On the cosmological viability of the Hu-Sawicki type modified induced gravity

It has been shown recently that the normal branch of a DGP braneworld scenario self-accelerates if the induced gravity on the brane is modified in the spirit of f(R) modified gravity. Within this viewpoint, we investigate cosmological viability of the Hu-Sawicki type modified induced gravity. Firstly, we present a dynamical system analysis of a general f(R)-DGP model. We show that in the phase space of the model, there exist three standard critical points; one of which is a de Sitter point corresponding to accelerating phase of the universe expansion. The stability of this point depends on the effective equation of state parameter of the curvature fluid. If we consider the curvature fluid to be a canonical scalar field in the equivalent scalar-tensor theory, the mentioned de Sitter phase is unstable, otherwise it is an attractor, stable phase. We show that the effective equation of state parameter of the model realizes an effective phantom-like behavior. A cosmographic analysis shows that this model, which admits a stable de Sitter phase in its expansion history, is a cosmologically viable scenario.     

Accelerating cosmology in modified gravity with scalar field

The modified gravity with 1/R term (R being the scalar curvature) and the Einstein-Hilbert term is studied by incorporating the phantom scalar field. A number of cosmological solutions are derived in the presence of the phantom field in the perfect fluid background. It is shown: the current inflation obtained in the modified gravity is affected by the existence of the phantom field.     

Gravity/CFT correspondence for three-dimensional Einstein gravity with a conformal scalar field

We study the three-dimensional Einstein gravity conformally coupled to a scalar field. Solutions of this theory are geometries with vanishing scalar curvature. We consider solutions with a constant scalar field which corresponds to an infinite Newton?s constant. There is a class of solutions with possible curvature singularities which asymptotic symmetries are given by two copies of the Virasoro algebra. We argue that the central charge of the corresponding CFT is infinite. Furthermore, we construct a family of Schwarzschild solutions which can be conformally mapped to the Martínez–Zanelli solution of Einstein?s equations with a negative cosmological constant coupled to conformal scalar field.     

Aspects of quadratic gravity

We discuss quadratic gravity where terms quadratic in the curvature tensor are included in the action. After reviewing the corresponding field equations, we analyze in detail the physical propagating modes in some specific backgrounds. First we confirm that the pure R² theory is indeed ghost free. Then we point out that for flat backgrounds the pure R² theory propagates only a scalar massless mode and no spin‐two tensor mode. However, the latter emerges either by expanding the theory around curved backgrounds like de Sitter or anti‐de Sitter, or by changing the long‐distance dynamics by introducing the standard Einstein term. In both cases, the theory is modified in the infrared and a propagating graviton is recovered. Hence we recognize a subtle interplay between the UV and IR properties of higher order gravity. We also calculate the corresponding Newton's law for general quadratic curvature theories. Finally, we discuss how quadratic actions may be obtained from a fundamental theory like string‐ or M‐theory. We demonstrate that string theory on non‐compact manifolds, like a line bundle over , may indeed lead to gravity dynamics determined by a higher curvature action.     

Dark energy,induced gravity and broken scale invariance

We study the cosmological evolution of an induced gravity model with a self-interacting scalar field σ and in the presence of matter and radiation. Such model leads to Einstein gravity plus a cosmological constant as a stable attractor among homogeneous cosmologies and is therefore a viable dark-energy (DE) model for a wide range of scalar field initial conditions and values for its positive γ   coupling to the Ricci curvature γσ²R$\gamma {\sigma }^{2}R$.     

Induced gravity and cosmology

We propose a fully conformal invariant theory describing gravity as a spontaneously broken theory. Newton's constant is automatically generated. We find through the study of classical solutions of the equations of motion that the breakdown of conformal symmetry can take place at the tree approximation without introducing arbitrary forms for the scalar potential. Using cosmological metrics, which we find natural from the physical point of view, some conclusions can be drawn regarding the nature of those metrics. The case of constant scalar curvature is particularly interesting, and gives rise to a gravitational version of the Goldstone theorem.     

