arXiv subjects

George Alestas

Publications and source records attributed to George Alestas.

17 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Cosmic topology. Part Va. Information content of the observable Universe

If the Universe possesses a compact spatial topology with characteristic scale not much larger than the diameter of the observable Universe, then the associated symmetry transformations imprint specific statistical correlations on density perturbations. We derive the covariance between perturbation modes in the full topology volume and compute the induced covariance between modes in the observable subvolume. We then use this covariance to estimate the available information about topology contained in the full set of observable linear perturbations. For two sample Euclidean examples - the cubic three-torus ($E_1$) and a three-torus with a quarter turn ($E_3$) - the three-dimensional density field carries enough information to detect topology on scales up to 25 percent larger than those accessible from the two-dimensional cosmic microwave background anisotropies alone. Future probes of the cosmic density field using deep galaxy surveys or neutral-hydrogen 21-cm intensity mapping, combined with computationally intensive searches over the large parameter space of admissible topologies, thus offer a plausible avenue to extending the range of detectable cosmic topologies.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2026

Search for Planetary-mass Black Holes with an Improved Viterbi Algorithm

Primordial black holes in the planetary-mass range have attracted renewed interest; however, the search for gravitational waves from such binaries remains challenging due to their long-lived nature. In this work, we present, define, and validate a fully operational search pipeline developed to detect planetary-mass binaries during their inspiral phase. We use the Viterbi algorithm, a dynamic programming technique that recovers the most likely track based on a Hidden Markov Model. To enhance its performance, we introduce a novel time-frequency representation of the data and a candidate isolation procedure that separates signals from background noise. The evaluation of candidates is carried out using the two detection statistics, $n_{\sigma}$ and NMSE, which quantify the power significance and the consistency with the expected binary evolution. We then validate the search method using O3 LIGO Hanford data with a population of injected signals. The pipeline is able to recover most of the signals with a fixed false-alarm ratio of $3\%$, covering Galactic scales across most of the parameter space and reaching luminosity distances $ \gtrsim 100$ kpc in the most sensitive region. For each candidate, we also obtain an estimate of the system's chirp mass, whose accuracy remains high throughout the detectable range, enabling a rapid characterization of the system upon detection.

astro-ph.IM↗

arXiv2026

The Topology of the Universe

Is the Universe infinite in all directions? The only way to know is to look. A non-trivial cosmic topology would imprint subtle signatures on the cosmic microwave background (CMB) and on the three-dimensional distribution of matter, breaking statistical isotropy and, potentially, homogeneity at the largest scales. If the topology scale is small enough, these signatures would be observable. Over the past three decades, successive space missions, most notably WMAP and $\textit{Planck}$, have enabled sophisticated searches for these signatures, using methods ranging from looking for matched circle pairs to full Bayesian likelihood analysis based on topology-dependent covariance matrices. Although these searches have yielded no definitive evidence for non-trivial topology, current constraints exclude only some topologies, parameter ranges, and observer positions. Recent advances show that detectable signals may persist even when the topology scale exceeds the size of the visible Universe. Planned CMB experiments, including LiteBIRD and $\textit{Taurus}$, and high-precision galaxy and line intensity-mapping surveys, could expand the detectable parameter space by exploiting polarisation data, and by exploring topology-induced correlations at all accessible redshifts. Whether cosmic topology is observable remains uncertain, but current and future data offer an unprecedented opportunity to probe the global structure of the Universe.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2026

DESI and Gravitational Wave Constraints Challenge Quintessential {\alpha}-Attractor Inflation

Quintessential inflation models provide a framework that simultaneously describes inflation and dynamical dark energy, the latter of which has recently received growing support from DESI observations. A distinctive feature of these models is the kination phase after inflation, which enhances primordial gravitational waves at high frequencies. In this work, we study a class of alpha-attractor quintessential inflation models using a fully numerical approach that follows the scalar-field evolution from inflation to the dark-energy-dominated era, allowing us to compute with high precision both the dynamics of dark energy and the primordial gravitational wave spectrum. Using the latest observational data, including DESI and ACT, we constrain the model parameters and show that the model becomes disfavored once constraints from the gravitational-wave contribution to the effective number of relativistic degrees of freedom, {\Delta} Neff, are included. This is because the model predicts a scalar spectral index ns that becomes too small to remain consistent with observations when the gravitational-wave abundance is constrained to stay below the {\Delta} Neff bound. Finally, we present the resulting primordial gravitational wave power spectrum computed using our constrained parameter values, which highlights prospects for detection by future CMB B-mode experiments at low frequencies and by gravitational-wave interferometer experiments at high frequencies.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2026

