arXiv subjects

Breno L. Giacchini

Publications and source records attributed to Breno L. Giacchini.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Rotating near-horizon extreme geometries in quadratic gravity

Rotating near-horizon extreme solutions of quadratic gravity are analyzed combining power series expansions and numerical calculations. Restricting to geometries with symmetries of the near-horizon extreme Kerr black hole (i.e., with the $\mathrm{AdS_2}$-structure), spherical horizon topology, and equatorial reflection symmetry, we introduce conformal coordinates simplifying the field equations of Einstein--Weyl gravity, i.e., quadratic gravity with vanishing scalar curvature. Employing the Frobenius analysis, we classify all power series solutions expanded around the equator as well as the poles, and obtain the recurrence relations. With the help of numerical analysis, we study fine-tuning of the free parameter to satisfy the global constraints on regular near-horizon extreme geometries. Computations of the horizon area, horizon scalar curvature, and rotational scalar reveal strong horizon deformations in some Bachian branches. Moreover, the absence of regular Bachian near-horizon geometries above a finite horizon area suggests an upper bound on the size of the corresponding extremal rotating black holes.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2026

Spherically symmetric solutions in quasi-local Einstein-Weyl gravity

Quantum-gravitational effective actions with higher-derivative and non-local operators are expected to regularize the singularities of general relativity. Here we focus on quasi-local Einstein-Weyl gravity and obtain a local classification of static spherically symmetric solutions expandable as Frobenius series in Kundt coordinates. In contrast to local Einstein-Weyl gravity, and more generally quadratic gravity, we find that the quasi-local theory admits only regular solutions at the radial core. In addition, we find asymptotic $1/r^{6}$-corrections to the Schwarzschild geometry at large radial distances. Other solution classes around generic expansion points describe Schwarzschild-like and other types of horizons, as well as symmetric and non-symmetric wormhole throats.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2026

Static spherically symmetric Kundt vacuum solutions of higher-derivative gravities

We study static spherically symmetric Kundt solutions to the vacuum field equations of quadratic gravity with a cosmological constant, as well as specific models of six-derivative gravity. In quadratic gravity, we identify all solutions for coupling constants satisfying ${α\neq3β}$, while the case ${α=3β}$ is studied using the Frobenius method, where we derive the recurrence relations for the power series. In contrast, in six-derivative gravity, we focus on selected models to illustrate the variety of closed-form solutions; we also analyze possible indicial families of Frobenius solutions. For all solutions, we analyze curvature singularities and their accessibility to geodesic observers. We then construct exact gravitational-wave solutions propagating on some of these backgrounds in quadratic and six-derivative gravity. It is known that in Einstein gravity, gravitational waves on the Nariai background unavoidably contain singularities, which are interpreted as physical sources generating these gravitational waves. In contrast, in addition to singular solutions, for appropriate values of the coupling constants, higher-order gravities allow for globally smooth solutions representing gravitational waves.

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arXiv2026

Neglected solutions in quadratic gravity

We report on several previously overlooked families of static spherically symmetric solutions in quadratic gravity. Our main result concerns the existence of solutions whose leading exponents depend on the ratio ${ω=α/(3β)}$ of the four-derivative couplings. We demonstrate that the space of models with ${ω>1}$ contains a dense set that admits non-Frobenius solutions ${(s_*, 2 - 3 s_*)_0}$ (in standard Schwarzschild coordinates), with certain rational numbers $s_*(ω)$. These solutions correspond to a singular core at ${\bar{r}=0}$. Another related non-Frobenius family, $(s_*, 2 - 3 s_*)_\infty$, exists for a dense set of models with ${1/4 < ω< 1}$, describing a singular boundary at ${\bar{r}\to\infty}$. Both families are uncovered by recasting the metric into special coordinates in which the solutions become Frobenius. Additionally, for models with real ratios ${ω\neq 1}$ we identify six novel families of non-Frobenius solutions around points ${\bar{r}=\bar{r}_0} \neq 0$, describing horizons and wormhole throats. Finally, we re-derive and summarize all known families of solutions in modified as well as in the standard Schwarzschild coordinates.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2025

Effective delta sources and Newtonian limit in nonlocal gravity

We investigate the Newtonian limit of a class of nonlocal gravity models with exponential form factors $f_s (\Box) = \exp [(-\Box/μ_s^2)^{N_s}]$. Our main goal is to identify similarities and differences between models in this family in regard to weak-field solutions. To this end, we use the effective source formalism to compare the related effective delta sources, mass functions, and Newtonian potentials. We obtain a variety of representations for these quantities in terms of series, integrals, and special functions, as well as simple approximations that capture the relevant dependence on the parameters $N_s$ and $μ_s$ - which can be used to explore the weak-field phenomenology of nonlocal gravity. We explain why only for $N_s>1$ the Newtonian potential oscillates and prove that, despite the oscillations, the effective masses are positive. Moreover, we verify that these linearized solutions are regular (without curvature singularities). Finally, we also calculate the form of the leading logarithmic quantum correction to the Newtonian potential in these models. In all our considerations, we assume that $N_s$ is a positive real parameter. The cases of non-integer $N_s$ might be applied beyond nonlocal gravity, in effective approaches to implement quantum corrections in the weak field regime.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2025

