arXiv subjects

Alexander Bonilla

Publications and source records attributed to Alexander Bonilla.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2025

The CosmoVerse White Paper: Addressing observational tensions in cosmology with systematics and fundamental physics

The standard model of cosmology has provided a good phenomenological description of a wide range of observations both at astrophysical and cosmological scales for several decades. This concordance model is constructed by a universal cosmological constant and supported by a matter sector described by the standard model of particle physics and a cold dark matter contribution, as well as very early-time inflationary physics, and underpinned by gravitation through general relativity. There have always been open questions about the soundness of the foundations of the standard model. However, recent years have shown that there may also be questions from the observational sector with the emergence of differences between certain cosmological probes. In this White Paper, we identify the key objectives that need to be addressed over the coming decade together with the core science projects that aim to meet these challenges. These discordances primarily rest on the divergence in the measurement of core cosmological parameters with varying levels of statistical confidence. These possible statistical tensions may be partially accounted for by systematics in various measurements or cosmological probes but there is also a growing indication of potential new physics beyond the standard model. After reviewing the principal probes used in the measurement of cosmological parameters, as well as potential systematics, we discuss the most promising array of potential new physics that may be observable in upcoming surveys. We also discuss the growing set of novel data analysis approaches that go beyond traditional methods to test physical models. [Abridged]

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2025

VSL-Gravity in light of PSR B1913+16 Full Data Set: Upper limits on graviton mass and its theoretical consequences

Very Special Linear Gravity (VSL-Gravity) is an alternative model of linearized gravity that incorporates massive gravitons while retaining only two physical degrees of freedom thanks to gauge invariance. Recently, the gravitational period-decay dynamics of the model has been determined using effective field theory techniques. In this study, we conduct a comprehensive Bayesian analysis of the PSR B1913+16 binary pulsar dataset to test the predictions of VSL-Gravity. Our results place a 95\% confidence level upper bound on the graviton mass at $m_g \lesssim 10^{-19} \, \text{eV}/c^2$. Additionally, we observe a significant discrepancy in the predicted mass of one of the binary's companion stars. Lastly, we discuss the broader implications of a non-zero graviton mass, from astrophysical consequences to potential cosmological effects.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2024

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

In this study, we investigate deviations from the Planck-$\Lambda$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 $\delta(z)$, which measures deviations of the Hubble parameter from the Planck-$\Lambda$CDM predictions, we identify intriguing features at low ($z \lesssim 0.5$) and high ($z \gtrsim 2$) redshifts. Deviations from the Planck-$\Lambda$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 $H_0$-$\Lambda$\&CMB), with $H_0$-SH0ES leaning towards phantom traits and $H_0$-$\Lambda$\&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↗

arXiv2023

Reconstructing the growth index $\gamma$ with Gaussian Processes

Alternative cosmological models have been proposed to alleviate the tensions reported in the concordance cosmological model, or to explain the current accelerated phase of the universe. One way to distinguish between General Relativity and modified gravity models is using current astronomical data to measure the growth index $\gamma$, a parameter related to the growth of matter perturbations, which behaves differently in different metric theories. We propose a model independent methodology for determining $\gamma$, where our analyses combine diverse cosmological data sets, namely $\{ f(z_i) \}$, $\{ [f\sigma_8](z_i) \}$, and $\{ H(z_i) \}$, and use Gaussian Processes, a non-parametric approach suitable to reconstruct functions. This methodology is a new consistency test for $\gamma$ constant. Our results show that, for the redshift interval $0 < z < 1$, $\gamma$ is consistent with the constant value $\gamma = 0.55$, expected in General Relativity theory, within $2 \sigma$ confidence level (CL). Moreover, we find $\gamma(z=0)$ = 0.311 $\pm 0.144 $ and $\gamma(z=0) = 0.609 \pm 0.200$ for the reconstructions using the $\{ f(z_i) \}$ and $\{ [f\sigma_8](z_i) \}$ data sets, respectively, values that also agree at a 2$\sigma$ CL with $\gamma = 0.55$. Our methodology and analyses can be considered as an alternative approach in light of the current discussion in the literature that suggests a possible evidence for the growth index evolution.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2023

