational back-reactions of cosmological perturbations whose wavelengths at the time when the back-reactions are evaluated are larger than the Hubble radius. Our results reveal that the effects of gravitational back-reactions will counteract that of phantom energy sooner or later an…
For the inverse linear potential, the SO(1,1) field behaves as phantom for late time and the Big Rip will occur. The field approaches zero as time approaches the Big Rip, here. For this potential the phantom equation of state takes the late-time minimum $w_Φ=-3$. We give some discussions that the Big Rip in the SO(1,1) model may be treated as either the transition point of universe from expansion to extract phase or the final state. In the latter picture of the universe, the field has the $T$ symmetry and the scale factor possesses the $CT$ symmetry, for which the SO(1,1) charge $\bar{Q}$ play…
We consider the PT symmetric flat Friedmann model of two scalar fields with positive kinetic terms. While the potential of one ("normal") field is taken real, that of the other field is complex. We study a complex classical solution of the system of the two Klein-Gordon equations together with the Friedmann equation. The solution for the normal field is real while the solution for the second field is purely imaginary, realizing classically the "phantom" behavior. The energy density and pressure are real and the corresponding geometry is well-defined. The Lagrangian for the linear perturbations…
Some phantom cosmological models without big rip singularity have been constructed in a simple extended theory of gravity. In the geometrical part of the action, a minimally coupled linear function of the Ricci Scalar and the trace of the energy momentum tensor have been considered in place of the Ricci scalar. Four Little Rip and Pseudo Rip models have been investigated where the equation of state parameter evolves asymptotically and sufficiently rapidly to $-1$. The effect of the coupling constant of the extended gravity theory on the dynamics has been discussed. Possible wormhole solutions …
Models of the universe with arbitrary (non gravitational) interaction between the components of the cosmic fluid: the phantom energy and the background, are investigated. A general form of the interaction that is inspired in scalar-tensor theories of gravity is considered. No specific model for the phantom fluid is assumed. We concentrate our investigation on solutions that are free of the coincidence problem. We found a wide region in the parameter space where the solutions are free of the big rip singularity also. Physical arguments, together with arguments based on the analysis of the obser…
An exact solution describing the evolution of the type Bang-to-Rip with the phantom divide line crossing is constructed in the Chameleon cosmology model, based on two independent functions of the scalar field.
We investigate a family of inhomogeneous and anisotropic gravitational fields exhibiting a future singularity at a finite value of the proper time. The studied spherically symmetric spacetimes are asymptotically Friedmann-Robertson-Walker at spatial infinity and describe wormhole configurations filled with two matter components: one inhomogeneous and anisotropic fluid and another isotropic and homogeneously distributed fluid, characterized by the supernegative equation of state ω=p/ρ< -1. In previously constructed wormholes, the notion of the phantom energy was used in a more extended sense th…
It is shown that phantom scalar models can be mapped into a mathematically equivalent, modified $F(R)$ gravity, which turns out to be complex, in general. Only for even scalar potentials is the ensuing modified gravity real. It is also demonstrated that, even in this case, modified gravity becomes complex at the region where the original phantom dark energy theory develops a Big Rip singularity. A number of explicit examples are presented which show that these two theories are not completely equivalent, from the physical viewpoint. This basically owes to the fact that the physical metric in bo…
We investigate phantom cosmology in which the scale factor is a power law, and we use cosmological observations from Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB), Baryon Acoustic Oscillations (BAO) and observational Hubble data, in order to impose complete constraints on the model parameters. We find that the power-law exponent is $β\approx-6.51^{+0.24}_{-0.25}$, while the Big Rip is realized at $t_s\approx104.5^{+1.9}_{-2.0}$ Gyr, in 1$σ$ confidence level. Providing late-time asymptotic expressions, we find that the dark-energy equation-of-state parameter at the Big Rip remains finite and equal to $w_{D…
In this comment we discuss big rip singularities occurring in typical phantom models by violation of the weak energy condition. After that, we compare them with future late-time singularities arising in models where the scale factor ends in a constant value and there is no violation of the strong energy condition. In phantom models the equation of state is well defined along the whole evolution, even at the big rip. However, both the pressure and the energy density of the phantom field diverge. In contrast, in the second kind of model the equation of state is not defined at the big rip because…
An explicit model of $F(R)$ gravity with realizing a crossing of the phantom divide is reconstructed. In particular, it is shown that the Big Rip singularity may appear in the reconstructed model of $F(R)$ gravity. Such a Big Rip singularity could be avoided by adding $R^2$ term or non-singular viable $F(R)$ theory to the model because phantom behavior becomes transient.
