arXiv subjects

Anna Chiara Alfano

Publications and source records attributed to Anna Chiara Alfano.

11 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Redshift dependence and dipolar velocity corrections in cosmographic reconstructions through Type Ia supernova samples

We perform a cosmographic analysis of Type Ia supernovae using the Pantheon+\&SH0ES, DES-SNY5 and Union3 compilations. We consider different redshift intervals, analyzed through a third-order Taylor expansion and a Padé $(1,2)$ approximation of the luminosity distance. First, we first infer the cosmographic parameters directly from the observed supernova redshifts. Afterwards, we extend the analysis by including a dipole correction associated with the local peculiar velocity field, constraining both its amplitude and direction. For Pantheon+\&SH0ES, the Cepheid calibration allows a direct determination of the Hubble constant, whereas for DES-SNY5 and Union3 we fix $H_0$ to set the absolute distance scale. By progressively increasing the maximum redshift of the sample, we study how the inferred cosmographic parameters depend on the adopted redshift interval. We find that the Hubble constant obtained from Pantheon+\&SH0ES remains consistent with previous determinations for both cosmographic parameterizations. Instead, the agreement of the deceleration $q_0$ and jerk $j_0$ parameters with the $Λ$CDM values depends on the adopted compilation and improves mainly for Pantheon+\&SH0ES as the redshift interval is enlarged. Moreover, the reconstructed dipole parameters remain stable across the redshift intervals considered, with velocity amplitudes of order $300\,\mathrm{km\,s^{-1}}$, for all three supernova samples. Finally, fixing the dipole parameters with the cosmic microwave background values leads to a slight shift from the fiducial $Λ$CDM values of the deceleration $q_0$ and jerk $j_0$ parameters.

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arXiv2026

Investigating cosmic distance duality and dark energy evolution through intermediate and high-z probes

We investigate deviations from the cosmic distance duality relation adopting model-dependent and -independent approaches using i) a Taylor expansion, ii) a power-law parameterization, iii) a logarithmic correction, iv) a (2;1) Padé polynomial and v) a second order Chebyshev parameterization. We derive constraints on all parameters using observational Hubble data, galaxy clusters, type Ia supernovae, DESI data and gamma-ray bursts. Through Monte-Carlo Markov chain analyses adopting the Metropolis Hastings algorithm, we find no significant violation of duality, then model selection criteria favor flat scenarios even though a slight curvature is not totally ruled out. For the $H_0$ tension we find a preference at $1$-$σ$ for $h^R_0=0.730\pm0.010$ from supernovae when dropping DESI data and for $h^P_0=0.674\pm 0.005$ from Planck when using DESI and gamma-ray bursts.

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arXiv2026

Mapping the redshift drift at various redshifts through cosmography

The redshift drift provides a kinematic test of the cosmic expansion history through the slow time variation of the redshift of comoving sources. Motivated by the expected Sandage-Loeb measurements from future facilities, we investigate the drift within a cosmographic framework, modeling the Hubble rate through both a second-order Taylor expansion and a $(2,1)$ Padé approximant. We constrain the cosmographic parameters $(H_0,q_0,j_0)$ by combining Pantheon+ and SH0ES type Ia supernovae with gamma-ray bursts and then examine the impact of adding baryon acoustic oscillation measurements from the second DESI data release. The resulting constraints are used to construct a mock Sandage-Loeb catalog, after which the analyses are repeated including the simulated drift data. In this way, we assess the internal consistency of the reconstructed background rather than perform an independent forecast. Accordingly, we find that, for the SNeIa+GRB analysis, the Taylor reconstruction is compatible at the $1σ$ level with the $ω_0ω_1$CDM scenario, whereas the Padé parameterization improves the agreement of $q_0$ with the $Λ$CDM paradigm. Once DESI BAO data are included, the agreement with the reference background models weakens to the $2σ$ level. The addition of the mock Sandage-Loeb sample mainly tightens the bounds on $q_0$ and $j_0$, with moderate shifts in the central values. We finally compare the reconstructed redshift drift with the corresponding behavior predicted by the $Λ$CDM and $ω_0ω_1$CDM scenarios.

