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H. Lü

Publications and source records attributed to H. Lü.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Induced gravitational waves for arbitrary higher orders: vertex rules and loop diagrams in cosmological perturbation theory

Gravitational waves induced by primordial perturbations serve as crucial probes for studying the early universe, providing a significant window into potential new physics during cosmic evolution. Due to the potentially large amplitudes of primordial perturbations on small scales, the contributions of high-order cosmological perturbations are highly significant. We propose a vertex approach applicable to the study of induced gravitational waves for arbitrary higher orders. Using the vertex approach and tree diagrams, we can directly derive the explicit expressions of higher-order induced gravitational waves without involving the complex and lengthy calculations of higher-order cosmological perturbations. Correlations between different tree diagrams correspond to the loop diagrams of two-point correlation functions of induced gravitational waves. Our investigation reveals that one-particle reducible diagrams impact tensor-scalar induced gravitational waves while leaving scalar induced gravitational waves unaffected.

astro-ph.CO

Constraints on primordial black holes from $N_{\text{eff}}$ : scalar induced gravitational waves as an extra radiation component

In June 2023, multiple pulsar timing array collaborations provided evidence for the existence of a stochastic gravitational wave background. Scalar induced gravitational waves (SIGWs), as one of the most likely sources of stochastic gravitational waves, have received widespread attention. When primordial curvature perturbations on small scales are sufficiently large, \acp{PBH} inevitably form, concurrently producing SIGWs with significant observable effects. These SIGWs can serve as an additional radiation component, influencing the relativistic degrees of freedom $N_{\text{eff}}$. Taking into account primordial non-Gaussianity, we study the energy density spectrum of SIGWs up to the third order and use the current observational data of $N_{\text{eff}}$ to constrain small-scale primordial curvature perturbations and the abundance of \acp{PBH}.

astro-ph.CO

Scalar induced gravitational waves in f(R) gravity

We investigate the first and second order cosmological perturbation equations in f(R) modified gravity theory and provide the equation of motion of second order scalar induced gravitational waves. We find that the effects of modified gravity not only change the form of the equation of motion of second order scalar induced gravitational waves but also contribute an additional anisotropic stress tensor, composed of first order scalar perturbations, to the source term of the gravitational waves. We calculate the energy density spectrum of second order scalar induced gravitational waves in the HS model. Utilizing current pulsar timing array observational data, we perform a rigorous Bayesian analysis of the parameter space of the HS model.

gr-qc

Cosmology with Higher-Derivative Gravities

We introduce an ingenious approach to explore cosmological implications of higher-derivative gravity theories. The key novelty lies in the characterization of the additional massive spin-0 modes constructed from Hubble derivatives as an effective density, with the corresponding pressure uniquely determined by energy conservation, while terms with no Hubble derivatives directly alter Friedmann equations. This classification of the various high-derivative contributions to Friedmann equations develops insight about their cosmological impacts and is essential for understanding the universe's evolution across energy scales. Various examples of higher-derivative gravity theories illustrate the power of this method in efficiently solving Friedmann equations and exploring new phenomena. Using CMB and BAO data, we apply this method to assess the observational feasibility of wall-bouncing universes, as predicted by scenarios with, e.g., certain third order modifications to general relativity. These models also provide an inflationary phase without the need to introduce extra scalar fields.

gr-qc

Cosmological Time Crystals from Gauss-Bonnet Gravity in Four Dimensions

We investigate various cosmological aspects of a 4-Dimensional Gauss-Bonnet Lagrangian, which is integrated into the Einstein Lagrangian with an arbitrary sign, using the Friedman-Lemaître-Robertson-Walker (FLRW) metric. We consider a general potential term, $V(a)$, that depends on the scale factor $a$, and we analyze several scenarios by investigating the critical points of the dynamical equations and stability conditions to understand how the universe's behavior is affected by the Gauss-Bonnet term. Our research suggests that choosing the negative sign, this integration allows for the spontaneous breaking of time reflection symmetry. This can lead to the generation of a bounce universe even with a normal matter sector, marking a significant departure from traditional theories. Furthermore, we examine the possibility of a time-crystal universe, showing that under certain circumstances, the theory might give rise to cyclic universes.

gr-qc

Observational Feasibility of 4D Einstein-Gauss-Bonnet Cosmology: Bouncing and Non-Bouncing Universes

