arXiv subjects

Diego Rubiera-Garcia

Publications and source records attributed to Diego Rubiera-Garcia.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

arXiv2025

Astrometric and polarimetric imprints of hot-spots orbiting parametrized black holes

We analyze the observational features of hot-spots orbiting parametrized black hole (BH) spacetimes. We select a total of four BH spacetimes, two from the Johanssen-Psaltis (JP) parametrization, and two from the Konoplya-Zhidenko (KZ) parametrization, corresponding to the most extreme configurations whose shadow sizes are within the $2σ$-constraints of the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT). We use the ray-tracing software GYOTO to simulate the orbit of a spherically symmetric hot-spot emitting synchrotron radiation close to a central parametrized BH object, in a vertical magnetic field configuration, and we extract the corresponding astrometric and polarimetric observables for the Stokes parameters I, Q and U, namely the time integrated fluxes, temporal fluxes and magnitudes, temporal centroid, temporal QU-loops, and temporal Electric Field Position Angle (EVPA). Our results indicate that at low inclination the astrometric observables extracted from the parametrized BH spacetimes considered are qualitatively similar to those extracted from the Schwarzschild one, with minor quantitative deviations caused by differences in the size and position of the secondary images. On the other hand, the polarimetric observables at high inclination present qualitative differences, but these are only visible for a short portion of the whole hot-spot orbit. Furthermore, the observables extracted from the JP parametrized BH models deviate more prominently from those of the Schwarzschild model than the ones extracted from the KZ parametrized BH models, with the JP model with a positive free parameter deviating the most among all models tested. Given the strong similarity among the observables extracted from all models tested, we point out that more precise observations are needed to successfully impose constraints on parametrized BH models via this method.

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arXiv2025

Accretion dynamics in black holes with spontaneous Lorentz symmetry breaking

We investigate the spherical accretion of various types of fluids onto a Schwarzschild-like black hole solution modified by a Kalb-Ramond field implementing spontaneous Lorentz symmetry violation (LV). The system is analyzed for isothermal fluids characterized by the equation of state $p=ωρ$, including ultra-stiff, ultra-relativistic, and radiation fluids. We investigate the effect of the LV parameter $l$ on the fluid density $ρ(r)$, radial velocity $u(r)$, and accretion rate $\dot{M}$. Using a Hamiltonian dynamical systems approach, we examine the behavior near critical points and identify the sonic transitions in each scenario. Our results show that the LV parameter influences the location of critical points, the flow structure, and the accretion rate, with $l>0$ ($l<0$) enhancing (suppressing) the latter. For ultra-stiff fluids, no critical points are found, and the flow remains entirely subsonic. For ultra-relativistic and radiation fluids, transonic solutions exist, with the position of the sonic point depending on the sign of $l$. We also analyze polytropic fluids $p=\mathcal{K} ρ^Γ$ with $Γ=5/3$ and $Γ=4/3$, observing similar qualitative behavior, where the sonic transition is affected by both the equation of state and the LV parameter. These findings suggest that Lorentz symmetry breaking can significantly alter accretion dynamics in black hole spacetimes.

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arXiv2025

Constraints on the $γ$-parameter for the vacuum solution of Cotton gravity with geodesics and shadows

We consider a recently introduced extension of General Relativity dubbed as Cotton gravity (CG), based on the use of the Cotton tensor, to estimate the size of a new constant $γ$ appearing within a spherically symmetric, vacuum solution of the theory. Taking into account its non-asymptotically flat character, we use the inferred size of the central brightness depression of the supermassive object at the heart of the Milky Way galaxy (Sgr A*) by the Event Horizon Telescope to constrain at $2σ$ the CG parameter as $γM \approx 3.5 \times 10^{-12}$. We study the potential observational consequences from the smallness of such a value using exact and numerical expressions for the deflection angle, optical images from optically and geometrically thin accretion disks, isoradials, and instability scales (Lyapunov index) of nearly bound geodesics associated to photon rings. Our results point towards the impossibility to distinguish between these two geometries using current and foreseeable techniques in the field of interferometric detection of optical sources.

