arXiv subjects

Gonzalo J. Olmo

Publications and source records attributed to Gonzalo J. Olmo.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

arXiv2023

Modified Gravity and Cosmology: An Update by the CANTATA Network

General Relativity and the $Λ$CDM framework are currently the standard lore and constitute the concordance paradigm. Nevertheless, long-standing open theoretical issues, as well as possible new observational ones arising from the explosive development of cosmology the last two decades, offer the motivation and lead a large amount of research to be devoted in constructing various extensions and modifications. All extended theories and scenarios are first examined under the light of theoretical consistency, and then are applied to various geometrical backgrounds, such as the cosmological and the spherical symmetric ones. Their predictions at both the background and perturbation levels, and concerning cosmology at early, intermediate and late times, are then confronted with the huge amount of observational data that astrophysics and cosmology are able to offer recently. Theories, scenarios and models that successfully and efficiently pass the above steps are classified as viable and are candidates for the description of Nature. This work is a Review of the recent developments in the fields of gravity and cosmology, presenting the state of the art, high-lighting the open problems, and outlining the directions of future research. Its realization was performed in the framework of the COST European Action ``Cosmology and Astrophysics Network for Theoretical Advances and Training Actions''.

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arXiv2023

Geodesic completeness of effective null geodesics in regular space-times with non-linear electrodynamics

We study the completeness of light trajectories in certain spherically symmetric regular geometries found in Palatini theories of gravity threaded by non-linear (electromagnetic) fields, which makes their propagation to happen along geodesics of an effective metric. Two types of geodesic restoration mechanisms are employed: by pushing the focal point to infinite affine distance, thus unreachable in finite time by any sets of geodesics, or by the presence of a defocusing surface associated to the development of a wormhole throat. We discuss several examples of such geometries to conclude the completeness of all such effective paths. Our results are of interest both for the finding of singularity-free solutions and for the analysis of their optical appearances e.g. in shadow observations.

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arXiv2023

Landau damping for gravitational waves in parity-violating theories

We discuss how tensor polarizations of gravitational waves can suffer Landau damping in the presence of velocity birefringence, when parity symmetry is explicitly broken. In particular, we analyze the role of the Nieh-Yan and Chern-Simons terms in modified theories of gravity, showing how the gravitational perturbation in collisionless media can be characterized by a subluminal phase velocity, circumventing the well-known results of General Relativity and allowing for the appearance of the kinematic damping. We investigate in detail the connection between the thermodynamic properties of the medium, such as temperature and mass of the particles interacting with the gravitational wave, and the parameters ruling the parity violating terms of the models. In this respect, we outline how the dispersion relations can give rise in each model to different regions of the wavenumber space, where the phase velocity is subluminal, superluminal or does not exist. Quantitative estimates on the considered models indicate that the phenomenon of Landau damping is not detectable given the sensitivity of present-day instruments.

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arXiv2023

Comment on "A comment on metric vs metric-affine gravity"

It has been recently claimed in [arXiv:2211.12327] that an action of the Einstein-Palatini form plus a torsionless Pontryagin term (multiplied by a constant) represents a counterexample to the conclusions of [arXiv:0705.1879], namely, that Lovelock gravity is the only case in which the metric and metric-affine formulations of gravity are equivalent. However, given that the Pontryagin term (multiplied by a constant) can be written as a total D-divergence, it is a textbook matter to realise that the addition of such (or any other) D-divergence only affects at the boundary, leaving invariant the field equations and its solutions, which are those of GR à la Palatini. We thus conclude that the example provided in [arXiv:2211.12327] is not a valid counterexample of [arXiv:0705.1879].