This paper analyzes the possibility of bouncing and non-bouncing universes in the framework of four-dimensional Einstein-Gauss-Bonnet (4D-EGB) gravity, corresponding respectively to negative and positive coupling constants $λ$ of the Gauss-Bonnet term. We also use the Horndeski-type scalar-tensor theory to assess the role of a scalar charge $C$ as a geometrical contribution to the radiation in the Universe. We modify the expansion history of the universe to allow for modifications induced by the 4D-EGB gravity. Using Planck measurements of the cosmic microwave background anisotropies as well as various datasets of baryonic acoustic oscillations, we set the upper bounds $λ\le 10^{-16} \text{(km/s/Mpc)}^{-2} $ and $λ\le 10^{-30} \text{(km/s/Mpc)}^{-2} $ for the non-bouncing and bouncing scenarios. The upper limit in the latter case is mainly driven by the requirement to conservatively respect the thermal history at energy scales of the standard model of particle physics. We also find that the contribution of the geometrical radiation-like term of the model cannot exceed 10\% of the current radiation in the Universe. The possibility of an early inflationary phase produced by a single scalar field is also studied and found to be feasible in both bouncing and non-bouncing scenarios. This study shows the feasibility of a bouncing universe, even with normal matter sector, in the 4D-EGB gravity. More theoretical investigation is required to further explore possible observational predictions of the model that can distinguish between general relativity and 4D-EGB gravity.

astro-ph.CO

Neutron stars more compact than black holes as a probe of strong-field gravity

Probing gravity in its strongest regime is a central goal of modern physics, as the nature of the most compact objects reflects fundamental aspects of Einstein's theory of general relativity (GR). In GR, black holes are regarded as the most compact objects in the Universe. Here, for the first time, we demonstrate that stable stellar configurations more compact than black holes can arise when neutron-star equations of state are embedded in quasi-topological gravity, a class of higher-curvature extensions of GR. We construct such ultra-compact stars, analyze their macroscopic properties, and establish their stability against radial perturbations, confirming their physical plausibility. We further identify potential observational signatures to distinguish these stars from black holes, most notably gravitational-wave echoes whose detectability could provide direct evidence of physics beyond Einstein's GR in the strong-field regime.

gr-qc

Anisotropic scaling non-relativistic holography: a symmetry perspective

We study the holographic dual of the two dimensional non-relativistic conformal field theory with anisotropic scaling from a symmetry perspective. We construct a new four dimensional metric with two dimensional global anisotropic scaling isometry. The four dimensional spacetime is homogeneous and is a solution of Einstein gravity with quadratic-curvature extension. We consider this spacetime dual to the vacuum of the conformal field theory. By introducing proper solution phase space, we find that the asymptotic symmetry of the gravity theory is the two dimensional local anisotropic conformal symmetry, which recovers precisely the results from the dual non-relativistic conformal field theory side.

hep-th

Extremal Charged Black Holes and Superradiantly Unstable Quasinormal Modes

It was recently shown that the extremal charged black holes in STU supergravity suffer from superradiant instability owing to the existence of the unstable (low-frequency) quasibound states associated with a charged massive scalar field. In this paper, we show numerically that for some charge configurations, these black holes can also excite the (higher-frequency) superradiantly unstable quasinormal modes. We find empirically that the unstable modes are closely related to having a volcano-shaped effective potential in the Schrödinger-like wave equation.

hep-th

$α'$-corrections to Near Extremal Dyonic Strings and Weak Gravity Conjecture

We construct non-extremal dyonic string solutions in 6D minimal supergravity where the leading higher derivative corrections arise from either the type IIA string theory compactified on K3 or the heterotic string theory compactified on 4-torus. The thermodynamical quantities and Euclidean actions of the strings are computed. In the near extremal regime, we calculate the force felt by a probe fundamental string in the background of the macroscopic dyonic string with leading $α'$ corrections. We find that in both the IIA and heterotic setups, away from extremality, the attractive force overwhelms the repulsive force. However, close to extremality, the $α'$ corrections can reduce the attractive force in the isoentropic process, where the charges are fixed. This feature may be used as a new constraint for supergravity models with consistent quantum gravity embedding, in cases where the extremal limit coincides with the BPS limit and the higher derivative corrections do not affect the mass-to-charge ratio. By contrast, the $α'$ corrections can enhance the attractive force in the isothermal or isoenergetic processes.

hep-th

Asymptotic Structure of Einstein-Maxwell-Dilaton Theory and Its Five Dimensional Origin

We consider Einstein-Maxwell-dilaton theory in four dimensions including the Kaluza-Klein theory and obtain the general asymptotic solutions in Bondi gauge. We find that there are three different types of news functions representing gravitational, electromagnetic, and scalar radiations. The mass density at any angle of the system can only decrease whenever there is any type of news function. The solution space of the Kaluza-Klein theory is also lifted to five dimensions. We also compute the asymptotic symmetries in both four dimensional Einstein-Maxwell-dilaton theory and five dimensional pure Einstein theory. We find that the symmetry algebras of the two theories are the same.