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arXiv2025

Resolving space-time singularities in spherically symmetric black holes: geodesic completeness, curvature scalars, and tidal forces

The existence of black holes in the Universe is nowadays established on the grounds of a blench of astrophysical observations, most notably those of gravitational waves from binary mergers and the imaging of supermassive objects at the heart of M87 and Milky Way galaxies. However, this success of Einstein's General Relativity~(GR) to connect theory of black holes with observations is also the source of its doom, since Penrose's theorem proves that, under physically sensible conditions, the development of a space-time singularity (as defined by the existence of a focal point for some geodesic paths in finite affine time) within black holes as described by GR is unavoidable. In this work, we thoroughly study how to resolve space-time singularities in spherically symmetric black holes. To do it so we find the conditions on the metric functions required for the restoration of geodesic completeness without any regards to the specific theory of the gravitational and matter fields supporting the amended metric. Our discussion considers both the usual trivial radial coordinate case and the bouncing radial function case and arrives to two mechanisms for this restoration: either the focal point is displaced to infinite affine distance or a bounce prevents the focusing of geodesics. Several explicit examples of well known (in)complete space-times are given. Furthermore, we consider the connection of geodesic (in)completeness with another criterion frequently used in the literature to monitor singular space-times: the blow up of (some sets of) curvature scalars and the infinite tidal forces they could bring with them, and discuss the conditions required for the harmlessness upon physical observers according to each criterion.

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arXiv2025

Quasi-normal modes and echoes of generalized black hole bounces and their correspondence with shadows

We study the quasi-normal modes (QNMs) of a family of generalized black bounces interpolating between regular black holes and traversable wormhole solutions according to a single extra parameter $a$. Firstly, working with a generic spherically symmetric space-time with arbitrary radial function and an anisotropic fluid matter source, the general equations for the gravitational waves are obtained. Then, we focus on such particular space-time metric and use the time-domain method to find the evolution of the QNMs with respect to the parameter $a$, finding larger frequencies and damped modes as $a$ grows. Furthermore we find that, for a gap in the values of $a$ for which no horizon is present but several photon spheres are, echoes are produced. Such echoes, which come from trapped modes in the potential well that are eventually leaked off for higher frequencies, appear as repetitions of the original wave but with modulated amplitude and decreased frequencies, and study their evolution with $a$. In addition, at the light of the correspondence recently discussed in the literature between QNMs and black hole imaging, we discuss the relation of the features of such echoes with those features (photon rings and shadows) of optical images from thin accretion disks. Despite working with simplified models and settings, our analysis provides useful insights on the usefulness of the correspondence for both gravitational waves and shadows.

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arXiv2025

Periodical orbits and waveforms with spontaneous Lorentz symmetry-breaking in Kalb-Ramond gravity

In this paper, we study time-like geodesics around a spherically symmetric black hole in Kalb-Ramond (KR) gravity, characterized by the parameter $l$, which induces spontaneous Lorentz symmetry breaking. The geodesic equations and effective potential are derived to investigate the influence of $l$. We calculate the marginally bound orbits and innermost stable circular orbits, analyzing the parameter's impact. Periodic orbits are computed numerically and classified within the standard taxonomy, revealing significant effects of $l$ on their momentum and energy. Additionally, we explore an extreme mass ratio inspiral system under the adiabatic approximation to derive gravitational waveforms emitted by an object orbiting a supermassive black hole in KR gravity. These waveforms reflect the distinctive characteristics of periodic orbits and highlight the influence of $l$. With advancements in gravitational wave detection, these results offer insights into black holes influenced by Lorentz symmetry-breaking fields.

