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Giovanni Montani

Publications and source records attributed to Giovanni Montani.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources
arXiv2022

WKB Approaches to Restore Time in Quantum Cosmology: Predictions and Shortcomings

In this review, we analyse different aspects concerning the possibility to separate a gravity-matter system into a part which lives close to a quasi-classical state and a "small" quantum subset. The considered approaches are all relying on a WKB expansion of the dynamics by an order parameter and the natural arena consists of the Bianchi universe minisuperspace. We first discuss how, limiting the WKB expansion to the first order of approximation, it is possible to recover for the quantum subsystem a Schrödinger equation as written on the classical gravitational background. We give some applications for the quantum subsystem in the "corner" configuration of the Bianchi IX model, identifying the quantum variable in the small one of the two anisotropy degrees of freedom. The most surprising result is the possibility to get a non-singular Bianchi IX cosmology when the scenario is extrapolated backwards in time. We also provide some basic hints on the extension of this result to the generic cosmological solution. In the last part of the review, we consider the same scheme to the next order of approximation identifying the quantum subset as made of matter variables only. We deal with the very fundamental problem of non-unitary morphology of the quantum gravity corrections to quantum field theory discussing some proposed reformulations. Instead of constructing the time dependence via that one of the classical gravitational variables on the label time, we analyse a recent proposal to construct time by fixing a reference frame. This scheme can be reached both introducing the so-called "kinematical action", as well as by the well-known Kuchar-Torre formulation. In both cases, the Schrödinger equation, amended for quantum gravity corrections, has the same morphology and we provide a cosmological implementation of the model, to elucidate its possible predictions.

gr-qc↗
arXiv2022

Polymer dynamics of isotropic universe in Ashtekar and in volume variables

We analyze the semiclassical and quantum polymer dynamics of the isotropic Universe in terms of both the standard Ashtekar-Barbero-Immirzi connection and its conjugate momentum and also of the new generalized coordinate conjugate to the Universe volume. We study the properties of the resulting bouncing cosmology that emerges in both the representations and we show that the Big Bounce is an intrinsic cut-off on the cosmological dynamics only when the volume variable is implemented, while in terms of the standard connection the Universe Bounce energy density is fixed by the initial conditions on the prepared wavepacket. As a phenomenological implication, we introduce particle creation as a dissipative term and study the production of entropy in the two formulations. Then, we compare the obtained dynamics with what emerges in Loop Quantum Cosmology, where the same difference in the nature of the Big Bounce is associated to fixing a minimum area eigenvalue in a comoving or in a physical representation. We conclude that the privileged character of the Ashtekar-Barbero-Immirzi connection suggests that the natural scenario in the polymer framework is a Big Bounce that is not a Universal cut-off. However, by a parallelism between the polymer and Loop Quantum Cosmology properties of the basic operators, we also develop some considerations in favour of the viability of the $\barμ$ scheme of Loop Quantum Cosmology on a semiclassical level.

gr-qc↗
arXiv2022

Comparison of the Semiclassical and Quantum Dynamics of the Bianchi I Cosmology in the Polymer and GUP Extended Paradigms

We compare in some detail Polymer Quantum Mechanics and the Generalized Uncertainty Principle approach to clarify to what extent we can treat them on the same footing. We show that, while on a semiclassical level they may be formulated as similar modifications of the Poisson algebra, on a quantum level they intrinsically differ because PQM implies no absolute minimal uncertainty on position. Then we implement these schemes to Bianchi I cosmology on a semiclassical level deforming only the algebra of the Universe volume, searching for alternative formulations able to account for the modified Friedmann equations emerging in Brane Cosmology and Loop Quantum Cosmology. On a pure quantum level, we implement the two approaches through their original setups and reduce the two resulting Wheeler-DeWitt equations to the same morphological structure, showing how the polymer formalism is associated with a bouncing dynamics while in the Generalized Uncertainty Principle case the singularity is still present. The implications of the wavepacket spreading are also discussed in both approaches, outlining that, when the singularity survives, the Planckian era must necessarily be approached by a fully quantum (non-peaked) state of the Universe.

gr-qc↗
arXiv2022

Running Hubble constant from the SNe Ia Pantheon sample?