The NANOGrav 15-year Data Set: Constraints on Supermassive Black Hole Binaries from the Gravitational Wave Background

The NANOGrav 15-year data set shows evidence for the presence of a low-frequency gravitational-wave background (GWB). While many physical processes can source such low-frequency gravitational waves, here we analyze the signal as coming from a population of supermassive black hole (SMBH) binaries distributed throughout the Universe. We show that astrophysically motivated models of SMBH binary populations are able to reproduce both the amplitude and shape of the observed low-frequency gravitational-wave spectrum. While multiple model variations are able to reproduce the GWB spectrum at our current measurement precision, our results highlight the importance of accurately modeling binary evolution for producing realistic GWB spectra. Additionally, while reasonable parameters are able to reproduce the 15-year observations, the implied GWB amplitude necessitates either a large number of parameters to be at the edges of expected values, or a small number of parameters to be notably different from standard expectations. While we are not yet able to definitively establish the origin of the inferred GWB signal, the consistency of the signal with astrophysical expectations offers a tantalizing prospect for confirming that SMBH binaries are able to form, reach sub-parsec separations, and eventually coalesce. As the significance grows over time, higher-order features of the GWB spectrum will definitively determine the nature of the GWB and allow for novel constraints on SMBH populations.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2022

Report of the Topical Group on Cosmic Probes of Fundamental Physics for for Snowmass 2021

Cosmic Probes of Fundamental Physics take two primary forms: Very high energy particles (cosmic rays, neutrinos, and gamma rays) and gravitational waves. Already today, these probes give access to fundamental physics not available by any other means, helping elucidate the underlying theory that completes the Standard Model. The last decade has witnessed a revolution of exciting discoveries such as the detection of high-energy neutrinos and gravitational waves. The scope for major developments in the next decades is dramatic, as we detail in this report.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2022

Cosmology Intertwined: A Review of the Particle Physics, Astrophysics, and Cosmology Associated with the Cosmological Tensions and Anomalies

In this paper we will list a few important goals that need to be addressed in the next decade, also taking into account the current discordances between the different cosmological probes, such as the disagreement in the value of the Hubble constant $H_0$, the $\sigma_8$--$S_8$ tension, and other less statistically significant anomalies. While these discordances can still be in part the result of systematic errors, their persistence after several years of accurate analysis strongly hints at cracks in the standard cosmological scenario and the necessity for new physics or generalisations beyond the standard model. In this paper, we focus on the $5.0\,\sigma$ tension between the {\it Planck} CMB estimate of the Hubble constant $H_0$ and the SH0ES collaboration measurements. After showing the $H_0$ evaluations made from different teams using different methods and geometric calibrations, we list a few interesting new physics models that could alleviate this tension and discuss how the next decade's experiments will be crucial. Moreover, we focus on the tension of the {\it Planck} CMB data with weak lensing measurements and redshift surveys, about the value of the matter energy density $\Omega_m$, and the amplitude or rate of the growth of structure ($\sigma_8,f\sigma_8$). We list a few interesting models proposed for alleviating this tension, and we discuss the importance of trying to fit a full array of data with a single model and not just one parameter at a time. Additionally, we present a wide range of other less discussed anomalies at a statistical significance level lower than the $H_0$--$S_8$ tensions which may also constitute hints towards new physics, and we discuss possible generic theoretical approaches that can collectively explain the non-standard nature of these signals.[Abridged]

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2022

Inferring $S_8(z)$ and $\gamma(z)$ with cosmic growth rate measurements using machine learning

