arXiv subjects

Emilio Elizalde

Publications and source records attributed to Emilio Elizalde.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Recovering Einstein Mature View of Gravitation: A Dynamical Reconstruction Grounded in the Equivalence Principle

The historical and conceptual foundations of General Relativity are revisited, putting the main focus on the physical meaning of the invariant ds, the Equivalence Principle, and the precise interpretation of spacetime geometry. It is argued that Albert Einstein initially sought a dynamical formulation in which ds encoded the gravitational effects, without invoking curvature as a physical entity. The now more familiar geometrical interpretation (identifying gravitation with spacetime curvature) gradually emerged through his collaboration with Marcel Grossmann and the adoption of the Ricci tensor in 1915. Anyhow, in his 1920 Leiden lecture, Einstein explicitly reinterpreted spacetime geometry as the state of a physical medium (an ether endowed with metrical properties but devoid of mechanical substance) thereby actually rejecting geometry as an independent ontological reality. Building upon this mature view, gravitation is reconstructed from the Weak Equivalence Principle, understood as the exact compensation between inertial and gravitational forces acting on a body under a uniform gravitational field. From this fundamental principle, together with an extension of Fermat Principle to massive objects, the invariant ds is obtained, first in the static case, where the gravitational potential modifies the flow of proper time. Then, by applying the Lorentz transformation to this static invariant, its general form is derived for the case of matter in motion. The resulting invariant reproduces the relativistic form of Newton second law in proper time and coincides with the weak field limit of General Relativity in the harmonic gauge.

physics.hist-ph↗

arXiv2025

The meaning of "Big Bang"

What does ``Big Bang" mean? What was the actual origin of these two words? There are many aspects hidden under this name, which are seldom explained. They are discussed here. To frame the analysis, help will be sought from the highly authoritative voices of two exceptional writers: William Shakespeare and Umberto Eco. Both have explored the tension existing between words and the realities they name. And this includes names given to outstanding theorems and spectacular discoveries, too. Stigler's law of eponymy is recalled in this context. These points will be at the heart of the quest here, concerning the concept of ``Big Bang", which only a few people know what it means, actually. Fred Hoyle was the first to pronounce these words, in a BBC radio program, with a meaning that was later called inflation. But listeners were left with the image he was trying to destroy: the explosion of Lema\^itre's primeval atom (an absolutely wrong concept). Hoyle's Steady State will be carefully compared with inflation cosmology. They are quite different, and yet, in both cases, the possibility of creating matter/energy out of expanding space is rooted in the same fundamental principles: those of General Relativity. As is also, the possibility of having a universe with zero total energy, anticipated by R.C. Tolman, in 1934 already. It will be shown, how to obtain accelerated expansion from negative pressure; how to reconcile energy conservation with matter creation in an expanding universe; and a curious relation between de Sitter spacetime and Steady State cosmology. Concerning the naming issue, it will be remarked that, today, the same label ``Big Bang" is used in very different contexts: (a) the Big Bang Singularity; (b) as the equivalent of cosmic inflation; (c) speaking of the Big Bang cosmological model; (d) to name a very popular TV program; and more.

physics.pop-ph↗

arXiv2025

Exact solution of the Einstein-scalar-Gauss-Bonnet model with Noether symmetry constraints

By applying Noether symmetry methods, analytic solutions are obtained for a generalized Einstein-scalar-Gauss-Bonnet model with a $\xi(\phi)f(G)$ component. Variation with respect to the metric, supplemented by small perturbations, produces the equations of motion and the terms that determine the propagation speed of tensor perturbations. The resulting Hubble parameter incorporates contributions from stiff matter and dark energy, the last originating from a scalar field non-minimally coupled to the Gauss-Bonnet invariant. The viability of the model is assessed by using Cosmic Chronometers, Baryon Acoustic Oscillations, and type Ia supernovae data. Best model selection based on information criteria indicates a slight preference for this new framework over the $\Lambda$ Cold Dark Matter model. Stability of the model follows from the positive speed of sound and absence of ``Ostrogradsky ghosts''. The total equation of state parameter hints towards the presence of a transition from decelerated to accelerated expansion at $z\approx 0.66$, corresponding to the transition from matter to dark energy dominance. Early Universe dynamics, derived from the slow-roll parameters, spectral indices, and the tensor-to-scalar ratio, are found to be perfectly consistent with observations from Planck 2018 and the Atacama Cosmology Telescope.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2025

