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Gaetano Lambiase

Publications and source records attributed to Gaetano Lambiase.

At least 145 records · Page 8Linked to original sources

Neutrino oscillations in accelerated frames

We discuss neutrino oscillations in vacuum from the point of view of a uniformly accelerated observer. A covariant definition of quantum phase is introduced with the aim of generalizing the standard expression of the oscillation amplitude to the accelerating frame. By way of illustration, we address a simplified two-flavor model with relativistic neutrinos, showing that inertial effects on the usual Pontecorvo formula are intimately related to the energy redshift. Phenomenological aspects are preliminarily analyzed in the context of atmospheric neutrinos. Finally, we discuss a gedanken experiment in order to investigate our formalism in regime of extreme acceleration.

hep-ph↗

Equivalence principle violation at finite temperature in scalar-tensor gravity

We analyze possible violations of the Equivalence Principle in scalar-tensor gravity at finite temperature $T.$ Before we present an approach where the Equivalence Principle violation is achieved within the framework of Quantum Field Theory. After, we rely on an alternative approach first proposed by Gasperini, which leads to the same outcome obtained in the framework of Quantum Field Theory (one-loop corrections) at finite $T$. Finally, we exhibit the application of the above formalism both to a generic diagonal metric, cast in spherical coordinates, and to the Brans-Dicke theory. In the last case, we show that it is possible to put a significant constraint on the free parameter of the theory by means of experimental bounds on the Equivalence Principle.

gr-qc↗

Transmutation of nonlocal scale in infinite derivative field theories

In this paper we will show an ultraviolet -infrared connection for ghost-free infinite derivative field theories where the Lagrangians are made up of exponentials of entire functions. In particular, for $N$-point amplitudes a new scale emerges in the infrared from the ultraviolet, i.e. $M_{\rm eff}\sim M_s/N^α,$ where $M_s$ is the fundamental scale beyond the Standard Model, and $α>0$ depends on the specific choice of an entire function and on whether we consider zero or nonzero external momenta. We will illustrate this by first considering a scalar toy model with a cubic interaction, and subsequently a scalar toy-model inspired by ghost-free infinite derivative theories of gravity. We will briefly discuss some phenomenological implications, such as making the nonlocal region macroscopic in the infrared.

hep-th↗

Towards nonsingular rotating compact object in ghost-free infinite derivative gravity

The vacuum solution of Einstein's theory of general relativity provides a rotating metric with a ring singularity, which is covered by the inner and outer horizons, and an ergo region. In this paper, we will discuss how ghost-free, quadratic curvature, Infinite Derivative Gravity (IDG) may resolve the ring singularity. In IDG the non-locality of the gravitational interaction can smear out the delta-Dirac source distribution by making the metric potential finite everywhere including at $r=0$. We show that the same feature also holds for a rotating metric. We can resolve the ring singularity such that no horizons are formed in the linear regime by smearing out a delta-source distribution on a ring. We will also show that the Kerr-metric does not solve the full non-linear equations of motion of ghost-free quadratic curvature IDG.

gr-qc↗

Casimir effect in Post-Newtonian Gravity with Lorentz-violation

We study the Casimir effect in the framework of Standard Model Extension (SME). Employing the weak field approximation, the vacuum energy density ε and the pressure for a massless scalar field confined between two nearby parallel plates in a static spacetime background are calculated. In particular, through the analysis of ε, we speculate a constraint on the Lorentz-violating term s00 which is lower than the bounds currently available for this quantity. After that, the correction to the pressure given by the gravitational sector of SME is presented. Finally, we remark that our outcome has an intrinsic validity that goes beyond the treated case of a point-like source of gravity.

hep-th↗

Conformally-flat, non-singular static metric in infinite derivative gravity

In Einstein's theory of general relativity the vacuum solution yields a blackhole with a curvature singularity, where there exists a point-like source with a Dirac delta distribution which is introduced as a boundary condition in the static case. It has been known for a while that ghost-free infinite derivative theory of gravity can ameliorate such a singularity at least at the level of linear perturbation around the Minkowski background. In this paper, we will show that the Schwarzschild metric does not satisfy the boundary condition at the origin within infinite derivative theory of gravity, since a Dirac delta source is smeared out by non-local gravitational interaction. We will also show that the spacetime metric becomes conformally-flat and singularity-free within the non-local region, which can be also made devoid of an event horizon. Furthermore, the scale of non-locality ought to be as large as that of the Schwarzschild radius, in such a way that the gravitational potential in any metric has to be always bounded by one, implying that gravity remains weak from the infrared all the way up to the ultraviolet regime, in concurrence with the results obtained in [arXiv:1707.00273]. The singular Schwarzschild blackhole can now be potentially replaced by a non-singular compact object, whose core is governed by the mass and the effective scale of non-locality.