Quantum Signatures of Cosmic Topology: How Casimir Backreaction Transmits Isotropy Violation

A finite, scheme-independent Casimir contribution to the stress-energy tensor arises naturally for quantum fields in universes with non-trivial spatial topology. We compute this Casimir stress-energy tensor contribution for a conformally coupled scalar field and for a minimally coupled scalar field. We show that, for the conformally coupled case, the backreaction of this contribution to the Einstein equations during an expanding de Sitter phase drives anisotropic expansion even when the Universe begins in a locally homogeneous and isotropic state. We conclude that quantum imprints of the underlying non-trivial topology inevitably give rise to local departures from homogeneity and isotropy.

hep-th↗

arXiv2026

Cosmic topology. Part IIc. Detectability with non-standard primordial power spectrum

Non-trivial spatial topology of the Universe can imprint potentially observable signatures on the cosmic microwave background (CMB). In this study, we investigate how deviations from the standard nearly-scale-free primordial power spectrum impact observables for the fully compact, orientable Euclidean topologies ($E_1$--$E_6$). We examine how such deviations modify the detectability of the underlying topology, depending on whether they are an intrinsic consequence of non-trivial topology or independent of it. We compute CMB temperature correlation matrices across a range of topologies, fundamental domain sizes, and observer locations for both standard and modified primordial power spectra. The impact of these modifications on the detectability of topology is quantified using the Kullback-Leibler divergence, providing an estimate of the distinguishability of non-trivial and simply-connected topologies based solely on CMB temperature observations. In addition, we employ the CatBoost machine learning algorithm to classify harmonic-space realizations of CMB temperature maps and thereby assess the observational prospects for topology detection. Signatures of non-trivial topology are encoded in the off-diagonal structure of the CMB temperature correlation matrices and are most prominent on the largest angular scales. Deviations from the simple power-law primordial spectrum at these scales can substantially alter the detectability of topology, either enhancing its characteristic CMB imprints or suppressing them below observational sensitivity. Our results demonstrate that uncertainties in the primordial power spectrum must be carefully accounted for in robust searches for cosmic topology using the CMB.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2025

DESI constraints on two-field quintessence with exponential potentials

We investigate a quintessence model involving two scalar fields with double-exponential potentials. This configuration allows the system as a whole to emulate the dynamics of a single field with a shallower potential, enabling scalar fields that individually cannot drive cosmic acceleration to collectively achieve and sustain it. We assess the viability of this model by performing a fully Bayesian analysis and confronting its predictions with observational data, including the Planck 2018 cosmic microwave background (CMB) shift parameters, the newly released Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) DR2 baryon acoustic oscillation (BAO) measurements, and the Dark Energy Survey Year 5 (DESY5) type Ia supernova (SnIa) sample. Our analysis shows that the two-field quintessence model yields a log Bayes factor relative to the flat $\Lambda$ cold dark matter model of $\Delta \ln B \sim 4$, indicating moderate evidence against the latter. We also find that the central values of the two slopes of the exponential potentials are both close to 1, whereas the slope of an effective single-field system is constrained to be less than order unity. This property is theoretically desirable from the perspective of higher-dimensional theories. Thus, the two-field quintessence model with exponential potentials provides a physically motivated and compelling mechanism that is consistent with both observational and theoretical requirements.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2025

Has DESI detected exponential quintessence?

