arXiv subjects

Francisco S. N. Lobo

Publications and source records attributed to Francisco S. N. Lobo.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

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

Thermodynamics of the Primordial Universe

This review delves into the pivotal primordial stage of the universe, a period that holds the key to understanding its current state. To fully grasp this epoch, it is essential to consider three fundamental domains of physics: gravity, particle physics, and thermodynamics. The thermal history of the universe recreates the extreme high-energy conditions that are critical for exploring the unification of the fundamental forces, making it a natural laboratory for high-energy physics. This thermal history also offers valuable insights into how the laws of thermodynamics have governed the evolution of the universe's constituents, shaping them into the forms we observe today. Focusing on the Standard Cosmological Model (SCM) and the Standard Model of Particles (SM), this paper provides an in-depth analysis of thermodynamics in the primordial universe. The structure of the study includes an introduction to the SCM and its strong ties to thermodynamic principles. It then explores equilibrium thermodynamics in the context of the expanding universe, followed by a detailed analysis of out-of-equilibrium phenomena that were pivotal in shaping key events during the early stages of the universe's evolution.

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arXiv2024

Energy-Momentum Squared Gravity: A Brief Overview

In this work, we present a review of Energy-Momentum Squared Gravity (EMSG) -- more specifically, $f(R,T_{μν}T^{μν})$ gravity, where $R$ represents the Ricci scalar and $T_{μν}$ denotes the energy-momentum tensor. The inclusion of quadratic contributions from the energy-momentum components has intriguing cosmological implications, particularly during the Universe's early epochs. These effects dominate under high-energy conditions, enabling EMSG to potentially address unresolved issues in General Relativity (GR), such as the initial singularity and aspects of big-bang nucleosynthesis in certain models. The theory's explicit non-minimal coupling between matter and geometry leads to the non-conservation of the energy-momentum tensor, which prompts the investigation of cosmological scenarios through the framework of irreversible thermodynamics of open systems. By employing this formalism, we interpret the energy-balance equations within EMSG from a thermodynamic perspective, viewing them as descriptions of irreversible matter creation processes. Since EMSG converges to GR in a vacuum and differences emerge only in the presence of an energy-momentum distribution, these distinctions become significant in high-curvature regions. Therefore, deviations from GR are expected to be pronounced in the dense cores of compact objects. This review delves into these facets of EMSG, highlighting its potential to shed light on some of the fundamental questions in modern cosmology and gravitational theory.

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arXiv2024

Time-reversed information flow through a wormhole in scalar-tensor gravity

This Letter aims to advance unexplored properties of a new class of Closed Timelike Curves recently discovered in scalar-tensor gravity, reported in Universe 9, 467 (2023) and Eur.$\,$Phys.$\,$J.$\,$C 83, 626 (2023). Therein, it was shown that when the Weak Energy Condition is violated, the topology of spacetime in scalar-tensor gravity is altered, enabling the formation of two-way traversable wormholes. Furthermore, each of these wormholes acts a gateway between two $\textit{time-mirrored}$ worlds, where the two asymptotically flat sheets in the Kruskal-Szekeres diagram are glued antipodally along $\textit{three}$ directions -- time $t$ and the polar and azimuth angles $(θ,\,φ)$ of the 2-sphere -- to form a wormhole throat. This contrasts with the standard embedding diagram which typically glues the sheets only along the $θ$ and $φ$ directions. Crucially, due to the `gluing' along the $t$ direction, the wormhole becomes a portal connecting the two spacetime sheets with $\textit{opposite}$ physical time flows, enabling the emergence of closed timelike loops which straddle the throat. We shall point out that this portal $\textit{mathematically}$ permits the possibility of backward propagation of information $\textit{against}$ time. This feature is ubiquitous for wormholes in scalar-tensor theories. In addition, we formulate the Feynman sum for transition amplitudes of microscopic particles in the proximity of a wormhole throat in which we account for timelike paths that experience time reversal.

