arXiv subjects

Özgür Akarsu

Publications and source records attributed to Özgür Akarsu.

27 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

arXiv2025

Dynamical dark energy with AdS-to-dS and dS-to-dS transitions: Implications for the $H_0$ tension

We investigate the dynamics and cosmological implications of dark energy (DE), modeled as a scalar field with a hyperbolic tangent potential that induces a smooth shift in the effective cosmological constant (CC), encompassing transitions such as AdS-dS, 0-dS, and dS-dS, with the mirror AdS-dS as a particular case aligned with the $Λ_{\rm s}$CDM scenario. In our construction, a phantom scalar field with a negative kinetic term drives a bottom-up transition from an AdS-like vacuum at high redshifts to a dS-like vacuum at low redshifts, thereby providing a physical underpinning for the $Λ_{\rm s}$CDM scenario. Despite the negative kinetic term, the step-like form of the potential prevents pathologies such as unbounded energy growth, Big Rip, and violations of the WEC. Our numerical integration of the equations of motion shows that the model is consistent with both CMB data and the SH0ES determination of $H_0$, thereby addressing the $H_0$ tension, with all key kinematical parameters-$H(z)$, $\dot{H}(z)$, and $q(z)$-evolving smoothly. The total energy density of the phantom and matter system remains positive at all times, and the effective EoS stays above -1, ensuring that the WEC is satisfied. While the phantom field's energy density and pressure remain finite throughout, its EoS exhibits a safe singularity as its energy density smoothly crosses zero. We perform analysis of the transition period, demonstrating that the evolution of the DE density from a negative CC-like regime to a positive one does not exactly mirror the behavior of the potential-e.g., it lasts longer-as it also involves the kinetic term. We also show that analogous quintessence models featuring dS-dS transitions predict an $H_0$ value lower than $Λ$CDM, thereby failing to address the $H_0$ tension. Our results establish a robust theoretical foundation for the $Λ_{\rm s}$CDM scenario.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2025

Mapping the $Λ_{\rm s}$CDM scenario to $f(T)$ modified gravity: Effects on structure growth rate

The concept of a rapidly sign-switching cosmological constant, interpreted as a mirror AdS-dS transition in the late universe and known as the $Λ_{\rm s}$CDM, has significantly improved the fit to observational data, offering a promising framework for alleviating major cosmological tensions such as the $H_0$ and $S_8$ tensions. However, when considered within general relativity, this scenario does not predict any effects on the evolution of the matter density contrast beyond modifications to the background functions. In this work, we propose a new gravitational model in which the background dynamics predicted by the $Λ_{\rm s}$CDM framework are mapped into $f(T)$ gravity, dubbed $f(T)-Λ_{\rm s}$CDM, rendering the models indistinguishable at the background level. However, in this new scenario, the sign-switching cosmological constant dynamics modify the evolution of linear matter perturbations through an effective gravitational constant, $G_{\rm eff}$. We investigate the evolution of the growth rate and derive new observational constraints for this scenario using RSD measurements. We also present new constraints in the standard $Λ_{\rm s}$CDM case, incorporating the latest Type Ia supernovae data samples available in the literature, along with BAO data from DESI. Our findings indicate that the new corrections expected at the linear perturbative level, as revealed through RSD samples, can provide significant evidence in favor of this new scenario. Additionally, this model may be an excellent candidate for resolving the current $S_8$ tension.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2024

Further support for $S_8$ increasing with effective redshift

In Adil et al. 2023, we reported an increasing trend in $S_8$ with effective redshift $z_{\textrm{eff}}$ based on $f σ_8(z)$ constraints over the redshift range $0 \lesssim z \lesssim 2$, and predicted that this trend would be observable in independent datasets. Recently, the studies by Artis et al. and the ACT+DESI collaboration appeared, presenting data that aligns with the expected trends. In this letter, we quantify the statistical significance of the increasing $S_8$ trends in recent studies by fitting a linear model to estimate the slope $Δ\,S_8/Δ\, z_{\textrm{eff}}$, and comparing the results to mock simulations. We find probabilities of $p = 0.0163$ and $p = 0.01893$, corresponding to approximately $2.1σ$ for each dataset. Using Fisher's method to combine the independent probabilities, we obtained $p=0.0027$ ($2.8 σ$). When we incorporate our earlier findings, the combined statistical significance reaches between $3σ$ and $3.7σ$. Finally, we discuss how ``scatter" in $σ_8$/$S_8$ constraints from recent DESI full-shape galaxy clustering fits this picture at low statistical significance. This letter continues a series of studies initiated in 2020 that explore redshift-dependent $Λ$CDM parameters as an indication of a breakdown in the standard cosmological model.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2024

