arXiv subjects

Antonino Marciano

Publications and source records attributed to Antonino Marciano.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

arXiv2016

Linking loop quantum gravity quantization ambiguities with phenomenology

Fundamental quantum gravity theories are known to be notoriously difficult to extract viable testable predictions out of. In this paper, we aim to incorporate putative quantum corrections coming from loop quantum gravity in deriving modified dispersion relations for particles on a deformed Minkowski spacetime. We show how different choices of the Immirzi parameter can, in some cases, serendipitously lead to different outcomes for such modifications, depending on the quantization scheme chosen. This allows one to differentiate between these quantization choices via testable phenomenological predictions.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2016

A new look at scalar perturbations in loop quantum cosmology: (un)deformed algebra approach using self dual variables

Scalar cosmological perturbations in loop quantum cosmology (LQC) is revisited in a covariant manner, using self dual Ashtekar variables. For real-valued Ashtekar-Barbero variables, this `deformed algebra' approach has been shown to implement holonomy corrections from loop quantum gravity (LQG) in a consistent manner, albeit deforming the algebra of modified constraints in the process. This deformation has serious conceptual ramifications, not the least of them being an effective `signature-change' in the deep quantum regime. In this paper, we show that working with self dual variables lead to an undeformed algebra of hypersurface deformations, even after including holonomy corrections in the effective constraints. As a necessary consequence, the diffeomorphism constraint picks up non-perturbative quantum corrections thus hinting at a modification of the underlying space-time structure, a novel ingredient compared to the usual treatment of (spatial) diffeomorphisms in LQG. This work extends a similar result obtained in the context of spherically symmetric gravity coupled to a scalar field, suggesting that self dual variables could be better suited than their real counterparts to treat inhomogeneous LQG models.

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arXiv2016

Spherically symmetric sector of self dual Ashtekar gravity coupled to matter: Anomaly-free algebra of constraints with holonomy corrections

Using self dual Ashtekar variables, we investigate (at the effective level) the spherically symmetry reduced model of loop quantum gravity, both in vacuum and when coupled to a scalar field. Within the real Ashtekar-Barbero formulation, the system scalar field coupled to spherically symmetric gravity is known to possess a non closed (quantum) algebra of constraints once the holonomy corrections are introduced, which forbids the loop quantization of the model. Moreover, the vacuum case, while not anomalous, introduces modifications which are usually interpreted as an effective signature change of the metric in the deep quantum region. We show in this paper that both those complications disappear when working with self dual Ashtekar variables, both in the vacuum case and in the case of gravity minimally coupled to a scalar field. In this framework, the algebra of the holonomy corrected constraints is anomaly free and reproduces the classical hypersurface deformation algebra without any deformations. A possible path towards quantization of this model is briefly discussed.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2016

A note on the semiclassicality of cosmological perturbations

Moving from the consideration that matter fields must be treated in terms of their fundamental quantum counterparts, we show straightforward arguments, within the framework of ordinary quantum mechanics and quantum field theory, in order to convince readers that cosmological perturbations must be addressed in term of the semiclassical limit of the expectation value of quantum fields. We first take into account cosmological perturbations originated by a quantum scalar field, and then extend our treatment in order to account for the expectation values of bilinears of Dirac fermion fields. The latter can indeed transform as scalar quantities under diffeomorphisms, as well as all the other bilinear of the Dirac fields that belong to the Clifford algebra. This is the first of a series of works that is intended to prove that cosmological quantum perturbations can actually be accounted for in terms of Dirac fermion fields, which must be treated as fundamental quantum objects, and their dynamics.

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arXiv2016

A Unified picture of Dark Matter and Dark Energy from Invisible QCD

It has been shown in a companion paper that the late time acceleration of the universe can be accounted for by an extension of the QCD color to a $SU(3)$ invisible sector (IQCD). In this work we discuss a unified framework such the scale of dark chiral-breaking dictates both the accelerated expansion of the universe, and the origin of dark matter. We find that the strong and gravitational dynamics of dark quarks and gluons evolve to eventually form exotic dark stars. We discuss the dynamical complexity of these dark compact objects in light of dark big bang nucleosynthesis. We argue how IQCD favors a halo composed of very compact dark neutron stars, strange/quark stars and black holes, with masses $M_{MACHO}< 10^{-7}M_{\odot}$. This avoids limit from MACHO and EROS collaborations as well as limit from clusters. We also discuss possible phenomenological implications in dark matter searches. We argue that dark supernovae and dark binaries can emit very peculiar gravitational waves signal testable by the LIGO/VIRGO collaboration and future projects dedicated to these aspects.

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arXiv2016

Spectral Dimension from Nonlocal Dynamics on Causal Sets

We investigate the spectral dimension obtained from non-local continuum d'Alembertians derived from causal sets. We find a universal dimensional reduction to 2 dimensions, in all dimensions. We conclude by discussing the validity and relevance of our results within the broader context of quantum field theories based on these nonlocal dynamics.