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arXiv2024

Extension of Buchdahl's Theorem on Reciprocal Solutions

Since the development of Brans-Dicke gravity, it has become well-known that a conformal transformation of the metric can reformulate this theory, transferring the coupling of the scalar field from the Ricci scalar to the matter sector. Specifically, in this new frame, known as the Einstein frame, Brans-Dicke gravity is reformulated as General Relativity supplemented by an additional scalar field. In 1959, Hans Adolf Buchdahl utilized an elegant technique to derive a set of solutions for the vacuum field equations within this gravitational framework. In this paper, we extend Buchdahl's method to incorporate the cosmological constant and to the scalar-tensor cases beyond the Brans-Dicke archetypal theory, thereby, with a conformal transformation of the metric, obtaining solutions for a version of Brans-Dicke theory that includes a quadratic potential. More specifically, we obtain synchronous solutions in the following contexts: in scalar-tensor gravity with massless scalar fields, Brans-Dicke theory with a quadratic potential, where we obtain specific synchronous metrics to the Schwarzschild-de Sitter metric, the Nariai solution, and a hyperbolically foliated solution.

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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

Black bounces in conformal Killing gravity

In this work, we analyse black bounce solutions in the recently proposed ``Conformal Killing gravity'' (CKG), by coupling the theory to nonlinear electrodynamics (NLED) and scalar fields. The original motivation of the theory was essentially to fulfil specific criteria that are absent in existing gravitational theories, namely, to obtain the cosmological constant as an integration constant, derive the energy-momentum conservation law as a consequence of the gravitational field equations, rather than assuming it, and not necessarily considering conformally flat metrics as vacuum solutions. In this work, we extend the static and spherically symmetric solutions obtained in the literature, and explore the possibility of black bounces in CKG, coupled to NLED and scalar fields. We find novel NLED Lagrangian densities and scalar potentials, and extend the class of black bounce solutions found in the literature. Furthermore, within black bounce geometries, we find generalizations of the Bardeen-type and Simpson-Visser geometries and explore the regularity conditions of the solutions.

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arXiv2024

Dynamical reconstruction of the $Λ$CDM model in scalar-tensor $f(R,T)$ gravity

In this work, we use the dynamical system approach to explore the cosmological background evolution of the scalar-tensor representation of $f(R,T)$ gravity, where $R$ is the Ricci scalar and $T$ is the trace of the stress-energy tensor. The motivation for this work resides in finding dynamical cosmological behaviors comparable with the $Λ$CDM model without the necessity of recurring to a dark energy component. We introduce a set of dynamical variables that allow for a direct comparison with the cosmological standard model and the current experimental measurements, and develop a dynamical system framework to analyze the cosmological evolution of Friedmann-Lemaître-Robertson-Walker (FLRW) universes within this theory. In this framework, we obtain the critical points in the cosmological phase space and perform fully numerical integrations of the dynamical system to extract the cosmological behavior, subjected to initial conditions compatible with the measurements by the Planck satellite. The phase space of the theory is proven to feature fixed points associated with cosmological behaviors analogous to those of GR, whereas variations in the scalar field associated to the dependency in $T$ affect the phase space structure only quantitatively. Our results indicate that cosmological solutions featuring a radiation dominated epoch, followed by a transition into a matter dominated epoch, and finally a transition into an exponentially accelerated epoch, are allowed by the theory, while maintaining a present state compatible with the current measurements from the Planck satellite and solar system dynamics, and preserving the regularity of the scalar fields and their interaction potential.

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arXiv2024

Dynamical analysis of the redshift drift in FLRW universes

Redshift drift is the phenomenon whereby the observed redshift between an emitter and observer comoving with the Hubble flow in an expanding FLRW universe will slowly evolve -- on a timescale comparable to the Hubble time. In a previous article [JCAP 04 (2020) 043; arXiv 2001.11964] three of the current authors had performed a cosmographic analysis of the redshift drift in a FLRW universe, temporarily putting aside the issue of dynamics (the Friedmann equations). In the current article we now add dynamics, still within the framework of an exact FLRW universe. We shall develop a suitable generic matter model and apply it to both standard FLRW and various dark energy models. Furthermore, we shall also present a section analyzing the utility of using alternative cosmographic variables to describe the redshift drift data.

