Quadratic metric‐affine gravity

We consider spacetime to be a connected real 4‐manifold equipped with a Lorentzian metric and an affine connection. The 10 independent components of the (symmetric) metric tensor and the 64 connection coefficients are the unknowns of our theory. We introduce an action which is (purely) quadratic in curvature and study the resulting system of Euler–Lagrange equations. In the first part of the paper we look for Riemannian solutions, i.e. solutions whose connection is Levi‐Civita. We find two classes of Riemannian solutions: 1) Einstein spaces, and 2) spacetimes with pp‐wave metric of parallel Ricci curvature. We prove that for a generic quadratic action these are the only Riemannian solutions. In the second part of the paper we look for non‐Riemannian solutions. We define the notion of a “Weyl pseudoinstanton” (metric compatible spacetime whose curvature is purely of Weyl type) and prove that a Weyl pseudoinstanton is a solution of our field equations. Using the pseudoinstanton approach we construct explicitly a non‐Riemannian solution which is a wave of torsion in a spacetime with Minkowski metric. We discuss the possibility of using this non‐Riemannian solution as a mathematical model for the neutrino.     

Weyl geometry

We develop the properties of Weyl geometry, beginning with a review of the conformal properties of Riemannian spacetimes. Decomposition of the Riemann curvature into trace and traceless parts allows an easy proof that the Weyl curvature tensor is the conformally invariant part of the Riemann curvature, and shows the explicit change in the Ricci and Schouten tensors required to insure conformal invariance. We include a proof of the well-known condition for the existence of a conformal transformation to a Ricci-flat spacetime. We generalize this to a derivation of the condition for the existence of a conformal transformation to a spacetime satisfying the Einstein equation with matter sources. Then, enlarging the symmetry from Poincaré to Weyl, we develop the Cartan structure equations of Weyl geometry, the form of the curvature tensor and its relationship to the Riemann curvature of the corresponding Riemannian geometry. We present a simple theory of Weyl-covariant gravity based on a curvature-linear action, and show that it is conformally equivalent to general relativity. This theory is invariant under local dilatations, but not the full conformal group.     

Einstein metrics: homogeneous solvmanifolds,generalised Heisenberg groups and black holes

In this paper we construct Einstein spaces with negative Ricci curvature in various dimensions. These spaces—which can be thought of as generalised AdS spacetimes—can be classified in terms of the geometry of the horospheres in Poincaré-like coordinates, and can be both homogeneous and static. By using simple building blocks, which in general are homogeneous Einstein solvmanifolds, we give a general algorithm for constructing Einstein metrics where the horospheres are products of generalised Heisenberg geometries, nilgeometries, solvegeometries, or Ricci-flat manifolds. Furthermore, we show that all of these spaces can give rise to black holes with the horizon geometry corresponding to the geometry of the horospheres, by explicitly deriving their metrics.     

A simple property of the Weyl tensor for a shear,vorticity and acceleration-free velocity field

We prove that, in a space-time of dimension \(n>3\) with a velocity field that is shear-free, vorticity-free and acceleration-free, the covariant divergence of the Weyl tensor is zero if and only if the contraction of the Weyl tensor with the velocity is zero. This extends a property found in generalised Robertson–Walker spacetimes, where the velocity is also eigenvector of the Ricci tensor. Despite the simplicity of the statement, the proof is involved. As a product of the same calculation, we introduce a curvature tensor with an interesting recurrence property.     

Type N spacetimes as solutions of extended new massive gravity

We study algebraic type N spacetimes in the extended new massive gravity (NMG), considering both the Born-Infeld model (BI-NMG) and the model of NMG with any finite order curvature corrections. We show that for these spacetimes, the field equations of BI-NMG take the form of the massive (tensorial) Klein–Gordon type equation, just as it happens for ordinary NMG. This fact enables us to obtain the type N solution to BI-NMG, utilizing the general type N solution of NMG, earlier found in our work. We also obtain type N solutions to NMG with all finite order curvature corrections and show that, in contrast to BI-NMG, this model admits the critical point solutions, which are counterparts of “logarithmic” AdS pp-waves solutions of NMG.     