The mismatch between different independent measurements of the expansion rate of the Universe is known as the Hubble constant ($H_0$) tension, and it is a serious and pressing problem in cosmology. We investigate this tension considering the dataset from the Pantheon sample, a collection of 1048 Type Ia Supernovae (SNe Ia) with a redshift range $0<z<2.26$. We perform a binned analysis in redshift to study if the $H_0$ tension also occurs in SNe Ia data. Hence, we build equally populated subsamples in three and four bins, and we estimate $H_{0}$ in each bin considering the $Λ$CDM and $w_{0}w_{a}$CDM cosmological models. We perform a statistical analysis via a Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) method for each bin. We observe that $H_0$ evolves with the redshift, using a fit function $H_{0}(z)=\tilde{H}_{0} (1+z)^{-α}$ with two fitting parameters $α$ and $\tilde{H}_{0}$. Our results show a decreasing behavior of $H_0$ with $α\sim 10^{-2}$ and a consistency with no evolution between 1.2 $σ$ and 2.0 $σ$. Considering the $H_0$ tension, we extrapolate $H_{0}(z)$ until the redshift of the last scattering surface, $z=1100$, obtaining values of $H_0$ consistent in 1 $σ$ with the cosmic microwave background (CMB) measurements by Planck. Finally, we discuss possible $f(R)$ modified gravity models to explain a running Hubble constant with the redshift, and we infer the form of the scalar field potential in the dynamically equivalent Jordan frame.

astro-ph.CO↗
arXiv2022

On the Turbulent Behavior of a Magnetically Confined Plasma Near the X-Point

We construct a model for the turbulence near the X-point of a Tokamak device and, under suitable assumptions, we arrive to a closed equation for the electric field potential fluctuations. The analytical and numerical analysis is focused on a reduced two-dimensional formulation of the dynamics, which allows a direct mapping to the incompressible Navier-Stokes equation. The main merit of this study is to outline how the turbulence near the X-point, in correspondence to typical operation conditions of medium and large size Tokamaks, is dominated by the enstrophy cascade from large to smaller spatial scales.

physics.plasm-ph↗
arXiv2022

Quantum gravity corrections to the matter dynamics in the presence of a reference fluid

We analyze the effect induced on standard quantum field theory (in functional approach) by quantum gravity corrections to a pure classical background. In the framework of the Kuchař and Torre proposal for a gravity-matter theory constrained to a Gaussian reference frame, materialized as a fluid in the system evolution, we consider a Born-Oppenheimer separation of the system, regarding the gravity degrees of freedom as the slow varying component and the matter plus the Gaussian fluid as fast quantum coordinates. The slow gravity component obeys the Wheeler-DeWitt equation and we consider a Wentzel-Kramer-Brillouin expansion of its quantum dynamics via a Planckian parameter. The main issue of the proposed scenario is that, on one hand, we recover a modified quantum field theory in the presence of an Hermitian Hamiltonian (not affected by non-unitarity as in other approaches) and, on the other hand, we get the Gaussian fluid as a physical clock for such amended quantum theory (verifying the correct energy conditions). We also show its equivalence with the kinematical action method, used in a previous work, in the homogeneous setting. Then, we implement the proposed paradigm to describe the dynamics of a homogeneous free massless scalar field, living on an isotropic Universe, in the presence of a cosmological constant. We completely solve the dynamics up to the first order correction in the Planckian parameter to the standard quantum field theory. We determine the explicit form of the modified scalar field wave-function, due to quantum features of the cosmic scale factor evolution. Phenomenological considerations and discussions are provided.

gr-qc↗
arXiv2022

PQM and the GUP: Implications of Lattice Dynamics and Minimal Uncertainties in Quantum Mechanics and Cosmology

