We consider homogeneous Abelian vector fields in an expanding universe. We find a mechanical analogy in which the system behaves as a particle moving in three dimensions under the action of a central potential. In the case of bounded and rapid evolution compared to the rate of expansion, we show—by making use of the virial theorem—that for an arbitrary potential and polarization pattern, the average energy-momentum tensor is always diagonal and isotropic despite the intrinsic anisotropic evolution of the vector field. For simple power-law potentials of the form $V=\lambda (A^{\mu }{A}_{\mu }{)}^n$, the average equation of state is found to be $w=(n-1)/(n+1)$. This implies that vector coherent oscillations could act as natural dark matter or dark energy candidates. Finally, we show that under very general conditions, the average energy-momentum tensor of a rapidly evolving bounded vector field in any background geometry is always isotropic and has the perfect fluid form for any locally inertial observer.

• Received 10 April 2012

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevD.86.021301