gr-qc↗

Role of neutrino mixing in accelerated proton decay

The inverse beta decay of accelerated protons has been analyzed both in the laboratory frame (where the proton is accelerated) and in the comoving frame (where the proton is at rest and interacts with the Fulling-Davies-Unruh thermal bath of electrons and neutrinos). The equality between the two rates has been exhibited as an evidence of the necessity of Fulling-Davies-Unruh effect for the consistency of Quantum Field Theory formalism. Recently, it has been argued that neutrino mixing can spoil such a result, potentially opening new scenarios in neutrino physics. In the present paper, we analyze in detail this problem and we find that, assuming flavor neutrinos to be fundamental and working within a certain approximation, the agreement can be restored.

hep-ph↗

Quantum solitonic wave-packet of a meso-scopic system in singularity free gravity

In this paper we will discuss how to localise a quantum wave-packet due to self-gravitating meso-scopic object by taking into account gravitational self-interaction in the Schrödinger equation beyond General Relativity. In particular, we will study soliton-like solutions in infinite derivative ghost free theories of gravity, which resolves the gravitational $1/r$ singularity in the potential. We will show a unique feature that the quantum spread of such a gravitational system is larger than that of the Newtonian gravity, therefore enabling us a window of opportunity to test classical and quantum properties of such theories of gravity in the near future at a table-top experiment.

quant-ph↗

Testing Dark energy models in the light of $σ_8$ tension

It has been pointed out that there exists a tension in $σ_8-Ω_m$ measurement between CMB and LSS observation. In this paper we show that $σ_8-Ω_m$ observations can be used to test the dark energy theories. We study two models, (1) Hu-Sawicki(HS) Model of $f(R)$ gravity and (2) Chavallier-Polarski-Linder(CPL) parametrization of dynamical dark energy (DDE), both of which satisfy the constraints from supernovae. We compute $σ_8$ consistent with the parameters of these models. We find that the well known tension in $σ_8$ between Planck CMB and large scale structure (LSS) observations is (1) exacerbated in the HS model and (2) somewhat alleviated in the DDE model. We illustrate the importance of the $σ_8$ measurements for testing modified gravity models. Modified gravity models change the matter power spectrum at cluster scale which also depends upon the neutrino mass. We present the bound on neutrino mass in the HS and DDE model.

astro-ph.CO↗

Classical properties of non-local, ghost- and singularity-free gravity

In this paper we will show all the linearized curvature tensors in the infinite derivative ghost and singularity free theory of gravity in the static limit. We have found that in the region of non-locality, in the ultraviolet regime (at short distance from the source), the Ricci tensor and the Ricci scalar are not vanishing, meaning that we do not have a vacuum solution anymore due to the smearing of the source induced by the presence of non-local gravitational interactions. It also follows that, unlike in Einstein's gravity, the Riemann tensor is not traceless and it does not coincide with the Weyl tensor. Secondly, these curvatures are regularized at short distances such that they are singularity-free, in particular the same happens for the Kretschmann invariant. Unlike the others, the Weyl tensor vanishes at short distances, implying that the spacetime metric becomes conformally flat in the region of non-locality, in the ultraviolet. As a consequence, the non-local region can be approximated by a conformally flat manifold with non-negative constant curvatures. We briefly discuss the solution in the non-linear regime, and argue that $1/r$ metric potential cannot be the solution where non-locality is important in the ultraviolet regime.

gr-qc↗

Quantum spreading of a self-gravitating wave-packet in singularity free gravity

In this paper we will study for the first time how the wave-packet of a self-gravitating meso-scopic system spreads in theories beyond Einstein's general relativity. In particular, we will consider a ghost-free infinite derivative gravity, which resolves the $1/r$ singularity in the potential - such that the gradient of the potential vanishes within the scale of non-locality. We will show that a quantum wave-packet spreads faster for a ghost-free and singularity-free gravity as compared to the Newtonian case, therefore providing us a unique scenario for testing classical and quantum properties of short-distance gravity in a laboratory in the near future.

gr-qc↗

Resurrecting Quartic and Quadratic inflaton potentials in two-field inflationary model

After the release of the PLANCK data, it is evident that inflationary paradigm has stood the test of time. Even though, it is difficult to realise inflationary paradigm in a particle physics model as the present observations have ruled out the simplest quartic and quadratic inflationary potentials, which generically arise in particle physics. We would show that such simplest inflationary potentials can evade discrepancies with observations, if the inflaton field is assisted by another scalar during inflation. Moreover, unlike other multifield models, our model yields no isocurvature perturbations and negligible non-Gaussianity, making it more compatible with the present data. Above all, our model can also be realised in the framework of SUGRA.