We compare two alternative representations of quantum mechanics: Polymer Quantum Mechanics (PQM), which presents features similar to Loop Quantum Gravity and Loop Quantum Cosmology, and the Generalized Uncertainty Principle (GUP) representation, that through a modified Algebra yields an alternative uncertainty principle similar to those derived in String Theories and Brane Cosmology. These formalisms can be recast to apparently look similar, but while the GUP yields an absolute minimal uncertainty on position, PQM implements some kind of ultraviolet cut-off through a lattice and does not have a minimal uncertainty. Then we implement them on the anisotropic Bianchi I model in Misner-like variables on a semiclassical level: PQM always implies a removal of the singularities, while the GUP fails to do so, highlighting once again how the two representations are fundamentally incompatible.

gr-qc↗
arXiv2022

Is Bianchi I a Bouncing Cosmology in the Wheeler-DeWitt picture?

We provide a quantum picture for the emergence of a bouncing cosmology, according to the idea that a semiclassical behavior of the Universe towards the singularity is not available in many relevant Minisuperspace models. In particular, we study the Bianchi I model in vacuum adopting the isotropic Misner variable as an internal clock for the quantum evolution. The isomorphism between the Wheeler-DeWitt equation in this Minisuperspace representation and the Klein-Gordon one for a relativistic scalar field allows to identify the positive and negative frequency solutions as associated to the collapsing and expanding Universe respectively. We clarify how any Bianchi I localized wave packet unavoidably spreads when the singularity is approached and therefore the semiclassical description of the model evolution in the Planckian region loses its predictability. Then, we calculate the transition amplitude that a collapsing Universe is turned into an expanding one, according to the standard techniques of relativistic quantum mechanics, thanks to the introduction of an ekpyrotic-like matter component which mimics a time-dependent potential term and breaks the frequency separation. In particular, the transition probability of this "Quantum Big Bounce" acquires a maximum value when the mean values of the momenta conjugate to the anisotropies in the collapsing Universe are close enough to the corresponding mean values in the expanding one, depending on the variances of the in-going and out-going Universe wave packets. This symmetry between the pre-Bounce and post-Bounce mean values reflects what happens in the semiclassical bouncing cosmology, with the difference that here the connection of the two branches takes place on a pure probabilistic level.

gr-qc↗
arXiv2022

On the evolution of the Hubble constant with the SNe Ia Pantheon Sample and Baryon Acoustic Oscillations: a feasibility study for GRB-cosmology in 2030

The difference from 4 to 6 $σ$ in the Hubble constant ($H_0$) between the values observed with the local (Cepheids and Supernovae Ia, SNe Ia) and the high-z probes (CMB obtained by the Planck data) still challenges the astrophysics and cosmology community. Previous analysis has shown that there is an evolution in the Hubble constant that scales as $f(z)=\mathcal{H}_{0}/(1+z)^η$, where $\mathcal{H}_0$ is $H_{0}(z=0)$ and $η$ is the evolutionary parameter. Here, we investigate if this evolution still holds by using the SNe Ia gathered in the Pantheon sample and the BAOs. We assume $H_{0}=70 \textrm{km s}^{-1}\textrm{Mpc}^{-1}$ as the local value and divide the Pantheon into 3 bins ordered in increasing values of redshift. Similar to our previous analysis but varying two cosmological parameters contemporaneously ($H_0$, $Ω_{0m}$ in the $Λ$CDM model and $H_0$, $w_a$ in the $w_{0}w_{a}$CDM model), for each bin we implement a MCMC analysis obtaining the value of $H_0$ $[...]$. Subsequently, the values of $H_0$ are fitted with the model $f(z)$. Our results show that a decreasing trend with $η\sim10^{-2}$ is still visible in this sample. The $η$ coefficient reaches zero in 2.0 $σ$ for the $Λ$CDM model up to 5.8 $σ$ for $w_{0}w_{a}$CDM model. This trend, if not due to statistical fluctuations, could be explained through a hidden astrophysical bias, such as the effect of stretch evolution, or it requires new theoretical models, a possible proposition is the modified gravity theories, $f(R)$ $[...]$. This work is also a preparatory to understand how the combined probes still show an evolution of the $H_0$ by redshift and what is the current status of simulations on GRB cosmology to obtain the uncertainties on the $Ω_{0m}$ comparable with the ones achieved through SNe Ia.