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arXiv2025

Parameterizing quasi-quintessence and quasi-phantom fields without the nearly flat potential approximation

An alternative dark energy description based on a generalized K-essence scenario is here explored. In particular, we consider a \emph{quasi-quintessence} and/or \emph{quasi-phantom} field, whose pressure does not depend on the kinetic energy, firstly discussed in the context of the cosmological constant problem. In so doing, we fix the background evolution and investigate the main observational signatures of its corresponding fluid-like representation. The corresponding scalar field can be parameterized independently from the potential form and without imposing the condition $ω\sim -1$ used for quintessence and phantom fields. Additionally, we constrain the model parameters by performing Monte-Carlo Markov chain simulations through the adoption of the Metropolis-Hastings algorithm and perform separated analyses, employing different data catalogs. More precisely, as data sets we employ observational Hubble data, type Ia supernovae and the second data release from the DESI Collaboration, namely DESI DR2. We define a hierarchy among analyses and, precisely, in the first we adopt all three samples, while the second excludes the DESI data points, with the aim of facing its effect on corresponding bounds. Our findings suggest that the \emph{quasi-quintessence} scenario prefers Planck's value of the Hubble constant $H_0$, but suggesting that, when the DESI sample is excluded from our computations, $ω_0$ enters the phantom regime, although still compatible at $1$-$σ$ confidence level with a cosmological constant. Remarkably, these results appear in tension than those found for a standard quintessence, explored within the context of the recent DESI release, likely indicating that the DESI data may furnish inconclusive results depending on the kind of scalar field involved into the computation.

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arXiv2025

Investigating the cosmic distance duality relation with gamma-ray bursts

Deviations from the so-called {\it cosmic distance duality relation} may result from systematic errors in distance measurements or, more interestingly, hint at new physics. Further, it can also be related to the Hubble constant tension between early and local measurements of $H_0$. Based on this, we test validity of this relation through a model-independent parameterization of the Hubble rate via the well-estabilished Bézier polynomials approach. We seek for possible departures from the relation considering three parametrizations, i) a power-law correction, ii) a logarithmic correction and iii) a Padé series $P_{n,m}(z)$ of order (1;2) with $n=1$ being the order of the numerator while $m=2$ is the order of the denominator. Then, assuming a flat scenario, we test them through Monte Carlo -- Markov chain analyses that combine low- and intermediate/high-$z$ data sets, such as observational Hubble data, the Pantheon catalog of type Ia supernovae, galaxy clusters, the second data release from the DESI Collaboration and gamma-ray bursts. In particular, we distinguish between \emph{Analysis A} and \emph{Analysis C}, depending whether the prompt emission $E_{iso}-E_p$ or the prompt-afterglow $L_0-E_p-T$ gamma-ray burst correlations, respectively, is fit together with the other probes previously described. Our results seem to point towards a \emph{no violation} of the cosmic distance duality relation and a preference towards Planck's value of $H_0$.