Cosmological constraints on $Λ_{\rm s}$CDM scenario in a type II minimally modified gravity

The idea of a rapid sign-switching cosmological constant (mirror AdS-dS transition) in the late universe at $z\sim1.7$, known as the $Λ_{\rm s}$CDM model, has significantly improved the fit to observational data and provides a promising scenario for alleviating major cosmological tensions, such as the $H_0$ and $S_8$ tensions. However, in the absence of a fully predictive model, implementing this fit required conjecturing that the dynamics of the linear perturbations are governed by general relativity. Recent work embedding the $Λ_{\rm s}$CDM model with the Lagrangian of a type II minimally modified gravity known as VCDM has propelled $Λ_{\rm s}$CDM to a fully predictive model, removing the uncertainty related to the aforementioned assumption; we call this new model $Λ_{\rm s}$VCDM. In this work, we demonstrate that not only does $Λ_{\rm s}$CDM fit the data better than the standard $Λ$CDM model, but the new model, $Λ_{\rm s}$VCDM, performs even better in alleviating cosmological tensions while also providing a better fit to the data, including CMB, BAO, SNe Ia, and cosmic shear measurements. Our findings highlight the $Λ_{\rm s}$CDM framework, particularly the $Λ_{\rm s}$VCDM model, as a compelling alternative to the standard $Λ$CDM model, especially by successfully alleviating the $H_0$ tension. Additionally, these models predict higher values for $σ_8$, indicating enhanced structuring, albeit with lower present-day matter density parameter values and consequently reduced $S_8$ values, alleviating the $S_8$ tension as well. This demonstrates that the data are well fit by a combination of background and linear perturbations, both having dynamics differing from those of $Λ$CDM. This paves the way for further exploration of new ways for embedding the sign-switching cosmological constant into other models.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2024

Do we need wavelets in the late Universe?

We parameterize the Hubble function by adding Hermitian wavelets to the Hubble radius of $Λ$CDM. This allows us to build Hubble functions that oscillate around $Λ$CDM at late times without modifying its angular diameter distance to last scattering. We perform parameter inference and model selection procedures on these new Hubble functions at the background level. In our analyses consisting of a wide variety of cosmological observations, we find that baryon acoustic oscillations (BAO) data play a crucial role in determining the constraints on the wavelet parameters. In particular, we focus on the differences between SDSS- and DESI-BAO datasets and find that wavelets provide a better fit to the data when either of the BAO datasets is present. However, DESI-BAO has a preference for the center of the wavelets to be around $z \sim 0.7$, while SDSS-BAO prefers higher redshifts of $z > 1$. This difference appears to be driven by the discrepancies between these two datasets in their $D_H / r_{\rm d}$ measurements at $z = 0.51$ and $z \sim 2.3$. Finally, we also derive the consequences of the wavelets on a dark energy component. We find that the dark energy density oscillates by construction and also attains negative values at large redshifts ($z\gtrsim2$) as a consequence of the SDSS-BAO data. We conclude that while the early universe and the constraints on the matter density and the Hubble constant remain unchanged, wavelets are favored in the late universe by the BAO data. Specifically, there is a significant improvement at more than $3σ$ in the fit when new DESI-BAO data are included in the analysis.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2024

$Λ$CDM Tensions: Localising Missing Physics through Consistency Checks

$Λ$CDM tensions are by definition model dependent; one sees anomalies through the prism of $Λ$CDM. Thus, progress towards tension resolution necessitates checking the consistency of the $Λ$CDM model to localise missing physics either in redshift or scale. Since the Universe is dynamical and redshift is a proxy for time, it is imperative to first perform consistency checks involving redshift, then consistency checks involving scale, as the next steps to settle the ``systematics versus new physics" debate and foster informed model building. We present a review of the hierarchy of assumptions underlying the $Λ$CDM cosmological model and comment on whether relaxing them can address the tensions. We focus on the lowest lying fruit of identifying missing physics through the identification of redshift dependent $Λ$CDM model fitting parameters. We highlight recent progress made on ${S_8:= σ_8 \sqrt{Ω_{\rm m}/0.3}}$ tension and elucidate how similar progress can be made on $H_0$ tension. Our discussions indicate that $H_0$ tension, equivalently a redshift dependent $H_0$, and a redshift dependent $S_8$ imply a problem with background $Λ$CDM cosmology.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2024

Exploring new physics in the late Universe's expansion through non-parametric inference