astro-ph.CO↗
arXiv2022

One dimensional reduced model for ITER relevant energetic particle transport

We set up a mapping procedure able to translate the evolution of the radial profile of fast ions, interacting with Toroidal Alfvén Eigenmodes, into the dynamics of an equivalent one dimensional bump-on-tail system. We apply this mapping technique to reproduce ITER relevant simulations, which clearly outlined deviations from the diffusive quasi-linear (QL) model. Our analysis demonstrates the capability of the one-dimensional beam-plasma dynamics to predict the relevant features of the non-linear hybrid LIGKA/HAGIS simulations. In particular, we clearly identify how the deviation from the QL evolutive profiles is due to the presence of avalanche processes. A detailed analysis regarding the reduced dimensionality is also addressed, by means of phase-space slicing based on constants of motion. In the conclusions, we outline the main criticalities and outcomes of the procedure, which must be satisfactorily addressed to make quantitative prediction on the observed outgoing fluxes in a Tokamak device.

physics.plasm-ph↗
arXiv2021

The role of longitudinal polarizations in Horndeski and macroscopic gravity: Introducing gravitational plasmas

We discuss some general and relevant features of longitudinal gravitational modes in Horndeski gravity and their interaction with matter media. Adopting a gauge-invariant formulation we clarify how massive scalar and vector fields can induce additional transverse and longitudinal excitations, resulting in breathing, vector and longitudinal polarizations. We review, then, the interaction of standard gravitational waves with a molecular medium, outlining the emergence of effective massive gravitons, induced by the net quadrupole moment due to the molecule deformation. Finally, we investigate the interaction of the massive mode in Horndeski gravity with a noncollisional medium, showing that Landau damping phenomenon can occur in the gravitational sector as well. That allows us to introduce the concept of "gravitational plasma'', where inertial forces associated to the background field play the role of cold ions in electromagnetic plasma.

gr-qc↗
arXiv2021

Contribution to the angular momentum transport paradigm for accretion disks

We analyze the stationary configuration of a thin axisymmetric stellar accretion disk, neglecting non-linear terms in the plasma poloidal velocity components. We set up the Grad-Shafranov equation for the system, including the plasma differential rotation (according to the so-called co-rotation theorem). Then, we study the small scale backreaction of the disk to the central body magnetic field and we calculate the resulting radial infalling velocity. We show that the small scale radial oscillation of the perturbed magnetic surface is associated to the emergence of relevant toroidal current densities, able to balance the Ohm law even in the presence of quasi-ideal values of the plasma resistivity. The contribution to the infalling velocity of the averaged backreaction contrasts accretion, but it remains negligible as far as the induced magnetic field is small compared to that of the central body.

astro-ph.SR↗
arXiv2021

Big-Bounce in projectively invariant Nieh-Yan models: the Bianchi I case

We show that the Nieh-Yan topological invariant breaks projective symmetry and loses its topological character in presence of non vanishing nonmetricity. The notion of the Nieh-Yan topological invariant is then extended to the generic metric-affine case, defining a generalized Nieh-Yan term, which allows to recover topologicity and projective invariance, independently. As a concrete example a class of modified theories of gravity is considered and its dynamical properties are investigated in a cosmological setting. In particular, bouncing cosmological solutions in Bianchi I models are derived. Finite time singularities affecting these solutions are analysed, showing that the geodesic completeness and the regular behavior of scalar perturbations in these space-times are not spoiled.

gr-qc↗
arXiv2021

On the evolution of inhomogeneous perturbations in the $Λ$CDM model and $f(R)$ modified gravity theories