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arXiv2015

Planck-scale-modified dispersion relations in FRW spacetime

In recent years Planck-scale modifications of the dispersion relation have been attracting increasing interest also from the viewpoint of possible applications in astrophysics and cosmology, where spacetime curvature cannot be neglected. Nonetheless the interplay between Planck-scale effects and spacetime curvature is still poorly understood, particularly in cases where curvature is not constant. These challenges have been so far postponed by relying on an ansatz, first introduced by Jacob and Piran. We here propose a general strategy of analysis of the effects of modifications of dispersion relation in FRW spacetimes, applicable both to cases where the relativistic equivalence of frames is spoiled ("preferred-frame scenarios") and to the alternative possibility of "DSR-relativistic theories", theories that are fully relativistic but with relativistic laws deformed so that the modified dispersion relation is observer independent. We show that the Jacob-Piran ansatz implicitly assumes that spacetime translations are not affected by the Planck-scale, while under rather general conditions the same Planck-scale quantum-spacetime structures producing modifications of the dispersion relation also affect translations. Through the explicit analysis of one of the effects produced by modifications of the dispersion relation, an effect amounting to Planck-scale corrections to travel times, we show that our concerns are not merely conceptual but rather can have significant quantitative implications.

hep-th↗

arXiv2014

Fermi-bounce Cosmology and scale invariant power-spectrum

We develop a non-singular bouncing cosmology using a non-trivial coupling of general relativity to fermionic fields. The usual Big Bang singularity is avoided thanks to a negative energy density contribution from the fermions. Our theory is ghost-free since the fermionic operator that generates the bounce is equivalent to torsion, which has no kinetic terms. The physical system consists of standard general relativity plus a topological sector for gravity, and fermionic matter described by Dirac fields with a non-minimal coupling. We show that a scale invariant power-spectrum generated in the contracting phase can be recovered by suitable choices of fermion number density and bare mass, thus providing a possible alternative to the inflationary scenario.

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arXiv2014

Dynamics of Gauge Field Inflation

We analyze the existence and stability of dynamical attractor solutions for cosmological inflation driven by the coupling between fermions and a gauge field. Assuming a spatially homogeneous and isotropic gauge field and fermion current, the interacting fermion equation of motion reduces to that of a free fermion up to a phase shift. Consistency of the model is ensured via the Stuckelberg mechanism. We prove the existence of exactly one stable solution, and demonstrate the stability numerically. Inflation arises without fine tuning, and does not require postulating any effective potential or non-standard coupling.

hep-th↗

arXiv2014

Fermi-bounce cosmology and the fermion curvaton mechanism

A nonsingular bouncing cosmology can be achieved by introducing a fermion field with BCS condensation occurring at high energy scales. In this paper we are able to dilute the anisotropic stress near the bounce by means of releasing the gap energy density near the phase transition between the radiation and condensate states. In order to explain the nearly scale-invariant CMB spectrum, another fermion field is required. We investigate one possible curvaton mechanism by involving one another fermion field without condensation where the mass is lighter than the background field. We show that, by virtue of the fermion curvaton mechanism, our model can satisfy the latest cosmological observations very well, and that the fermion species involved may realize a cosmological see-saw mechanism after one finely tunes model parameters.

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arXiv2014

Singularity avoidance in classical gravity from four-fermion interaction

We derive the dynamics of the gravitational collapse of a homogeneous and spherically symmetric cloud in a classical set-up endowed with a topological sector of gravity and a non-minimal coupling to fermions. The effective theory consists of the Einstein-Hilbert action plus Dirac fermions interacting through a four-fermion vertex. At the classical level, we obtain the same picture that has been recently studied by some of us within a wide range of effective theories inspired by a super-renormalizable and asymptotically free theory of gravity. The classical singularity is replaced by a bounce, beyond which the cloud re-expands indefinitely. We thus show that, even at a classical level, if we allow for a non-minimal coupling of gravity to fermions, event horizons may never form for a suitable choice of some parameters of the theory.

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arXiv2013

Chern-Simons Inflation and Baryogenesis

We present a model of inflation based on the interaction between a homogeneous and isotropic configuration of a U(1) gauge field and fermionic charge density $\mathcal{J}_{0}$. The regulated fermionic charge density is generated from a Bunch-Davies vacuum state using the methods of Koksma and Prokopec \cite{Koksma:2009tc}, and is found to redshift as $1/a(η)$. The time-like component of gauge field is sourced by the fermionic charge leading to a growth in the gauge field $A(η)_{0}\sim a(η)$. As a result inflation is dominated by the energy density contained in the gauge field and fermionic charge interaction, $A_{0}\, \mathcal{J}^{0}$, which remains constant during inflation. We also provide a mechanism to generate a net lepton asymmetry. The coupling of a pseudo scalar to the Chern-Simons term converts the gauge field fluctuations into lepton number and all three Sahkarov conditions are satisfied during inflation. Finally, the rapid oscillation of the pseudo scalar field near its minimum thermalizes the gauge field and ends inflation. We provide the necessary initial condition on the gauge field and fermionic charge to simultaneously generate enough e-folds and baryon asymmetry index.