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arXiv2024

Observational imprints of gravastars from accretion disks and hot-spots

In this work, we analyze the observational properties of thin-shell gravastars under two astrophysical frameworks, namely surrounded by optically-thin accretion disks and orbited by hot-spots. We consider the thin-shell gravastar model with two free parameters, the gravastar radius and ratio of mass allocated at the thin-shell, and produce the corresponding observables via the use of numerical backwards ray-tracing codes. Regarding the observations of accretion disks, our results indicate that, due to the absence of a strong gravitational redshift effect, smooth gravastar configurations cannot reproduce shadow observations when internal emission is assumed. We thus expect such models to be excluded as candidates for supermassive objects in galactic cores. Nevertheless, thin-shell gravastars with a large portion of their total mass allocated at the surface can produce such an effect and are thus adequate candidates for black-hole mimickers. In the context of hot-spot orbits, the astrometrical observational properties of ultra-compact gravastars resemble closely those of other ultra-compact objects e.g. fluid stars and bosonic stars. However, for low-compacticity configurations, the time-integrated fluxes feature additional contributions in the form of a high-intensity plunge through image. These qualitative differences in the observational properties of gravastars in comparison with black-hole spacetimes could potentially be discriminated by the next generation of interferometric experiments in gravitational physics.

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arXiv2024

Black holes and regular black holes in coincident $f(\mathbb{Q},\mathbb{B}_Q)$ gravity coupled to nonlinear electrodynamics

In this work, we consider an extension of the symmetric teleparallel equivalent of General Relativity (STEGR), namely, $f(\mathbb{Q})$ gravity, by including a boundary term $\mathbb{B}_Q$, where $\mathbb{Q}$ is the non-metricity scalar. More specifically, we explore static and spherically symmetric black hole and regular black hole solutions in $f(\mathbb{Q},\mathbb{B}_Q)$ gravity coupled to nonlinear electrodynamics (NLED). In particular, to obtain black hole solutions, and in order to ensure that our solutions preserve Lorentz symmetry, we assume the following relation $f_Q = -f_B$, where $f_{Q}=\partial f/\partial\mathbb{Q}$ and $f_{B}= \partial f/\partial\mathbb{B}_Q$. We develop three models of black holes, and as the starting point for each case we consider the non-metricity scalar or the boundary term in such a way to obtain the metric functions $A(r)$. Additionally, we are able to express matter through analytical solutions for specific NLED Lagrangians ${\cal L}_{\rm NLED}(F)$. Furthermore, we also obtain generalized solutions of the Bardeen and Culetu types of regular black holes, by imposing specific metric functions.

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arXiv2024

Gravitationally induced matter creation in scalar-tensor $f(R,T_{μν}T^{μν})$ gravity

In this work, we analyze the possibility of gravitationally induced matter creation in the so-called Energy-Momentum-Squared gravity (EMSG), i.e. $f(R,T_{μν}T^{μν})$ gravity, in its dynamically equivalent scalar-tensor representation. Given the explicit nonminimal coupling between matter and geometry in this theory, the energy-momentum tensor is not generally covariantly conserved, which motivates the study of cosmological scenarios by resorting to the formalism of irreversible thermodynamics of open systems. We start by deriving the universe matter creation rates and subsequent thermodynamical properties, such as, the creation pressure, temperature evolution, and entropy evolution, in the framework of $f(R,T_{μν}T^{μν})$ gravity. These quantities are then analyzed for a Friedmann-Lemaître-Robertson-Walker (FLRW) background with a scale factor described by the de Sitter solution, under different assumptions for the mater distribution, namely a vacuum universe, a constant density universe, and a time-varying density universe. Finally, we explore cosmological solutions with varying Hubble parameters and provide a comparison with the standard cosmological model. Our results indicate that the cosmological evolution in the framework of EMSG are in close agreement with the observational cosmological data for low redshift.