The new Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) DR2 results have strengthened the possibility that dark energy is dynamical, i.e., it has evolved over the history of the Universe. One simple, but theoretically well motivated and widely studied, physical model of dynamical dark energy is minimally coupled, single-field quintessence $ϕ$ with an exponential potential $V(ϕ)=V_0\,e^{-λϕ}$. We perform a full Bayesian statistical analysis of the model using the DESI DR2 data, in combination with other cosmological observations, to constrain the model's parameters and to compare its goodness of fit to that of the standard $Λ$CDM model. We find that the quintessence model provides a significantly better fit to the data, both when the spatial curvature of the Universe is fixed to zero and when it is allowed to vary. The significance of the preference varies between $\sim3.3σ$ and $\sim3.8σ$, depending on whether the curvature density parameter $Ω_K$ is fixed or varied. We obtain the values $0.698^{+0.173}_{-0.202}$ and $0.722^{+0.182}_{-0.208}$ at the $68.3\%$ (i.e., $1σ$) confidence level for the parameter $λ$ in the absence and presence of $Ω_K$, respectively, which imply $\sim3.5σ$ preference for a nonzero $λ$. We also obtain $Ω_K=0.003\pm 0.001$, which implies $\sim3σ$ preference for a positive $Ω_K$, i.e., a negative curvature. Finally, we discuss the differences between quintessence and phenomenological parametrizations of the dark energy equation-of-state parameter, in particular the Chevallier-Polarski-Linder (CPL) parametrization, as well as a few caveats to our results.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2025

DESI constraints on $α$-attractor inflationary models

The recent results on the baryon acoustic oscillations measurements from the DESI collaboration have shown tantalizing hints for a time-evolving dark energy equation of state parameter $w(z)$, with a statistically significant deviation from the cosmological constant and cold dark matter $Λ$CDM model. One of the simplest and theoretically well-motivated plausible candidates to explain the observed behavior of $w(z)$, is scalar-field quintessence. Here, we consider a class of models known as $α$-attractor, which describe in a single framework both inflation and the late-time acceleration of the Universe. Using the recent DESI data, in conjunction with other cosmological observations, we place stringent constraints on $α$-attractor models and compare them to the $Λ$CDM model. We find the $α$ parameter of the theory, which is physically motivated from supergravity and supersymmetry theories to have the values $3α\in \{1,2,3,4,5,6,7\}$, is constrained to be $α\simeq 1.89_{-0.35}^{+0.40}$. In addition, we find that the rest of the cosmological parameters of the model agree with the corresponding values of $Λ$CDM, while a Bayesian analysis finds strong support in favor of the $α$-attractor model. We also highlight an interesting connection between the $α$-attractor models and the stochastic gravitational wave background, where a contribution to the latter could derive from an enhancement of inflationary gravitational waves at high frequencies due to an early kination phase, thus providing an interesting alternative way to constrain the theory.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2025

Enhancing Cosmological Model Selection with Interpretable Machine Learning

We propose a novel approach using neural networks (NNs) to differentiate between cosmological models, and implemented LIME as an interpretability approach to identify the key features influencing our model's decisions. We show the potential of NNs to enhance the extraction of meaningful information from cosmological large-scale structure data, based on current galaxy-clustering survey specifications, for the cosmological constant and cold dark matter ($Λ$CDM) model and the Hu-Sawicki $f(R)$ model. We find that the NN can successfully distinguish between $Λ$CDM and the $f(R)$ models, by predicting the correct model with approximately $97\%$ overall accuracy, thus demonstrating that NNs can maximize the potential of current and next generation surveys to probe for deviations from general relativity.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2025

To curve, or not to curve: Is curvature-assisted quintessence observationally viable?

Single-field models of accelerated expansion with nearly flat potentials, despite being able to provide observationally viable explanations for the early-time cosmic inflation and the late-time cosmic acceleration, are in strong tension with string theory evidence and the associated de Sitter swampland constraints. It has recently been argued that in an open universe, where the spatial curvature is negative (i.e., with $Ω_k>0$), a new stable fixed point arises, which may lead to viable single-field-based accelerated expansion with an arbitrarily steep potential. Here, we show, through a dynamical systems analysis and a Bayesian statistical inference of cosmological parameters, that the additional cosmological solutions based on the new fixed point do not render steep-potential, single-field, accelerated expansion observationally viable. We mainly focus on quintessence models of dark energy, but we also argue that a similar conclusion can be drawn for cosmic inflation.

hep-th↗

arXiv2024

Applying the Viterbi Algorithm to Planetary-Mass Black Hole Searches

The search for subsolar mass primordial black holes (PBHs) poses a challenging problem due to the low signal-to-noise ratio, extended signal duration, and computational cost demands, compared to solar mass binary black hole events. In this paper, we explore the possibility of investigating the mass range between subsolar and planetary masses, which is not accessible using standard matched filtering and continuous wave searches. We propose a systematic approach employing the Viterbi algorithm, a dynamic programming algorithm that identifies the most likely sequence of hidden Markov states given a sequence of observations, to detect signals from small mass PBH binaries. We formulate the methodology, provide the optimal length for short-time Fourier transforms, and estimate sensitivity. Subsequently, we demonstrate the effectiveness of the Viterbi algorithm in identifying signals within mock data containing Gaussian noise. Our approach offers the primary advantage of being agnostic and computationally efficient.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2022