astro-ph.CO↗

Lorentz violation and generalized uncertainty principle

Investigations on possible violation of Lorentz invariance have been widely pursued in the last decades, both from theoretical and experimental sides. A comprehensive framework to formulate the problem is the standard model extension (SME) proposed by A.Kostelecky, where violation of Lorentz invariance is encoded into specific coefficients. Here we present a procedure to link the deformation parameter $β$ of the generalized uncertainty principle (GUP) to the SME coefficients of the gravity sector. The idea is to compute the Hawking temperature of a black hole in two different ways. The first way involves the deformation parameter $β$, and therefore we get a deformed Hawking temperature containing the parameter $β$. The second way involves a deformed Schwarzschild metric containing the Lorentz violating terms $\bar{s}^{μν}$ of the gravity sector of the SME. The comparison between the two different techniques yields a relation between $β$ and $\bar{s}^{μν}$. In this way bounds on $β$ transferred from $\bar{s}^{μν}$ are improved by many orders of magnitude when compared with those derived in other gravitational frameworks. Also the opposite possibility of bounds transferred from $β$ to $\bar{s}^{μν}$ is briefly discussed.

hep-th↗

Non-thermal signature of the Unruh effect in field mixing

Mixing transformations for a uniformly accelerated observer (Rindler observer) are analyzed within the quantum field theory framework as a basis for investigating gravitational effects on flavor oscillations. In particular, the case of two charged boson fields with different masses is discussed. In spite of such a minimal setting, the standard Unruh radiation is found to loose its characteristic thermal interpretation due to the interplay between the Bogolubov transformation hiding in field mixing and the one arising from the Rindler spacetime structure. The modified spectrum detected by the Rindler observer is explicitly calculated in the limit of small mass difference.

hep-th↗

GUP parameter from quantum corrections to the Newtonian potential

We propose a technique to compute the deformation parameter of the generalized uncertainty principle by using the leading quantum corrections to the Newtonian potential. We just assume General Relativity as theory of Gravitation, and the thermal nature of the GUP corrections to the Hawking spectrum. With these minimal assumptions our calculation gives, to first order, a specific numerical result. The physical meaning of this value is discussed, and compared with the previously obtained bounds on the generalized uncertainty principle deformation parameter.

hep-th↗

Probing nonlinear electrodynamics in slowly rotating spacetimes through neutrino astrophysics

Huge electromagnetic fields are known to be present during the late stages of the dynamics of supernovae. Thus, when dealing with electrodynamics in this context, the possibility may arise to probe nonlinear theories (generalizations of the Maxwellian electromagnetism). We firstly solve Einstein field equations minimally coupled to an arbitrary (current-free) nonlinear Lagrangian of electrodynamics (NLED) in the slow rotation regime $a\ll M$ (black hole's mass), up to first order in $a/M$. We then make use of the robust and self-contained Born-Infeld Lagrangian in order to compare and contrast the physical properties of such NLED spacetime with its Maxwellian counterpart (a slowly rotating Kerr-Newman spacetime), especially focusing on the astrophysics of both neutrino flavor oscillations ($ν_e \rightarrow ν_μ, ν_τ$) and spin-flip ($ν_l \rightarrow ν_r$, "$l$" stands for "left" and "$r$" stands for "right", change of neutrino handedness) mass level-crossings, the equivalent to gyroscopic precessions. Such analysis proves that in the spacetime of a slowly rotating nonlinear charged black hole (RNCBH), intrinsically associated with the assumption the electromagnetism is nonlinear, the neutrino dynamics in core-collapse supernovae could be significantly changed. In such astrophysical environment a positive enhancement (reduction of the electron fraction $Y_e<0.5$) of the r-process may take place. Consequently, it might result in hyperluminous supernova explosions due to enlargement, in atomic number and amount, of the decaying nuclides. Finally, we envisage some physical scenarios that may lead to short-lived charged black holes with high charge-to-mass ratios (associated with unstable highly magnetized neutron stars) and ways to possibly disentangle theories of the electromagnetism from other black holes observables (by means of light polarization measurements).

gr-qc↗

Plateau Inflation in $R$-parity Violating MSSM

Inflation with plateau potentials give the best fit to the CMB observables as they predict tensor to scalar ratio stringently bounded by the observations from Planck and BICEP2/Keck. In supergravity models it is possible to obtain plateau potentials for scalar fields in the Einstein frame which can serve as the inflation potential by considering higher dimensional Planck suppressed operators and by the choice of non-canonical Kähler potentials. We construct a plateau inflation model in MSSM where the inflation occurs along a sneutrino-Higgs flat direction. A hidden sector Polonyi field is used for the breaking of supersymmetry after the end of the inflation. The proper choice of superpotential leads to strong stabilization of the Polonyi field, $m_{Z}^2\gg m_{3/2}^2$, which is required to solve the cosmological moduli problem. Also, the SUSY breaking results in a TeV scale gravitino mass and scalar masses and gives rise to bilinear and triliear couplings of scalars which can be tested at the LHC. The sneutrino inflation field can be observed at the LHC as a TeV scale diphoton resonance like the one reported by CMS and ATLAS.

hep-ph↗