arXiv subjects

Israel Quiros

Publications and source records attributed to Israel Quiros.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

arXiv2015

Introduction to the application of the dynamical systems theory in the study of the dynamics of cosmological models of dark energy

The theory of the dynamical systems is a very complex subject which has brought several surprises in the recent past in connection with the theory of chaos and fractals. The application of the tools of the dynamical systems in cosmological settings is less known in spite of the amount of published scientific papers on this subject. In this paper a -- mostly pedagogical -- introduction to the application in cosmology of the basic tools of the dynamical systems theory is presented. It is shown that, in spite of their amazing simplicity, these allow to extract essential information on the asymptotic dynamics of a wide variety of cosmological models. The power of these tools is illustrated within the context of the so called $Λ$CDM and scalar field models of dark energy. This paper is suitable for teachers, undergraduate and postgraduate students from physics and mathematics disciplines.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2014

On a symmetry relating gravity with antigravity

I investigate the impact of a "would be" fundamental symmetry of the laws of nature under the interchange of gravity and antigravity, on the understanding of negative energies in general relativity. For this purpose a toy model that is based on Einstein-Hilbert gravity with two minimally coupled self-interacting scalar fields is explored, where the second (exotic) scalar field with negative energy density may be regarded, alternatively, as an antigravitating field with positive energy. Spontaneous breakdown of reflection symmetry is then considered in order to discuss the implications the proposed "would be" fundamental symmetry might have for the vanishing of the cosmological constant. A possible connection of the gravity-antigravity symmetry with the so called quintom field is also explored.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2014

Interacting Phantom Energy and Avoidance of the Big Rip Singularity

Models of the universe with arbitrary (non gravitational) interaction between the components of the cosmic fluid: the phantom energy and the background, are investigated. A general form of the interaction that is inspired in scalar-tensor theories of gravity is considered. No specific model for the phantom fluid is assumed. We concentrate our investigation on solutions that are free of the coincidence problem. We found a wide region in the parameter space where the solutions are free of the big rip singularity also. Physical arguments, together with arguments based on the analysis of the observational evidence, suggest that phantom models without big rip singularity might be preferred by Nature.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2014

Scale invariance: fake appearances

In this paper we shall show that, unless the affine geometrical structure of the underlying spacetime manifold is specified, there is an ambiguity in the understanding of the scale invariance -- also Weyl invariance -- of the given theory of gravity. In this regard we cast doubts on several well-known theories which are claimed to be scale-invariant setups. We shall show that in a consistent scale invariant theory not only the action but also the geometrical laws which govern the affine structure of the underlying spacetimes are invariant under the Weyl gauge transformations.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2014

No compelling cosmological models come out of magnetic universes which are based in nonlinear electrodynamics

Here we investigate the cosmic dynamics of Friedmann-Robertson-Walker universes -- flat spatial sections -- which are driven by nonlinear electrodynamics (NLED) Lagrangians. We pay special attention to the check of the sign of the square sound speed since, whenever the latter quantity is negative, the corresponding cosmological model is classically unstable against small perturbations of the background energy density. Besides, based on causality arguments, one has to require that the mentioned small perturbations of the background should propagate at most at the local speed of light. We also look for the occurrence of curvature singularities. Our results indicate that several cosmological models which are based in known NLED Lagrangians, either are plagued by curvature singularities of the sudden and/or big rip type, or are violently unstable against small perturbations of the cosmological background -- due to negative sign of the square sound speed -- or both. In addition, causality issues associated with superluminal propagation of the background perturbations may also arise.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2014

Mass hierarchy, mass gap and corrections to Newton's law on thick branes with Poincare symmetry

We consider a scalar thick brane configuration arising in a 5D theory of gravity coupled to a self-interacting scalar field in a Riemannian manifold. We start from known classical solutions of the corresponding field equations and elaborate on the physics of the transverse traceless modes of linear fluctuations of the classical background, which obey a Schroedinger-like equation. We further consider two special cases in which this equation can be solved analytically for any massive mode with m^2>0, in contrast with numerical approaches, allowing us to study in closed form the massive spectrum of Kaluza-Klein (KK) excitations and to compute the corrections to Newton's law in the thin brane limit. In the first case we consider a solution with a mass gap in the spectrum of KK fluctuations with two bound states - the massless 4D graviton free of tachyonic instabilities and a massive KK excitation - as well as a tower of continuous massive KK modes which obey a Legendre equation. The mass gap is defined by the inverse of the brane thickness, allowing us to get rid of the potentially dangerous multiplicity of arbitrarily light KK modes. It is shown that due to this lucky circumstance, the solution of the mass hierarchy problem is much simpler and transparent than in the (thin) Randall-Sundrum (RS) two-brane configuration. In the second case we present a smooth version of the RS model with a single massless bound state, which accounts for the 4D graviton, and a sector of continuous fluctuation modes with no mass gap, which obey a confluent Heun equation in the Ince limit. (The latter seems to have physical applications for the first time within braneworld models). For this solution the mass hierarchy problem is solved as in the Lykken-Randall model and the model is completely free of naked singularities.