Machine learning constraints on deviations from general relativity from the large scale structure of the Universe

We use a particular machine learning approach, called the genetic algorithms (GA), in order to place constraints on deviations from general relativity (GR) via a possible evolution of Newton's constant $μ\equiv G_\mathrm{eff}/G_\mathrm{N}$ and of the dark energy anisotropic stress $η$, both defined to be equal to one in GR. Specifically, we use a plethora of background and linear-order perturbations data, such as type Ia supernovae, baryon acoustic oscillations, cosmic chronometers, redshift space distortions and $E_g$ data. We find that although the GA is affected by the lower quality of the currently available data, especially from the $E_g$ data, the reconstruction of Newton's constant is consistent with a constant value within the errors. On the other hand, the anisotropic stress deviates strongly from unity due to the sparsity and the systematics of the $E_g$ data. Finally, we also create synthetic data based on a next-generation survey and forecast the limits of any possible detection of deviations from GR. In particular, we use two fiducial models: one based on the cosmological constant $Λ$CDM model and another on a model with an evolving Newton's constant, dubbed $μ$CDM. We find that the GA reconstructions of $μ(z)$ and $η(z)$ can be constrained to within a few percent of the fiducial models and in the case of the $μ$CDM mocks, they can also provide a strong detection of several $σ$s, thus demonstrating the utility of the GA reconstruction approach.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2022

Cosmology Intertwined: A Review of the Particle Physics, Astrophysics, and Cosmology Associated with the Cosmological Tensions and Anomalies

In this paper we will list a few important goals that need to be addressed in the next decade, also taking into account the current discordances between the different cosmological probes, such as the disagreement in the value of the Hubble constant $H_0$, the $σ_8$--$S_8$ tension, and other less statistically significant anomalies. While these discordances can still be in part the result of systematic errors, their persistence after several years of accurate analysis strongly hints at cracks in the standard cosmological scenario and the necessity for new physics or generalisations beyond the standard model. In this paper, we focus on the $5.0\,σ$ tension between the {\it Planck} CMB estimate of the Hubble constant $H_0$ and the SH0ES collaboration measurements. After showing the $H_0$ evaluations made from different teams using different methods and geometric calibrations, we list a few interesting new physics models that could alleviate this tension and discuss how the next decade's experiments will be crucial. Moreover, we focus on the tension of the {\it Planck} CMB data with weak lensing measurements and redshift surveys, about the value of the matter energy density $Ω_m$, and the amplitude or rate of the growth of structure ($σ_8,fσ_8$). We list a few interesting models proposed for alleviating this tension, and we discuss the importance of trying to fit a full array of data with a single model and not just one parameter at a time. Additionally, we present a wide range of other less discussed anomalies at a statistical significance level lower than the $H_0$--$S_8$ tensions which may also constitute hints towards new physics, and we discuss possible generic theoretical approaches that can collectively explain the non-standard nature of these signals.[Abridged]

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2022

Late-transition vs smooth $H(z)$ deformation models for the resolution of the Hubble crisis

Gravitational transitions at low redshifts ($z_t<0.1$) have been recently proposed as a solution to the Hubble and growth tensions. Such transitions would naturally lead to a transition in the absolute magnitude $M$ of type Ia supernovae (SnIa) at $z_t$ (Late $M$ Transitions - $LMT$) and possibly in the dark energy equation of state parameter $w$ (Late $w-M$ Transitions - $LwMT$). Here, we compare the quality of fit to cosmological data of this class of models, with the corresponding quality of fit of the cosmological constant model ($Λ$CDM) and some of the best smooth $H(z)$ deformation models ($w$CDM, CPL, PEDE). We also perform model selection via the Akaike Information Criterion and the Bayes factor. We use the full CMB temperature anisotropy spectrum data, the baryon acoustic oscillations (BAO) data, the Pantheon SnIa data, the SnIa absolute magnitude $M$ as determined by Cepheid calibrators and the value of the Hubble constant $H_0$ as determined by local SnIa calibrated using Cepheids. We find that smooth $H(z)$ deformation models perform worse than transition models for the following reasons: 1) They have a worse fit to low-$z$ geometric probes (BAO and SnIa data); 2) They favor values of the SnIa absolute magnitude $M$ that are lower as compared to the value $M_c$ obtained with local Cepheid calibrators at $z<0.01$; 3) They tend to worsen the $Ω_\mathrm{m,0}-σ_\mathrm{8,0}$ growth tension. We also find that the $w-M$ transition model ($LwMT$) does not provide a better quality of fit to cosmological data than a pure $M$ transition model ($LMT$) where $w$ is fixed to the \lcdm value $w=-1$ at all redshifts. We conclude that the $LMT$ model has significant statistical advantages over smooth late-time $H(z)$ deformation models in addressing the Hubble crisis.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2021

