arXiv subjects

Fabio D'Ambrosio

Publications and source records attributed to Fabio D'Ambrosio.

16 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2024

Characteristic Time Scales for the Geometry Transition of a Black Hole to a White Hole from Spinfoams

Quantum fluctuations of the metric provide a decay mechanism for black holes, through a transition to a white hole geometry. Old perplexing results by Ambrus and Hájíček and more recent results by Barceló, Carballo-Rubio and Garay, indicate a characteristic time scale of this process that scales linearly with the mass of the collapsed object. We compute the characteristic time scales involved in the quantum process using Lorentzian Loop Quantum Gravity amplitudes, corroborating these results but reinterpreting and clarifying their physical meaning. We first review and streamline the classical set up, and distinguish and discuss the different time scales involved. We conclude that the aforementioned results concern a time scale that is different from the lifetime, the latter being the much longer time related to the probability of the process to take place. We recover the exponential scaling of the lifetime in the mass, a result expected from naïve semiclassical arguments for the probability of a tunneling phenomenon to occur.

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arXiv2024

Testing gravitational waveforms in full General Relativity

We perform a comprehensive analysis of state-of-the-art waveform models, focusing on their predictions concerning kick velocity and inferred gravitational wave memory. In our investigation we assess the accuracy of waveform models using energy-momentum balance laws, which were derived in the framework of full, non-linear General Relativity. The numerical accuracy assessment is performed for precessing as well as non-precessing scenarios for models belonging to the \textit{EOB}, \textit{Phenom}, and \textit{Surrogate} families. We analyze the deviations of these models from each other and from Numerical Relativity waveforms. Our analysis reveals statistically significant deviations, which we trace back to inaccuracies in modelling subdominant modes and inherent systematic errors in the chosen models. We corroborate our findings through analytical considerations regarding the mixing of harmonic modes in the computed kick velocities and inferred memories.

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arXiv2023

Hamiltonian Analysis of $f(Q)$ Gravity and the Failure of the Dirac-Bergmann Algorithm for Teleparallel Theories of Gravity

In recent years, $f(Q)$ gravity has enjoyed considerable attention in the literature and important results have been obtained. However, the question of how many physical degrees of freedom the theory propagates -- and how this number may depend on the form of the function $f$ -- has not been answered satisfactorily. In this article we show that a Hamiltonian analysis based on the Dirac-Bergmann algorithm -- one of the standard methods to address this type of question -- fails. We isolate the source of the failure, show that other commonly considered teleparallel theories of gravity are affected by the same problem, and we point out that the number of degrees of freedom obtained in Phys. Rev. D 106 no. 4, (2022) by K. Hu, T. Katsuragawa, and T. Qui (namely eight), based on the Dirac-Bergmann algorithm, is wrong. Using a different approach, we show that the upper bound on the degrees of freedom is seven. Finally, we propose a more promising strategy for settling this important question.

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arXiv2023

Geometry Transition in Spinfoams

We show how the fixed-spin asymptotics of the EPRL model can be used to perform the spin-sum for spin foam amplitudes defined on fixed two-complexes without interior faces and contracted with coherent spin-network states peaked on a discrete simplicial geometry with macroscopic areas. We work in the representation given in Ref. 1. We first rederive the latter in a different way suitable for our purposes. We then extend this representation to 2-complexes with a boundary and derive its relation to the coherent state representation. We give the measure providing the resolution of the identity for Thiemann's state in the twisted geometry parametrization. The above then permit us to put everything together with other results in the literature and show how the spin sum can be performed analytically for the regime of interest here. These results are relevant to analytic investigations regarding the transition of a black hole to a white hole geometry. In particular, this work gives detailed technique that was the basis of estimate for the black to white bounce appeared in Ref. 2. These results may also be relevant for applications of spinfoams to investigate the possibility of a 'big bounce'.

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arXiv2022

Gravitational Waves in Full, Non-Linear General Relativity

These notes provide a student-friendly introduction to the theory of gravitational waves in full, non-linear general relativity (GR). We aim for a balance between physical intuition and mathematical rigor and cover topics such as the Newman-Penrose formalism, electromagnetic waves, asymptotically Minkowski spacetimes, the peeling theorem, the universal structure of null infinity, the Bondi-Metzner-Sachs group, and the definition of radiative modes in linear as well as in non-linear GR. Many exercises and some explicitly calculated examples complement the abstract theory and are designed to help students build up their intuition and see the mathematical machinery at work.