hep-th↗

arXiv2014

Study of field fluctuations and their localization in a thick braneworld generated by gravity non-minimally coupled to a scalar field with the Gauss-Bonnet term

In this work we study a scenario with a warped 5D smooth braneworld with 4D Minkowski geometry builded from bulk scalar matter non-minimally coupled to gravity with an additional Gauss-Bonnet term. We present exact solutions for the full braneworld configuration in contrast to previous results where only approximate solutions were constructed due to the highly non-linear character of the relevant differential equations. These solutions allow us to study the necessary conditions for the finiteness of the 4D Planck mass and additionally, enables us to perform a more rigorous analysis of 4D gravity localization compared to approximate approaches. It is remarkable that all the constructed braneworld configurations lead to standard 4D gravity localization since they contain a localized massless tensor mode (the graviton). We also analyze the localization properties of scalar, vector and tensor fluctuation modes for the constructed field configurations. We show that for the considered backgrounds, only the massless tensor mode, i.e. the 4D graviton, is localized on the brane, while the vector and scalar modes are not confined to the brane.

hep-th↗

arXiv2014

Scale invariance and broken electroweak symmetry may coexist together

Here we show that local scale invariance -- invariance under Weyl rescalings -- may safely coexist with broken electroweak symmetry if assume the Weyl geometric theory to govern the affine structure of spacetime. We find that within the resulting scale invariant theory of gravity cosmological inflation is enough to explain the large hierarchy between the Higgs and Planck masses.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2013

Comment on "Extended Born-Infeld theory and the bouncing magnetic universe"

In a recent paper [Phys. Rev. D{\bf 85}, 023528 (2012)] the authors proposed a generalized Born-Infeld electrodynamics coupled to general relativity which produces a nonsingular bouncing universe. For a magnetic universe the resulting cosmic evolution inevitably interpolates between asymptotic de Sitter states. Here we shall show that (i) the above theory does not have the standard weak field Maxwell limit, (ii) a sudden curvature singularity -- not better than the big bang -- arises, (iii) the speed of sound squared is a negative quantity signaling instability against small perturbations of the background energy density, and that (iv) the conclusion about the inevitability of the asymptotic vacuum regime in a magnetic universe is wrong.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2013

Matter Couplings which are Compatible with a Fundamental Theory of Physics

A criterion to seek for compatibility of any given matter coupling with a fundamental theory of physics - assumed here to be the string theory - is developed. We call this criterion as"`compatibility check", and apply it to test different kinds of matter coupling which are familiar in cosmological scenarios. The so called "chameleon effect" - useful to overcome the stringent constraints on additional non gravitational interactions - is reviewed by relaxing several assumptions which are commonly found in the bibliography in order to explore the chameleon behavior of self-interacting scalar fields. Although the results of this study are far from being conclusive, these (i) suggest that matter couplings other than the exponential (dilaton) are very unlikely to arise in a cosmological setup, and (ii) pose reasonable doubts on the validity of the chameleon picture as we know it.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2013

Bulk Viscous Matter-dominated Universes: Asymptotic Properties

By means of a combined use of the type Ia supernovae and H(z) data tests, together with the study of the asymptotic properties in the equivalent phase space - through the use of the dynamical systems tools - we demonstrate that the bulk viscous matter-dominated scenario is not a good model to explain the accepted cosmological paradigm, at least, under the parametrization of bulk viscosity considered in this paper. The main objection against such scenarios is the absence of conventional radiation and matter-dominated critical points in the phase space of the model. This entails that radiation and matter dominance are not generic solutions of the cosmological equations, so that these stages can be implemented only by means of unique and very specific initial conditions, i. e., of very unstable particular solutions. Such a behavior is in marked contradiction with the accepted cosmological paradigm which requires of an earlier stage dominated by relativistic species, followed by a period of conventional non-relativistic matter domination, during which the cosmic structure we see was formed. Also, we found that the bulk viscosity is positive just until very late times in the cosmic evolution, around z < 1. For earlier epochs it is negative, been in tension with the local second law of thermodynamics.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2013

QCD ghost dark energy cannot (even roughly) explain the main features of the accepted cosmological paradigm

We explore the whole phase space of the so called Veneziano/QCD ghost dark energy models where the dynamics of the inner trapping horizon is ignored and also the more realistic models where the time-dependence of the horizon is taken into consideration. We pay special attention to the choice of phase space variables leading to bounded and compact phase space so that no critical point of physical interest is missing. It is demonstrated that ghost dark energy is not a suitable candidate to explain the presently accepted cosmological paradigm since no critical point associated with matter dominance is found in the physical phase space of the model. A transient stage of matter dominance -- responsible for the observed amount of cosmic structure -- is an essential ingredient of the accepted cosmological paradigm. The above drawback is in addition to the well known problem with classical instability against small perturbations of the background density originated from negativity of the sound speed squared.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2013

Is the Schwarzschild black hole spurious?