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arXiv2022

Regular black holes in Palatini gravity

Palatini (or metric-affine) theories of gravity are characterized by having {\it a priori} independent metric and affine structures. The theories built in this framework have their field equations obtained as independent variations of the action with respect to the metric, the affine connection, and the other fields. In this work we consider the issue of singularity-removal in several members of a family of theoretically consistent and observationally viable subclass of them, built as contractions of the Ricci tensor with the metric (Ricci-based gravities or RBGs, for short). Several types of (spherically symmetric) solutions are considered from combinations of the gravity and matter sectors satisfying basic energy conditions, discussing the modifications to the horizons and to the innermost structure of the solutions, the main player in town being the presence in some cases of a bouncing behavior in the radial function. We use a full weaponry of criteria to test whether singularity-removal has been achieved: completeness of (null and time-like) geodesic paths, impact of unbound curvature divergences, analysis of causal contact upon congruences of geodesics, paths of observers with (bound) acceleration, and propagation of (scalar) waves. We further elaborate on the (three) main avenues by which such a regularity of the corresponding space-times is achieved, and comment on the lack of correlation between the (in)completeness of geodesics and the blow up of curvature scalars, something too frequently and too carelessly assumed in the literature on the subject. We conjecture that a larger flexibility in the underlying geometrical ingredients to formulate our gravitational theories may hold (part of) the clue to resolve black hole singularities.

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arXiv2022

Multi-ring images of thin accretion disk of a regular naked compact object

We discuss the importance of multi-ring images in the optical appearance of a horizonless spherically symmetric compact object, when illuminated by an optically thin accretion disk. Such an object corresponds to a sub-case of an analytically tractable extension of the Kerr solution dubbed as the {\it eye of the storm} by Simpson and Visser in [JCAP \textbf{03} (2022) 011], which merits in removing curvature singularities via an asymptotically Minkowski core, while harbouring both a critical curve and an infinite potential barrier at the center for null geodesics. This multi-ring structure is induced by light rays winding several times around the object, and whose luminosity is significantly boosted as compared to the Schwarzschild solution by the modified shape of the potential. Using three toy-profiles for the emission of an infinitely thin disk, truncated at its inner edge (taking its maximum value there) and having different decays with the distance, we discuss the image created by up to eight rings superimposed on top of the direct emission of the disk as its edge is moved closer to the center of the object. Our results point out to the existence of multi-ring images with a non-negligible luminosity in shadow observations when one allows for the existence of other compact objects in the cosmic zoo beyond the Schwarzschild solution. Such multi-ring images could be detectable within the future projects on very-long baseline interferometry.

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arXiv2022

Conformal Metric-Affine Gravities

We revisit the gauge symmetry related to integrable projective transformations in metric-affine formalism, identifying the gauge field of the Weyl (conformal) symmetry as a dynamical component of the affine connection. In particular, we show how to include the local scaling symmetry as a gauge symmetry of a large class of geometric gravity theories, introducing a compensator dilaton field that naturally gives rise to a Stückelberg sector where a spontaneous breaking mechanism of the conformal symmetry is at work to generate a mass scale for the gauge field. For Ricci-based gravities that include, among others, General Relativity, $f(R)$ and $f(R,R_{μν}R^{μν})$ theories and the EiBI model, we prove that the on-shell gauge vector associated to the scaling symmetry can be identified with the torsion vector, thus recovering and generalizing conformal invariant theories in the Riemann-Cartan formalism, already present in the literature.

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arXiv2022

Spontaneous Lorentz symmetry breaking and one-loop effective action in the metric-affine bumblebee gravity

The metric-affine bumblebee model in the presence of fermionic matter minimally coupled to the connection is studied. We show that the model admits an Einstein frame representation in which the matter sector is described by a non-minimal Dirac action without any analogy in the literature. Such non-minimal terms involve unconventional couplings between the bumblebee and the fermion field. We then rewrite the quadratic fermion action in the Einstein frame in the basis of 16 Dirac matrices in order to identify the coefficients for Lorentz/CPT violation in all orders of the non-minimal coupling $ξ$. The exact result for the fermionic determinant in the Einstein frame, including all orders in $ξ$, is also provided. We demonstrate that the axial contributions are at least of second order in the perturbative expansion of $ξ$. Furthermore, we compute the one-loop effective potential within the weak field approximation.