The big bang as a result of the first-order phase transition driven by a change of the scalar curvature in an expanding early Universe: The “hyperinflation” scenario

We suggest that the Big Bang could be a result of the first-order phase transition driven by a change in the scalar curvature of the 4D spacetime in an expanding cold Universe filled with a nonlinear scalar field φ and neutral matter with an equation of state p = νε (where p and ε are the pressure and energy density of the matter, respectively). We consider the Lagrangian of a scalar field with nonlinearity φ⁴ in a curved spacetime that, along with the term–ξR|φ|² quadratic in φ (where ξ is the interaction constant between the scalar and gravitational fields and R is the scalar curvature), contains the term ξRφ₀(φ + φ⁺) linear in φ, where φ₀ is the vacuum mean of the scalar field amplitude. As a consequence, the condition for the existence of extrema of the scalar-field potential energy is reduced to an equation cubic in φ. Provided that ν > 1/3, the scalar curvature R = [κ(3ν–1)ε–4Λ] (where κ and Λ are Einstein’s gravitational and cosmological constants, respectively) decreases with decreasing ε as the Universe expands, and a first-order phase transition in variable “external field” parameter proportional to R occurs at some critical value R _c < 0. Under certain conditions, the critical radius of the early Universe at the point of the first-order phase transition can reach an arbitrary large value, so that this scenario of unrestricted “inflation” of the Universe may be called “hyperinflation.” After the passage through the phase-transition point, the scalar-field potential energy should be rapidly released, which must lead to strong heating of the Universe, playing the role of the Big Bang.     

Radiatively induced spontaneous symmetry breaking and phase transitions in curved spacetime

Local gauge symmetries which are spontaneously broken in flat spacetime are shown to be restored for large spacetime curvatures. The case of symmetry breaking due to radiative quantum corrections in gauge theories with elementary scalar fields is considered explicitly. In spacetimes with a positive Ricci curvature scalar R and a cosmological event horizon, the critical curvature R_C is of O(m_H²) or O(m_W²), depending on whether the theory is formulated with conformal or minimal scalar fields. In Ricci flat spacetimes with a conventional event horizon the symmetry is expected to be restored when the temperature of the Hawking thermal radiation is of O(m_W). This phenomenon is described in detail, using functional integral methods and dimensional renormalization, for massless scalar electro-dynamics in de-Sitter spacetime. For conformal scalars, the symmetry restoring phase transition is first order, the critical curvature being R_C = 0.910 m_H². For minimal scalars, an anomalous, curvature dependent mass counterterm is required. The phase transition in this case is second order, and occurs at R_C = 83.57 m_W². Symmetry restoration at finite temperature in flat spacetime is considered in an appendix. The critical temperature at which a first-order phase transition occurs in the Weinberg-Salam model is found to be T_C = 0.329 m_W.     

Naked singularity formation in $${f({\mathcal R})}$$ gravity

We study the gravitational collapse of a star with barotropic equation of state p = wρ in the context of f(R){f({\mathcal R})} theories of gravity. Utilizing the metric formalism, we rewrite the field equations as those of Brans-Dicke theory with vanishing coupling parameter. By choosing the functionality of Ricci scalar as f(R)=aR^m{f({\mathcal R})=\alpha{\mathcal R}^{m}} , we show that for an appropriate initial value of the energy density, if α and m satisfy certain conditions, the resulting singularity would be naked, violating the cosmic censorship conjecture. These conditions are the ratio of the mass function to the area radius of the collapsing ball, negativity of the effective pressure, and the time behavior of the Kretschmann scalar. Also, as long as parameter α obeys certain conditions, the satisfaction of the weak energy condition is guaranteed by the collapsing configuration.     

Conformal Continuations in Gravitation Theory with Lagrangian <Emphasis Type="Italic">F</Emphasis>(<Emphasis Type="Italic">R</Emphasis>)

Static spherically-symmetric vacuum solutions of gravitation theory equations with Lagrangian f(R) are examined, where R is a scalar curvature and f is an arbitrary function. Equations of f(R)-theories are reduced to the Einstein scenario — general relativity theory (GRT) equations with a source in the form of a scalar field with potential — with the use of the well-known conformal transformation. The necessary and sufficient conditions of existence of solutions admitting conformal continuations are formulated. This means that the central singularity of the Einstein scenario is mapped into a regular sphere S_trans of the Jordan scenario (that is, into the manifold corresponding to the initial formulation of the theory), and a solution of the field equations can be smoothly continued through it. The value of curvature R on the sphere S_trans corresponds to an extremum of the function f(R). Concrete examples are considered. __________ Translated from Izvestiya Vysshikh Uchebnykh Zavedenii, Fizika, No. 9, pp. 46–51, September, 2005.     

Magnetic strings in f(R) gravity

We construct a new class of spinning magnetic string solutions in f(R) gravity with constant scalar curvature. These solutions which produce a longitudinal magnetic field have no curvature singularity and no horizon, but have a conic geometry with a deficit angle. We also generalize this class of solutions to the case of spinning magnetic solutions with one rotation parameter. We find that the spinning string has a net electric charge which is proportional to the rotation parameter. With choosing a suitable counterterm, we remove the divergences of the action. The conserved quantities of the solutions are also calculated by using the counterterm method.     