Hints for a gravitational constant transition in Tully-Fisher data

We use an up to date compilation of Tully-Fisher data to search for transitions in the evolution of the Tully-Fisher relation. Using an up to date data compilation, we find hints at $\approx 3σ$ level for a transition at critical distances $D_c \simeq 9 Mpc$ and $D_c \simeq 17 Mpc$. We split the full sample in two subsamples according to the measured galaxy distance with respect to a splitting distance $D_c$ and identify the likelihood of the best fit slope and intercept of one sample with respect to the best fit corresponding values of the other sample. For $D_c \simeq 9 Mpc$ and $D_c \simeq 17 Mpc$ we find a tension between the two subsamples at a level of $Δχ^2 > 17\; (3.5σ)$. Using a Monte-Carlo simulation we demonstrate that this result is robust with respect to random statistical and systematic variations of the galactic distances. If the tension is interpreted as due to a gravitational strength transition, it would imply a shift of the effective gravitational constant to lower values for distances larger than $D_c$ by $\frac{ΔG}{G}\simeq -0.1$. Such a shift is of the anticipated sign and magnitude but at somewhat lower distance (redshift) than the gravitational transition recently proposed to address the Hubble and growth tensions ($\frac{ΔG}{G}\simeq -0.1$ at transition redshift $z_t\lesssim 0.01$ ($D_c\lesssim 40 Mpc$)).

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2021

A $w-M$ phantom transition at $z_t<0.1$ as a resolution of the Hubble tension

A rapid phantom transition of the dark energy equation of state parameter $w$ at a transition redshift $z_t<0.1$ of the form $w(z)=-1+Δw\;Θ(z_t-z)$ with $Δw<0$ can lead to a higher value of the Hubble constant while closely mimicking a Planck18/$Λ$CDM form of the comoving distance $r(z)=\int_0^z\frac{dz'}{H(z')}$ for $z>z_t$. Such a transition however would imply a significantly lower value of the SnIa absolute magnitude $M$ than the value $M_C$ imposed by local Cepheid calibrators at $z<0.01$. Thus, in order to resolve the $H_0$ tension it would need to be accompanied by a similar transition in the value of the SnIa absolute magnitude $M$ as $M(z)=M_C+ΔM \;Θ(z-z_t)$ with $ΔM<0$. This is a Late $w-M$ phantom transition ($LwMPT$). It may be achieved by a sudden reduction of the value of the normalized effective Newton constant $μ=G_{\rm{eff}}/G_{\rm{N}}$ by about $6\%$ assuming that the absolute luminosity of SnIa is proportional to the Chandrasekhar mass which varies as $μ^{-3/2}$. We demonstrate that such an ultra low $z$ abrupt feature of $w-M$ provides a better fit to cosmological data compared to smooth late time deformations of $H(z)$ that also address the Hubble tension. For $z_t=0.02$ we find $Δw\simeq -4$, $ΔM \simeq -0.1$. This model also addresses the growth tension due to the predicted lower value of $μ$ at $z>z_t$. A prior of $Δw=0$ (no $w$ transition) can still resolve the $H_0$ tension with a larger amplitude $M$ transition with $ΔM\simeq -0.2$ at $z_t\simeq 0.01$. This implies a larger reduction of $μ$ for $z>0.01$ (about $12\%$). The $LwMPT$ can be generically induced by a scalar field non-minimally coupled to gravity with no need of a screening mechanism since in this model $μ=1$ at $z<0.01$.

astro-ph.CO↗