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arXiv2024

(Regular) Black holes in conformal Killing gravity coupled to nonlinear electrodynamics and scalar fields

In this work, we explore black hole and regular black hole solutions in the recently proposed Conformal Killing Gravity (CKG). This theory is of third order in the derivatives of the metric tensor and essentially satisfies three theoretical criteria for gravitational theories beyond General Relativity (GR). The criteria essentially stipulate the following, that one should: (i) obtain the cosmological constant as an integration constant; (ii) derive the energy conservation law as a consequence of the field equations, rather than assuming it; (iii) and not necessarily consider conformally flat metrics as vacuum solutions. In fact, existing modified theories of gravity, including GR, do not simultaneously fulfil all of these three criteria. Here, we couple CKG to nonlinear electrodynamics (NLED) and scalar fields, and we explore solutions of black holes and regular black holes. More specifically, by solving the field equations of CKG, we find specific forms for the NLED Lagrangian, the scalar field and the field potential, and analyse the regularity of the solutions through the Kretschmann scalar. We find generalizations of the Schwarschild--Reissner-Nordström--AdS solutions, and consequently further extend the class of (regular) black hole solutions found in the literature.

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arXiv2024

Gravitational lens effect of a holonomy corrected Schwarzschild black hole

In this paper we study the gravitational lensing effect for the Schwarzschild solution with holonomy corrections. We use two types of approximation methods to calculate the deflection angle, namely the weak and strong field limits. For the first method, we calculate the deflection angle up to the fifth order of approximation and show the influence of the parameter $λ$ (in terms of loop quantum gravity) on it. In addition, we construct expressions for the magnification, the position of the lensed images and the time delay as functions of the coefficients from the deflection angle expansion. We find that $λ$ increases the deflection angle. In the strong field limit, we use a logarithmic approximation to compute the deflection angle. We then write four observables, in terms of the coefficients $b_1$, $b_2$ and $u_m$, namely: the asymptotic position approached by a set of images $θ_{\infty}$, the distance between the first image and the others $s$, the ratio between the flux of the first image and the flux of all other images $r_m$, and the time delay between two photons $ΔT_{2,1}$. We then use the experimental data of the black hole Sagittarius $A^{\star}$ and calculate the observables and the coefficients of the logarithmic expansion. We find that the parameter $λ$ increases the deflection angle, the separation between the lensed images and the delay time between them. In contrast, it decreases the brightness of the first image compared to the others.

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arXiv2024

Observations on the massive particle surface method

The geodesic method has played a crucial role in understanding the circular orbits generated by compact objects, culminating in the definition of the photon sphere, which was later generalized to a photon surface in arbitrary spacetimes. This new formulation extends the concept of the photon sphere in a broader sense, including dynamical spacetimes, as shown by the Vaidya solution. The photon surface essentially defines the null geodesics, which are originally tangent to the temporal surface, and keeps them confined to this surface. However, this formalism does not cover all classes of particles, and to overcome this limitation, a more comprehensive approach, denoted as the "massive particle surface", has been proposed that also accounts for charged massive particles. Indeed, the photon surface concept is recovered when the charge and mass of the particles are zero. In this work, we use these three formalisms to check the consistency of the results for the values of the radius of the photon sphere ($r_{ps}$) and the radius of the "innermost stable circular orbit" (ISCO) ($r_{\rm ISCO}$) for some gravitational models. In our results, the first model is described by conformal gravity, with the peculiarity that $g_{00}\neq-g_{11}^{-1}$. The second model, i.e. the Culetu solution, is developed by coupling General Relativity with nonlinear electrodynamics, which requires the consideration of the effective metric ($g_{\rm eff}^{μν}$) for geodesic approaches. Furthermore, we have also analysed the expressions for $r_{ps}$ and $r_{\rm ISCO}$ in a general static and spherically symmetric metric. Under these circumstances, we have found a discrepancy of $r_{ps}$ and $r_{\rm ISCO}$ obtained by the massive particle surface formalism as compared to the geodesic and photon surface formalisms.