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arXiv2025

General spherically symmetric black bounces within non-linear electrodynamics

Over the last years, the search of new regular black bounce solutions has drawn a lot of attentional over the international community working in gravitation. Indeed, in the era of gravitational waves detections out of binary mergers and of the imaging of the plasma around supermassive black holes, the study of everywhere regular solutions has become a common trend given the unique opportunity posed by multi-messenger astronomy to test deviations from the Kerr family of solutions. Among them, in this paper we consider the black bounce paradigm introduced by Simpson and Visser in [JCAP \textbf{02}, 042 (2019)], and provide a general procedure for reconstructing static spherically symmetric black bounce-type solutions that might interpolate between regular black holes and wormholes. We show that even after imposing some smoothness and flatness conditions on the metric components, additional analysis is required to obtain a well-defined black bounce solution. Then, the corresponding matter Lagrangian is reconstructed by using non-linear electrodynamics and the energy conditions are studied.

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arXiv2024

Spontaneous Lorentz symmetry-breaking constraints in Kalb-Ramond gravity

In this work, we study timelike and lightlike geodesics in Kalb-Ramond (KR) gravity around a black hole with the goal of constraining the Lorentz symmetry-breaking parameter $l$. The analysis involves studying the precession of the S2 star periastron orbiting Sgr A* and geodesic precession around the Earth. The ratio of precession frequencies for General Relativity (GR) and KR gravity is computed, with Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) results providing a parameter range for the spontaneous symmetry-breaking of $-0.185022 \leq l \leq 0.060938$. Utilizing the geodesic precession frequency from the Gravity Probe B (GP-B), the $l$ parameter is further constrained to $-6.30714 \times 10^{-12} \leq l \leq 3.90708 \times 10^{-12}$, which is consistent with the Schwarzschild limits. Moreover, for timelike geodesics, the innermost circular orbit (ICO) and innermost stable circular orbit (ISCO) are determined and analyzed to illustrate the impact of the symmetry breaking term. Zoom-whirl obstructions are compared with the Schwarzschild solution. Lower and upper limits of the photon sphere for lightlike geodesics are established to demonstrate the influence of KR gravity on the photon sphere. Additionally, the shadow radius is determined for two observers, one situated at a finite distance from the KR black hole, and the other located at an infinite distance, to constrain the symmetry-breaking parameter $l$, with comparisons made to EHT results. The bounds for $l$ derived from constraints on the photon sphere radius for lightlike geodesics yield $-0.0700225 \leq l \leq 0.189785$ using EHT data. The findings of this paper align with experimental results in the $l \rightarrow 0$ limit.

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arXiv2024

Black bounces in Cotton gravity

Recently, J. Harada proposed a theory relating gravity to the Cotton tensor, dubbed as ''Cotton gravity'' (CG). This is an extension of General Relativity such that every solution of the latter turns out to be a solution of the former (but the converse is not true) and, furthermore, it is possible to derive the cosmological constant as an integration constant within it. In this work we investigate CG by coupling it to both non-linear electrodynamics (NLED) and scalar fields. We study static and spherically symmetric solutions implementing a bouncing behaviour in the radial function so as to avoid the development of singularities, inspired by the Simpson-Visser black bounce and the Bardeen model, both interpreted as magnetic monopoles. We identify the NLED Lagrangian density and the scalar field potential generating such solutions, and investigate the corresponding gravitational configurations in terms of horizons, behaviour of the metric functions, and regularity of the Kretchsman curvature scalar. Our analysis extends the class of non-singular geometries found in the literature and paves the ground for further analysis of black holes in CG.

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arXiv2024

Boundary terms and on-shell action in Ricci-based gravity theories: the Hamiltonian formulation

Considering the so-called Ricci-based gravity theories, a family of extensions of General Relativity whose action is given by a non-linear function of contractions and products of the (symmetric part of the) Ricci tensor of an independent connection, the Hamiltonian formulation of the theory is obtained. To do so, the independent connection is decomposed in two parts, one compatible with a metric tensor and the other one given by a 3-rank tensor. Subsequently, the Riemann tensor is expressed in terms of its projected components onto a hypersurface, allowing to construct the $3+1$ decomposition of the theory and the corresponding Gauss-Codazzi relations, where the boundary terms naturally arise in the gravitational action. Finally, the ADM decomposition is followed in order to construct the corresponding Hamiltonian and the ADM energy for any Ricci-based gravity theory. The formalism is applied to the simple case of Schwarzschild space-time.