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arXiv2021

Revisiting Cosmologies in Teleparallelism

We discuss the most general field equations for cosmological spacetimes for theories of gravity based on non-linear extensions of the non-metricity scalar and the torsion scalar. Our approach is based on a systematic symmetry-reduction of the metric-affine geometry which underlies these theories. While for the simplest conceivable case the connection disappears from the field equations and one obtains the Friedmann equations of General Relativity, we show that in $f(\mathbb{Q})$ cosmology the connection generically modifies the metric field equations and that some of the connection components become dynamical. We show that $f(\mathbb{Q})$ cosmology contains the exact General Relativity solutions and also exact solutions which go beyond. In $f(\mathbb{T})$~cosmology, however, the connection is completely fixed and not dynamical.

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arXiv2021

Black holes in $f(\mathbb Q)$ Gravity

We systematically study the field equations of $f(\mathbb Q)$ gravity for spherically symmetric and stationary metric-affine spacetimes. Such spacetimes are described by a metric as well as a flat and torsionless affine connection. In the Symmetric Teleparallel Equivalent of GR (STEGR), the connection is pure gauge and hence unphysical. However, in the non-linear extension $f(\Q)$, it is promoted to a dynamical field which changes the physics. Starting from a general metric-affine geometry, we construct the most general static and spherically symmetric forms of the metric and the affine connection. We then use these symmetry reduced geometric objects to prove that the field equations of $f(\Q)$ gravity admit GR solutions as well as beyond-GR solutions, contrary to what has been claimed in the literature. We formulate precise criteria, under which conditions it is possible to obtain GR solutions and under which conditions it is possible to obtain beyond-GR solutions. We subsequently construct several perturbative corrections to the Schwarzschild solution for different choices of $f(\Q)$, which in particular include a hair stemming from the now dynamical affine connection. We also present an exact beyond-GR vacuum solution. Lastly, we apply this method of constructing spherically symmetric and stationary solutions to $f(\T)$ gravity, which reproduces similar solutions but without a dynamical connection.

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arXiv2021

The End of a Black Hole's Evaporation -- Part I

At the end of Hawking evaporation, the horizon of a black hole enters a physical region where quantum gravity cannot be neglected. The physics of this region has not been much explored. We characterise its physics and introduce a technique to study it.

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arXiv2020

Classification of Primary Constraints of Quadratic Non-Metricity Theories of Gravity

We perform the ADM decomposition of a five-parameter family of quadratic non-metricity theories and study their conjugate momenta. After systematically identifying all possible conditions which can be imposed on the parameters such that different sets of primary constraints arise, we find that the five-parametric theory space can be compartmentalized into nine different sectors, based on the presence or absence of primary constraints. This classification allows to dismiss certain classes of theories as unphysical and invites further investigations into the remaining sectors, which may contain phenomenologically interesting modifications of General Relativity.

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arXiv2020

ADM formulation and Hamiltonian analysis of Coincident General Relativity

We consider a simpler geometrical formulation of General Relativity based on non-metricity, known as Coincident General Relativity. We study the ADM formulation of the theory and perform a detailed Hamiltonian analysis. We explicitly show the propagation of two physical degrees of freedom, as it should, even though the role of boundary terms and gauge conditions is significantly altered. This might represent an alternative promising new route for numerical relativity and canonical quantum gravity. We also give an outlook on the number of propagating degrees of freedom in non-linear extension of non-metricity scalar.