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arXiv2025

Cosmic distance duality after DESI 2024 data release and dark energy evolution

The cosmic distance duality relates the angular-diameter and luminosity distances and its possible violation may puzzle the standard cosmological model. This appears particularly interesting in view of the recent results found by the DESI Collaboration, suggesting that a dynamical dark energy scenario seems to be favored than a genuine cosmological constant. Accordingly, we take into account possible violations by considering four different parameterizations, namely: a Taylor expansion around $z\simeq 0$, a slightly-departing logarithmic correction, a (1;2) Padé rational series to heal the convergence problem and a Chebyshev polynomial expansion, reducing \emph{de facto} the systematic errors associated with the analysis. We test each of them in a model-independent (-dependent) way, by working out Monte-Carlo Markov chain analyses, employing the Bézier interpolation of the Hubble rate $H(z)$ for the model-independent approach while assuming the flat (non-flat) $Λ$CDM and $ω_0ω_1$CDM models, motivating the latter paradigm in view of the DESI findings. Subsequently, we explore two analyses, employing observational Hubble data, galaxy clusters from the Sunyaev-Zeldovich effect and type Ia supernovae, investigating the impact of the DESI data catalog, first including then excluding the entire data set. Afterwards, we adopt statistical model selection criteria to assess the statistically favored cosmological model. Our results suggest \emph{no violation} of the cosmic distance duality. While a slight spatial curvature cannot be entirely excluded, the preferred cosmological model remains the flat $Λ$CDM background, even when incorporating DESI data. Finally, concerning the Hubble tension, our findings match the Riess estimates, as BAO data points are excluded.

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arXiv2024

Dark energy constraints using gamma-ray burst correlations with DESI 2024 data

Even though the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) mission does not exclude a dynamical dark energy evolution, the concordance paradigm, i.e., the $Λ$CDM model, remains statistically favored, as it depends on the fewest number of free parameters. In this respect, high redshift astrophysical sources, such as gamma-ray bursts, represent a formidable tool to model the form of dark energy, since they may provide a link between early and local redshift regimes. Hence, the use of these objects as possible distance indicators turns out to be essential to investigate the cosmological puzzle. To this end, we adopt two gamma-ray burst linear correlations, namely the $L_p-E_p$ and $L_0-E_p-T$ relations, to test the flat and non-flat $Λ$CDM, $ω_0$CDM, and $ω_0ω_1$CDM cosmological models, i.e., those directly examined by the DESI collaboration. The inferred correlation coefficients and cosmological parameters are thus obtained by considering two independent Monte Carlo Markov chain analyses, the first considering the whole DESI data set and the second excluding a seemingly problematic data point placed at $z_{eff} = 0.51$. Using model selection criteria, the two above correlations do not show a preference on a precise cosmological model although, when the data point at $z_{eff}$ is included, the concordance paradigm appears to be the least favored among the tested cosmological models.

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arXiv2024

Cosmological constraints from calibrated $E_p-E_{iso}$ gamma-ray burst correlation by using DESI 2024 data release

Recent outcomes by the DESI Collaboration have shed light on a possible slightly evolving dark energy, challenging the standard $Λ$CDM paradigm. To better understand dark energy nature, high-redshift observations like gamma-ray burst data become essential for mapping the universe expansion history, provided they are calibrated with other probes. To this aim, we calibrate the $E_p-E_{iso}$ (or Amati) correlation through model-independent Bézier interpolations of the updated Hubble rate and the novel DESI data sets. More precisely, we provide two Bézier calibrations: i) handling the entire DESI sample, and ii) excluding the point at $z_{eff}=0.51$, criticized by the recent literature. In both the two options, we let the comoving sound horizon at the drag epoch, $r_d$, vary in the range $r_d \in [138, 156]$ Mpc. The Planck value is also explored for comparison. By means of the so-calibrated gamma-ray bursts, we thus constrain three dark energy frameworks, namely the standard $Λ$CDM, the $ω_0$CDM and the $ω_0ω_1$CDM models, in both spatially flat and non-flat universes. To do so, we worked out Monte Carlo Markov chain analyses, making use of the Metropolis-Hastings algorithm. Further, we adopt model selection criteria to check the statistically preferred cosmological model finding a preference towards the concordance paradigm only whether the spatial curvature is zero. Conversely, and quite interestingly, the flat $ω_0$CDM and both the cases, flat/non-flat, $ω_0ω_1$CDM model, leave evidently open the chance that dark energy evolves at higher redshifts.

