arXiv subjects

Mariafelicia De Laurentis

Publications and source records attributed to Mariafelicia De Laurentis.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

arXiv2015

The Mass-Radius relation for Neutron Stars in $f(R)$ gravity

We discuss the Mass -Radius diagram for static neutron star models obtained by the numerical solution of modified Tolman-Oppenheimer-Volkoff equations in $f(R)$ gravity where the Lagrangians $f(R)=R+αR^2 (1+γR)$ and $f(R)=R^{1+ε}$ are adopted. Unlike the case of the perturbative approach previously reported, the solutions are constrained by the presence of an extra degree of freedom, coming from the trace of the field equations. In particular, the stiffness of the equation of state determines an upper limit on the central density $ρ_c$ above which the the positivity condition of energy-matter tensor trace $T^{\rm m}=ρ- 3 p$ holds. In the case of quadratic f(R)-gravity, we find higher masses and radii at lower central densities with an inversion of the behavior around a pivoting $ρ_c$ which depends on the choice of the equation of state. When considering the cubic corrections, we find solutions converging to the required asymptotic behavior of flat metric only for $γ< 0$. A similar analysis is performed for $f(R)=R^{1+ε}$ considering $ε$ as the leading parameter. We work strictly in the Jordan frame in order to consider matter minimally coupled with respect to geometry. This fact allows us to avoid ambiguities that could emerge in adopting the Einstein frame.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2015

Constraining $f(R)$ gravity by the Large Scale Structure

Over the past decades, General Relativity and the concordance $Λ$CDM model have been successfully tested using several different astrophysical and cosmological probes based on large datasets ({\it precision cosmology}). Despite their successes, some shortcomings emerge due to the fact that General Relativity should be revised at infrared and ultraviolet limits and to the fact that the fundamental nature of Dark Matter and Dark Energy is still a puzzle to be solved. In this perspective, $f(R)$ gravity have been extensively investigated being the most straightforward way to modify General Relativity and to overcame some of the above shortcomings. In this paper, we review various aspects of $f(R)$ gravity at extragalactic and cosmological levels. In particular, we consider cluster of galaxies, cosmological perturbations, and N-Body simulations, focusing on those models that satisfy both cosmological and local gravity constraints. The perspective is that some classes of $f(R)$ models can be consistently constrained by Large Scale Structure.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2015

Probing Long Gamma Ray Bursts progenitor mass by Gravitational Waves

In this work we present a procedure to infer the mass of progenitors and remnants of Gamma Ray Bursts (GRB), starting from the observed energy $E_{iso}^{GRB}$ emitted isotropically and considering the associated emission of Gravitational Waves (GW) $ E_{iso}^{GW}$ in the different phases. We assume that the GW energy of the progenitor $E_{PROG}^{GW}$ is emitted partially during a star collapse, and the residual energy is related to the GW energy emitted by the remnant. We take a sample of $237$ Long GRB, and use an hybrid Montecarlo procedure to explore, for each of them, a region of possible solutions of $ E_{iso}^{GW}$ as a function of the masses, radii, oblateness, rotation frequencies of progenitor and remnant and the fraction of energy $k$ emitted as GW by the GRB. We discriminate between a Neutron Star (NS) or Black Hole (BH) for the remnant and obtain interesting values for the GW emitted by the remnant NS or BH, for the conversion factor $k$ of and for the masses and radii of GRB progenitor stars. We also obtain remnant populations with mean masses, mean GW frequencies and GRB frequency of GW emission in agreement with the most accepted models.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2015

Noether Symmetry Approach for teleparallel-curvature cosmology

We consider curvature-teleparallel $F(R,T)$ gravity, where the gravitational Lagrangian density is given by an arbitrary function of the Ricci scalar $R$ and the torsion scalar $T$. Using the Noether Symmetry Approach, we show that the functional form of the $F(R, T)$ function, can be determined by the presence of symmetries . Furthermore, we obtain exact solutions through to the presence of conserved quantities and the reduction of cosmological dynamical system. Example of particular cosmological models are considered.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2015