Measurements of the cosmological parameter $S_8$ provided by cosmic microwave background and large scale structure data reveal some tension between them, suggesting that the clustering features of matter in these early and late cosmological tracers could be different. In this work, we use a supervised learning method designed to solve Bayesian approach to regression, known as Gaussian Processes regression, to quantify the cosmic evolution of $S_8$ up to $z \sim 1.5$. For this, we propose a novel approach to find firstly the evolution of the function $\sigma_8(z)$, then we find the function $S_8(z)$. As a sub-product we obtain a minimal cosmological model-dependent $\sigma_8(z=0)$ and $S_8(z=0)$ estimates. We select independent data measurements of the growth rate $f(z)$ and of $[f\sigma_8](z)$ according to criteria of non-correlated data, then we perform the Gaussian reconstruction of these data sets to obtain the cosmic evolution of $\sigma_8(z)$, $S_8(z)$, and the growth index $\gamma(z)$. Our statistical analyses show that $S_8(z)$ is compatible with Planck $\Lambda$CDM cosmology; when evaluated at the present time we find $\sigma_8(z=0) = 0.766 \pm 0.116$ and $S_8(z=0) = 0.732 \pm 0.115$. Applying our methodology to the growth index, we find $\gamma(z=0) = 0.465 \pm 0.140$. Moreover, we compare our results with others recently obtained in the literature. In none of these functions, i.e. $\sigma_8(z)$, $S_8(z)$, and $\gamma(z)$, do we find significant deviations from the standard cosmology predictions.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2021

Reconstruction of the dark sectors' interaction: A model-independent inference and forecast from GW standard sirens

Interacting dark matter (DM) - dark energy (DE) models have been intensively investigated in the literature for their ability to fit various data sets as well as to explain some observational tensions persisting within the $\Lambda$CDM cosmology. In this work, we employ the Gaussian processes (GP) algorithm to perform a joint analysis by using the geometrical cosmological probes such as Cosmic chronometers, Supernova Type Ia, Baryon Acoustic Oscillations, and the H0LiCOW lenses sample to infer a reconstruction of the coupling function between the dark components in a general framework, where the DE can assume a dynamical character via its equation of state. In addition to the joint analysis with these data, we simulate a catalogue with standard siren events from binary neutron star mergers, within the sensitivity predicted by the Einstein Telescope, to reconstruct the dark sector coupling with more accuracy in a robust way. We find that the particular case, where $w = -1$ is fixed on the DE nature, has a statistical preference for an interaction in the dark sector at late times. In the general case, where $w(z)$ is analysed, we find no evidence for such dark coupling, and the predictions are compatible with the $\Lambda$CDM paradigm. When the mock events of the standard sirens are considered to improve the kernel in GP predictions, we find a preference for an interaction in the dark sector at late times.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2021

Measurements of $H_0$ and reconstruction of the dark energy properties from a model-independent joint analysis

Gaussian processes (GP) provide an elegant and model-independent method for extracting cosmological information from the observational data. In this work, we employ GP to perform a joint analysis by using the geometrical cosmological probes such as Supernova Type Ia (SN), Cosmic chronometers (CC), Baryon Acoustic Oscillations (BAO), and the H0LiCOW lenses sample to constrain the Hubble constant $H_0$, and reconstruct some properties of dark energy (DE), viz., the equation of state parameter $w$, the sound speed of DE perturbations $c^2_s$, and the ratio of DE density evolution $X = ρ_{\rm de}/ρ_{\rm de,0}$. From the joint analysis SN+CC+BAO+H0LiCOW, we find that $H_0$ is constrained at 1.1\% precision with $H_0 = 73.78 \pm 0.84$ km s$^{-1}$Mpc$^{-1}$, which is in agreement with SH0ES and H0LiCOW estimates, but in $\sim$6.2$σ$ tension with the current CMB measurements of $H_0$. With regard to the DE parameters, we find $c^2_s < 0$ at $\sim$2$σ$ at high $z$, and the possibility of $X$ to become negative for $z > 1.5$. We compare our results with the ones obtained in the literature, and discuss the consequences of our main results on the DE theoretical framework.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2020