In this study, we investigate deviations from the Planck-$Λ$CDM model in the late universe ($z \lesssim 2.5$) using the Gaussian Processes method, with minimal assumptions. Our goal is to understand where exploring new physics in the late universe is most relevant. We analyze recent Cosmic Chronometers (CC), Type Ia Supernovae (SN), and Baryon Acoustic Oscillations (BAO) data. By examining reconstructions of the dimensionless parameter $δ(z)$, which measures deviations of the Hubble parameter from the Planck-$Λ$CDM predictions, we identify intriguing features at low ($z \lesssim 0.5$) and high ($z \gtrsim 2$) redshifts. Deviations from the Planck-$Λ$CDM model were not significant between $0.5\lesssim z \lesssim2$. Using the combined CC+SN+BAO dataset, we gain insights into dark energy (DE) dynamics, resembling characteristics of omnipotent DE, extending beyond quintessence and phantom models. DE exhibits n-quintessence traits for $z\gtrsim2$, transitioning with a singularity around $z\sim2$ to usual phantom traits in $1\lesssim z\lesssim2$. DE characteristics differ between scenarios ($H_0$-SH0ES and $H_0$-$Λ$\&CMB), with $H_0$-SH0ES leaning towards phantom traits and $H_0$-$Λ$\&CMB towards quintessence. We suggest exploring new physics at $z\lesssim0.5$ and $1.5\lesssim z\lesssim2.5$, particularly around $z = 2$, to understand cosmological tensions such as $H_0$ and $S_8$.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2024

Equivalence of matter-type modified gravity theories to general relativity with nonminimal matter interaction

In this study, we first establish that gravity models incorporating matter-related terms, such as $f(\mathcal{L}_{\rm m})$, $f(g_{μν} T^{μν})$, and $f(T_{μν} T^{μν})$, into the usual matter Lagrangian density $\mathcal{L}_{\rm m}$, are equivalent to general relativity with nonminimal matter interactions. Through the redefinition $\mathcal{L}_{\rm m}+f \rightarrow \mathcal{L}_{\rm m}^{\rm tot}$, these models are exactly GR, yet the usual material field $T_{μν}$ and its accompanying partner, the modification field $T_{μν}^{\rm mod}$, engage in nonminimal interactions. Specifically, $\nabla^μT_{μν}=-Q_ν=-\nabla^μT_{μν}^{\rm mod}$, where $Q_ν$ is the interaction kernel that governs the rate of energy transfer. Our focus narrows on the specific model of $f(T_{μν} T^{μν})$, known as Energy-Momentum Squared Gravity, where the usual material field $T_{μν}$ is accompanied by an \textit{energy-momentum squared field} (EMSF), $T_{μν}^{\rm emsf}$, along with a sui generis nonminimal interaction between them. We demonstrate that a particular $T_{μν}^{\rm emsf}$ can be introduced by \textit{removing} $\frac{\partial^2 \mathcal{L}_{\rm m}}{\partial g^{μν} \partial g^{σε}}$ (the new term emerging in models that incorporate scalars formed from $T_{μν}$), thanks to the freedom in determining the interaction kernel, but this approach compromises the Lagrangian formulation of EMSG. Additionally, we address the ambiguities regarding the perfect fluid stemming from this new term. We show the proper way of calculating this term for a perfect fluid, revealing that it is indeed non-zero, contrary to common assumption in the literature. Finally, we re-examine cosmological models within the realm of EMSG, offering new insights into the applicability and interpretation of our findings in EMSG and similar theoretical frameworks.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2023

$S_8$ increases with effective redshift in $Λ$CDM cosmology

Hubble constant $H_0$ and weighted amplitude of matter fluctuations $S_8$ determinations are biased to higher and lower values, respectively, in the late Universe with respect to early Universe values inferred by the Planck collaboration within flat $Λ$CDM cosmology. If these anomalies are physical, i.e. not due to systematics, they naively suggest that $H_0$ decreases and $S_8$ increases with effective redshift. Here, subjecting matter density today $Ω_{m}$ to a prior, corresponding to a combination of Planck CMB and BAO data, we perform a consistency test of the Planck-$Λ$CDM cosmology and show that $S_8$ determinations from $f σ_8(z)$ constraints increase with effective redshift. Due to the redshift evolution, a $\sim 3 σ$ tension in the $S_8$ parameter with Planck at lower redshifts remarkably becomes consistent with Planck within $1 σ$ at high redshifts. This provides corroborating support for an $S_8$ discrepancy that is physical in origin. We further confirm that the flat $Λ$CDM model is preferred over a theoretically ad hoc model with a jump in $S_8$ at a given redshift. In the absence of the CMB+BAO $Ω_m$ prior, we find that $> 3 σ$ tensions with Planck in low redshift data are ameliorated by shifts in the parameters in high redshift data. Results here and elsewhere suggest that the $Λ$CDM cosmological parameters are redshift dependent. Fitting parameters that evolve with redshift is a recognisable hallmark of model breakdown.

astro-ph.CO↗