arXiv subjects

Ozgur Akarsu

Publications and source records attributed to Ozgur Akarsu.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

arXiv2021

Relaxing cosmological tensions with a sign switching cosmological constant

Inspired by the recent conjecture originated from graduated dark energy that the Universe has recently transitioned from anti-de Sitter vacua to de Sitter vacua, we extend the $Λ$CDM model by a cosmological constant ($Λ_{\rm s}$) that switches sign at a certain redshift $z_\dagger$, and we call this model $Λ_{\rm s}$CDM. We discuss the construction and theoretical features of this model and find out that, when the consistency of $Λ_{\rm s}$CDM with the CMB data is ensured, (i) $z_\dagger\gtrsim1.1$ is implied by the condition that the Universe monotonically expands, (ii) $H_0$ and $M_B$ (type Ia supernovae absolute magnitude) values are inversely correlated with $z_\dagger$ and reach $H_0\approx74.5~{\rm km\, s^{-1}\, Mpc^{-1}}$ and $M_B\approx-19.2\,{\rm mag}$ for $z_\dagger=1.5$, in agreement with the SH0ES measurements, and (iii) $H(z)$ presents an excellent fit to the Ly-$α$ measurements provided that $z_\dagger\lesssim 2.34$. We further investigate the model constraints by using the full Planck CMB data set, with and without BAO data. We find that the CMB data alone does not constrain $z_\dagger$, but the CMB+BAO data set favors the sign switch of $Λ_{\rm s}$ providing the constraint: $z_\dagger=2.44\pm0.29$ (68% C.L.). Our analysis reveals that the lower and upper limits of $z_\dagger$ are controlled by the Galaxy and Ly-$α$ BAO measurements, respectively, and the larger $z_{\dagger}$ values imposed by the Galaxy BAO data prevent the model from achieving the highest local $H_0$ measurements. In general, $Λ_{\rm s}$CDM (i) relaxes the $H_0$ tension while being fully consistent with the TRGB measurements, (ii) relaxes the $M_B$ tension, (iii) removes the discrepancy with the Ly-$α$ measurements, (iv) relaxes the $S_8$ tension, and (v) finds a better agreement with the BBN constraints on the physical baryon density. [Abridged]

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2021

Simple-graduated dark energy and spatial curvature

In this work, we first discuss the possibility that dark energy models with negative energy density values in the past can alleviate the $H_0$ tension, as well as the discrepancy with the baryon acoustic oscillation (BAO) Lyman-$α$ data, both which prevail within the $Λ$CDM model. We then investigate whether two minimal extensions of the $Λ$CDM model, together or separately, can successfully realize such a scenario: (i) the spatial curvature, which, in the case of spatially closed universe, mimics a negative density source and (ii) simple-graduated dark energy (gDE), which promotes the null inertial mass density of the usual vacuum energy to an arbitrary constant--if negative, the corresponding energy density decreases with redshift similar to the phantom models, but unlike them crosses below zero at a certain redshift. We find that, when the Planck data are not included in the observational analysis, the models with simple-gDE predict interesting and some significant deviations from the $Λ$CDM model. In particular, a spatially closed universe along with a simple-gDE of positive inertial mass density, which work in contrast to each other, results in minor improvement to the $H_0$ tension. The joint dataset, including the Planck data, presents no evidence for a deviation from spatial flatness but almost the same evidence for a cosmological constant and the simple-gDE with an inertial mass density of order $\mathcal{O}(10^{-12})\,\rm eV^4$. The latter case predicts almost no deviation from the $Λ$CDM model up until today--so that it results in no improvement regarding the BAO Ly-$α$ data--except that it slightly aggravates the $H_0$ tension. We also study via dynamical analysis the history of the Universe in the models, as the simple-gDE results in futures different than the de Sitter future of the $Λ$CDM model.

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arXiv2020

Screening anisotropy via energy-momentum squared gravity: $Λ$CDM model with hidden anisotropy

We construct a generalization of the standard $Λ$CDM model, wherein we simultaneously replace the spatially flat Robertson-Walker metric with its simplest anisotropic generalization (LRS Bianchi I metric), and couple the cold dark matter to the gravity in accordance with the energy-momentum squared gravity (EMSG) of the form $f(T_{μν}T^{μν})\propto T_{μν}T^{μν}$. These two modifications -- namely, two new stiff fluid-like terms of different nature -- can mutually cancel out, i.e., the shear scalar can be screened completely, and reproduce mathematically exactly the same Friedmann equation of the standard $Λ$CDM model. This evades the BBN limits on the anisotropy, and thereby provides an opportunity to manipulate the cosmic microwave background quadrupole temperature fluctuation at the desired amount. We further discuss the consequences of the model on the very early times and far future of the Universe. This study presents also an example of that the EMSG of the form $f(T_{μν}T^{μν})\propto T_{μν}T^{μν}$, as well as similar type other constructions, is not necessarily relevant only to very early Universe but may even be considered in the context of a major problem of the current cosmology related to the present-day Universe, the so-called $H_0$ problem.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2020