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arXiv2022

Eternal vs singular observers in interacting dark energy-dark matter models

Interacting dark energy-dark matter models have been widely analyzed in the literature in an attempt to find traces of new physics beyond the usual cosmological ($Λ$CDM) models. Such a coupling between both dark components is usually introduced in a phenomenological way through a flux in the continuity equation. However, models with a Lagrangian formulation are also possible. A class of the latter assumes a conformal/disformal coupling that leads to a fifth force on the dark matter component, which consequently does not follow the same geodesics as the other (baryonic, radiation, and dark energy) matter sources. Here we analyze how the usual cosmological singularities of the standard matter frame are seen from the dark matter one, concluding that by choosing an appropriate coupling, dark matter observers will see no singularities but a non-beginning, non-ending universe. By considering two simple phenomenological models we show that such a type of coupling can fit observational data as well as the usual $Λ$CDM model.

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arXiv2022

Quasinormal modes of Schwarzschild black holes in projective invariant Chern-Simons modified gravity

We generalize the Chern-Simons modified gravity to the metric-affine case and impose projective invariance by supplementing the Pontryagin density with homothetic curvature terms which do not spoil topologicity. The latter is then broken by promoting the coupling of the Chern-Simons term to a (pseudo)-scalar field. The solutions for torsion and nonmetricity are derived perturbatively, showing that they can be iteratively obtained from the background fields. This allows us to describe the dynamics for the metric and the scalar field perturbations in a self-consistent way, and we apply the formalism to the study of quasinormal modes in a Schwarzschild black hole background. Unlike in the metric formulation of this theory, we show that the scalar field is endowed with dynamics even in the absence of its kinetic term in the action. Finally, using numerical methods we compute the quasinormal frequencies and characterize the late-time power law tails for scalar and metric perturbations, comparing the results with the outcomes of the purely metric approach.

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arXiv2022

Braneworlds in $f(Q)$ gravity

We propose a braneworld scenario in a modified symmetric teleparallel gravitational theory, where the dynamics for the gravitational field is encoded in the nonmetricity tensor rather than in the curvature. Assuming a single real scalar field with a sine-Gordon self-interaction, the generalized quadratic nonmetricity invariant $\mathbb{Q}$ controls the brane width while keeping the shape of the energy density. By considering power corrections of the invariant $\mathbb{Q}$ in the gravitational Lagrangian, the sine-Gordon potential is modified exhibiting new barriers and false vacuum. As a result, the domain wall brane obtains an inner structure, and it undergoes a splitting process. In addition, we also propose a non-minimal coupling between a bulk fermion field and the nonmetricity invariant $\mathbb{Q}$. Such geometric coupling leads to a massless chiral fermion bound to the 3-brane and a stable tower of non-localized massive states.

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arXiv2022

Some Recent Results on Ricci-Based Gravity Theories

Metric-affine theories in which the gravity Lagrangian is built using (projectively invariant) contractions of the Ricci tensor with itself and with the metric (Ricci-Based Gravity theories, or RBGs for short) are reviewed. The goal is to provide a contextualized and coherent presentation of some recent results. In particular, we focus on the correspondence that exists between the field equations of these theories and those of general relativity, and comment on how this can be used to build new solutions of physical interest. We also discuss the formalism of junction conditions in the $f(R)$ case, and provide a brief summary on current experimental and observational bounds on model parameters.

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arXiv2022

An infinite class of exact rotating black hole metrics of modified gravity

We build an infinite class of exact axisymmetric solutions of a metric-affine gravity theory, namely, Eddington-inspired Born-Infeld gravity, coupled to an anisotropic fluid as a matter source. The solution-generating method employed is not unique of this theory but can be extended to other Ricci-Based Gravity theories (RBGs), a class of theories built out of contractions of the Ricci tensor with the metric. This method exploits a correspondence between the space of solutions of General Relativity and that of RBGs, and is independent of the symmetries of the problem. For the particular case in which the fluid is identified with non-linear electromagnetic fields we explicitly derive the corresponding axisymmetric solutions. Finally, we use this result to work out the counterpart of the Kerr-Newman black hole when Maxwell electrodynamics is set on the metric-affine side. Our results open up an exciting new avenue for testing new gravitational phenomenology in the fields of gravitational waves and shadows out of rotating black holes.