We focus on weak inhomogeneous models of the Universe at low redshifts, described by the Lemaître-Tolman-Bondi (LTB) metric. The principal aim of this work is to compare the evolution of inhomogeneous perturbations in the $Λ$CDM cosmological model and $f(R)$ modified gravity theories, considering a flat Friedmann-Lemaître-Robertson-Walker (FLRW) metric for the background. More specifically, we adopt the equivalent scalar-tensor formalism in the Jordan frame, in which the extra degree of freedom of the $f(R)$ function is converted into a non-minimally coupled scalar field. We investigate the evolution of local inhomogeneities in time and space separately, following a linear perturbation approach. Then, we obtain spherically symmetric solutions in both cosmological models. Our results allow us to distinguish between the presence of a cosmological constant and modified gravity scenarios, since a peculiar Yukawa-like solution for radial perturbations occurs in the Jordan frame. Furthermore, the radial profile of perturbations does not depend on a particular choice of the $f(R)$ function, hence our results are valid for any $f(R)$ model.

astro-ph.CO↗
arXiv2021

Polymer Quantization of the Isotropic Universe: comparison with the Bounce of Loop Quantum Cosmology

We implement Polymer Quantum Mechanics on the Hamiltonian formulation of the isotropic Universe in both the representations of the standard Ashtekar-Barbero-Immirzi connection and of a new generalized coordinate conjugate to the Universe volume. The resulting dynamics is a bouncing cosmology; when quantizing the volume-like variable the Big Bounce is an intrinsic cut-off on the cosmological dynamics, while when using the standard connection the Bounce density results to be dependent on the initial conditions of the prepared wave packet. Then we compare the nature of the resulting Bounce with what emerges in Loop Quantum Cosmology, where the dependence of the critical density on the initial conditions is present when the minimum area eigenvalue is implemented in a comoving representation instead of the physical one. We conclude that, if one hand the preferable scenario should be a Big Bounce whose density depends on initial conditions in view of the privileged SU(2) character that the Ashtekar-Barbero-Immirzi connection possesses in the full Loop Quantum Gravity, on the other hand the equivalence demonstrated in the context of polymer cosmology can be a hint in favour of the viability of the improved scheme of Loop Quantum Cosmology even though it is not expressed through the privileged set of variables.

gr-qc↗
arXiv2021

On the semiclassical and quantum picture of the Bianchi I polymer dynamics

We analyze the Bianchi I cosmology in the presence of a massless scalar field and describe its dynamics via a semiclassical and quantum polymer approach. We investigate the morphology of the emerging Big Bounce by adopting three different sets of configurational variables: the natural Ashtekar connections, the Universe volume plus two anisotropy coordinates and a set of anisotropic volume-like coordinates (the latter two sets of variables would coincide in the case of an isotropic Universe). In the semiclassical analysis we demonstrate that the Big Bounce emerges in the dynamics for all the three sets of variables. Moreover, when the Universe volume itself is considered as a configurational variable, we have derived the polymer-modified Friedmann equation and demonstrated that the Big Bounce has a universal nature, i.e. the total critical energy density has a maximum value fixed by fundamental constants and the Immirzi parameter only. From a pure quantum point of view, we investigate the Bianchi I dynamics only in terms of the Ashtekar connections. In particular, we apply the Arnowitt-Deser-Misner (ADM) reduction of the variational principle and then we quantize the system. We study the resulting Schrödinger dynamics, stressing that the wave packet peak behavior over time singles out common features with the semiclassical trajectories.

gr-qc↗
arXiv2021

WKB approach to the gravity-matter dynamics: a cosmological implementation

The problem of time emerging in the canonical quantization procedure of gravity signals a necessity to properly define a relational time parameter. Previous approaches, which are here briefly discussed, make use of the dependence of the quantum system on semiclassical gravitational variables in order to define time. We show that such paths, despite the following studies, lead to a non-unitary evolution. We propose a different model for the quantization of the gravity-matter system, where the time parameter is defined via an additional term, i.e. the kinematical action, which acts as a clock for quantum matter. The procedure here used implements a Born-Oppenheimer-like separation of the system, which maintains covariance under the foliation of the gravitational background and keeps the correct classical limit of standard quantum field theory on a fixed background. It is shown with a WKB expansion that quantum gravity corrections to the matter dynamics arise at the next order of expansion, and such contributions are unitary, signalling a striking difference from previous proposals. Applications to a cosmological model are presented and the analogies of the kinematical term with an incoherent dust are briefly discussed.

gr-qc↗