On the Geometric Meaning of General Relativity and the Foundations of Newtonian Cosmology

The geometric foundations of General Relativity are revisited, with particular attention to its gauge invariance, as a key to understanding the true nature of spacetime. Beyond the common image of spacetime as a deformable 'fabric' filling the Universe, curvature is interpreted as the dynamic interplay between matter and interacting fields; a view already emphasized by Einstein and Weyl, but sometimes overlooked in the literature. Building on these tools, a Newtonian framework is reconstructed that captures essential aspects of cosmology, showing how classical intuition can coexist with modern geometric insights. This perspective shifts the focus from substance to relationships, offering a fresh magnifying glass through which to reinterpret gravitational dynamics and the large-scale structure of the Universe. The similarities of this approach with other recent, more ambitious ones carried out at the quantum level are quite remarkable.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2025

Is Gravity Truly Balanced? A Historical-Critical Journey Through the Equivalence Principle and the Genesis of Spacetime Geometry

We present a novel derivation of the spacetime metric generated by matter, without invoking Einstein's field equations. For static sources, the metric arises from a relativistic formulation of D'Alembert's principle, where the inertial force is treated as a real dynamical entity that exactly compensates gravity. This leads to a conformastatic metric whose geodesic equation, parametrized by proper time, reproduces the relativistic version of Newton's second law for free fall. To extend the description to moving matter, uniformly or otherwise, we apply a Lorentz transformation to the static metric. The resulting non static metric accounts for the motion of the sources and, remarkably, matches the weak field limit of general relativity as obtained from the linearized Einstein equations in the de Donder or Lorenz gauge. This approach, at least at Solar System scales, where gravitational fields are weak, is grounded in a new dynamical interpretation of the Equivalence Principle. It demonstrates how gravity can emerge from the relativistic structure of inertia, without postulating or solving Einstein's equations.

physics.hist-ph↗

arXiv2025

Black Holes Thermodynamics and Generalised Non-Extensive Entropy

The first part of this work provides a review of recent research on generalised entropies and their origin, as well as its application to black hole thermodynamics. To start, it is shown that the Hawking temperature and the Bekenstein-Hawking entropy are, respectively, the only possible thermodynamical temperature and entropy of the Schwarzschild black hole. Moreover, it is investigated if the other known generalised entropies, which include R\'enyi's entropy, the Tsallis one, and the four- and five-parameter generalised entropies, could correctly yield the Hawking temperature and the ADM mass. The possibility that generalised entropies could describe hairy black hole thermodynamics is also considered, both for the Reissner-Nordstr\"{o}m black hole and for Einstein's gravity coupled with two scalar fields. Two possibilities are investigated, namely, the case when the ADM mass does not yield the Bekenstein-Hawking entropy, and the case in which the effective mass expressing the energy inside the horizon does not yield the Hawking temperature. For the model with two scalar fields, the radii of the photon sphere and of the black hole shadow are calculated, which gives constraints on the BH parameters. These constraints are seen to be consistent, provided the black hole is of Schwarzschild type. Subsequently, the origin of the generalised entropies is investigated, by using their microscopic particle descriptions in the frameworks of a microcanonical and of a canonical ensemble, respectively. To finish, the McLaughlin expansion for the generalised entropies is used to derive, in each case, the microscopic interpretation of the generalised entropies, via the canonical and the grand canonical ensembles.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2024

On the perturbed Friedmann equations in Newtonian Gauge

Based on the Newtonian mechanics, in this article, we present a heuristic derivation of the Friedmann equations, providing an intuitive foundation for these fundamental relations in cosmology. Additionally, using the first law of thermodynamics and Euler's equation, we derive a set of equations that, at linear order, coincide with those obtained from the conservation of the stress-energy tensor in General Relativity. This approach not only highlights the consistency between Newtonian and relativistic frameworks in certain limits but also serves as a pedagogical bridge, offering insights into the physical principles underlying the dynamics of the universe.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2024

Can we learn from matter creation to solve the $H_{0}$ tension problem?

