Seeking Evolution of Dark Energy

Abstract

We study how observationally to distinguish between a cosmological constant (CC) and an evolving dark energy with equation of state $\omega (Z)$. We focus on the value of redshift Z* at which the cosmic late time acceleration begins and $\ddot{a}(Z^{\ast })=0$. Four $\omega (Z)$ are studied, including the well-known CPL model and a new model that has advantages when describing the entire expansion era. If dark energy is represented by a CC model with $\omega \equiv -1$, the present ranges for ${\Omega }_{\Lambda }(t_0)$ and ${\Omega }_m(t_0)$ imply that Z* = 0.743 with 4% error. We discuss the possible implications of a model independent measurement of Z* with better accuracy.

Comments: 9 pages, LaTeX, 5 figures