Higgs dark energy

We study the classical dynamics of a non-Abelian Higgs theory coupled to gravity in an isotropic and homogeneous Universe. For non-minimal coupling, this theory leads to a model of cosmic inflation that is very attractive due to its simplicity and consistency with the latest experimental data. We show that this theory can also explain the current accelerated expansion of the Universe, provided that all the gravitational and bosonic degrees of freedom, together with their symmetries, are correctly taken in account. © 2015 IOP Publishing Ltd.