The $H_{0}$ tension problem is studied in the light of a matter creation mechanism (an effective approach to replacing dark energy), the way to define the matter creation rate being of pure phenomenological nature. Bayesian (probabilistic) Machine Learning is used to learn the constraints on the free parameters of the models, with the learning being based on the generated expansion rate, $H(z)$. Taking advantage of the method, the constraints for three redshift ranges are learned. Namely, for the two redshift ranges: $z\in [0,2]$~(cosmic chronometers) and $z\in [0,2.5]$~(cosmic chronometers + BAO), covering already available $H(z)$ data, to validate the learned results; and for a third redshift interval, $z\in[0,5]$, for forecasting purposes. It is learned that the $3αH_{0}$ term in the creation rate provides options that have the potential to solve the $H_{0}$ tension problem.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2024

Constraints on prospective deviations from the cold dark matter model using a Gaussian Process

Recently, using Bayesian Machine Learning, a deviation from the cold dark matter model on cosmological scales has been put forward. Such model might replace a proposed non-gravitational interaction between dark energy and dark matter, and help solve the $H_{0}$ tension problem. The idea behind the learning procedure relied there on a generated expansion rate, while the real expansion rate was just used to validate the learned results. In the present work, however, the emphasis is put on a Gaussian Process (GP) with the available $H(z)$ data confirming the possible existence of the already learned deviation. Three cosmological scenarios are considered: a simple one, with equation of state parameter for dark matter $ω_{dm} = ω_{0} \neq 0$, and two other models, with corresponding parameters $ω_{dm} = ω_{0} + ω_{1} z$ and $ω_{dm} = ω_{0} + ω_{1} z/(1+z)$. The constraints obtained on the free parameters $ω_{0}$ and $ω_{1}$ hint towards a dynamical nature of the deviation. The dark energy dynamics is also reconstructed, revealing interesting aspects connected with the $H_{0}$ tension problem. It is concluded, however, that improved tools and more data are needed, in order to reach a better understanding of the reported deviation.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2023

Mathematical Singularities in the Farthest Confines of the Universe -- And a Brief Report on Its Evolutionary History

It is advisable to avoid and, even better, demystify such grandiose terms as "infinity" or "singularity" in the description of the cosmos. Its proliferation does not positively contribute to the understanding of key concepts that are essential for an updated account of its origin and evolutionary history. It will be here argued that, as a matter of fact, there are no infinities in physics, in the real world: all that appears, in any given formulation of nature by means of mathematical equations, actually arises from extrapolations, which are made beyond the bounds of validity of the equations themselves. Such a crucial point is rather well known, but too often forgotten, and is discussed in this paper with several examples; namely, the famous Big Bang singularity and others, which appeared before in classical mechanics and electrodynamics, and notably in the quantization of field theories. A brief description of the Universe's history and evolution follows. Special emphasis is put on what is presently known, from detailed observations of the cosmos and, complementarily, from advanced experiments of very high-energy physics. To conclude, a future perspective on how this knowledge might soon improve is given.

physics.gen-ph↗

arXiv2023

Einstein, Barcelona, Symmetry & Cosmology: The Birth of an Equation for the Universe