We study the quantum avoidance of the big rip singularity in the Eddington-inspired-Born-Infeld (EiBI) phantom model. Instead of considering a simple phantom dark energy component, which is described by a perfect fluid, we consider a more fundamental degree of freedom corresponding to a phantom scalar field with its corresponding potential, which would lead the classical universe to a big rip singularity. We apply a quantum geometrodynamical approach by performing an appropriate Hamiltonian study including an analysis of the constraints of the system. We then derive the Wheeler-DeWitt (WDW) eq…
We consider a non-minimal coupling of a perfect fluid matter system with geometry, which the coupling function is taken to be an arbitrary function of the Ricci scalar. Due to such a coupling, the matter stress tensor is no longer conserved and there is an energy transfer between the two components. By solving the conservation equation and applying the second law of thermodynamics, we show that direction of the energy transfer depends on the equation of state of the matter fluid. In particular, a phantom fluid should loose energy with expansion of the universe. This energy reduction can avoid …
We study analytically and numerically the evolution of bound systems in universes with accelerating expansion where the acceleration either increases with time towards a Big Rip singularity (phantom cosmologies) or decreases with time (quintessence). We confirm the finding of Caldwell et. al. [arXiv:astro-ph/0302506] (hereafter CKW) that bound structures get dissociated in phantom cosmologies but we demonstrate that this happens earlier than anticipated by CKW. In particular we find that the `rip time' when a bound system gets unbounded is not the time when the repulsive phantom energy gravita…
We consider a scalar-tensor model of dark energy with kinetic and Gauss Bonnet couplings. We study the conditions for the existence of quintessential and phantom power-law expansion, and also analyze these conditions in absence of potential (closely related to string theory). A mechanism to avoid the Big Rip singularity in various asymptotic limits of the model has been studied. It was found that the kinetic and Gauss-Bonnet couplings might prevent the Big Rip singularity in a phantom scenario. The autonomous system for the model has been used to study the stability properties of the power-law…
We analyze from a classical and quantum point of view the behavior of the universe close to a little rip, which can be interpreted as a big rip sent towards the infinite future. Like a big rip singularity, a little rip implies the destruction of all bounded structure in the Universe and is thus an event where quantum effects could be important. We present here a new phantom scalar field model for the little rip. The quantum analysis is performed in quantum geometrodynamics, with the Wheeler-DeWitt equation as its central equation. We find that the little rip can be avoided in the sense of the …
We analyse the phenomenological effects of a varying Dark Energy (DE) effective speed of sound parameter, $c^{2}_{\textrm{sd}}$, on the cosmological perturbations of three phantom DE models. Each of these models induce a particular abrupt future event known as Big Rip (BR), Little Rip (LR), and Little Sibling of the Big Rip (LSBR). In this class of abrupt events, all the bound structures in the Universe would be ripped apart at a finite cosmic time. We compute the evolution of the perturbations, $fσ_{8}$ growth rate and forecast the current matter power spectrum. We vary the $c^{2}_{\textrm{sd…
We show that a generalised phantom Chaplygin gas can present a future singularity in a finite future cosmic time. Unlike the big rip singularity, this singularity happens for a finite scale factor, but like the big rip singularity, it would also take place at a finite future cosmic time. In addition, we define a dual of the generalised phantom Chaplygin gas which satisfies the null energy condition. Then, in a Randall-Sundrum 1 brane-world scenario, we show that the same kind of singularity at a finite scale factor arises for a brane filled with a dual of the generalised phantom Chaplygin gas.
