arXiv subjects

Dipanjan Dey

Publications and source records attributed to Dipanjan Dey.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Boundary-Geometry-Driven Black Hole Formation in Vacuum

We identify a boundary-geometry-driven mechanism for the dynamical formation of marginally outer trapped surfaces (MOTSs) in vacuum general relativity. Mild three-dimensional anisotropies evolve inside a compact Cauchy domain whose effective isotropic thickness remains controlled, while the generalized boundary mean curvature can increase during either contracting or expanding boundary evolution. This drives the boundary across Yau's geometric threshold, forcing MOTS formation from initially untrapped data. We further interpret the characteristic shear construction of Ref.~\cite{MondalYau2026} as the null manifestation of the same anisotropic vacuum dynamics. The result provides a purely vacuum physical realization of MOTS formation through global geometric effects, without invoking a short-pulse concentration mechanism for gravitational radiation.

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arXiv2026

A Complete Invariant Analysis of the Kerr Spacetime and its Photon Region

We present an invariant characterization of the Kerr spacetime, and utilize the invariant structure of the spacetime to derive a function whose zeros identify a special family of null geodesics. Each member of this family is tangent to every photon surface in the Kerr photon region, offering a method of invariantly characterizing photon surfaces in axially symmetric spacetimes and thereby a providing a computational tool for efficiently computing the geodesic equations for any part of the photon region. The invariant that identifies all of the spherical photon orbits is parameterized by a Lorentz parameter, where the parameter is effectively an inclination angle of the spherical photon orbits through the equatorial plane. We also show how the invariant determines the constants of motion for all spherical orbits in the photon region. Finally, we briefly derive invariants which identify the other geometrically important surfaces such as the ergosurfaces and local horizons.

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arXiv2026

Redundancy of the cosmological evolution equations and its relationship with the initial conditions

It is known that in Friedmann-Lemaitre-Robertson-Walker cosmology one has more number of dynamical equations, compared to the number of unknown variables. This fact makes some equations redundant. The situation becomes complicated because all the relevant differential equations in cosmology are not of the same order. In this article we study the fate of the redundant equations. We show that this redundancy is inevitable in general relativity. It is shown that this redundancy is primarily responsible for a special role of one of the Friedmann equations, which constrains the initial values of the problem. Our method of analyzing the dynamical structure of the theories relies on an operational approach and can be generalized further.

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arXiv2026

Gravitational Collapse and Singularity Formation in Brans-Dicke Gravity

We investigate gravitational collapse driven solely by a self-interacting Brans--Dicke (BD) scalar field in the absence of ordinary matter. In this framework, the spacetime dynamics are governed solely by the scalar field $Φ$, endowed with a self-interaction potential $V(Φ)$ and non-minimally coupled to the Ricci scalar through the Brans--Dicke action. We numerically solve for the evolution of $Φ(t)$ and the corresponding potential $V(Φ)$ in order to track the collapse dynamics leading to singularity formation. Our analysis demonstrates that, for the energy densities $ρ\approx 1/a$ and $ρ\approx -\ln a$, the collapse inevitably leads to the formation of a central curvature singularity while consistently satisfying the weak energy condition. We further examine the causal structure of the resulting singularity and find that future-directed null geodesics originating from the singularity can propagate to future null infinity, making the singularity globally visible. The strength of the singularity is also examined by extending Tipler's strong curvature condition to the Brans--Dicke field equations. Overall, our findings indicate that gravitational collapse in scalar--tensor gravity can give rise to scenarios that challenge the Cosmic Censorship Conjecture, while underscoring the potential observational relevance of singularities formed through BD scalar-field-driven collapse.

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arXiv2025

Cosmological effect of coherent oscillation of ultralight scalar fields in a multicomponent universe

The idea that coherent oscillations of a scalar field, oscillating over a time period that is much shorter than the cosmological timescale, can exhibit cold dark matter (CDM) like behavior was previously established. In our work we first show that this equivalence between the oscillating scalar field model and the CDM sector is exact only in a flat Friedmann-Lemaitre-Robertson-Walker (FLRW) spacetime in the absence of cosmological constant and any other possible matter components in the universe when the mass of the scalar field is very large compared to the Hubble parameter. Then we show how to generalize the equivalence between the coherently oscillating scalar field model and the CDM sector in a spatially curved universe with multiple matter components. Using our general method, we will show how a coherently oscillating scalar field model can represent the CDM sector in the presence of non-minimal coupling of the CDM sector with radiation. Our method is powerful enough to work out the dynamics of gravitational collapse in a closed FLRW spacetime where the coherently oscillating scalar field model represents the CDM sector. We have, for the first time, presented a consistent method which specifies how a coherently oscillating scalar field model, where the scalar field is ultralight, acts like the CDM sector in a multicomponent universe.