Modified gravity in contemporary universe

Astronomical data in favor of cosmological acceleration and possible explanations of accelerated expansion of the universe are discussed. Main attention is paid to gravity modifications at small curvature which could induce accelerated cosmological expansion. It is shown that gravitating systems with mass density rising with time evolve to a singular state with infinite curvature scalar. The universe evolution during the radiation-dominated epoch is studied in the R ²-extended gravity theory. Particle production rate by the oscillating curvature and the back reaction of particle production on the evolution of R are calculated in one-loop approximation. Possible implications of the model for cosmological creation of non-thermal dark matter are discussed.     

De Sitter solutions in higher order gravity

We consider de Sitter solutions, relevant for instance in studies of inflation, in cosmologies where the gravitational Lagrangian is a functionf(R),R being the scalar curvature. Previous investigations have mostly concentrated onf(R) = R+R² which always has a solution matching the conventional de Sitter one. We show that this circumstance is rather exceptional, and that one must go to higher terms to see signs of the generic behaviour, In general the de Sitter solutions are different from those of Einstein gravity. We present complete solutions for the general cubic Lagrangian. We also address the question of when the solutions to equations from truncated actions can be expected to well represent solutions of some full (and possibly unknown) theory. Such theories provide the possibility of weakening the bounds on the energy density of the inflaton, allowing an easier reconciliation of the inflationary universe with structure-forming topological defects.     

A new solution for dilaton-Maxwell gravity

An interesting static spherically symmetric solution corresponding to Einstein-Maxwell gravity coupled to a dilaton field with negative kinetic term has been obtained. This solution is characterized by the set of two arbitrary parameters, the physical mass ₀ and electric chargeQ. It has two horizons on which the metric, scalar curvature and both dilaton and electromagnetic fields are regular. Another feature of this solution is that the physical mass is bounded by the electric charge as ₀2¦Q¦ (unlike the Reisner-Nordström solution for which ₀>-¦Q¦). The structure of the scalar curvature has been analyzed.On leave from: Bogolyubov Institute for Theoretical Microphysics, Moscow State University, 119899 Moscow, Russia     

Classical gravity with higher derivatives

Inclusion of the four-derivative terms R R (–g)^1/2 and R ²(–g)^1/2 into the gravitational action gives a class of effectively multimass models of gravity. In addition to the usual massless excitations of the field, there are now, for general amounts of the two new terms, massive spin-two and massive scalar excitations, with a total of eight degrees of freedom. The massive spin-two part of the field has negative energy. Specific ratios of the two new terms give models with either the massive tensor or the massive scalar missing, with correspondingly fewer degrees of freedom. The static, linearized solutions of the field equations are combinations of Newtonian and Yukawa potentials. Owing to the Yukawa form of the corrections, observational evidence sets only very weak restrictions on the new masses. The acceptable static metric solutions in the full nonlinear theory are regular at the origin. The dynamical content of the linearized field is analyzed by reducing the fourth-order field equations to separated second-order equations, related by coupling to external sources in a fixed ratio. This analysis is carried out into the various helicity components using the transverse-traceless decomposition of the metric.Research supported in part by the National Science Foundation under grant No. PHY-76-07299.     

Conformal transformations in metric‐affine gravity and ghosts

Conformal transformations play a widespread role in gravity theories in regard to their cosmological and other implications. In the pure metric theory of gravity, conformal transformations change the frame to a new one wherein one obtains a conformal‐invariant scalar–tensor theory such that the scalar field, deriving from the conformal factor, is a ghost. In this work, conformal transformations and ghosts will be analyzed in the framework of the metric‐affine theory of gravity. Within this framework, metric and connection are independent variables, and, hence, transform independently under conformal transformations. It will be shown that, if affine connection is invariant under conformal transformations, then the scalar field of concern is a non‐ghost, non‐dynamical field. It is an auxiliary field at the classical level, and might develop a kinetic term at the quantum level. Alternatively, if connection transforms additively with a structure similar to yet more general than that of the Levi‐Civita connection, the resulting action describes the gravitational dynamics correctly, and, more importantly, the scalar field becomes a dynamical non‐ghost field. The equations of motion, for generic geometrical and matter‐sector variables, do not reduce connection to the Levi‐Civita connection, and, hence, independence of connection from metric is maintained. Therefore, metric‐affine gravity provides an arena in which ghosts arising from the conformal factor are avoided thanks to the independence of connection from the metric.     