I investigate the repercussions of particle production when the Universe is dominated by a hypothetical phantom substance. I show that backreaction due to particle production prevents the density from shooting to infinity at a Big Rip, but instead forces it to stabilise at a large constant value. Afterwards there is a period of de-Sitter inflation. I speculate that this might lead to a cyclic Universe.
We consider a cosmological scenario in which the expansion of the Universe is dominated by phantom dark energy and black holes which condense out of the latter component. The mass of black holes decreases via Hawking evaporation and by accretion of phantom fluid but new black holes arise continuously whence the overall evolution can be rather complex. We study the corresponding dynamical system to unravel this evolution and single out scenarios where the big rip singularity does not occur.
As it follows from the classical analysis, the typical final state of the dark energy universe where dominant energy condition is violated is finite time, sudden future singularity (Big Rip). For a number of dark energy universes (including scalar phantom and effective phantom theories as well as specific quintessence model) we demonstrate that quantum effects play the dominant role near Big Rip, driving the universe out of future singularity (or, at least, making it milder). As a consequence, the entropy bounds with quantum corrections become well-defined near Big Rip. Similarly, black holes …
The big rip, the little rip and the little sibling of the big rip are cosmological doomsdays predicted by some phantom dark energy models that could describe the future evolution of our Universe. When the universe evolves towards either of these future cosmic events all bounded structures and, ultimately, space-time itself are ripped apart. Nevertheless, it is commonly belief that quantum gravity effects may smooth or even avoid these classically predicted singularities. In this review, we discuss the classical and quantum occurrence of these riplike events in the scheme of metric $f(R)$ theor…
Aspects of non-linear Schrödinger-type (NLS) formulation of scalar (phantom) field cosmology on slow-roll, acceleration, WKB approximation and Big Rip singularity are presented. Slow-roll parameters for the curvature and barotropic density terms are introduced. We reexpress all slow-roll parameters, slow-roll conditions and acceleration condition in NLS form. WKB approximation in the NLS formulation is also discussed when simplifying to linear case. Most of the Schrödinger potentials in NLS formulation are very slowly-varying, hence WKB approximation is valid in the ranges. In the NLS form of …
We carry out an analysis of the cosmological perturbations in general relativity for three different models which are good candidates to describe the current acceleration of the Universe. These three set-ups are described classically by perfect fluids with a phantom nature and represent deviations from the most widely accepted $Λ$CDM model. In addition, each of the models under study induce different future singularities or abrupt events known as (i) Big Rip, (ii) Little Rip and (iii) Little Sibling of the Big Rip. Only the first one is regarded as a true singularity since it occurs at a finit…
In the framework of a single scalar field quintom model with higher derivative, we construct in this paper a dark energy model of which the equation of state (EOS) $w$ crosses over the cosmological constant boundary. Interestingly during the evolution of the universe $w<-1$ happens just for a period of time with a distinguished feature that $w$ starts with a value above -1, transits into $w<-1$, then comes back to $w>-1$. This avoids the Big Rip jeopardy induced by $w<-1$.
We consider quantum modifications to phantom cosmology in a Friedmann-Robertson-Walker spacetime. The cosmological evolution equations improved by the renormalization group are obtained. For exponential potential, we find two types of cosmological fixed point; the renormalization group scale either freezes in, or continues to evolve with scale factor. We discuss the implications of each of these points, and investigate especially whether the big rip can be avoided. If the fixed point of renormalization group flow coincides with the cosmological fixed point, the universe will be dominated by da…
In the present letter, we consider homogeneous and isotropic noncommutative cosmological models induced by a symplectic formalism coupled to phantom perfect fluids and a cosmological constant. After computing the field equations, we solve them to find the scalar factor dynamics. We restrict our attention to expansive solutions, that may represent the present expansion of our Universe. Those solutions generate {\it big rip} singularities. We study how the parameters, of those models, modify the time it takes to the scalar factor expands from zero till infinity, at the {\it big rip}.