hep-th↗

arXiv2013

Inflation in (Super-)renormalizable Gravity

We investigate a (super-)renormalizable and ghost-free theory of gravity, showing that under a natural (exponential) ansatz of the form factor and a suitable truncation it can give rise to the Starobinsky inflationary theory in cosmological frameworks, and thus offering a theoretical justification of its origin. We study the corresponding inflationary evolution and we examine the generation of curvature perturbations, adapting the $f(R)$-like equations in a symmetry-reduced FLRW metric. Furthermore, we analyze how the ultraviolet regime of a simply renormalizable and unitary theory of gravity is also compatible with the Starobinsky action, and hence we show that such a theory could account for an inflationary phase of the Universe in the ultraviolet regime.

hep-th↗

arXiv2013

Gravitational origin of the weak interaction's chirality

We present a new unification of the electro-weak and gravitational interactions based on the joining the weak SU(2) gauge fields with the left handed part of the space-time connection, into a single gauge field valued in the complexification of the local Lorentz group. Hence, the weak interactions emerge as the right handed chiral half of the space-time connection, which explains the chirality of the weak interaction. This is possible, because, as shown by Plebanski, Ashtekar, and others, the other chiral half of the space-time connection is enough to code the dynamics of the gravitational degrees of freedom. This unification is achieved within an extension of the Plebanski action previously proposed by one of us. The theory has two phases. A parity symmetric phase yields, as shown by Speziale, a bi-metric theory with eight degrees of freedom: the massless graviton, a massive spin two field and a scalar ghost. Because of the latter this phase is unstable. Parity is broken in a stable phase where the eight degrees of freedom arrange themselves as the massless graviton coupled to an SU(2) triplet of chirally coupled Yang-Mills fields. It is also shown that under this breaking a Dirac fermion expresses itself as a chiral neutrino paired with a scalar field with the quantum numbers of the Higgs.

hep-th↗

arXiv2012

Electric Time in Quantum Cosmology

Effective quantum cosmology is formulated with a realistic global internal time given by the electric vector potential. New possibilities for the quantum behavior of space-time are found, and the high-density regime is shown to be very sensitive to the specific form of state realized.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2012

Horava-Lifshitz theory as a Fermionic Aether in Ashtekar gravity

We show how Hořava-Lifshitz (HL) theory appears naturally in the Ashtekar formulation of relativity if one postulates the existence of a fermionic field playing the role of aether. The spatial currents associated with this field must be switched off for the equivalence to work. Therefore the field supplies the preferred frame associated with breaking refoliation (time diffeomorphism) invariance, but obviously the symmetry is only spontaneously broken if the field is dynamic. When Dirac fermions couple to the gravitational field via the Ashtekar variables, the low energy limit of HL gravity, recast in the language of Ashtekar variables, naturally emerges (provided the spatial fermion current identically vanishes). HL gravity can therefore be interpreted as a time-like current, or a Fermi aether, that fills space-time, with the Immirzi parameter, a chiral fermionic coupling, and the fermionic charge density fixing the value of the parameter $λ$ determining HL theory. This reinterpretation sheds light on some features of HL theory, namely its good convergence properties.

hep-th↗

arXiv2012

The Hidden Quantum Groups Symmetry of Super-renormalizable Gravity

In this paper we consider the relation between the super-renormalizable theories of quantum gravity (SRQG) studied in [arXiv:1110.5249v2, arXiv:1202.0008] and an underlying non-commutativity of spacetime. For one particular super-renormalizable theory we show that at linear level (quadratic in the Lagrangian) the propagator of the theory is the same we obtain starting from a theory of gravity endowed with θ-Poincaré quantum groups of symmetry. Such a theory is over the so called θ-Minkowski non-commuative spacetime. We shed new light on this link and show that among the theories considered in [arXiv:1110.5249v2, arXiv:1202.0008], there exist only one non-local and Lorentz invariant super-renormalizable theory of quantum gravity that can be described in terms of a quantum group symmetry structure. We also emphasize contact with pre-existent works in the literature and discuss preservation of the equivalence principle in our framework.

hep-th↗

arXiv2011

Towards a Loop Quantum Gravity and Yang-Mills Unification

We propose a new method of unifying gravity and the Standard Model by introducing a spin-foam model. We realize a unification between an SU(2) Yang-Mills interaction and 3D general relativity by considering a Spin(4) Plebanski action. The theory is quantized a la spin-foam by implementing the analogue of the simplicial constraints for the broken phase of the Spin(4) SO(4) symmetry. A natural 4D extension of the theory is shown. We also present a way to recover 2-point correlation functions between the connections as a first way to implement scattering amplitudes between particle states, aiming to connect Loop Quantum Gravity to new physical predictions.

gr-qc↗