arXiv subjects

Giovanni Otalora

Publications and source records attributed to Giovanni Otalora.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Primordial black hole production in scalar field inflation within $f(T)$ gravity

We investigate inflation in modified teleparallel gravity within a scalar-tensor framework. We focus on two viable extensions of the Teleparallel Equivalent of General Relativity: a power-law model and an exponential model, which introduce controlled deviations from standard teleparallel gravity through a correction parameter $α$. Inflation is driven by a string-inspired fiber inflation potential that naturally realizes a transient ultra slow-roll (USR) phase. We solve the background equations numerically and compute the evolution of cosmological perturbations within the modified teleparallel framework. We show that both models generate an amplification of the primordial curvature power spectrum on small scales due to the USR phase, while remaining compatible with cosmic microwave background constraints at large scales. The modified gravity sector introduces corrections to the slow-roll parameters, tensor spectral index, and tensor-to-scalar ratio through derivatives of the torsion function, leading to potentially observable signatures distinct from canonical inflation. We further analyze the implications of enhanced scalar perturbations for primordial black hole (PBH) formation and demonstrate that modified teleparallel gravity provides a theoretically consistent and phenomenologically rich framework for producing PBHs during inflation.

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arXiv2026

Non-minimally coupled loop quantum inflation with inverse-volume corrections

We study slow-roll inflation driven by a scalar field non-minimally coupled to gravity within the effective framework of Loop Quantum Cosmology (LQC), including inverse-volume corrections. We consider two physically motivated classes of potentials, a Higgs-like quartic potential $V\propto\phi^{4}$ and string-inspired fractional monomial potentials $V\propto\phi^{p}$ with $p<1$. Working at first order in the slow-roll expansion, we derive analytic expressions for the inflationary observables, namely the scalar spectral index $n_s$, the tensor-to-scalar ratio $r$, and the running $\alpha_s\equiv dn_s/d\ln k$, and then solve the corrected background dynamics numerically to obtain quantitative predictions. Confronting these results with current observational constraints from Planck 2018 and ACT DR6, we find that the model can lie within the allowed region of the $(n_s,r,\alpha_s)$ parameter space, including a mild preference for slightly larger $n_s$, as suggested by recent ground-based measurements. We also compute the probability of achieving sufficient slow-roll inflation in this setting. Although effective LQC replaces the initial singularity with a nonsingular quantum bounce, the likelihood of a sufficiently long inflationary phase depends on the pre-inflationary dynamics and on the inflaton potential. Using the canonical Liouville measure on the effective phase space, we determine the fraction of post-bounce trajectories that yield sufficient inflation and find that the non-minimal coupling parameter $\xi$ substantially enlarges the phase-space volume of favorable initial conditions relative to the minimally coupled case, exhibiting an attractor-like enhancement that saturates at large $\xi$.

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arXiv2025

Higgs-like inflation in scalar-torsion $f(T,\phi)$ gravity in light of ACT-SPT-DESI constraints

We study Higgs-like inflation in the framework of scalar-torsion gravity, focusing on the general class of $f(T,\phi)$ theories in which gravitation is mediated by torsion rather than curvature. Motivated by the increasing precision of cosmic microwave background and large-scale-structure observations, we examine whether Higgs-like inflation remains compatible with current data in this extended gravitational setting. Working within the slow-roll approximation, we analyze the inflationary dynamics both analytically and numerically. In the dominant-coupling regime we derive closed-form expressions for the scalar spectral index and the tensor-to-scalar ratio as functions of the number of e-folds, and we subsequently relax this assumption by numerically solving the slow-roll equations. Confrontation with the latest constraints from Planck 2018, ACT DR6, DESI DR1, and BICEP/Keck shows that Higgs-like inflation in $f(T,\phi)$ gravity is fully consistent with current bounds, naturally accommodating the preferred shift in the scalar spectral index and leading to distinctive tensor-sector signatures.

