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arXiv · 2204.03003

Coupling Metric-Affine Gravity to a Higgs-Like Scalar Field

Claire Rigouzzo·Sebastian Zell
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Abstract

General Relativity (GR) exists in different formulations. They are equivalent in pure gravity but generically lead to distinct predictions once matter is included. After a brief overview of various versions of GR, we focus on metric-affine gravity, which avoids any assumption about the vanishing of curvature, torsion or non-metricity. We use it to construct an action of a scalar field coupled non-minimally to gravity. It encompasses as special cases numerous previously studied models. Eliminating non-propagating degrees of freedom, we derive an equivalent theory in the metric formulation of GR. Finally, we give a brief outlook to implications for Higgs inflation.

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Claire Rigouzzo, Sebastian Zell. 2022-04-06. Coupling Metric-Affine Gravity to a Higgs-Like Scalar Field. https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevd.106.024015

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