We investigate if the fluctuations of the scalar field mediating quintessence—the cosmon—can play an important role in cosmology. Small fluctuations with a short wavelength behave similar to a relativistic gas. In contrast, the contribution to the energy density from horizon size fluctuations may decrease less rapidly than radiation. We discuss the possibility that the cosmon fluctuations grow nonlinearly, form lumps and constitute the clustering dark matter of the universe. Cosmon dark matter would lead to interesting consequences for the equation of state and the coupling between quintessence and dark matter.

• Received 20 September 2001

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevD.65.123512