On a cosmological invariant as an observational probe in the early universe

k-essence scalar field models are usually taken to have Lagrangians of the form L = −V (φ)F(X) with F some general function of X = ▿ _μ φ▿ ^μ ϕ. Under certain conditions, this Lagrangian can take the form of that of an oscillator with time-dependent frequency. The Ermakov invariant for a time-dependent oscillator in a cosmological scenario then leads to an invariant quadratic form involving the Hubble parameter and a logarithm of the scale factor. In principle, this invariant can lead to further observational probes for the early Universe. Moreover, if such an invariant can be observationally verified, then the presence of dark energy will also be indirectly confirmed.