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arXiv2025

Cosmological dynamics of interacting dark matter-dark energy in generalized Rastall gravity

In this work, we investigate late-time interacting cosmologies within the framework of generalized Rastall gravity, where the interaction arises naturally from the non-conservation of the energy-momentum tensor. We formulate the background evolution of the dark sector as an autonomous dynamical system, defining interaction terms $Q_1=α\,\dot{f}$ and $Q_2=-\dot{f}\,(1+α)$, with $α$ a constant parameter and $f$ a time-dependent function. Three interaction cases are studied: $f \propto ρ_m$, $f \propto ρ_{de}$, and $f \propto ρ_m + ρ_{de}$, assuming a constant dark-energy equation of state $w_{de}$. For each scenario, we derive the closed dynamical system in terms of the density parameters $(Ω_{de}, Ω_m)$, identify its fixed points, and analyze their stability across the parameter space. In this context, the phase-space exhibits a standard cosmological dynamics: an unstable radiation point, a transient matter saddle, and a stable late-time attractor with accelerated expansion. In addition, we utilize a joint likelihood analysis with Cosmic Chronometers, PantheonPlus, and DESI data to obtain marginalized parameter estimates at the $68\%$ and $95\%$ confidence levels, constraining the parameter space in each interaction model.

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arXiv2025

Slow-Fast Evolution of Scalar Fields in Higher-Order Cosmological Gravity: Dynamics Inspired by the Pais--Uhlenbeck Oscillator

We investigate the cosmological dynamics of scalar fields governed by higher-order gravity, with particular emphasis on models inspired by the Pais-Uhlenbeck oscillator--a prototypical fourth-order system known for its connection to ghost-free formulations. By recasting the field equations into a slow-fast dynamical system, we analyze phase space evolution across exponential and power-law coupling regimes. Our approach integrates numerical simulations and geometric methods to visualize trajectories, stream flows, and asymptotic behavior under varying potential parameters. The underlying system admits singular surfaces and non-smooth transitions, revealing intricate dynamical structures. We examine the stability of de Sitter solutions, the crossing of the phantom divide, and the emergence of cyclic behavior through multiple-scale analysis. The inclusion of radiation and dust fluids enables the creation of realistic cosmological scenarios, including a transient matter-dominated era and a late-time accelerated expansion. Our results highlight the viability of Pais-Uhlenbeck scalar models in accounting for inflationary dynamics and dark energy, offering diagnostic tools for characterizing attractors and bifurcation phenomena in higher-derivative cosmology.

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arXiv2025

Classical and quantum cosmology of $f(R)$ gravity's rainbow in Schutz's formalism

We investigate the classical and quantum dynamics of $f(R)$ gravity's rainbow in the presence of a perfect fluid, employing Schutz's formalism to establish a well-defined notion of time. In the classical regime, we derive and solve the equations of motion, obtaining both analytical and numerical solutions. Through canonical quantisation, we formulate the Schrödinger-Wheeler-DeWitt (SWD) equation for the quantum model. By solving its eigenfunctions, we construct the wave function of the Universe and obtain analytical solutions in scenarios dominated by stiff matter. Our results highlight the impact of rainbow gravity on quantum evolution, particularly in modifying the structure of the wave function and shaping the transition from the quantum to the classical regime.

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arXiv2025

Cosmological Dynamics in Interacting Scalar-Torsion f(T,$ϕ$) Gravity: Investigating Energy and Momentum Couplings

We investigate the cosmological dynamics of a homogeneous scalar field non-minimally coupled to torsion gravity, which also interacts with cold dark matter through energy and momentum transfer. The matter and radiation perfect fluids are modeled using the Sorkin-Schutz formalism. We identify scaling regimes of the field during both the radiation and matter eras. Additionally, we discovered a field-dominated scaling attractor; however, it does not exhibit accelerated expansion, making it unsuitable for describing dark energy. Nevertheless, we find two attractor solutions that do exhibit accelerated expansion: one is a quintessence-like fixed point, and the other is a de Sitter fixed point.

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arXiv2024

Screening fifth forces in scalar-vector-tensor theories

We study a screening mechanism in the context of scalar-vector-tensor (SVT) theories. This screening mechanism is based on both the derivative self-interactions of the vector field and the interactions of the scalar field with the vector field and curvature. We calculate the field equations in a spherically symmetric space-time, and then, we study the conditions for which this mechanism is successful in a weak gravitational background. In order to corroborate these analytical results, we have performed a numerical integration of the full equations. Finally, the corrections to the gravitational potentials have also been computed. We conclude that the present model, including both kinds of interactions, can avoid the propagation of the additional longitudinal mode arising in these theories. We also show that the space parameter of the model is compatible with solar system constraints. This result extends the previous one found in the literature for generalized Proca theories to the case of SVT theories in the presence of scalar-vector interactions.

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arXiv2024

Revisiting the dynamics of interacting vector-like dark energy

We revise the dynamics of interacting vector-like dark energy, a theoretical framework proposed to explain the accelerated expansion of the universe. By investigating the interaction between vector-like dark energy and dark matter, we analyze its effects on the cosmic expansion history and the thermodynamics of the accelerating universe. Our results demonstrate that the presence of interaction significantly influences the evolution of vector-like dark energy, leading to distinct features in its equation of state and energy density. We compare our findings with observational data and highlight the importance of considering interactions in future cosmological studies.