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arXiv2024

Gravitational lensing and shadows from thin-disks in Loop Quantum Gravity self-dual black holes

We analyze gravitational lensing and their cast images from thin-disks in shadow observations of a family of spherically symmetric black hole solutions previously derived within the framework of Loop Quantum Gravity. Such black holes depend on two parameters (besides the mass of the black hole itself), $P$ and $a_0$, the latter imbuing the configurations with an interior wormhole structure. Using the bounds from the Event Horizon Telescope regarding the shadow's radius of Sgr A$^*$ that constrain the parameter $P \lesssim 0.08(2σ)$ (at $a_0=0$), we study the modifications to weak and strong gravitational lensing induced by these geometries as compared to the Schwarzschild black hole within this range. In particular, we discuss several observables in the strong field regime related to the luminosity decay, the angular separation, and the flux ratio between multiples images of the source. Furthermore, we consider the cast images of these black holes when illuminated by a geometrically and optically thin accretion disk according to several semi-analytic profiles for the disk's emission.

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arXiv2024

Stellar structure in $f(R,T)$ gravity: some exact solutions

We find some exact solutions for constant-density and quark matter equations of state in stellar structure models framed within the $f(R,T)=R+λκ^2 T$ theory of gravity, where $R$ is the curvature scalar, $T$ the trace of the stress-energy tensor, and $λ$ some constant. These solutions correspond to specific values of the constant $λ$, and represent different compactness states of the corresponding stars, though only those made of quark matter can be regarded as physical. The latter modify the compactness (Buchdahl) limit of neutron stars upwards for $λ>0$ until saturating the one of black holes. Our results show that it is possible to find useful insights on stellar structure in this class of theories, a fact that could be used for obtaining constraints on limiting masses such as the minimum hydrogen burning mass.

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arXiv2024

Gravitational lensing of a Schwarzschild-like black hole in Kalb-Ramond gravity

In this paper, we investigate the gravitational lensing effect for the Schwarzschild-like black hole spacetime in the background of a Kalb-Ramond (KR) field proposed in [K. Yang et. al., Phys. Rev. D 108 (2023) 124004]. The solution is characterized by a single extra parameter $l$, which is associated to the Lorentz symmetry breaking induced by the KR field. First, we calculate the exact deflection angle of massive and massless particles for finite distances using elliptic integrals. Then we study this effect in the weak and strong field regimes, discussing the correction of the KR parameter on the coefficients of the expansions in both limits. We also find that increasing $l$ decreases the deflection angle. Furthermore, we use the available data from the Sagittarius $A^{\star}$ object, which is believed to be a supermassive black hole at the center of our galaxy, to calculate relevant observables, such as, the image position, luminosity, and delay time. The values found could be potentially measured in the weak field regime, though for strong fields one would have to wait for the next generation of interferometers.

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arXiv2024

Nonsingular, lump-like, scalar compact objects in $(2+1)$-dimensional Einstein gravity

We study the space-time geometry generated by coupling a free scalar field with a non-canonical kinetic term to General Relativity in $(2+1)$ dimensions. After identifying a family of scalar Lagrangians that yield exact analytical solutions in static and circularly symmetric scenarios, we classify the various types of solutions and focus on a branch that yields asymptotically flat geometries. We show that the solutions within such a branch can be divided in two types, namely, naked singularities and nonsingular objects without a center. In the latter, the energy density is localized around a maximum and vanishes only at infinity and at an inner boundary. This boundary has vanishing curvatures and cannot be reached by any time-like or null geodesic in finite affine time. This allows us to consistently interpret such solutions as nonsingular, lump-like, static compact scalar objects, whose eventual extension to the $(3+1)$-dimensional context could provide structures of astrophysical interest.