Exact solutions of the Bach field equations of general relativity

Conformally invariant gravitational field equations on the hand and fourth order field equations on the other were discussed in the early history of general relativity (Weyl Einstein, Bach et al.) and have recently gained some new interest (Deser, P. Günther, Treder, et al.). The equations B_αβ=0 or B_αβ=?T_αβ, where B_αβ denotes the Bach tensor and T_αβ a suitable energy-momentum tensor, possess both the mentioned properties. We construct exact solutions ds²=g_αβdx^αdx^β of the Bach equations: (2, 2)-decomposable, centrally symmetric and pp-wave solutions. The gravitational field g_αβ is coupled by B_αβ=?T_αβ to an electromagnetic field F_αβ=?F_αβ obeying the Maxwell equations or to a neutrino field ?A obeying the Weyl equations respectively. Among interesting new metrics ds² there appear some physically well-known ones, such as the De Sitter universe, the Weyl-Trefftz metric. and the plane-fronted gravitational waves with parallel rays (pp-waves) known from Einstein's theory. The solutions are built up by means of special techniques: A separation method for (2, 2)-decomposable solutions, simplification of centrally symmetric metrics by a suitable conformal transformation, and complex function methods for pp-wave solutions.     

Perturbative modes and black hole entropy in f(Ricci) gravity

f(Ricci) gravity is a special kind of higher curvature gravity whose bulk Lagrangian density is the trace of a matrix-valued function of the Ricci tensor. It is shown that under some mild constraints, f(Ricci) gravity admits Einstein manifolds as exact vacuum solutions, and can be ghost-free and tachyon-free around maximally symmetric Einstein vacua. It is also shown that the entropy for spherically symmetric black holes in f(Ricci) gravity calculated via the Wald method and the boundary Noether charge approach are in good agreement.     

Exact vacuum solutions of 4-dimensional metric-affine gauge theories of gravitation

We presenttwo exact spherically symmetric vacuum solutions of gauge theories of gravity on a spacetime with non metric-compatible connection. One of them is defined on a Weyl-Cartan spacetime and the other on a general metric-affine space. We consider Lagrangians which include terms quadratic in the irreducible parts of the curvature, the torsion, and the nonmetricity. The metric part of both solutions is of the Reissner-Nordström type and includes a contribution of an effectivedilatation charge. A nontrivial Weyl 1-form is also common to both solutions. It resembles a Coulomb potential originating from thedilatation charge. The torsion is closely related to the nonmetricity.Supported by the Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Serrano 123, E-28006 Madrid, Spain     

Spatially Homogeneous Rotating Solution in f(R) Gravity and Its Energy Contents

In this paper, the metric approach of f(R) theory of gravity is used to investigate the exact vacuum solutions of spatially homogeneous rotating spacetimes. For this purpose, R is replaced by f(R) in the standard Einstein-Hilbert action and the set of modified Einstein field equations reduce to a single equation. We adopt the assumption of constant Ricci scalar which maybe zero or non-zero. Moreover, the energy density of the non-trivial solution has been evaluated by using the generalized Landau-Lifshitz energy-momentum complex in the perspective of f(R) gravity for some appropriate f(R) model, which turns out to be a constant quantity.     

Concircular Curvature Tensor and Fluid Spacetimes

In the differential geometry of certain F-structures, the importance of concircular curvature tensor is very well known. The relativistic significance of this tensor has been explored here. The spacetimes satisfying Einstein field equations and with vanishing concircular curvature tensor are considered and the existence of Killing and conformal Killing vectors have been established for such spacetimes. Perfect fluid spacetimes with vanishing concircular curvature tensor have also been considered. The divergence of concircular curvature tensor is studied in detail and it is seen, among other results, that if the divergence of the concircular tensor is zero and the Ricci tensor is of Codazzi type then the resulting spacetime is of constant curvature. For a perfect fluid spacetime to possess divergence-free concircular curvature tensor, a necessary and sufficient condition has been obtained in terms of Friedmann-Robertson-Walker model.     

Conformally Flat Spacetimes and Weyl Frames

We discuss the concepts of Weyl and Riemann frames in the context of metric theories of gravity and state the fact that they are completely equivalent as far as geodesic motion is concerned. We apply this result to conformally flat spacetimes and show that a new picture arises when a Riemannian spacetime is taken by means of geometrical gauge transformations into a Minkowskian flat spacetime. We find out that in the Weyl frame gravity is described by a scalar field. We give some examples of how conformally flat spacetime configurations look when viewed from the standpoint of a Weyl frame. We show that in the non-relativistic and weak field regime the Weyl scalar field may be identified with the Newtonian gravitational potential. We suggest an equation for the scalar field by varying the Einstein-Hilbert action restricted to the class of conformally-flat spacetimes. We revisit Einstein and Fokker’s interpretation of Nordstr?m scalar gravity theory and draw an analogy between this approach and the Weyl gauge formalism. We briefly take a look at two-dimensional gravity as viewed in the Weyl frame and address the question of quantizing a conformally flat spacetime by going to the Weyl frame.     