Development of the Evans Wave Equation in the Weak-Field Limit: The Electrogravitic Equation

The Evans wave equation [1-3] is developed in the weak-field limit to give the Poisson equation and an electrogravitic equation expressing the electric field strength E in terms of the acceleration g due to gravity and a fundamental scalar potential ⁽⁰⁾ with the units of volts (joules per coulomb). The electrogravitic equation shows that an electric field strength can be obtained from the acceleration due to gravity, which in general relativity is non-Euclidean spacetime. Therefore an electric field strength can be obtained, in theory, from scalar curvature R. This inference is supported by recent experimental data from the patented motionless electromagnetic generator [5].     

The conformal status of o = ‐3/2 Brans‐Dicke cosmology

Following recent fit of supernovae data to Brans‐Dicke theory which favours the model with o = ‐ 3/2 [1] we discuss the status of this special case of Brans‐Dicke cosmology in both isotropic and anisotropic framework. It emerges that the limit o = ‐3/2 is consistent only with the vacuum field equations and it makes such a Brans‐Dicke theory conformally invariant. Then it is an example of the conformal relativity theory which allows the invariance with respect to conformal transformations of the metric. Besides, Brans‐Dicke theory with o = ‐3/2 gives a border between a standard scalar field model and a ghost/phantom model. In this paper we show that in o = ‐3/2 Brans‐Dicke theory, i.e., in the conformal relativity there are no isotropic Friedmann solutions of non‐zero spatial curvature except for k=‐1 case. Further we show that this k=‐1 case, after the conformal transformation into the Einstein frame, is just the Milne universe and, as such, it is equivalent to Minkowski spacetime. It generally means that only flat models are fully consistent with the field equations. On the other hand, it is shown explicitly that the anisotropic non‐zero spatial curvature models of Kantowski‐Sachs type are admissible in o = ‐3/2 Brans‐Dicke theory. It then seems that an additional scale factor which appears in anisotropic models gives an extra deegre of freedom and makes it less restrictive than in an isotropic Friedmann case.     

Extended theories of gravity and their cosmological and astrophysical applications

Astrophysical observations are pointing out huge amounts of “dark matter” and “dark energy” needed to explain the observed large scale structure and cosmic dynamics. The emerging picture is a spatially flat, homogeneous Universe undergoing the today observed accelerated phase. Despite of the good quality of astrophysical surveys, commonly addressed as Precision Cosmology, the nature and the nurture of dark energy and dark matter, which should constitute the bulk of cosmological matter-energy, are still unknown. Furthermore, up to now, no experimental evidence has been found, at fundamental level, to explain such mysterious components. The problem could be completely reversed considering dark matter and dark energy as “shortcomings” of General Relativity in its simplest formulation (a linear theory in the Ricci scalar R, minimally coupled to the standard perfect fluid matter) and claiming for the “correct” theory of gravity as that derived by matching the largest number of observational data, without imposing any theory a priori. As a working hypothesis, accelerating behavior of cosmic fluid, large scale structure, potential of galaxy clusters, rotation curves of spiral galaxies could be reproduced by means of extending the standard theory of General Relativity. In other words, gravity could acts in different ways at different scales and the above “shortcomings” could be due to incorrect extrapolations of the Einstein gravity, actually tested at short scales and low energy regimes. After a survey of what is intended for Extended Theories of Gravity in the so called “metric” and “Palatini” approaches, we discuss some cosmological and astrophysical applications where the issues related to the dark components are addressed by enlarging the Einstein theory to more general f (R) Lagrangians, where f (R) is a generic function of Ricci scalar R, not assumed simply linear. Obviously, this is not the final answer to the problem of “dark-components” but it can be considered as an operative scheme whose aim is to avoid the addition of unknown exotic ingredients to the cosmic pie.     

A new approach to spontaneously broken conformal symmetry

In this paper we present a new method for constructing theories of gravitation which exhibit spontaneously broken conformal symmetry. It does not require introducing nongeometric terms (i.e., auxiliary gauge fields or potential terms for the conformal field) into the Lagrangian. It is based on a theory which initially is locally both Lorentz invariant and Weyl gauge invariant inD dimensions. It is shown that, if the field Lagrangian contains terms quadratic in curvature in addition to the Ricci scalar, then the field equations allow both the dilation field and some connection components to have nonvanishing vacuum values. Both Lorentz and Weyl symmetries are thereby broken simultaneously.