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arXiv2024

Optical appearance of black holes surrounded by a dark matter halo

Black holes in General Relativity are described by space-time metrics that are simpler in comparison to non-vacuum compact objects. However, given the universality of the gravitational pull, it is expected that dark matter accumulates around astrophysical black holes, which can have an impact in the overall gravitational field, especially at galactic centers, and induce non-negligible effects in their observational imprints. In this work we study the optical appearance of a spherically symmetric black hole both when orbited by isotropically emitting light sources and when surrounded by a (geometrically and optically thin) accretion disk, while immersed in a dark matter halo. The black hole geometry plus the dark matter halo come as a solution of Einstein's field equations coupled to an anisotropic fluid whose density component follows a Hermquist-type distribution. Even in situations in which the geodesic description differs profoundly from the isolated black hole case, we find minor modifications to the primary and secondary tracks of the isotropic orbiting sources, and to the width, location, and relative luminosity of the corresponding photon rings as compared to the Schwarzschild black hole at equal black hole mass and emission models. This fact troubles distinguishing between both geometries using present observations of very-long baseline interferometry.

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arXiv2023

Constraints on metric-affine gravity black holes from the stellar motion at the Galactic Center

We consider a static, spherically symmetric space-time with an electric field arising from a quadratic metric-affine extension of General Relativity. Such a space-time is free of singularities in the centre of the black holes, while at large distances it quickly boils down to the usual Reissner-Nordström solution. We probe this space-time metric, which is uniquely characterized by two length scales, $r_q$ and $\ell$, using the astrometric and spectroscopic measurements of the orbital motion of the S2 star around the Galactic Center. Our analysis constrains $r_q$ to be below $2.7M$ for values $\ell<120 AU$, strongly favouring a central object that resembles a Schwarzschild black hole.

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arXiv2023

Photon rings as tests for alternative spherically symmetric geometries with thin accretion disks

The imaging by the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) of the supermassive central objects at the heart of the M87 and Milky Way (Sgr A$^\star$) galaxies, has marked the first step into peering at the photon rings and central brightness depression that characterize the optical appearance of black holes surrounded by an accretion disk. Recently, Vagnozzi et. al. [S.~Vagnozzi, \textit{et al.} arXiv:2205.07787 [gr-qc]] used the claim by the EHT that the size of the {\it shadow} of Sgr A$^\star$ can be inferred by calibrated measurements of the bright ring enclosing it, to constrain a large number of spherically symmetric space-time geometries. In this work we use this result to study some features of the first and second photon rings of a restricted pool of such geometries in thin accretion disk settings. The emission profile of the latter is described by calling upon three analytic samples belonging to the family introduced by Gralla, Lupsasca and Marrone, in order to characterize such photon rings using the Lyapunov exponent of nearly bound orbits and discuss its correlation with the luminosity extinction rate between the first and second photon rings. We finally elaborate on the chances of using such photon rings as observational discriminators of alternative black hole geometries using very long baseline interferometry.

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arXiv2023

Shadows and photon rings of regular black holes and geonic horizonless compact objects

The optical appearance of a body compact enough to feature an unstable bound orbit, when surrounded by an accretion disk, is expected to be dominated by a luminous ring of radiation enclosing a central brightness depression typically known as the shadow. Despite observational limitations, the rough details of this picture have been now confirmed by the results of the EHT Collaboration on the imaging of the M87 and Milky Way supermassive central objects. However, the precise characterization of both features - ring and shadow - depends on the interaction between the background geometry and the accretion disk, thus being a fertile playground to test our theories on the nature of compact objects and the gravitational field itself in the strong-field regime. In this work we use both features in order to test a continuous family of solutions interpolating between regular black holes and horizonless compact objects, which arise within the Eddington-inspired Born-Infeld theory of gravity, a viable extension of Einstein's General Relativity (GR). To this end we consider seven distinctive classes of such configurations (five black holes and two traversable wormholes) and study their optical appearances under illumination by a geometrically and optically thin accretion disk, emitting monochromatically with three analytic intensity profiles previously suggested in the literature. We build such images and consider the sub-ring structure created by light rays crossing the disk more than once and existing on top of the main ring of radiation. We discuss in detail the modifications as compared to their GR counterparts, the Lyapunov exponents of unstable nearly-bound orbits, as well as the differences between black hole and traversable wormholes for the three intensity profiles.

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