Black holes and other exact solutions in six-derivative gravity

We study exact static spherically symmetric vacuum solutions in generic six-derivative gravity (i.e., without assuming specific relations between the coupling constants). Using modified Schwarzschild coordinates, we systematically classify solutions through Frobenius expansions, determining their number of free parameters and confirming previously known cases, such as the regular solutions at the origin. Importantly, we identify novel solutions absent in four-derivative gravity, including those with (double-degenerate) extreme horizons (and their near-horizon limits) that exist without matter sources, which may indicate the existence of regular black holes. We also find asymptotically (anti-)de Sitter spacetimes, giving rise to an effective cosmological constant. The solutions can be classified into six main classes, and, when possible, we provide the description in standard Schwarzschild coordinates, in which they split into thirteen main solution classes.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2024

Toward regular black holes in sixth-derivative gravity

We study spherically symmetric static solutions of the most general sixth-derivative gravity using series expansions. Specifically, we prove that the only solutions of the complete theory (i.e., with generic coupling constants) that possess a Frobenius expansion around the origin, $r=0$, are necessarily regular. When restricted to specific branches of theories (i.e., imposing particular constraints on the coupling constants), families of potentially singular solutions emerge. By expanding around $r=r_0 \neq 0$, we identify solutions with black hole horizons. Finally, we argue that, unlike in fourth-derivative gravity, the conditions $R=0$ and $g_{tt}g_{rr}=-1$ are too restrictive for sixth-derivative gravity solutions.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2024

On effective models of regular black holes inspired by higher-derivative and nonlocal gravity

In this work we study static spherically symmetric solutions of effective field equations related to local and nonlocal higher-derivative gravity models, based on their associated effective delta sources. This procedure has been applied to generate modifications of the Schwarzschild geometry in several contexts (e.g., modified gravity, string theory, noncommutative geometry, generalized uncertainty principle scenarios), but a general analysis of the possible equations of state and their influence on the solutions was still lacking. Here, we aim to fill this gap in the literature and investigate whether these metrics might be able to reproduce features of the solutions of higher-derivative gravity models. In particular, we present an equation of state such that the solution matches the Newtonian-limit one in both regimes of large and small $r$. A significant part of the work is dedicated to studying the curvature regularity of the solutions and the comparison with the linearized solutions. Explicit metrics are presented for effective sources originating from local and nonlocal models. The results obtained here might be regarded as possible links between the previous research on linearized higher-derivative gravity and the solutions of the nonlinear complete field equations, which remain unknown at the moment.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2023

Regular multi-horizon Lee-Wick black holes

In this paper we carry out a detailed analysis of the static spherically symmetric solutions of a sixth-derivative Lee-Wick gravity model in the effective delta source approximation. Previous studies of these solutions have only considered the particular case in which the real and the imaginary part of the Lee-Wick mass $μ=a +i b$ are equal. However, as we show here, the solutions exhibit an interesting structure when the full parameter space is considered, owing to the oscillations of the metric that depend on the ratio $b/a$. Such oscillations can generate a rich structure of horizons, a sequence of mass gaps and the existence of multiple regimes for black hole sizes (horizon position gaps). In what concerns the thermodynamics of these objects, the oscillation of the Hawking temperature determines the presence of multiple mass scales for the remnants of the evaporation process and may permit the existence of cold black holes with zero Hawking temperature $T$ and quasi-stable intermediate configurations with $T \approx 0$ and a long evaporation lifetime. For the sake of generality, we consider two families of solutions, one with a trivial shift function and the other with a non-trivial one (dirty black hole). The latter solution has the advantage of reproducing the modified Newtonian-limit metric of Lee-Wick gravity for small and large values of $r$.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2023

Renormalizability of nonlocal quantum gravity coupled to matter

We extensively study the ultraviolet quantum properties of a nonlocal action for gravity nonminimally coupled to matter. The theory unifies matter and gravity in an action principle such that all the classical solutions of Einstein's theory coupled to matter are also solutions of the nonlocal theory. At the quantum level, we show that the theory is power-counting super-renormalizable in even dimensions and finite in odd dimensions. A simple extension of the model compatible with the above properties is finite also in even dimensions.