Albert Einstein visited Spain only once, precisely one hundred years ago. The circumstances, of a very different kind, of this visit will be explained here. In special, some important events happened to Einstein during that period, which, eventually, were key for converting modern cosmology into a genuine physical theory. Among them is the famous Einstein-Friedmann controversy, first, on the mathematical validity of Friedmann's equations and, later, their possible usefulness as a reliable tool to describe the real world. A summary of the deepest ideas underlying Einstein's contributions to the theory of relativity, which he had already completed before his visit, will precede the discussion, also supplemented with a description, in very simple terms, of the three main relativistic theories, namely Galileo's one, and Einstein's special and general theory. They pave the way towards a definitive theory of total relativity, so far unattainable. It will be recalled that the most general relativity principle, faithfully reflecting Ernst Mach's far-reaching ideas, might have much to do with the symmetry-breaking paradigm, a most crucial tool in quantum field theory and high energy physics.

physics.hist-ph↗

arXiv2023

Solving the $H_{0}$ tension in $f(T)$ Gravity through Bayesian Machine Learning

Bayesian Machine Learning~(BML) and strong lensing time delay~(SLTD) techniques are used in order to tackle the $H_{0}$ tension in $f(T)$ gravity. The power of BML relies on employing a model-based generative process which already plays an important role in different domains of cosmology and astrophysics, being the present work a further proof of this. Three viable $f(T)$ models are considered: a power law, an exponential, and a squared exponential model. The learned constraints and respective results indicate that the exponential model, $f(T)=αT_{0}\left(1-e^{-p T / T_{0}}\right)$, has the capability to solve the $H_{0}$ tension quite efficiently. The forecasting power and robustness of the method are shown by considering different redshift ranges and parameters for the lenses and sources involved. The lesson learned is that these values can strongly affect our understanding of the $H_{0}$ tension, as it does happen in the case of the model considered. The resulting constraints of the learning method are eventually validated by using the observational Hubble data(OHD).

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2022

Cosmological implications of Born-Infeld-$f(R)$ gravity

A modified Born-Infeld gravitation theory with a $f\left(R\right)$ function being added to the determinant action is analyzed from a cosmological viewpoint. The corresponding accelerating dynamics are studied in a simplified conformal approach without matter. Three different structures for the auxiliary metric function are analyzed, with the aim to establish a deeper understanding of the role of this function in cosmology. After performing the analysis, it is seen that, by modifying the auxiliary metric function, a Big Rip singularity or either a Little Rip dark energy model may arise.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2022

Reconstruction of the quintessence dark energy potential from a Gaussian process

The quintessence dark energy potential is reconstructed in a model-independent way. Reconstruction relies on a Gaussian process and on available expansion-rate data. Specifically, 40-point values of $H(z)$ are used, consisting of a 30-point sample deduced from a differential age method and an additional 10-point sample obtained from the radial BAO method. Results are obtained for two kernel functions and for three different values of $H_{0}$. They shed light on the $H_{0}$ tension problem for a universe described with quintessence dark energy. They are also a clear indication that the tension has to do with the physical understanding of the issue, rather than being just a numerical problem with statistics. Moreover, the model-independent reconstruction of the potential here obtained can serve as a reference to constraint available models and it can be also used as a reference frame to construct new ones. Various possibilities, including $V(ϕ) \sim e^{-λϕ}$, are compared with the reconstructions here obtained, which is notably the first truly model independent reconstruction of the quintessence dark energy potential. This allows to select new models that can be interesting for cosmology. The method can be extended to reconstruct the potential of related dark energy models, to be considered in future work.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2022

Some topics in Cosmology -- Clearly explained by means of simple examples --

This is a very comprehensible review of some key issues in Modern Cosmology. Simple mathematical examples and analogies are always used, whenever available. The starting point is the well know Big Bang Cosmology (BBC). We deal with the mathematical singularities appearing in this theory and discuss some ways to remove them. Next, and before introducing the inflationary paradigm by means of some clear examples, we review the horizon and flatness problems of the old BBC model. We then consider the current cosmic acceleration and, as a procedure to deal with both periods of acceleration in a unified way, we study quintessential inflation. Finally, the reheating stage of the universe, via gravitational particle production, which took place after inflation ended, is discussed in simple mathematical terms, by involving the so-called $α$-attractors in the context of quintessential inflation.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2021