Cosmological inflation in $F(R,\mathcal{G})$ gravity

Cosmological inflation is discussed in the framework of $F(R,{\cal G})$ gravity where $F$ is a generic function of the curvature scalar $R$ and the Gauss-Bonnet topological invariant $\cal G$. The main feature that emerges in this analysis is the fact that this kind of theory can exhaust all the curvature budget related to curvature invariants without considering derivatives of $R,$ $R_{μν}$, $R^λ_{σμν}$ etc. in the action. Cosmological dynamics results driven by two effective masses (lenghts) related to the $R$ scalaron and the $\cal G$ scalaron working respectively at early and very early epochs of cosmic evolution. In this sense, a double inflationary scenario naturally emerges.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2015

The Cosmological Constant as an Eigenvalue of the Hamiltonian constraint in a Varying Speed of Light theory

In the framework of a Varying Speed of Light theory, we study the eigenvalues associated with the Wheeler-DeWitt equation representing the vacuum expectation values associated with the cosmological constant. We find that the Wheeler-DeWitt equation for the Friedmann-Lema\^ıtre-Robertson-Walker metric is completely equivalent to a Sturm-Liouville problem provided that the related eigenvalue and the cosmological constant be identified. The explicit calculation is performed with the help of a variational procedure with trial wave functionals related to the Bessel function of the second kind $K_{ν}\left( x\right) $. We find the existence of a family of eigenvalues associated to a negative power of the scale. Furthermore, we show that at the inflationary scale such a family of eigenvalues does not appear.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2015

Noether Symmetry Approach for Dirac-Born-Infeld Cosmology

We consider the Noether Symmetry Approach for a cosmological model derived from a tachyon scalar field $T$ with a Dirac-Born-Infeld Lagrangian and a potential $V(T)$. Furthermore, we assume a coupled canonical scalar field $ϕ$ with an arbitrary interaction potential $B(T,ϕ)$. Exact solutions are derived consistent with the accelerated behavior of cosmic fluid.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2015

Effective field theory from modified gravity with massive modes

Massive gravitational modes in effective field theories can be recovered by extending General Relativity and taking into account generic functions of the curvature invariants, not necessarily linear in the Ricci scalar R. In particular, adopting the minimal extension of f(R) gravity, an effective field theory with massive modes is straightforwardly recovered. This approach allows to evade shortcomings like ghosts and discontinuities if a suitable choice of expansion parameters is performed.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2014

Topological invariant quintessence

The issues of quintessence and cosmic acceleration can be discussed in the framework of $F(R, {\cal G})$ theories of gravity where $R$ is the Ricci curvature scalar and ${\cal G}$ is the Gauss-Bonnet topological invariant. It is possible to show that such an approach exhausts all the curvature content related to the Riemann tensor giving rise to a fully geometric approach to dark energy.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2014

Probing the physical and mathematical structure of $f(R)$ gravity by PSR $J0348+0432$

There are several approaches to extend General Relativity in order to explain the phenomena related to the Dark Matter and Dark Energy. These theories, generally called Extended Theories of Gravity, can be tested using observations coming from relativistic binary systems as PSR $J0348+0432$. Using a class of analytical $f(R)$-theories, one can construct the first time derivative of orbital period of the binary systems starting from a quadrupolar gravitational emission. Our aim is to set boundaries on the parameters of the theory in order to understand if they are ruled out, or not, by the observations on PSR $J0348+0432$. Finally, we have computed an upper limit on the graviton mass showing that agree with constraint coming from other observations.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2014

Connecting early and late universe by $f(R)$ gravity

Inflation and dark energy are two of the most relevant aspects of modern cosmology. These different epochs provide the universe is passing through accelerated phases soon after the Big-Bang and at present stage of its evolution. In this review paper, we discuss that both eras can be, in principle, described by a geometric picture, under the standard of $f(R)$ gravity. We give the fundamental physics motivations and outline the main ingredients of $f(R)$ inflation, quintessence and cosmography. This wants to be a quick summary of $f(R)$ paradigm without claiming of completeness.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2014