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arXiv2023

Baryogenesis: A Symmetry Breaking in the Primordial Universe Revisited

In this review article, we revisit the topic of baryogenesis, which is the physical process that generated the observed baryon asymmetry during the first stages of the primordial Universe. A viable theoretical explanation to understand and investigate the mechanisms underlying baryogenesis must always ensure that the Sakharov criteria are fulfilled. These essentially state the following: (i) baryon number violation; (ii) the violation of both C (charge conjugation symmetry) and CP (the composition of parity and C); (iii) and the departure from equilibrium. Throughout the years, various mechanisms have been proposed to address this issue, and here we review two of the most important, namely, electroweak baryogenesis (EWB) and Grand Unification Theories (GUTs) baryogenesis. Furthermore, we briefly explore how a change in the theory of gravity affects the EWB and GUT baryogenesis by considering Scalar--Tensor Theories (STT), where the inclusion of a scalar field mediates the gravitational interaction, in addition to the metric tensor field. We consider specific STT toy models and show that a modification of the underlying gravitational theory implies a change in the time--temperature relation of the evolving cosmological model, thus altering the conditions that govern the interplay between the rates of the interactions generating baryon asymmetry, and the expansion rate of the Universe. Therefore, the equilibrium of the former does not exactly occur as in the general relativistic standard model, and there are consequences for the baryogenesis mechanisms that have been devised. This is representative of the type of modifications of the baryogenesis processes that are to be found when considering extended theories of gravity.

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arXiv2023

Closed Timelike Curves Induced by a Buchdahl-inspired Vacuum Spacetime in $R^2$ Gravity

The recently obtained $\textit{special}$ Buchdahl-inspired metric [Phys. Rev. D 107, 104008 (2023)] describes asymptotically flat spacetimes in pure Ricci-squared gravity. The metric depends on a new (Buchdahl) parameter $\tilde{k}$ of higher-derivative characteristic, and reduces to the Schwarzschild metric, for $\tilde{k}=0$. For the case $\tilde{k}\in(-1,0)$, it was shown that it describes a traversable Morris-Thorne-Buchdahl (MTB) wormhole [Eur. Phys. J. C 83, 626 (2023)], where the weak energy condition is formally violated. In this paper, we briefly review the $\textit{special}$ Buchdahl-inspired metric, with focuses on the construction of $ζ-$Kruskal-Szekeres (KS) diagram and the situation for a wormhole to emerge. Interestingly, the MTB wormhole structure appears to permit the formation of closed timelike curves (CTCs). More specifically, a CTC straddles the throat, comprising of two segments positioned in opposite quadrants of the $ζ-$KS diagram. The closed timelike loop thus passes through the wormhole throat twice, causing $\textit{two}$ reversals in the time direction experienced by the (timelike) traveller on the CTC. The key to constructing a CTC lies in identifying any given pair of antipodal points $(T,X)$ and $(-T,-X)$ $\textit{on the wormhole throat}$ in the $ζ-$KS diagram as corresponding to the same spacetime event. It is interesting to note that the Campanelli-Lousto metric in Brans-Dicke gravity is known to support two-way traversable wormholes, and the formation of the CTCs presented herein is equally applicable to the Campanelli-Lousto solution.

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arXiv2023

Wormholes with matter haunted by conformally coupled ghosts

In this work, we present novel analytical solutions for static and spherically symmetric wormhole geometries threaded by an anisotropic distribution of matter conformally coupled to a scalar ghost field. We explore the main features of the theory, such as the dynamics of the scalar field and matter throughout the wormhole, as well as the role played by the non-minimal coupling. Furthermore, coupled ghosts in the presence of a scalar potential are considered and traversability conditions are analysed within such geometrical scheme. More specifically, we find analytical solutions that although the energy density of the ghost is strictly negative, the energy density of matter may attain positive values.

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