Forecasts on the speed of gravitational waves at high $z$

The observation of GW170817 binary neutron star (BNS) merger event has imposed strong bounds on the speed of gravitational waves (GWs) locally, inferring that the speed of GWs propagation is equal to the speed of light. Current GW detectors in operation will not be able to observe BNS merger to long cosmological distance, where possible cosmological corrections on the cosmic expansion history are expected to play an important role, specially for investigating possible deviations from general relativity. Future GW detectors designer projects will be able to detect many coalescences of BNS at high $z$, such as the third generation of the ground GW detector called Einstein Telescope (ET) and the space-based detector deci-hertz interferometer gravitational wave observatory (DECIGO). In this paper, we relax the condition $c_T/c = 1$ to investigate modified GW propagation where the speed of GWs propagation is not necessarily equal to the speed of light. Also, we consider the possibility for the running of the Planck mass corrections on modified GW propagation. We parametrize both corrections in terms of an effective GW luminosity distance and we perform a forecast analysis using standard siren events from BNS mergers, within the sensitivity predicted for the ET and DECIGO. We find at high $z$ very strong forecast bounds on the running of the Planck mass, namely $\mathcal{O}(10^{-1})$ and $\mathcal{O}(10^{-2})$ from ET and DECIGO, respectively. Possible anomalies on GW propagation are bound to $|c_T/c - 1| \leq 10^{-2} \,\,\, (10^{-2})$ from ET (DECIGO), respectively. We finally discuss the consequences of our results on modified gravity phenomenology.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2019

Forecast on lepton asymmetry from future CMB experiments

We consider a cosmological lepton asymmetry in the form of neutrinos and impose new expected sensitivities on such asymmetry through the degeneracy parameter ($ξ_ν$) by using some future CMB experiment configurations, such as CORE and CMB-S4. Taking the default scenario with three neutrino states, we find $ξ_μ = 0.05 \pm 0.10 \, (\pm \, 0.04)$, from CORE (CMB-S4) at 95 percent CL, respectively. Also, within this scenario, we evaluate the neutrino mass scale, obtaining that the normal hierarchy mass scheme is privileged. Our results are an update concerning on the cosmological lepton asymmetry and the neutrino mass scale within this context, from which can bring a perspective on the null hypothesis for $ξ_ν$ (and its effects on $ΔN_{\rm eff}$), where perhaps, \textbf{$ξ_ν$} may take a non-null value up to 95 percent CL from future experiments such as CMB-S4. Sensitivity results for CMB-S4 obtained here not including all expected systematic errors.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2018

Tsallis and Kaniadakis statistics from a point of view of the holographic equipartition law

In this work, we have illustrated the difference between both Tsallis and Kaniadakis entropies through cosmological models obtained from the formalism proposed by Padmanabhan, which is called holographic equipartition law. Similarly to the formalism proposed by Komatsu, we have obtained an extra driving constant term in the Friedmann equation if we deform the Tsallis entropy by Kaniadakis' formalism. We have considered initially Tsallis entropy as the Black Hole (BH) area entropy. This constant term may lead the universe to be in an accelerated mode. On the other hand, if we start with the Kaniadakis entropy as the BH area entropy and then by modifying the Kappa expression by Tsallis' formalism, the same constant, which shows that the universe have an acceleration is obtained. In an opposite limit, no driving inflation term of the early universe was derived from both deformations.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2018

Tsallis' entropy, modified Newtonian accelerations and the Tully-Fisher relation

In this paper we have shown that the connection between the number of bits and the area of the holographic screen, where both were established in Verlinde's theory of entropic gravity, may depend on the thermostatistics theory previously chosen. Starting from the Boltzmann-Gibbs (BG) theory, we have reobtained the usual dependency of both, bits number and area. After that, using Tsallis' entropy concept within the entropic gravity formalism, we have derived another relation between the bits number and the holographic screen area. Moreover, we have used this new relation to derive three Newtonian-type accelerations in the context of Tsallis' statistics. Moreover, we have used this new relation to derive three Newtonian-type acceleration in the context of Tsallis statistics which are a modified gravitational acceleration, a modified MOND theory and a modified Friedmann equation. We have obtained the nonextensive version of the Tully-Fisher (TF) relation which shows a dependency of the distance of the star in contrast to the standard TF expression. The BG limit gives the standard TF law.