Noether Symmetry Approach in Gauss-Bonnet Cosmology

We discuss the Noether Symmetry Approach in the framework of Gauss-Bonnet cosmology showing that the functional form of the $F(R, {\cal G})$ function, where $R$ is the Ricci scalar and ${\cal G}$ is the Gauss-Bonnet topological invariant, can be determined by the presence of symmetries. Besides, the method allows to find out exact solutions due to the reduction of cosmological dynamical system and the presence of conserved quantities. Some specific cosmological models are worked out

gr-qc↗

arXiv2014

Invariant solutions and Noether symmetries in Hybrid Gravity

Symmetries play a crucial role in physics and, in particular, the Noether symmetries are a useful tool both to select models motivated at a fundamental level, and to find exact solutions for specific Lagrangians. In this work, we consider the application of point symmetries in the recently proposed metric-Palatini Hybrid Gravity in order to select the $f({\cal R})$ functional form and to find analytical solutions for the field equations and for the related Wheeler-DeWitt (WDW) equation. We show that, in order to find out integrable $f({\cal R})$ models, conformal transformations in the Lagrangians are extremely useful. In this context, we explore two conformal transformations of the forms $dτ=N(a) dt$ and $dτ=N(ϕ) dt$. For the former conformal transformation, we found two cases of $f({\cal R})$ functions where the field equations admit Noether symmetries. In the second case, the Lagrangian reduces to a Brans-Dicke-like theory with a general coupling function. For each case, it is possible to transform the field equations by using normal coordinates to simplify the dynamical system and to obtain exact solutions. Furthermore, we perform quantization and derive the WDW equation for the minisuperspace model. The Lie point symmetries for the WDW equation are determined and used to find invariant solutions.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2014

Rotation Curve with MOND and Dark Matter Halo profile for ESO138-G014

This paper is devoted to solve the galactic rotation problem for ESO138-G014 galaxy based on two theories: dark matter and Modified Newtonian Dynamics. Here we did the rotation curve analysis with two possible choices for the dark matter density profile, namely Burkert and Navarro, Frenk and White profiles. The analysis shows the dark matter distribution favored to Burkert profile (cored dark matter). The standard hypothesis for most spiral galaxies are known to be embedded in dark matter haloes has now been overshadowed by Modified Newtonian Dynamics, known as MOND, the leading alternative of dark matter. MOND addresses the problem of a new fundamental constant $a_0$, called the acceleration constant, at which acceleration scale of Newton second law fails to hold. In this respect, we investigate this issue by testing the rotation curve within the MOND framework with the observations to obtain the reliable disk mass, $M_D$. We investigate whether ESO138-G014 is compatible with MOND or dark matter is still favorable for the galactic rotation problem.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2014

Curvature dark energy reconstruction through different cosmographic distance definitions

In the context of $f(\mathcal{R})$ gravity, dark energy is a geometrical fluid with negative equation of state. Since the function $f(\mathcal{R})$ is not known \emph{a priori}, the need of a model independent reconstruction of its shape represents a relevant technique to determine which $f(\mathcal{R})$ model is really favored with respect to others. To this aim, we relate cosmography to a generic $f(\mathcal R)$ and its derivatives in order to provide a model independent investigation at redshift $z \sim 0$. Our analysis is based on the use of three different cosmological distance definitions, in order to alleviate the duality problem, i.e. the problem of which cosmological distance to use with specific cosmic data sets. We therefore consider the luminosity, $d_L$, flux, $d_F$, and angular, $d_A$, distances and we find numerical constraints by the Union 2.1 supernovae compilation and measurement of baryonic acoustic oscillations, at $z_{BAO}=0.35$. We notice that all distances reduce to the same expression, i.e. $d_{L;F;A}\sim\frac{1}{\mathcal H_0}z$, at first order. Thus, to fix the cosmographic series of observables, we impose the initial value of $H_0$ by fitting $\mathcal H_0$ through supernovae only, in the redshift regime $z<0.4$. We find that the pressure of curvature dark energy fluid is slightly lower than the one related to the cosmological constant. This indicates that a possible evolving curvature dark energy realistically fills the current universe. Moreover, the combined use of $d_L,d_F$ and $d_A$ shows that the sign of the acceleration parameter agrees with theoretical bounds, while its variation, namely the jerk parameter, is compatible with $j_0>1$. Finally, we infer the functional form of $f(\mathcal{R})$ by means of a truncated polynomial approximation, in terms of fourth order scale factor $a(t)$.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2014