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arXiv2020

Non-linear extension of non-metricity scalar for MOND

General Relativity enjoys the freedom of different geometrical interpretations in terms of curvature, torsion or non-metricity. Within this geometrical trinity, a simpler geometrical formulation of General Relativity manifests itself in the latter, where gravity is entirely attributed to non-metricity. In this Letter, we consider non-linear extensions of Coincident General Relativity $f(\mathring{\mathbb{Q}})$ for phenomenological applications on both cosmological as well as galactic scales. The theory not only delivers dark energy on large scales but also recovers MOND on galactic scales, together with implications for the early universe cosmology. To the best of our knowledge, this represents the first relativistic, covariant, and ghost-free hybrid-formulation of MOND which recovers both, General Relativity and MOND in the appropriate limits and reconciles expected cosmological behavior. We further illustrate that previous bimetric formulations of MOND generically suffer from ghost instabilities and $f(\mathring{\mathbb{Q}})$ crystalizes as a unique ghost-free theory.

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arXiv2020

Semi-Classical Holomorphic Transition Amplitudes in Covariant Loop Quantum Gravity

Covariant Loop Quantum Gravity (CLQG) is a tentative background-independent and non-perturbative theory of quantum gravity which has emerged from a number of different research directions. Recently, this theory has been applied to the so-called Planck star model -- a particular model of stellar collapse in which non-perturbative quantum gravity effects play a predominant role. However, several obstacles have impeded progress in the investigation of this scenario. These obstacles range from conceptual issues, such as the question how to extract physical predictions from a background independent theory of quantum gravity, to computational problems due to a lack of systematic methods to evaluate CLQG transition amplitudes. This thesis addresses these problems directly. It contains an analysis of the Planck star model within the framework of CLQG, including a clarifying discussion on relevant conceptual issues. Moreover, a new approximation method for CLQG transition amplitudes is developed. This method allows to systematically study amplitudes in the semi-classical regime of the theory and it sheds new light on the so-called cosine problem.

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arXiv2019

A Noether Theorem for discrete Covariant Mechanics

Noether's theorem is an elegant and powerful tool of classical mechanics, but it is of little to no consequence in discrete theories. Here we define and explore a discrete approach to covariant mechanics and show that within this framework a discrete version of Noether's theorem, completely analogous to the well-known continuum version with all its ramifications, remains valid. We also discuss why more traditional approaches to discretized mechanics violate certain conservation laws by construction.

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arXiv2018

How Information Crosses Schwarzschild's Central Singularity

We study the natural extension of spacetime across Schwarzschild's central singularity and the behavior of the geodesics crossing it. Locality implies that this extension is independent from the future fate of black holes. We argue that this extension is the natural $\hbar\!\to\!0$ limit of the effective quantum geometry inside a black hole, and show that the central region contains causal diamonds with area satisfying Bousso's bound for an entropy that can be as large as Hawking's radiation entropy. This result sheds light on the possibility that Hawking radiation is purified by information crossing the internal singularity.

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arXiv2018

White Holes as Remnants: A Surprising Scenario for the End of a Black Hole

Quantum tunneling of a black hole into a white hole provides a model for the full life cycle of a black hole. The white hole acts as a long-lived remnant, solving the black-hole information paradox. The remnant solution of the paradox has long been viewed with suspicion, mostly because remnants seemed to be such exotic objects. We point out that (i) established physics includes objects with precisely the required properties for remnants: white holes with small masses but large finite interiors; (ii) non-perturbative quantum-gravity indicates that a black hole tunnels precisely into such a white hole, at the end of its evaporation. We address the objections to the existence of white-hole remnants, discuss their stability, and show how the notions of entropy relevant in this context allow them to evade several no-go arguments. A black hole's formation, evaporation, tunneling to a white hole, and final slow decay, form a unitary process that does not violate any known physics.

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arXiv2016

Hypersurface-deformation algebroids and effective space-time models

In canonical gravity, covariance is implemented by brackets of hypersurface-deformation generators forming a Lie algebroid. Lie algebroid morphisms therefore allow one to relate different versions of the brackets that correspond to the same space-time structure. An application to examples of modified brackets found mainly in models of loop quantum gravity can in some cases map the space-time structure back to the classical Riemannian form after a field redefinition. For one type of quantum corrections (holonomies), signature change appears to be a generic feature of effective space-time, and is shown here to be a new quantum space-time phenomenon which cannot be mapped to an equivalent classical structure. In low-curvature regimes, our constructions prove the existence of classical space-time structures assumed elsewhere in models of loop quantum cosmology, but also shows the existence of additional quantum corrections that have not always been included.

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