hep-th↗

arXiv2018

Holographic Dark Energy from Fluid/Gravity Duality Constraint by Cosmological Observations

In this paper, we obtain a holographic model of dark energy using the fluid/gravity duality. This model will be dual to a higher dimensional Schwarzschild black hole, and we would use fluid/gravity duality to relate to the parameters of this black hole to such a cosmological model. We will also analyze the thermodynamics of such a solution, and discuss the stability model. Finally, we use cosmological data to constraint the parametric space of this dark energy model. Thus, we will use observational data to perform cosmography for this holographic model based on fluid/gravity duality.

hep-th↗

arXiv2018

Constraints On Dark Energy Models From Galaxy Clusters and Gravitational Lensing Data

The Sunyaev--Zel'dovich (SZ) effect is a global distortion of the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) spectrum as a result of its interaction with a hot electron plasma in the intracluster medium of large structures gravitationally viralized such as galaxy clusters (GC). Furthermore, this~hot gas of electrons emits X-rays due to its fall in the gravitational potential well of the GC. The~analysis of SZ and X-ray data provides a method for calculating distances to GC at high redshifts. On the other hand, many galaxies and GC produce a Strong Gravitational Lens (SGL) effect, which has become a useful astrophysical tool for cosmology. We use these cosmological tests in addition to more traditional ones to constrain some alternative dark energy (DE) models, including the study of the history of cosmological expansion through the cosmographic parameters. Using Akaike and Bayesian Information Criterion, we find that the $wCDM$ and $ΛCDM$ models are the most favoured by the observational data. In addition, we found at low redshift a peculiar behavior of slowdown of the universe, which occurs in dynamical DE models when we use data from GC.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2017

Probing the properties of relic neutrinos using the cosmic microwave background, the Hubble Space Telescope and galaxy clusters

We investigate the observational constraints on the cosmic neutrino background (CNB) given by the extended $Λ$CDM scenario ($Λ$CDM $+ N_{\rm eff} + \sum m_ν + c^2_{\rm eff} + c^2_{\rm vis} + ξ_ν$) using the latest observational data from \textit{Planck} CMB (temperature power spectrum, low-polarisation and lensing reconstruction), baryon acoustic oscillations (BAOs) , the new recent local value of the Hubble constant from\textit{ Hubble Space Telescope} (\textit{HST}) and information of the abundance of galaxy clusters (GCs). We study the constraints on the CNB background using CMB + BAO + \textit{HST} data with and without the GC data. We find $ΔN_{\rm eff} = 0.614 \pm 0.26$ at 68 per cent confidence level when the GC data are added in the analysis. We do not find significant deviation for sound speed in the CNB rest frame. We also analyze the particular case $Λ$CDM $+ N_{\rm eff} + \sum m_ν + ξ_ν$ with the observational data. Within this scenario, we find $ΔN_{\rm eff} = 0.60 \pm 0.28$ at 68 per cent confidence level. In both the scenarios, no mean deviations are found for the degeneracy parameter.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2017

Accelerated cosmos in a non-extensive setup

Here, we consider a flat FRW universe whose its horizon entropy meets the Rényi entropy of non-extensive systems. In our model, the ordinary energy-momentum conservation law is not always valid. By applying the Clausius relation as well as the Cai-Kim temperature to the apparent horizon of a flat FRW universe, we obtain modified Friedmann equations. Fitting the model to the observational data on current accelerated universe, some values for the model parameters are also addressed. Our study shows that the current accelerating phase of universe expansion may be described by a geometrical fluid, originated from the non-extensive aspects of geometry, which models a varying dark energy source interacting with matter field in the Rastall way. Moreover, our results indicate that the probable non-extensive features of spacetime may also be used to model a varying dark energy source which does not interact with matter field, and is compatible with the current accelerated phase of universe.

physics.gen-ph↗