A point of view is presented, according to which, the well known picture with the Schwarzschild black hole in canonical general relativity is one in a whole class of conformal representations of the same physical situation, that are physically equivalent. Symmetry arguments are presented that favour a conformal picture without singularity instead of the Schwarzschild one.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2012

Phase Space Dynamics of Non-Gravitational Interactions between Dark Matter and Dark Energy: The Case of Ghost Dark Energy

We study the phase space asymptotics of the so called Veneziano ghost dark energy models. Models where the ghost field's energy density: i) $ρ_{ghost}\propto H$, and ii) $ρ_{ghost}\propto H+H^2$, are investigated. Both, cases with and without additional non-gravitational interaction between cold dark matter and ghost dark energy, are subject to scrutiny. We pay special attention to the choice of phase space variables leading to bounded and compact phase space so that no critical point of physical interest is missing. A rich asymptotic structure is revealed: depending on the kind of non-minimal coupling critical points associated with radiation dominance, matter dominance, cold dark matter/ghost dark energy scaling, and ghost dark energy dominance, are found. Past and future attractors, as well as saddle equilibrium points, are identified in the corresponding phase spaces.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2012

Gaussian Warp Factor: Towards a Probabilistic Interpretation of Braneworlds

We investigate Gaussian warped five-dimensional thick braneworlds. Identification of the graviton's wave function (squared) in the extra-dimension with a probability distribution function leads to a straightforward probabilistic interpretation of braneworlds. The extra-coordinate $y$ is regarded as a Gaussian-distributed random variable. Hence, all of the field variables and operators which depend on $y$ are, also, randomly distributed. Four-dimensional measurable (macroscopic) quantities are identified with the corresponding averaged values over the Gaussian distribution. The present scenario represents a new phenomenological approach to smooth thick branes which can not be obtained through 'smearing out' Randall-Sundrum-like (thin) braneworlds.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2012

The conformal transformation's controversy: what are we missing?

An alternative interpretation of the conformal transformations of the metric is discussed according to which the latter can be viewed as a mapping among Riemannian and Weyl-integrable spaces. A novel aspect of the conformal transformation's issue is then revealed: these transformations relate complementary geometrical pictures of a same physical reality, so that, the question about which is the physical conformal frame, does not arise. In addition, arguments are given which point out that, unless a clear statement of what is understood by "equivalence of frames" is made, the issue is a semantic one. For definiteness, an intuitively "natural" statement of conformal equivalence is given, which is associated with conformal invariance of the field equations. Under this particular reading, equivalence can take place only if the metric is defined up to a conformal equivalence class. A concrete example of a conformal-invariant theory of gravity is then explored. Since Brans-Dicke theory is not conformally invariant, then the Jordan's and Einstein's frames of the theory are not equivalent. Otherwise, in view of the alternative approach proposed here, these frames represent complementary geometrical descriptions of a same phenomenon. The different points of view existing in the literature are critically scrutinized on the light of the new arguments.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2012

Is the cosmological singularity really unavoidable in general relativity?

The initial singularity problem in standard general relativity is treated on the light of a viewpoint asserting that this formulation of Einstein's theory and its conformal formulations are physically equivalent. We show that flat Friedmann-Robertson-Walker universes and open dust-filled and radiation-filled universes are singularity free when described in terms of the formulation of general relativity conformal to the canonical one.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2012

Thick braneworlds generated by a non-minimally coupled scalar field and a Gauss-Bonnet term: conditions for localization of gravity

We consider warped five-dimensional thick braneworlds with four-dimensional Poincaré invariance originated from bulk scalar matter non-minimally coupled to gravity plus a Gauss-Bonnet term. The background field equations as well as the perturbed equations are investigated. A relationship between 4D and 5D Planck masses is studied in general terms. By imposing finiteness of the 4D Planck mass and regularity of the geometry, the localization properties of the tensor modes of the perturbed geometry are analyzed to first order, for a wide class of solutions. In order to explore the gravity localization properties for this model, the normalizability condition for the lowest level of the tensor fluctuations is analyzed. It is found that for the examined class of solutions, gravity in 4 dimensions is recovered if the curvature invariants are regular and the 4D Planck mass is finite. It turns out that both the addition of the Gauss-Bonnet term and the non-minimal coupling between the scalar field and gravity {\it reduce} the value of the 4D Planck mass compared to its value when the scalar field and gravity are minimally coupled and the Gauss-Bonnet term is absent. The above discussed analysis depends on the explicit form of the scalar field (through its non-minimal coupling to gravity), making necessary the construction of explicit solutions in order to get results in closed form, and is illustrated with some examples which constitute smooth generalizations of the so-called Randall-Sundrum braneworld model. These solutions were obtained by making use of a detailed {\it singular perturbation theory} procedure with respect to the non-minimal coupling parameter between the scalar field and gravity, a difficult task that we managed to perform in such a way that all the physically meaningful conditions for the localization of gravity are fully satisfied. From the obtained...

hep-th↗