An approach to cold dark matter deviation and the $H_{0}$ tension problem by using machine learning

In this work, two different models, one with cosmological constant $Λ$, and baryonic and dark matter (with $ω_{dm} \neq 0$), and the other with an $X$ dark energy (with $ω_{de} \neq -1$), and baryonic and dark matter (with $ω_{dm} \neq 0$), are investigated and compared. Using Bayesian machine learning analysis, constraints on the free parameters of both models are obtained for the three redshift ranges: $z\in [0,2]$, $z\in [0,2.5]$, and $z\in [0,5]$, respectively. For the first two redshift ranges, high-quality observations of the expansion rate $H(z)$ exist already, and they are used for validating the fitting results. Additionally, the extended range $z\in [0,5]$ provides predictions of the model parameters, verified when reliable higher-redshift $H(z)$ data are available. This learning procedure, based on the expansion rate data generated from the background dynamics of each model, shows that, at cosmological scales, there is a deviation from the cold dark matter paradigm, $ω_{dm} \neq 0$, for all three redshift ranges. The results show that this approach may qualify as a solution to the $H_{0}$ tension problem. Indeed, it hints at how this issue could be effectively solved (or at least alleviated) in cosmological models with interacting dark energy.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2020

Constraints on Cosmic Opacity from Bayesian Machine Learning: The hidden side of the $H_{0}$ tension problem

Bayesian (Probabilistic) Machine Learning is used to probe the opacity of the Universe. It relies on a generative process where the model is the key object to generate the data involving the unknown parameters of the model, our prior beliefs, and allows us to get the posterior results. The constraints on the cosmic opacity are determined for two flat models, $Λ$CDM and XCDM (this having $ω_{de} \neq -1$), for three redshift ranges, $z\in[0,2.5]$, $z \in[0,5]$, and $z\in[0,10]$, in each case. This is to understand how the constraints on the cosmic opacity could change in the very deep Universe, and also to check to what extent there is a redshift-range dependence. The following forms for the opacity, $τ(z) = 2εz$ and $τ(z) = (1+z)^{2ε} -1$, corresponding to an observer at $z=0$ and a source at $z$, are considered. The results of our analysis show that the Universe is not fully transparent, and this may have a significant impact on the $H_{0}$ tension problem. In the generative process, the fact that, owing to cosmic opacity, the flux received by the observer is reduced has been taken into account. In the analysis, the luminosity distance associated with the cosmological model has been employed.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2020

Interplay between Swampland and Bayesian Machine Learning in constraining cosmological models

Constraints on a dark energy dominated Universe are obtained from an interplay between Bayesian Machine Learning and string Swampland criteria. The approach here differs from previous studies, since in the generative process Swampland criteria are used and, only later, the results of the fit are validated, by using observational data-sets. A generative process based Bayesian Learning approach is applied to two models and the results are validated by means of available $H(z)$ data. For the first model, a parametrization of the Hubble constant is considered and, for the second, a parametrization of the deceleration parameter. This study is motivated by a recent work, where constraints on string Swampland criteria have been obtained from a Gaussian Process and $H(z)$ data. However, the results obtained here are fully independent of the observational data and allow to estimate how the high-redshift behavior of the Universe will affect the low-redshift one. Moreover, both parameterizations in the generative process, for the Hubble and for the deceleration parameters, are independent of the dark energy model. The outcome, both data- and dark energy model-independent, may highlight, in the future, the borders of the Swampland for the low-redshift Universe and help to develop new string-theory motivated dark-energy models. The string Swampland criteria considered might be in tension with recent observations indicating that phantom dark energy cannot be in the Swampland. Finally, a spontaneous sign switch in the dark energy equation of state parameter is observed when the field traverses are in the $z\in[0,5]$ redshift range, a remarkable phenomenon requiring further analysis.

gr-qc↗