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Aleksander Kozak

Publications and source records attributed to Aleksander Kozak.

17 recordsLinked to original sources

Asymptotic Theorems and Averaging in Scalar Field Cosmology

We present a hybrid study that combines a concise review of scalar-field cosmology with new analytic developments that integrate averaging reductions for oscillatory regimes with dynamical-systems techniques. For oscillatory fields, we derive an averaging reduction that yields an effective slow system whose time averages control dissipation; introducing uniform derivative bounds, Barbalat/LaSalle arguments, and a finite-dimensional center/stable manifold reduction, we carry out late-time analysis of the models. We prove persistence of equilibria, decay estimates, and local invariant manifolds under small $C^k$ perturbations of $χ(ϕ)$ and $G(a)$, quantify how averaged dissipation lifts to the full oscillatory dynamics with an $\mathcal{O}(H)$ error, and provide numerical examples. In addition to asymptotic reductions, we obtain exact quadrature solutions in general relativistic, anisotropic, and brane-world settings, yielding closed-form expressions for $t(a)$, $ϕ(a)$, and $H(a)$ and enabling analytic computation of inflationary observables.

gr-qc

Disformal transformations in a Palatini extension of Horndeski's gravity

In this paper, we extend Horndeski's theory into the Palatini approach, assuming that the metric tensor and the (symmetric) connection are a priori independent objects. We introduce an additional transformation of the connection and write down the action functional being form-invariant under both the disformal transformation of the metric and the new transformation of the connection. We show that such a theory reduces on-shell to a metric subclass of Horndeski's gravity called kinetic gravity braiding. We also introduce an invariant metric and connection, and demonstrate that quantities defined in such a way lead to a metric theory. In the second part of the paper, we consider a simple cosmological model within the theory and explore its potential links with $ k$-essence-type theories, with a non-trivial coupling between the scalar field and the matter part of the action in the Einstein frame. We show that there exists a model that reproduces late-time cosmic acceleration, approaching asymptotically the de Sitter phase, motivating further study of the theories.

gr-qc

Slow-Fast Evolution of Scalar Fields in Higher-Order Cosmological Gravity: Dynamics Inspired by the Pais--Uhlenbeck Oscillator

We investigate the cosmological dynamics of scalar fields governed by higher-order gravity, with particular emphasis on models inspired by the Pais-Uhlenbeck oscillator--a prototypical fourth-order system known for its connection to ghost-free formulations. By recasting the field equations into a slow-fast dynamical system, we analyze phase space evolution across exponential and power-law coupling regimes. Our approach integrates numerical simulations and geometric methods to visualize trajectories, stream flows, and asymptotic behavior under varying potential parameters. The underlying system admits singular surfaces and non-smooth transitions, revealing intricate dynamical structures. We examine the stability of de Sitter solutions, the crossing of the phantom divide, and the emergence of cyclic behavior through multiple-scale analysis. The inclusion of radiation and dust fluids enables the creation of realistic cosmological scenarios, including a transient matter-dominated era and a late-time accelerated expansion. Our results highlight the viability of Pais-Uhlenbeck scalar models in accounting for inflationary dynamics and dark energy, offering diagnostic tools for characterizing attractors and bifurcation phenomena in higher-derivative cosmology.

gr-qc

Refining Bounds for Snyder and GUP Models through Seismic Wave Analysis

This study investigates possibility of placing bounds on the parameters, arising from the non-commutative Snyder space-time model and Generalized Uncertainty Principle (GUP) approach, by utilizing seismic data. We investigate the dependence of constraints on the type of realization used for the quantum phase space. Results indicate improved bounds compared to prior studies, with the model parameter $β_0$ constrained to be less than $5.2\times 10^{44}$ for certain choice of realizations. This approach demonstrates the potential for using Earth's empirical data to refine constraints on GUP parameters.