hep-th

Static and Dynamic Charged Black Holes

We consider a class of Einstein-Maxwell-dilaton theories in general dimensions and construct both static and dynamic charged black holes. We adopt the reverse engineering procedure and make a specific ansatz for the scalar field and then derive the necessary scalar potential and the non-minimal coupling function between the scalar and the Maxwell field. The resulting static black holes contain mass and electric charge as integration constants. We find that some of the static solutions can be promoted to become dynamical ones in the Eddington-Finkelstein-like coordinates. The collapse solutions describe the evolution from a smaller charged black hole to a larger black hole state, driven by the scalar field.

hep-th

Emergent Universe Scenario, Bouncing and Cyclic Universes in Degenerate Massive Gravity

We consider alternative inflationary cosmologies in massive gravity with degenerate reference metrics and study the feasibilities of the emergent universe scenario, bouncing and cyclic universes. We focus on the construction of the Einstein static universe, classes of exact solutions of bouncing and cyclic universes in degenerate massive gravity. We further study the stabilities of the Einstein static universe against both homogeneous and inhomogeneous scalar perturbations and give the parameters region for a stable Einstein static universe.

gr-qc

Exceptional Points in Random-Defect Phonon Lasers

Intrinsic defects in optomechanical devices are generally viewed to be detrimental for achieving coherent amplification of phonons, and great care has thus been exercised in fabricating devices and materials with no (or a minimal number of) defects. Contrary to this view, here we show that, by surpassing an exceptional point (EP), both the mechanical gain and the phonon number can be enhanced despite increasing defect losses. This counterintuitive effect, well described by an effective non-Hermitian phonon-defect model, provides a mechanical analog of the loss-induced purely optical lasing. This opens the way to operating random-defect phonon devices at EPs.

quant-ph

High-order exceptional points in optomechanics

We study mechanical cooling in systems of coupled passive (lossy) and active (with gain) optical resonators. We find that for a driving laser which is red-detuned with respect to the cavity frequency, the supermode structure of the system is radically changed, featuring the emergence of genuine high-order exceptional points. This in turn leads to giant enhancement of both the mechanical damping and the spring stiffness, facilitating low-power mechanical cooling in the vicinity of gain-loss balance. This opens up new avenues of steering micromechanical devices with exceptional points beyond the lowest-order two.

quant-ph

Nonlinear optomechanics with gain and loss: amplifying higher-order sideband and group delay

We study the nonlinear optomechanically-induced transparency (OMIT) with gain and loss. We find that (i) for a single active cavity, significant enhancement can be achieved for the higher-order sidebands, including the transmission rate and the group delay; (ii) for active- passive-coupled cavities, hundreds of microsecond of optical delay or advance are attainable for the nonlinear sideband pulses in the parity-time-symmetric regime. The active higher-order OMIT effects, as firstly revealed here, open up the way to make a low-power optomechaical amplifier, which can amplify both the strength and group delay of not only the probe light but also its higher-order sidebands.

quant-ph

Thermodynamics of Charged Black Holes in Einstein-Horndeski-Maxwell Theory

We extend an earlier investigation of the thermodynamics of static black holes in an Einstein-Horndeski theory of gravity coupled to a scalar field, by including now an elec- tromagnetic field as well. By studying the two-parameter families of charged static black holes, we obtain much more powerful constraints on the thermodynamics since, unlike in the uncharged one-parameter case, now the right-hand side of the first law is not automatically integrable. In fact, this allows us to demonstrate that there must be an additional contribution in the first law, over and above the usual terms expected for charged black holes. The origin of the extra contribution can be attributed to the behaviour of the scalar field on the horizon of the black hole. We carry out the calculations in four dimensions and also in general dimensions. We also derive the ratio of viscosity to entropy for the dual boundary field theory, showing that the usual viscosity bound for isotropic solutions can be violated, with the ratio depending on the mass and charge.

hep-th

Spherically Symmetric Solutions in Higher-Derivative Gravity

Extensions of Einstein gravity with quadratic curvature terms in the action arise in most effective theories of quantised gravity, including string theory. This article explores the set of static, spherically symmetric and asymptotically flat solutions of this class of theories. An important element in the analysis is the careful treatment of a Lichnerowicz-type `no-hair' theorem. From a Frobenius analysis of the asymptotic small-radius behaviour, the solution space is found to split into three asymptotic families, one of which contains the classic Schwarzschild solution. These three families are carefully analysed to determine the corresponding numbers of free parameters in each. One solution family is capable of arising from coupling to a distributional shell of matter near the origin; this family can then match on to an asymptotically flat solution at spatial infinity without encountering a horizon. Another family, with horizons, contains the Schwarzschild solution but includes also non-Schwarzschild black holes. The third family of solutions obtained from the Frobenius analysis is nonsingular and corresponds to `vacuum' solutions. In addition to the three families identified from near-origin behaviour, there are solutions that may be identified as `wormholes', which can match symmetrically on to another sheet of spacetime at finite radius.

hep-th