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arXiv2024

Cosmological transition epoch from gamma-ray burst correlations

The redshift $z_t$ and the jerk parameter $j_t$ of the transition epoch are constrained by using two model-independent approaches involving the direct expansion of the Hubble rate and the expansion of the deceleration parameter around $z=z_t$. To extend our analysis to high-redshifts, we employ the \emph{Amati}, \emph{Combo}, \emph{Yonetoku} and \emph{Dainotti} gamma-ray burst correlations. The \textit{circularity problem} is prevented by calibrating these correlations through the Bézier interpolation of the updated observational Hubble data. Each gamma-ray burst data set is jointly fit with type Ia supernovae and baryonic acoustic oscillations through a Monte Carlo analysis, based on the Metropolis-Hastings algorithm, to obtain $z_t$, $j_t$ and the correlation parameters. The overall results are compatible with the concordance model with some exceptions. We also focus on the behaviors of the dark energy, verifying its compatibility with a cosmological constant, and the matter density $Ω_m$ and compare them with the expectations of the concordance paradigm.

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arXiv2023

Breaking the baryon-dark matter degeneracy in a model-independent way through the Sunyaev-Zeldovich effect

We propose a model-independent \textit{Bézier parametric interpolation} to alleviate the degeneracy between baryonic and dark matter abundances by means of intermediate-redshift data. To do so, we first interpolate the observational Hubble data to extract cosmic bounds over the (reduced) Hubble constant, $h_0$, and interpolate the angular diameter distances, $D(z)$, of the galaxy clusters, inferred from the Sunyaev-Zeldovich effect, constraining the spatial curvature, $Ω_k$. Through the so-determined Hubble points and $D(z)$, we interpolate uncorrelated data of baryonic acoustic oscillations bounding the baryon ($ω_b = h^2_0Ω_b$) and total matter ($ω_m = h^2_0Ω_m$) densities, reinforcing the constraints on $h_0$ and $Ω_k$ with the same technique. Instead of pursuing the usual treatment to fix $ω_b$ via the value obtained from the cosmic microwave background to remove the matter sector degeneracy, we here interpolate the acoustic parameter from correlated baryonic acoustic oscillations. The results of our Monte Carlo--Markov chain simulations turn out to agree at $1$--$σ$ confidence level with the flat $Λ$CDM model. While our findings are roughly suitable at $1$--$σ$ with its non-flat extension too, the Hubble constant appears in tension up to the $2$--$σ$ confidence level. Accordingly, we also reanalyze the Hubble tension with our treatment and find our expectations slightly match local constraints.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2023

Dark energy-matter equivalence by the evolution of cosmic equation of state

We consider a model-independent approach to constrain the equivalence redshift, $z_{eq}$, at which dark energy and the total matter (cold dark matter and baryonic) equate their magnitudes. To this aim, in the context of a homogeneous and isotropic universe, we first consider a generic model where the dark energy contribution is provided by an unknown function of barotropic fluids. Afterwards, we compute the deceleration and jerk parameters, evaluating at our epoch, namely $z=0$, and at $z=z_{eq}$. Thus, by Taylor expanding around current time the Hubble rate, luminosity and angular distances, we substitute the theoretical expressions obtained from the aforementioned generic dark energy model, defining a correspondence between quantities evaluated at $z=0$ and $z=z_{eq}$. In so doing, we directly fit these quantities by means of current data sets, involving the most recent Pantheon type Ia supernovae, baryonic acoustic oscillation and Hubble rate points. We consider two hierarchies in our fitting procedures and compare our findings in the spatially-flat universe first and including spatial curvature, later. We assess constraints on the overall equation of state of the universe and its first derivative. We compare our results with those predicted by the standard $Λ$CDM paradigm. Specifically, our findings are in agreement at the 2$σ$ confidence level, assuming a constant dark energy term. However, our analysis does not rule out the possibility of a slight evolution of dark energy, indicating a small deviation from the scenario of a pure cosmological constant. In particular, the possible departures appear consistent with a phenomenological $ω$CDM model, rather than more complicated dark energy parameterizations.

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