gr-qc

Cosmological constraints of Palatini $f(\mathcal{R})$ gravity

In this study, we investigate a Palatini $f(R)$ gravity model featuring a quadratic term correction, aligning it with the most recent expansion rate data, with a particular focus on the latest SNIa and BAO data. Our analysis employs CC data as the fundamental dataset, complemented by contributions from the SN sample and a combination of non-overlapping transversal BAO datasets. We conduct a comprehensive MCMC analysis for each data set combination, yielding constraints on all cosmological parameters within the model. Additionally, we incorporate the latest Hubble constant value from the SH0ES Team. Finally, we present a statistical comparison between the Palatini quadratic model and $Λ$CDM using the AIC and BIC metrics, ultimately obtaining the constraint $|α| \leq 10^{49}\,\text{m}^2$. We also stress the significance of studying stellar and substellar objects for obtaining more precise constraints on modified gravity compared to those derived from cosmological observations.

gr-qc

Planetary seismology as a test of modified gravity proposals

We demonstrate that it is possible to test models of gravity, such as Palatini $f(R)$ and Eddington-inspired Born-Infeld models, using seismic data from Earth. By incorporating additional limitations on Earth's moment of inertia and mass given from observational data, the models' parameters can be restricted to a $2σ$ level of accuracy. Our novel tool provides that the parameter $β$ parametrizing the quadratic curvature term in the gravitational Lagrangian of Palatini $f(R)$ gravity is constrained to $β\lesssim 10^9 \text{m}^2$ while the Eddington-inspired Born-Infeld gravity parameter $ε$ is restricted to $ε\lesssim 4\cdot 10^9 \text{m}^2$. We also discuss further enhancements to the proposed method, aimed at imposing even more stringent constraints on modified gravity proposals.

gr-qc

Earthquakes as probing tools for gravity theories

We propose a novel method for testing gravity models using seismic data from Earth. By imposing observational constraints on Earth's moment of inertia and mass, we rigorously limit the gravitational models' parameters within a $2σ$ accuracy. Our method constrains the parameters governing additional terms to the General Relativity Lagrangian to the following ranges: $-2\times10^9\lesssimβ\lesssim 10^9 \text{m}^2$ for Palatini $f(R)$ gravity, $-8\times10^9\lesssimε\lesssim 4\times 10^9 \text{m}^2$ for Eddington-inspired Born-Infeld gravity, and $-10^{-3}\lesssimΥ\lesssim10^{-3}$ for Degenerate Higher-Order Scalar-Tensor theories. We also discuss potential avenues to enhance the proposed method, aiming to impose even tighter constraints on gravity models.

gr-qc

Non-homogeneous exoplanets in metric-affine gravity

The improved description of the planets' interior is provided. We examine the modified gravity effects on the Earth-like planets composed of the iron core and silicate mantle. We confirm that the mass-radius relations, as well as density profiles, differ with respect to the commonly adopted Newtonian models.

gr-qc

Scalar-tensor cosmologies in a minisuperspace formulation: a case study

We revisit a general minisuperspace (MSS) formalism for scalar-tensor (ST) FLRW type cosmological models in arbitrary frame with perfect fluid source. We discuss how to impose Cauchy data on the corresponding dynamical system in order to reconstruct standard (ΛCDM) cosmological model. So far, the integrability of such models has been extensively studied in the Einstein or Jordan frames mainly. We extend these studies to arbitrary frame taking into account non-minimal coupling between matter and gravity. To this aim we explore a gauge freedom associated with a choice of lapse function. We show that particular isothermal MSS coordinates are related with Einstein frames representing solution equivalent classes and have some invariant meaning. This provides new universal framework for investigating cosmic evolution in arbitrary frame: analytical solutions obtained in the Einstein frame can be transformed back to the physical frame by making use of a conformal transformation and field redefinition. We also show how such technique can be useful when applied to Wheeler-DeWitt quantum cosmology.

gr-qc

Interiors of terrestrial planets in metric-affine gravity

Using a semi-empirical approach we show that modified gravity affects the internal properties of terrestrial planets, such as their physical characteristics of a core, mantle, and core-mantle boundary. We also apply these findings for modeling a two-layers exoplanet in Palatini $f(R)$ gravity.