We investigate cosmological scenarios with a non-minimal derivative coupling between the scalar field and the curvature, examining both the quintessence and the phantom cases in zero and constant potentials. In general, we find that the universe transits from one de Sitter solution to another, determined by the coupling parameter. Furthermore, according to the parameter choices and without the need for matter, we can obtain a Big Bang, an expanding universe with no beginning, a cosmological turnaround, an eternally contracting universe, a Big Crunch, a Big Rip avoidance and a cosmological boun…
We discuss a more general class of phantom ($p < -\varrho$) cosmologies with various forms of both phantom ($w < -1$), and standard ($w > -1$) matter. We show that many types of evolution which include both Big-Bang and Big-Rip singularities are admitted and give explicit examples. Among some interesting models, there exist non-singular oscillating (or "bounce") cosmologies, which appear due to a competition between positive and negative pressure of variety of matter content. From the point of view of the current observations the most interesting cosmologies are the ones which start with a Big…
This work is based on a cosmological scenario of a universe dominated by phantom energy with equation of state parameter $w<-1$ and the analysis of its asymptotic behaviour in the far-future. The author discusses whether a Big Rip singularity could be reached in the future. Working in the context of general relativity, it is argued that the Big Rip singularity could be avoided due to the gravitational Schwinger pair-production, even if no other particle-creating contribution takes place. In this model, the universe is described in its far-future by a state of a constant but large Hubble rate a…
The role of dynamical cosmological Casimir effect to phantom (constant $w$) and oscillating Universe is discussed. It is shown explicitly that its role is not essential near to Big Rip singularity. However, the account of Casimir fluid makes the scale factor approach to Rip time to be faster. Rip time itself maybe changed too.
We discuss the cosmological reconstruction in modified Gauss-Bonnet (GB) gravity. It is demonstrated that the modified GB gravity may describe the most interesting features of late-time cosmology. We derive explicit form of effective phantom cosmological models ending by the finite-time future singularity (Big Rip) and without singularities in the future (Little Rip).
Different approaches to quantum cosmology are studied in order to deal with the future singularity avoidance problem. Our results show that these future singularities will persist but could take different forms. As an example we have studied the big rip which appear when one considers the state equation $P=ωρ$ with $ω<-1$, showing that it does not disappear in modified gravity. On the other hand, it is well-known that quantum geometric effects (holonomy corrections) in loop quantum cosmology introduce a quadratic modification, namely proportional to $ρ^2$, in Friedmann's equation that replace …
We present a unified treatment of the phase space of a spatially flat homogeneous and isotropic universe dominated by a phantom field. Results on the dynamics and the late time attractors (Big Rip, de Sitter, etc.) are derived without specifying the form of the phantom potential, using only general assumptions on its shape. Many results found in the literature are quickly recovered and predictions are made for new scenarios.
Some analysis of the supernovae type Ia observational data seems to indicate that the Universe today is dominated by a phantom field, for which all energy conditions are violated. Such phantom field may imply a singularity in a future finite time, called big rip. Studying the evolution of scalar perturbations for such a field, we show that if the pressure is negative enough, the Universe can become highly inhomogeneous and this phantom menace may be avoided.