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arXiv2025

Gravitational collapse of Matter in the presence of Scalar field Dark energy

This study examines the gravitational collapse of an overdense dark matter region in a coupled scalar field dark energy scenario within a flat FLRW background. It finds that, depending on the initial conditions, some overdense regions avoid collapse and expand eternally with the background. The interior overdense region follows a closed FLRW metric, while its boundary is described by generalized Vaidya spacetime, which allows flux across the boundary while preserving the homogeneity of dark energy inside. Dark matter evolves as cold dark matter, but in non-minimal coupling, the modified Klein-Gordon equation alters dark energy evolution. The results highlight the impact of coupled dark energy on dark matter virialization and cosmic structure formation.

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arXiv2025

Non-minimal coupling of scalar fields in the dark sector and generalization of the top-hat collapse

In this article, we propose a new way to handle interactions between two scalar fields in the cosmological backdrop where one scalar field oscillates rapidly in the cosmological time scale while the other does not show any periodic behavior in the same time scale. We have interpreted the rapidly oscillating scalar field as the dark matter candidate while the other scalar field is supposed to be the canonical quintessence field or the non-canonical phantom field. A model of a generalized top-hat-like collapse is developed where the dark sector is composed of the aforementioned scalar fields. We show how the non-minimal coupling in the dark sector affects the gravitational collapse of a slightly overdense spherical patch of the universe. The results show that one can have both unclustered and clustered dark energy in such collapses, the result depends upon the magnitude of the non-minimal coupling strength.

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arXiv2025

End equilibrium state of a spherical gravitational collapse in the presence of matter and scalar field

We explore the possibilities of modeling a spherically symmetric static spacetime that can emerge as the end state of gravitational collapse, by considering it to be seeded by a composite fluid made of matter and a scalar field. In this scenario, the matter represents dark matter, while the scalar field represents dark energy. On certain scales, dark energy is believed to significantly influence the structure formation of dark matter. Various models describe the possible impacts of dark energy on structure formation under different scenarios. By investigating an inhomogeneous scalar field representing dark energy, coupled with dark matter, we demonstrate that this two-component fluid can seed spacetimes forming the final equilibrium state. We derive solutions for the scalar field and potential for Joshi-Malafarina-Narayan (JMN) spacetimes.

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arXiv2024

Tidal forces in collapsing compact objects

In this work, we investigate tidal forces in the Lemaitre-Tolman-Bondi (LTB) metric, focusing on both hidden and locally visible singularities. We discuss the strength of these singularities in terms of deformationally strong singularities. Specifically, we analyze tidal forces in LTB spacetime, calculating radial and angular tidal forces and Jacobi fields for the radially co-moving shell. To provide a comparative study, we consider both homogeneous and inhomogeneous cases. The matter field distribution at one-time slice can differ significantly from another, highlighting the potential for time-dependent tidal deformation as a distinct observational signature. We focus on a specific feature: the time-varying maximum of stretching in the radial tidal force, which we term the "critical tidal boundary." In the inhomogeneous case, close to singularity time ($t<t_{s}$), the magnitudes of tidal forces vary substantially, with significant differences in compressive and stretching forces within a small physical radius $R(t,r)$. The resulting singularity in the LTB metrics at the end state of gravitational collapse appears to be an Ori-strong singularity, characterized by infinite tidal deformation.

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arXiv2024

A bonafide model of structure formation from gravitational collapse

This paper explores the cosmological implications of a scalar field with a specific potential, crucial for achieving the final equilibrium state of gravitational collapse. We consider a system with two fluids: minimally coupled matter representing dust-like dark matter and a scalar field acting as dark energy. Our model, akin to the top-hat collapse model, focuses on isolated over-dense regions within a closed FLRW metric, while the background follows a flat FLRW metric. We analyze spacetime configurations where these regions undergo initial expansion followed by contraction, deriving the scalar field potential responsible for their equilibrium state. Our fully relativistic approach offers a comprehensive understanding of stable cosmic over-dense regions, without the need for ad-hoc Newtonian virialization.