gr-qc

Metric-affine gravity effects on terrestrial (exo-)planets profiles

Mass-radius relations of homogeneous cold spheres are obtained for six solid materials commonly found in terrestrial planets. An additional degeneracy in the (exo-)planets' profiles is discussed together with their properties concluded from our findings in the framework of Palatini $f(\mathcal R)$ gravity. Moreover, a new test of gravity has been proposed: The results presented here will allow to test and to constrain models of gravity by the use of seismic data acquired from earthquakes and marsquakes.

gr-qc

Invariant quantities of Scalar-Tensor Theories for stellar structure

We present the relativistic hydrostatic equilibrium equations for a wide class of gravitational theories possessing a scalar-tensor representation. It turns out that the stellar structure equations can be written with respect to the scalar-tensor invariants, allowing to interpret their physical role.

gr-qc

Equivalence of inflationary models between the metric and Palatini formulation of scalar-tensor theories

With a scalar field non-minimally coupled to curvature, the underlying geometry and variational principle of gravity - metric or Palatini - becomes important and makes a difference, as the field dynamics and observational predictions generally depend on this choice. In the present paper we describe a classification principle which encompasses both metric and Palatini models of inflation, employing the fact that inflationary observables can be neatly expressed in terms of certain quantities which remain invariant under conformal transformations and scalar field redefinitions. This allows us to elucidate the specific conditions when a model yields equivalent phenomenology in the metric and Palatini formalisms, and also to outline a method how to systematically construct different models in both formulations that produce the same observables.

gr-qc

New class of hybrid metric-Palatini scalar-tensor theories of gravity

A class of scalar-tensor theories (STT) including a non-metricity that unifies metric, Palatini and hybrid metric-Palatini gravitational actions with non-minimal interaction is proposed and investigated from the point of view of their consistency with generalized conformal transformations. It is shown that every such theory can be represented on-shell by a purely metric STT possessing the same solutions for a metric and a scalar field. A set of generalized invariants is also proposed. This extends the formalism previously introduced in \cite{kozak2019}. We then apply the formalism to Starobinsky model, write down the Friedmann equations for three possible cases: metric, Palatini and hybrid metric-Palatini, and compare some inflationary observables.

gr-qc

Palatini frames in scalar-tensor theories of gravity

A new systematic approach extending the notion of frames to the Palatini scalar-tensor theories of gravity in various dimensions n>2 is proposed. We impose frame transformation induced by the group action which includes almost-geodesic and conformal transformations. We characterize theories invariant with respect to these transformations dividing them up into solution-equivalent subclasses (group orbits). To this end, invariant characteristics have been introduced. Unlike in the metric case, it turns out that the dimension four admitting the largest transformation group is rather special for such theories. The formalism provides new frames that incorporate non-metricity. The case of Palatini F(R)-gravity is considered in more detail.

hep-th

Scalar-tensor gravity in the Palatini approach

The main objective of this thesis is to discuss scalar-tensor theories in the Palatini approach. Both scalar-tensor theories and Palatini formalism are means of alternating classical theory of gravity, general relativity, in order to account for phenomena being seemingly unexplainable on the ground of the Einstein theory or to serve as toy models used to test limitations of the theory in question. In the literature, both Palatini approach and scalar-tensor theories have been widely discussed, but there are very few - if none - authors writing about a merge of these two ideas. The present paper is a result of an insufficient attention given to the topic of scalar-tensor theories in Palatini formalism. In the course of the thesis action functional for scalar-tensor theories of gravity will be introduced. This action functional differs significantly from the action defined in case of scalar-tensor theories in metric approach. We aim at analysing the theory using the language of invariants, allowing us to write down all equations in a frame-independent manner. We discover that invariants defined for the metric case do not always have their counterparts in Palatini formalism. Also, two frames most frequently used in the literature are discussed: Einstein and Jordan frame. Possible applications of the theory developed in the first part of the thesis are presented. We show the equivalence between $f(R)$ and scalar-tensor theories of gravity and exploit this fact by analysing the former using methods developed for scalar-tensor theories. We conclude the thesis with calculating the Friedmann equations for an empty universe of vanishing spatial curvature and preparing set-up for analysing inflationary behaviour.

gr-qc