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arXiv2022

Compact objects in quadratic Palatini gravity generated by a free scalar field

We study the correspondence that connects the space of solutions of General Relativity (GR) with that of Ricci-based Gravity theories (RBGs) of the $f(R,Q)$ type in the metric-affine formulation, where $Q=R_{(μν)}R^{(μν)}$. We focus on the case of scalar matter and show that when one considers a free massless scalar in the GR frame, important simplifications arise that allow to establish the correspondence for arbitrary $f(R,Q)$ Lagrangian. We particularize the analysis to a quadratic $f(R,Q)$ theory and use the spherically symmetric, static solution of Jannis-Newman-Winicour as seed to generate new compact objects in our target theory. We find that two different types of solutions emerge, one representing naked singularities and another corresponding to asymmetric wormholes with bounded curvature scalars everywhere. The latter solutions, nonetheless, are geodesically incomplete.

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arXiv2022

Light ring images of double photon spheres in black hole and wormhole space-times

The silhouette of a black hole having a critical curve (an unstable bound photon orbit) when illuminated by an optically thin accretion disk whose emission is confined to the equatorial plane shows a distinctive central brightness depression (the shadow) whose outer edge consists of a series of strongly lensed, self-similar rings superimposed with the disk's direct emission. While the size and shape of the critical curve depend only on the background geometry, the pattern of bright and dark regions (including the size and depth of the shadow itself) in the image is strongly influenced by the (astro)physics of the accretion disk. This aspect makes it difficult to extract clean and clear observational discriminators between the Kerr black hole and other compact objects. In the presence of a second critical curve, however, observational differences become apparent. In this work we shall consider some spherically symmetric black hole and wormhole geometries characterized by the presence of a second critical curve, via a uniparametric family of extensions of the Schwarzschild metric. By assuming three toy models of geometrically thin accretion disks, we show the presence of additional light rings in the intermediate region between the two critical curves. The observation of such rings could represent a compelling evidence for the existence of black hole mimickers having multiple critical curves.

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arXiv2022

Radiative corrections in metric-affine bumblebee model

We consider the metric-affine formulation of bumblebee gravity, derive the field equations, and show that the connection can be written as Levi-Civita of a disformally related metric in which the bumblebee field determines the disformal part. As a consequence, the bumblebee field gets coupled to all the other matter fields present in the theory, potentially leading to nontrivial phenomenological effects. To explore this issue we compute the weak-field limit and study the resulting effective theory. In this scenario, we couple scalar and spinorial matter to the effective metric which, besides the zeroth-order Minkowskian contribution, also has the vector field contributions of the bumblebee, and show that it is renormalizable at one-loop level. From our analysis it also follows that the non-metricity of this theory is determined by the gradient of the bumblebee field, and that it can acquire a vacuum expectation value due to the contribution of the bumblebee field.

hep-th↗

arXiv2021

Determinantal Born-Infeld Coupling of Gravity and Electromagnetism

We study a Born-Infeld inspired model of gravity and electromagnetism in which both types of fields are treated on an equal footing via a determinantal approach in a metric-affine formulation. Though this formulation is a priori in conflict with the postulates of metric theories of gravity, we find that the resulting equations can also be obtained from an action combining the Einstein-Hilbert action with a minimally coupled nonlinear electrodynamics. As an example, the dynamics is solved for the charged static black hole.

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arXiv2021

Singularity-free and cosmologically viable Born-Infeld gravity with scalar matter

The early Cosmology driven by a single scalar field, both massless and massive, in the context of Eddington-inspired Born-Infeld gravity, is explored. We show the existence of nonsingular solutions of bouncing and loitering type (depending on the sign of the gravitational theory's parameter, $ε$) replacing the Big Bang singularity, and discuss their properties. In addition, in the massive case we find some new features of the cosmological evolution depending on the value of the mass parameter, including asymmetries in the expansion/contraction phases, or a continuous transition between a contracting phase to an expanding one via an intermediate loitering phase. We also provide a combined analysis of cosmic chronometers, standard candles, BAO, and CMB data to constrain the model, finding that for roughly $\vert ε\vert \lesssim 5\cdot 10^{-8} \text{ m}^2$ the model is compatible with the latest observations while successfully removing the Big Bang singularity. This bound is several orders of magnitude stronger than the most stringent constraints currently available in the literature

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