hep-th↗

arXiv2023

Regular black holes from higher-derivative effective delta sources

Certain approaches to quantum gravity and classical modified gravity theories result in effective field equations in which the original source is substituted by an effective one. In these cases, the occurrence of regular spacetime configurations may be related to the regularity of the effective source, regardless of the specific mechanism behind the regularization. In this chapter, we make an introduction to the effective source formalism applied to higher-derivative gravity. The results presented here, however, can be easily transposed to other frameworks that use similar sources. The generality obtained is also because we consider a general higher-derivative gravity model instead of restricting the analysis to some specific theories. In the first part, we discuss the model in the Newtonian limit, which offers a natural context for introducing effective sources. We show how the regularity properties of the effective sources depend on the behavior of the action's form factor in the ultraviolet regime, which leads to results valid for large families of models (or for families of modified delta sources). Subsequently, we use the general results on the effective sources to construct regular black hole metrics. One of our concerns is the higher-order regularity of the solutions, i.e., the possibility that not only the invariants built with curvature tensors but also the ones with covariant derivatives are regular. In this regard, we present some theorems relating the regularity of sets of curvature-derivative invariants with the regularity properties of the effective sources.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2022

Black holes in non-local gravity

In this chapter we present a status report of black hole-like solutions in non-local theories of gravity in which the Lagrangians are at least quadratic in curvature and contain specific non-polynomial (i.e., non-local) operators. In the absence of exact black hole solutions valid in the whole spacetime, most of the literature on this topic focus on approximate and simplified equations of motion, which could provide insights on the full non-linear solutions. Therefore, the largest part of this chapter is devoted to the linear approximation. We present results on stationary metric solutions (including both static and rotating cases) and dynamical spacetimes describing the formation of non-rotating mini black holes by the collapse of null shells. Non-local effects can regularize the curvature singularities in both scenarios and, in the dynamical case, there exists a mass gap below which the formation of an apparent horizon can be avoided. In the final part we discuss interesting attempts towards finding non-linear black hole solutions in non-local gravity. Throughout this chapter, instead of focusing on a particular non-local model, we present results valid for large classes of theories (to a feasible extent). This more general approach allows the comparison of similarities and differences of the various types of non-local gravity models.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2022

Effective quantum gravity, cosmological constant and the Standard Model of particle physics

The renormalization group in effective quantum gravity can be consistently formulated using the Vilkovisky and DeWitt version of effective action and assuming a non-zero cosmological constant. Taking into account that the vacuum counterpart of the cosmological constant is dramatically different from the observed energy density of vacuum, the running of the last quantity in the late cosmology indicates strong constraints on the physics beyond the minimal Standard Model of particle physics.

hep-th↗

arXiv2021

The running vacuum in effective quantum gravity

We briefly review the previous works on the renormalization group in quantum general relativity with the cosmological constant, based on the Vilkovisky and DeWitt version of effective action. On top of that, we discuss the prospects of the applications of this version of renormalization group to the cosmological models with a running Newton constant and vacuum energy density.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2021

Action principle selection of regular black holes

We elaborate on the role of higher-derivative curvature invariants as a quantum selection mechanism of regular spacetimes in the framework of the Lorentzian path integral approach to quantum gravity. We show that for a large class of black hole metrics prominently regular there are higher-derivative curvature invariants which are singular. If such terms are included in the action, according to the finite action principle applied to a higher-derivative gravity model, not only singular spacetimes but also some of the regular ones do not seem to contribute to the path integral.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2021

Higher-order regularity in local and nonlocal quantum gravity

In the present work we investigate the Newtonian limit of higher-derivative gravity theories with more than four derivatives in the action, including the non-analytic logarithmic terms resulting from one-loop quantum corrections. The first part of the paper deals with the occurrence of curvature singularities of the metric in the classical models. It is shown that in the case of local theories, even though the curvature scalars of the metric are regular, invariants involving derivatives of curvatures can still diverge. Indeed, we prove that if the action contains $2n+6$ derivatives of the metric in both the scalar and the spin-2 sectors, then all the curvature-derivative invariants with at most $2n$ covariant derivatives of the curvatures are regular, while there exist scalars with $2n+2$ derivatives that are singular. The regularity of all these invariants can be achieved in some classes of nonlocal gravity theories. In the second part of the paper, we show that the leading logarithmic quantum corrections do not change the regularity of the Newtonian limit. Finally, we also consider the infrared limit of these solutions and verify the universality of the leading quantum correction to the potential in all the theories investigated in the paper.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2021

Newtonian potential in higher-derivative quantum gravity

We hereby derive the Newtonian metric potentials for the fourth-derivative gravity including the one-loop logarithm quantum corrections. It is explicitly shown that the behavior of the modified Newtonian potential near the origin is improved respect to the classical one, but this is not enough to remove the curvature singularity in $r=0$. Our result is grounded on a rigorous proof based on numerical and analytic computations.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2020

Vilkovisky unique effective action in quantum gravity

The divergent part of the one-loop Vilkovisky unique effective action for quantum Einstein gravity is evaluated in the general parametrization of the quantum field, including the separated conformal factor. The output of this calculation explicitly demonstrates the parametrization and conformal gauge independence of the unique effective action with the configuration space metric chosen following Vilkovisky's prescription.

hep-th↗