We demonstrate that finite time singularities of Type IV can be consistently incorporated in the Universe's cosmological evolution, either appearing in the inflationary era, or in the late-time regime. While using only one scalar field instabilities can in principle occur at the time of the phantom-divide crossing, when two fields are involved we are able to avoid such instabilities. Additionally, the two-field scalar-tensor theories prove to be able to offer a plethora of possible viable cosmological scenarios, at which various types of cosmological singularities can be realized. Amongst othe…
We reconstruct an explicit model of modified gravity in which a crossing of the phantom divide can be realized. It is shown that the (finite-time) Big Rip singularity appears in the model of modified gravity (i.e., in the so-called Jordan frame), whereas that in the corresponding scalar field theory obtained through the conformal transformation (i.e., in the so-called Einstein frame) the singularity becomes the infinite-time one. Furthermore, we investigate the relations between the scalar field theories with realizing a crossing of the phantom divide and the corresponding modified gravitation…
Cosmological fluids with a Generalized Equation of State (GEoS) are here considered, whose corresponding EoS parameter $ω$ describes a fluid with phantom behavior, namely $ω<-1$, but leading to universes free of singularities at any past or future, finite time. Thus avoiding, in particular, the Big Bang and the Big Rip singularities, the last one considered to be typical in phantom fluid models. More specifically, such GEoS fluid cosmologies lead to regular Little Rip universes. A remarkable new property of these solutions is proven here, namely that they avoid the initial singularity at early…
The presence of phantom dark energy in brane world cosmology generates important new effects, causing a premature Big Rip singularity when we increase the presence of extra dimension and considerably competing with the other components of our Universe. The idea is based first, in only considering a field with the characteristic equation $ω<-1$ and after that, consider the explicit form of the scalar field with a potential with a maximum (with the aim of avoid a Big Rip singularity). In both cases we study the dynamic in a robust form through the dynamical analysis theory, detailing in paramete…
In this paper we study cosmological dynamics of phantom as well as non-phantom fields with linear potential in presence of Galileon correction $(\partial_μϕ\partial^μϕ) \Box ϕ$. We show that the Big Crunch singularity is delayed compared to the standard case; the delay crucially depends upon the strength of Galileon correction. As for the phantom Galileon, $ρ_ϕ$ is shown to grow more slowly compared to the standard phantom delaying the approach to singularity. In case, $V\sim ϕ^n, n>4$, Big Rip is also delayed, similar phenomenon is shown to take place for potentials steeper than the exponenti…
Thermodynamic constraints and future singularities in Unimodular Gravity driven by phantom and non-phantom fluids
Universidad de Santiago de Chile（圣地亚哥智利大学）；Center for Inter-disciplinary Research in Astrophysics and Space Exploration (CIRAS), Universidad de Santiago de Chile（圣地亚哥智利大学天体物理与空间探索跨学科研究中心）；Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso（瓦尔帕莱索天主教大学）；Universidad Veracruzana（韦拉克鲁斯大学）
We study the dynamics of phantom model and give the conditions for potentials to admit tracking attractor, de Sitter attractor and big rip attractor. Especially, we show that phantom models with exponential and inverse power law potentials do not admit the tracking attractor solution. The "tachyonic" stability of the system at/near the attractors as well as the quantum stabiltiy have been studied.
We study a flat 3-brane in presence of a linear $k$ field with nonzero cosmological constant $Λ_{4}$. In this model the crossing of the phantom divide (PD) occurs when the $k$-essence energy density becomes negative. We show that in the high energy regime the effective equation of state has a resemblance of a modified Chaplygin gas while in the low energy regime it becomes linear. We find a scale factor that begins from a singularity and evolves to a de Sitter stable stage while other solutions have a super-accelerated regime and end with a big rip. We use the energy conditions to show when th…
Extended theories of gravity have gathered a lot of attention over the last years, for they not only provide an excellent framework to describe the inflationary era but also yields an alternative to the elusive and mysterious dark energy. Among the different extended theories of gravity, on this work we focus on metric $f(R)$ theories. In addition, it is well known that if the late-time acceleration of the universe is stronger than the one induced by a cosmological constant then some future cosmic singularities might arise, being the Big Rip the most virulent one. Following this reasoning, on …
We study the evolution of Born-Infeld-type phantom in the second Randall-Sundrum brane scenario, and find that there exists attractor solution for the potential with a maximum, which implies a cosmological constant at the late time. Especially, we discuss the BI model of constant potential without and with dust matter. In the weak tension limit of the brane, we obtain an exact solution for the BI phantom and scale factor and show that there is no big rip during the evolution of the brane.