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arXiv2024

Phase-space analysis of torsion-coupled dilatonic ghost condensate

We studied the cosmological dynamics of a dilatonic ghost condensate field as a source of dark energy, which is non-minimally coupled to gravity through torsion. We performed a detailed phase-space analysis by finding all the critical points and their stability conditions. Also, we compared our results with the latest $H(z)$ and Supernovae Ia observational data. In particular, we found the conditions for the existence of scaling regimes during the dark matter era. Furthermore, we obtained the conditions for a successful exit from the scaling regime, such that, at late times, the universe tends towards an attractor point describing the dark energy-dominated era. These intriguing features can allow us to alleviate the energy scale problem of dark energy since, during a scaling regime, the field energy density is not necessarily negligible at early times.

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arXiv2023

Dynamics of dark energy in a scalar-vector-torsion theory

We study the cosmological dynamics of dark energy in a scalar-vector-torsion theory. The vector field is described by the cosmic triad and the scalar field is of the quintessence type with non-minimal coupling to gravity. The coupling to gravity is introduced through the interaction between the scalar field and torsion, where torsion is defined in the context of teleparallel gravity. We derive the full set of field equations for the Friedmann-Lemaître-Robertson-Walker space-time background and obtain the associated autonomous system. We obtain the critical points and their stability conditions, along with the cosmological properties of them. Thus, we show that the thermal history of the universe is successfully reproduced. Furthermore, new scaling solutions in which the scalar and vector field densities scale in the same way as the radiation and matter background fluids have been found. Finally, we also show that there exist new attractor fixed points whose nature is mainly vectorial, and which can explain the current accelerated expansion and therefore the dark energy-domination.

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arXiv2023

Effective dark energy through spin-gravity coupling

We investigate cosmological scenarios with spin-gravity coupling. In particular, due to the spin of the baryonic and dark matter particles and its coupling to gravity, they probe an effective spin-dependent metric, which can be calculated semi-classically in the Mathisson-Papapetrou-Tulczyjew-Dixon formalism. Hence, the usual field equations give rise to modified Friedmann equations, in which the extra terms can be identified as an effective dark-energy sector. Additionally, we obtain an effective interaction between the matter and dark-energy sectors. In the case where the spin-gravity coupling switches off, we recover standard $Λ$CDM cosmology. We perform a dynamical system analysis and we find a matter-dominated point that can describe the matter era, and a stable late-time solution corresponding to acceleration and dark-energy domination. For small values of the spin coupling parameter, deviations from $Λ$CDM concordance scenario are small, however for larger values they can be brought to the desired amount, leading to different dark-energy equation-of-state parameter behavior, as well as to different transition redshift from acceleration to deceleration. Finally, we confront the model predictions with Hubble function data.

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arXiv2023

Revisiting $f(R)$ gravity's rainbow: Inflation and primordial fluctuations

We study inflation and the generation of primordial fluctuations in $f(R)$ gravity's rainbow. We calculate the cosmological perturbations and then the scalar and tensor primordial power spectrum. We contrast the predictions of the model with the current observational data from PLANCK and BICEP/Keck. Particularly, we found new results for the scalar spectral index $n_s$ and the tensor-to-scalar ratio $r$ along with new observational constraints on the rainbow functions.

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arXiv2022

Inflation and Primordial Fluctuations in $F(T)$ Gravity's Rainbow

We study slow-roll inflation and the generation of primordial fluctuations in $F(T)$ gravity's rainbow. We obtain the second order action for scalar and tensor perturbations and then calculate the primordial power spectrum for them. Thus, after calculating the inflationary observables up to first order in slow-roll approximation, namely the scalar spectral index $n_{s}$ and the tensor-to scalar ratio $r$, we confront the predictions of the model with the current PLANCK and BICEP/Keck data.

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arXiv2021

Parametrized post-Newtonian formalism in higher-order Teleparallel Gravity

We study the parametrized post-Newtonian (PPN) limit of higher-derivative-torsion Modified Teleparallel Gravity. We start from the covariant formulation of modified Teleparallel Gravity by restoring the spin connection of the theory. Then, we perform the post-Newtonian expansion of the tetrad field around the Minkowski background and find the perturbed field equations. We compute the PPN metric for the higher-order Teleparallel Gravity theories which allows us to show that at the post-Newtonian limit this more general class of theories are fully conservative and indistinguishable from General Relativity . In this way, we extend the results that were already found for $F(T)$ gravity in previous works. Furthermore, our calculations reveal the importance of considering a second post-Newtonian (2PN) order approximation or a parametrized post-Newtonian cosmology (PPNC) framework where additional perturbative modes coming from general modifications of Teleparallel Gravity could lead to new observable imprints.