Weyl type N solutions with null electromagnetic fields in the Einstein–Maxwell <Emphasis Type="Italic">p</Emphasis>-form theory

We consider d-dimensional solutions to the electrovacuum Einstein–Maxwell equations with the Weyl tensor of type N and a null Maxwell \((p+1)\)-form field. We prove that such spacetimes are necessarily aligned, i.e. the Weyl tensor of the corresponding spacetime and the electromagnetic field share the same aligned null direction (AND). Moreover, this AND is geodetic, shear-free, non-expanding and non-twisting and hence Einstein–Maxwell equations imply that Weyl type N spacetimes with a null Maxwell \((p+1)\)-form field belong to the Kundt class. Moreover, these Kundt spacetimes are necessarily \({ CSI}\) and the \((p+1)\)-form is \({ VSI}\). Finally, a general coordinate form of solutions and a reduction of the field equations are discussed.     

Nonrotating cosmic strings interacting with gravitational waves in Einstein-Maxwell-dilaton gravity

We present methods for the construction of exact diagonal cylindrically symmetric solutions in a four dimensional low energy limit of string theory, the Einstein-Maxwell-dilaton gravity. The methods allow us to generate exact string backgrounds from known solutions to the equations of Einstein or Einstein gravity coupled to a massless scalar field. We also give and analyze explicit examples of such solutions. It is shown that they are free of curvature singularities,(quasi)regular on the axis of symmetry, asymptotically flat and describe nonrotating cosmic strings interacting with gravitational, dilaton and electromagnetic waves.     

Non-minimally coupled dark fluid in Schwarzschild spacetime

If one assumes a particular form of non-minimal coupling, called the conformal coupling, of a perfect fluid with gravity in the fluid–gravity Lagrangian then one gets modified Einstein field equation. In the modified Einstein equation the effect of the non-minimal coupling does not vanish if one works with spacetimes for which the Ricci scalar vanishes. In the present work we use the Schwarzschild metric in the modified Einstein equation, in the presence of non-minimal coupling with a fluid, and find out the energy–density and pressure of the fluid. In the present case the perfect fluid is part of the solution of the modified Einstein equation. We also solve the modified Einstein equation, using the flat spacetime metric and show that in the presence of non-minimal coupling one can accommodate a perfect fluid of uniform energy–density and pressure in the flat spacetime. In both the cases the fluid pressure turns out to be negative. Except these non-trivial solutions it must be noted that the vacuum solutions also remain as trivial valid solutions of the modified Einstein equation in the presence of non-minimal coupling.     

Nonlinear supergravity on a brane without compactification

We show that smooth domain wall spacetimes supported by a scalar field separating two anti-de Sitter-like regions admit a single graviton bound state. Our analysis yields a fully nonlinear supergravity treatment of the Randall-Sundrum model. Our solutions describe a pp-wave propagating in the domain wall background spacetime. If the latter is a Bogomol'nyi-Prasad-Sommerfeld state, our solutions retain some supersymmetry. Nevertheless, the Kaluza-Klein modes generate " pp curvature" singularities in the bulk located where the horizon of the anti-de Sitter region would ordinarily be.     

Pseudoinstantons in Metric-Affine Field Theory

In abstract Yang–Mills theory the standard instanton construction relies on the Hodge star having real eigenvalues which makes it inapplicable in the Lorentzian case. We show that for the affine connection an instanton-type construction can be carried out in the Lorentzian setting. The Lorentzian analogue of an instanton is a spacetime whose connection is metric compatible and Riemann curvature irreducible (pseudoinstanton). We suggest a metric-affine action which is a natural generalization of the Yang–Mills action and for which pseudoinstantons are stationary points. We show that a spacetime with a Ricci flat Levi-Civita connection is a pseudoinstanton, so the vacuum Einstein equation is a special case of our theory. We also find another pseudoinstanton which is a wave of torsion in Minkowski space. Analysis of the latter solution indicates the possibility of using it as a model for the neutrino.     

Massive neutrinos

There have been recent discussions, associated with the solar neutrino problem, that consider the neutrino to have rest mass. Here we give a discussion of massive neutrinos in general relativity. There are no solutions to the Einstein-zero mass neutrino equations for spherically-symmetric spacetimes. A sphrically-symmetric solution to the Einstein - massive neutrino equations is presented.     

The extended conformal Einstein field equations with matter: The Einstein–Maxwell field

A discussion is given of the conformal Einstein field equations coupled with matter whose energy–momentum tensor is trace-free. These resulting equations are expressed in terms of a generic Weyl connection. The article shows how in the presence of matter it is possible to construct a conformal gauge which allows to know a priori the location of the conformal boundary. In vacuum this gauge reduces to the so-called conformal Gaussian gauge. These ideas are applied to obtain (i) a new proof of the stability of Einstein–Maxwell de Sitter-like spacetimes; (ii) a proof of the semi-global stability of purely radiative Einstein–Maxwell spacetimes.