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arXiv2024

The Definition of a Photon Surface in an Invariant Spin Frame

This paper defines the photon surface conditions using Cartan scalars within an invariant spin frame, offering a comprehensive description of the local spacetime geometry. By employing this approach, we gain novel insights into the geometry and dynamics of photon surfaces, independent of the global spacetime structure. We first discuss the photon surface conditions in a Petrov type-D spacetime manifold, and then we simplify those conditions assuming the existence of spherical symmetry. Finally, employing the simplified, spherically symmetric photon surface conditions, we explore the dynamics of photon surfaces in static, collapsing Lemaitre-Tolman-Bondi (LTB) spacetimes, and Vaidya spacetimes. Notably, we show that photon surfaces can emerge from the central singularity during the collapse of an inhomogeneous dust cloud modeled by a LTB spacetime. This underscores the significance of our findings in comprehending the potential observational implications of the physics near the ultra-high gravity region.

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arXiv2024

Gravitational collapse of matter in the presence of non-minimally coupled Quintessence and Phantom-like scalar fields

This paper explores the evolution of the over-dense region of dark matter in the presence of a non-minimally coupled scalar field which is used to model quintessence and phantom-like dark energy. We focus on algebraic coupling, where the interaction Lagrangian is independent of the derivatives of the scalar field. To make our model more relativistic, like the minimal coupling scenario we studied earlier, we consider a spacetime structure that is internally closed Friedmann-Lemaitre-Robertson-Walker (FLRW) spacetime and externally the generalized Vaidya spacetime. This structure allows non-zero matter flux at the boundary of the over-dense region. Our investigation reveals that an increment of the coupling strength causes dark energy to cluster with dark matter at a certain cosmological scale where the influence of dark energy cannot be ignored. This phenomenon arises from the specific nature of the non-minimal coupling considered in this paper. While the evolution of matter's energy density remains unchanged, the scalar field's Klein-Gordon equation is modified, causing dark energy to deviate from its homogeneous state and cluster with dark matter. Similar to minimal coupling scenarios, closed spherical regions do not collapse within certain parameter ranges, exhibiting eternal expansion within the spatially flat FLRW spacetime acting as voids with decreasing matter density. The study extends our understanding of the cosmological scenarios where the virialization of the over-dense regions of dark matter is influenced by the non-minimally coupled dark energy.

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arXiv2023

Invariant description of static and dynamical Brans-Dicke spherically symmetric models

We investigate spherically symmetric static and dynamical Brans-Dicke theory exact solutions using invariants and, in particular, the Newman Penrose formalism utilizing Cartan scalars. The GR limit of these solutions is examined through the use of Cartan invariants via the Cartan-Karlhede algorithm and is additionally supported by analysis of scalar polynomial invariants. It is determined that the appearance of horizons in these spacetimes depends primarily on one of the parameters, $n$, of the family of solutions. In particular, expansion-free surfaces appear which, for a subset of parameter values, define additional surfaces distinct from the standard surfaces (e.g., apparent horizons) identified in previous work. These surfaces in static spherically symmetric Brans-Dicke solutions was previously shown to correspond to the Schwarzschild horizon in general relativity when an appropriate limit exists between the two theories. We show additionally that other geometrically defined horizons exist for these cases, and identify all solutions for which the corresponding general relativity limit is not a Schwarzschild one, yet still contains horizons. The identification of some of these other surfaces was noted in previous work and is characterized invariantly in this work. In the case of the family of dynamical Brans-Dicke solutions, we identify similar invariantly defined surfaces as in the static case and present an invariant characterization of their geometries. Through the analysis of the Cartan invariants, we determine which members of these families of solutions are locally equivalent, through the use of the Cartan-Karlhede algorithm. In addition, we identify black hole surfaces, naked singularities, and wormholes with the Cartan invariants. The aim of this work is to demonstrate the usefulness of Cartan invariants for describing properties of exact solutions.

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arXiv2023

Equilibrium states from gravitational collapse of minimally coupled scalar field with non-zero potential

We study the model of spherically symmetric and spatially homogeneous gravitational collapse of a minimally coupled scalar field. Our study focuses on obtaining the scalar field potential that leads to a final equilibrium state in the gravitational collapse. We demonstrate the existence of a class of scalar field solutions that can indeed result in such an end equilibrium state.