The Affine Structure of Gravitational Theories: Symplectic Groups and Geometry

We give a geometrical description of gravitational theories from the viewpoint of symmetries and affine structure. We show how gravity, considered as a gauge theory, can be consistently achieved by the nonlinear realization of the conformal-affine group in an indirect manner: due the partial isomorphism between $CA\left( 3,1\right) $ and the centrally extended $Sp\left( 8\right) $, we perform a nonlinear realization of the centrally extended (CE)$Sp\left( 8\right) $ in its semi-simple version. In particular, starting from the bundle structure of gravity, we derive the conformal-affine Lie algebra and then, by the non-linear realization, we define the coset field transformations, the Cartan forms and the inverse Higgs constraints. Finally we discuss the geometrical Lagrangians where all the information on matter fields and their interactions can be contained.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2013

Cosmological implications of a viable non-analytical f(R) model

Power-law corrections (having the exponent strictly between 2 and 3) to the Einstein-Hilbert action yield an extended theory of gravity which is consistent with Solar-System tests and properly reproduces the main phases of the Universe thermal history. We find two distinct constraints for the characteristic length scale of the model: a lower bound from the Solar-System test and an upper bound by requiring the existence of the matter-dominated era. We also show how the extended framework can accommodate the existence of an early de Sitter phase. Within the allowed range of characteristic length scales, the relation between the expansion rate and the energy scale of inflation is modified, yielding a value of the rate several orders of magnitude smaller than in the standard picture. The observational implication of this fact is that a tiny value of the tensor-to-scalar ratio is expected in the extended framework. The suppression of primordial tensor modes also implies that the inflationary scale can be made arbitrarily close to the Planck one according to the current limits. Finally, an analysis of the propagation of gravitational waves on a Robertson-Walker background is addressed.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2013

Cosmographic Constraints and Cosmic Fluids

The problem of reproducing dark energy effects is reviewed here with particular interest devoted to cosmography. We summarize some of the most relevant cosmological models, based on the assumption that the corresponding barotropic equations of state evolve as the universe expands, giving rise to the accelerated expansion. We describe in detail the $Λ$CDM ($Λ$-Cold Dark Matter) and $ω$CDM models, considering also some specific examples, e.g., Chevallier-Polarsky-Linder, the Chaplygin gas and the Dvali-Gabadadze-Porrati cosmological model. Finally, we consider the cosmological consequences of $f(\mathcal{R})$ and $f(\mathcal{T})$ gravities and their impact on the framework of cosmography. Keeping these considerations in mind, we point out the \emph{model-independent} procedure related to cosmography, showing how to match the series of cosmological observables to the free parameters of each model. We critically discuss the role played by cosmography, as a \emph{selection criterion} to check whether a particular model passes or does not present cosmological constraints. In so doing, we find out cosmological bounds by fitting the luminosity distance expansion of the redshift, z, adopting the recent Union 2.1 dataset of supernovae, combined with the baryonic acoustic oscillation and the cosmic microwave background measurements. We perform cosmographic analyses, imposing different priors on the Hubble rate present value. In addition, we compare our results with recent PLANCK limits, showing that the $Λ$CDM and $ω$CDM models seem to be the favorite with respect to other dark energy models. However, we show that cosmographic constraints on $f(\mathcal{R})$ and $f(\mathcal{T})$ cannot discriminate between extensions of General Relativity and dark energy models, leading to a disadvantageous degeneracy problem.

gr-qc↗