Regular and chaotic regimes in scalar field cosmology (Q2495190)

For a closed Friedmann model, the cosmic singularity is investigated under the assumption that the matter is given in form of a self-interacting massive real scalar field. In the appendix A2, also the case of a complex scalar field is presented. The approach to the singularity is carefully discussed under the point of view whether there is regular behaviour, chaotic behaviour, or transient chaos. Also a bounce is possible under certain circumstances: a positive local minimum of the cosmic scale factor. The results depend crucially on the special shape of the self-interaction term of the scalar field, and the present paper gives detailed results in this area.