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arXiv2023

Gravitational collapse of matter in the presence of Quintessence and Phantom-like scalar fields

In this work, we propose a model of the gravitational collapse of dark matter in the presence of quintessence or phantom-like scalar fields. Our treatment is based on the principles of general relativity up to virialization. We have chosen a spherical patch that starts to collapse gravitationally as it happens in top-hat collapse. It is seen that although the dark matter sector collapses the dark energy sector does keep a profile that is almost similar to the dark energy profile for the background expanding Friedmann-Lemaitre-Robertson-Walker (FLRW) universe for suitable model parameters. It is observed that in order to formulate the problem in the general relativistic setting one has to abandon the idea of a closed FLRW isolated collapsing patch. General relativity requires an external generalized Vaidya spacetime to be matched with the internal spherical patch whose dynamics is guided by the FLRW metric. It is shown that almost all collapses are accompanied by some flux of matter and radiation in the generalized Vaidya spacetime. Some of the spherical regions of the universe are seen not to collapse but expand eternally, producing void-like structures. Whether a spherical region will collapse or expand depends upon the initial values of the system and other model parameters. As this work shows that collapsing structures must emit some form of radiation, this may be taken as an observational signature of our proposal.

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arXiv2023

On the visibility of singularities in general relativity and modified gravity theories

We investigate the global causal structure of the end state of a spherically symmetric marginally bound Lemaitre-Tolman-Bondi (LTB) \cite{Lemaitre, Tolman, Bondi} collapsing cloud (which is well studied in general relativity) in the framework of modified gravity having the generalized Lagrangian $R+αR^2$ in the action. Here $R$ is the Ricci scalar, and $α\geq 0$ is a constant. By fixing the functional form of the metric components of the LTB spacetime, using up the available degree of freedom, we realize that the matching surface of the interior and the exterior metric are different for different values of $α$. This change in the matching surface can alter the causal property of the first central singularity. We depict this by showing a numerical example. Additionally, for a globally naked singularity to have physical relevance, a congruence of null geodesics should escape from such singularity to be visible to an asymptotic observer for an infinite time. For this to happen, the first central singularity should be a nodal point. We here give a heuristic method to show that this singularity is a nodal point by considering the above class of theory of gravity, of which general relativity is a particular case.

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arXiv2023

Horizon-scale tests of gravity theories and fundamental physics from the Event Horizon Telescope image of Sagittarius A$^*$

Horizon-scale images of black holes (BHs) and their shadows have opened an unprecedented window onto tests of gravity and fundamental physics in the strong-field regime. We consider a wide range of well-motivated deviations from classical General Relativity (GR) BH solutions, and constrain them using the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) observations of Sagittarius A$^*$ (Sgr A$^*$), connecting the size of the bright ring of emission to that of the underlying BH shadow and exploiting high-precision measurements of Sgr A$^*$'s mass-to-distance ratio. The scenarios we consider, and whose fundamental parameters we constrain, include various regular BHs, string-inspired space-times, violations of the no-hair theorem driven by additional fields, alternative theories of gravity, novel fundamental physics frameworks, and BH mimickers including well-motivated wormhole and naked singularity space-times. We demonstrate that the EHT image of Sgr A$^*$ places particularly stringent constraints on models predicting a shadow size larger than that of a Schwarzschild BH of a given mass, with the resulting limits in some cases surpassing cosmological ones. Our results are among the first tests of fundamental physics from the shadow of Sgr A$^*$ and, while the latter appears to be in excellent agreement with the predictions of GR, we have shown that a number of well motivated alternative scenarios, including BH mimickers, are far from being ruled out at present.

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arXiv2023

Tidal forces in the Simpson-Visser black-bounce and wormhole spacetimes

The concept of regular black holes has gained attention in recent years, especially in the context of quantum gravity theories. In these theories, the existence of singularities is paradoxical as they represent a breakdown of the laws of physics. Motivated by the recent developments in this area, we study the tidal force effects in one such family of regular geometries described by the Simpson-Visser metric. We find the radial and angular force profiles for a radially in-falling particle in this spacetime and calculate the variation of the geodesic separation vector with the radial coordinate using two different initial conditions. These results are then compared with that of Schwarzschild black hole spacetime. We show that for a regular black hole, both radial and angular tidal forces show a peak outside the horizon and then fall to ultimately switch their behavior from stretching to compression and vice-versa. Also, they are finite at $r=0$ unlike the Schwarzschild spacetime. It is also seen that the angular deviation profile shows an oscillating behavior for a particular initial condition. Our analysis can be used to distinguish between regular black hole, one-way and two-way wormholes and a singular black hole spacetimes.

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