Emergent universe scenario in the Einstein–Gauss–Bonnet gravity with dilaton

We obtain cosmological solutions which admit emergent universe (EU) scenario in the framework of Einstein Gauss–Bonnet (GB) gravity coupled with a dilaton field in 4-dimensions. The coupling parameter of the GB terms and the dilaton in the theory are determined for obtaining an EU scenario. The corresponding dilaton potential which admits such scenario is determined. It is found that the GB terms coupled with a dilaton field plays an important role in describing the dynamics of the evolution of the early as well as the late universe. We note an interesting case where the GB term dominates initially in the asymptotic past regime, subsequently it decreases and thereafter its contribution in determining the dynamics of the evolution dominates once again. We note that the Einstein’s static universe solution permitted here is unstable which the asymptotic EU might follow. We also compare our EU model with supernova data.