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arXiv2021

Chaotic Inflation and Reheating in Generalized Scalar-Tensor Gravity

In the present work, we study slow-roll inflation in scalar-tensor gravity theories in the presence of both the non-minimal coupling between the scalar field and curvature, and the Galileon self-interaction of the scalar field. Furthermore, we give predictions for the duration of reheating as well as for the reheating temperature after inflation. After working out the expressions for the power spectra of scalar and tensor perturbations in the case of a general non-minimal coupling function that depends solely on the scalar field and a general scalar potential, we focus on the special cases of the power-law coupling function and chaotic quadratic inflation. Thus, under the slow-roll approximation we confront the predictions of the model with the current PLANCK constraints on the spectral index $n_s$ and the tensor-to-scalar ratio $r$ using the $n_{s}-r$ plane. We found that the combination of the non-minimal coupling and Galileon self-interaction effects allows us to obtain better results for $r$ than in the case in which each effect is considered separately. Particularly, we obtained that the predictions of the model are in agreement with the current observational bounds on $n_{s}$ and $r$ within the $95 \%$ C.L region and also slightly inside the $68 \%$ C.L region. Also, we investigate the oscillatory regime after the end of inflation by solving the full background equations, and then we determine the upper bound for the Galileon and non-minimal coupling parameters under the condition that the scalar field oscillates coherently during reheating. Finally, after approximating reheating by a constant equation of state, we derive the relations between the reheating duration, the temperature at the end of reheating, its equation of state, and the number of $e$-folds of inflation and then we relate them all to the inflationary observables.

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arXiv2021

Stability of scalar perturbations in scalar-torsion $f(T,ϕ)$ gravity theories in the presence of a matter fluid

We study the viability conditions for the absence of ghost, gradient and tachyonic instabilities, in scalar-torsion $f(T,ϕ)$ gravity theories in the presence of a general barotropic perfect fluid. To describe the matter sector, we use the Sorkin-Schutz action and then calculate the second order action for scalar perturbations. For the study of ghost and gradient instabilities, we found that the gravity sector keeps decoupled from the matter sector and then applied the viability conditions for each one separately. Particularly, we verified that this theory is free from ghost and gradient instabilities, obtaining the standard results for matter, and for the gravity sector we checked that the corresponding speed of propagation satisfies $c_{s,g}^2=1$. On the other hand, in the case of tachyonic instability, we obtained the general expressions for the mass eigenvalues and then evaluated them in the scaling matter fixed points of a concrete model of dark energy. Thus, we found a space of parameters where it is possible to have a stable configuration respecting the constraints from the CMB measurements and the BBN constraints for early dark energy. Finally, we have numerically corroborated these results by solving the cosmological equations for a realistic cosmological evolution with phase space trajectories undergoing scaling matter regimes, and then showing that the system presents a stable configuration throughout cosmic evolution.

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arXiv2021

Reconstructing inflation in scalar-torsion $f(T,ϕ)$ gravity

It is investigated the reconstruction during the slow-roll inflation in the most general class of scalar-torsion theories whose Lagrangian density is an arbitrary function $f(T,ϕ)$ of the torsion scalar $T$ of teleparallel gravity and the inflaton $ϕ$. For the class of theories with Lagrangian density $f(T,ϕ)=-M_{pl}^{2} T/2 - G(T) F(ϕ) - V(ϕ)$, with $G(T)\sim T^{s+1}$ and the power $s$ as constant, we consider a reconstruction scheme for determining both the non-minimal coupling function $F(ϕ)$ and the scalar potential $V(ϕ)$ through the parametrization (or attractor) of the scalar spectral index $n_{s}(N)$ and the tensor-to-scalar ratio $r(N)$ as functions of the number of $e-$folds $N$. As specific examples, we analyze the attractors $n_{s}-1 \propto 1/N$ and $r\propto 1/N$, as well as the case $r\propto 1/N (N+γ)$ with $γ$ a dimensionless constant. In this sense and depending on the attractors considered, we obtain different expressions for the function $F(ϕ)$ and the potential $V(ϕ)$, as also the constraints on the parameters present in our model and its reconstruction.

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