We examine in more detail specific models which yield a little rip cosmology, i.e., a universe in which the dark energy density increases without bound but the universe never reaches a finite-time singularity. We derive the conditions for the little rip in terms of the inertial force in the expanding universe and present two representative models to illustrate in more detail the difference between little rip models and those which are asymptotically de Sitter. We derive conditions on the equation of state parameter of the dark energy to distinguish between the two types of models. We show that…
Modified f(R) gravity is one of the most promising candidates for dark energy, and even for the unification of the whole cosmological evolution, including the inflationary phase. Within this class of theories, the so-called viable modified gravities represent realistic theories that are capable of reproducing late-time acceleration, and satisfy strong constraints at local scales, where General Relativity is recovered. The present manuscript deals with the analysis of the cosmological evolution for some of these models, which indicates that the evolution may enter into a phantom phase, but the …
Dark energy of phantom or quintessence nature with an equation of state parameter $w$ almost equal to -1 often leads the universe evolution to a finite-time future singularity. An elegant solution to this problem has been recently proposed \cite{frampton11} under the form of the so-called Little Rip cosmology which appears to be a realistic alternative to the $Λ$CDM model. A viscous Little Rip cosmology is here proposed. Whereas generically bulk viscosity tends to promote the Big Rip, we find that there are a number of situations where this is not the case and where the formalism nicely adjust…
In this paper we consider 3-form dark energy (DE) models with interactions in the dark sector. We aim to distinguish the phenomenological interactions that are defined through the dark matter (DM) and the DE energy densities. We do our analysis mainly in two stages. In the first stage, we identify the non-interacting 3-form DE model which generically leads to an abrupt late-time cosmological event which is known as the little sibling of the Big Rip (LSBR). We classify the interactions which can possibly avoid this late-time abrupt event. We also study the parameter space of the model that is c…
In this paper, we have presented the big rip and pseudo rip cosmological models in an extended theory of gravity. The matter field is considered to be that of perfect fluid. The geometrical parameters are adjusted in such a manner that it matches the prescriptions given by cosmological observations, to be specific to the range of Hubble tension $(H_{0})$. The models favor phantom behavior. The violation of strong energy conditions are shown in both the models, as it has become essential in an extended gravity. The representative values of the coupling parameter are significant on the evolution…
Although it has been believed that the models with generalised Chaplygin gas do not contain singularities, in a previous work we have studied how a big freeze could take place in some kinds of phantom generalised Chaplygin gas. In the present work, we study some types of generalised Chaplygin gas in order to show how different sorts of singularities could appears in such models, in the future or in the past. We point out that: (i) singularities may not be originated from the phantom nature of the fluid, and (ii) if initially the tension of the brane in a brane-world Chaplygin model is large en…
The current observational data imply that the universe would end with a cosmic doomsday in the holographic dark energy model. However, unfortunately, the big-rip singularity will ruin the theoretical foundation of the holographic dark energy scenario. To rescue the holographic scenario of dark energy, we employ the braneworld cosmology and incorporate the extra-dimension effects into the holographic theory of dark energy. We find that such a mend could erase the big-rip singularity and leads to a de Sitter finale for the holographic cosmos. Therefore, in the holographic dark energy model, the …
Choosing various natural forms for the equation-of-state parameter w and the bulk viscosity ζ, we discuss how it is possible for a dark energy fluid to slide from the quintessence region across the divide w=-1 into the phantom region, and thus into a Big Rip future singularity. Different analytic forms for ζ, as powers of the scalar expansion, are suggested and compared with experiments.