Rastall gravity extension of the standard $Λ$CDM model: theoretical features and observational constraints

We present a detailed investigation of the Rastall gravity extension of the standard $Λ$CDM model. We review the model for two simultaneous modifications of different nature in the Friedmann equation due to the Rastall gravity: the new contributions of the material (actual) sources (considered as effective source) and the altered evolution of the material sources. We discuss the role/behavior of these modifications with regard to some low redshift tensions, including the so-called $H_0$ tension, prevailing within the standard $Λ$CDM. We constrain the model at the level of linear perturbations, and obtain the first constraints through a robust and accurate analysis using the latest full Planck CMB data, with and without including BAO data. We find that the Rastall parameter $ε$ (null for general relativity) is consistent with zero at 68\% CL (with a tendency towards positive values, $-0.0001 < ε< 0.0007$ (CMB+BAO) at 68\% CL), which in turn implies no significant statistical evidence for deviation from general relativity, and also a precision of $\mathcal{O}(10^{-4})$ for the coefficient $-1/2$ of the term $g_{μν}R$ in the Einstein field equations of general relativity (guaranteeing the local energy-momentum conservation). We explore the consequences led by the Rastall gravity on the cosmological parameters in the light of the observational analyses. It turns out that the effective source dynamically screens the usual vacuum energy at high redshifts, but this mechanism barely works due to the opposition by the altered evolution of CDM. Consequently, two simultaneous modifications of different nature in the Friedmann equation act against each other, and do not help to considerably relax the so-called low redshift tensions. Our results may offer a guide for the research community that studies the Rastall gravity in various aspects of gravitation and cosmology.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2020

Cosmology Intertwined III: $f σ_8$ and $S_8$

The standard $Λ$ Cold Dark Matter cosmological model provides a wonderful fit to current cosmological data, but a few tensions and anomalies became statistically significant with the latest data analyses. While these anomalies could be due to the presence of systematic errors in the experiments, they could also indicate the need for new physics beyond the standard model. In this Letter of Interest we focus on the tension of the Planck data with weak lensing measurements and redshift surveys, about the value of the matter energy density $Ω_m$, and the amplitude or rate of the growth of structure ($σ_8,fσ_8$). We list a few interesting models for solving this tension, and we discuss the importance of trying to fit with a single model a full array of data and not just one parameter at a time.

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arXiv2020

Cosmology Intertwined II: The Hubble Constant Tension

The current cosmological probes have provided a fantastic confirmation of the standard $Λ$ Cold Dark Matter cosmological model, that has been constrained with unprecedented accuracy. However, with the increase of the experimental sensitivity a few statistically significant tensions between different independent cosmological datasets emerged. While these tensions can be in portion the result of systematic errors, the persistence after several years of accurate analysis strongly hints at cracks in the standard cosmological scenario and the need for new physics. In this Letter of Interest we will focus on the $4.4σ$ tension between the Planck estimate of the Hubble constant $H_0$ and the SH0ES collaboration measurements. After showing the $H_0$ evaluations made from different teams using different methods and geometric calibrations, we will list a few interesting new physics models that could solve this tension and discuss how the next decade experiments will be crucial.

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arXiv2020

Cosmology Intertwined I: Perspectives for the Next Decade

The standard $Λ$ Cold Dark Matter cosmological model provides an amazing description of a wide range of astrophysical and astronomical data. However, there are a few big open questions, that make the standard model look like a first-order approximation to a more realistic scenario that still needs to be fully understood. In this Letter of Interest we will list a few important goals that need to be addressed in the next decade, also taking into account the current discordances present between the different cosmological probes, as the Hubble constant $H_0$ value, the $σ_8 - S_8$ tension, and the anomalies present in the Planck results. Finally, we will give an overview of upgraded experiments and next-generation space-missions and facilities on Earth, that will be of crucial importance to address all these questions.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2020

Cosmology Intertwined IV: The Age of the Universe and its Curvature

A precise measurement of the curvature of the Universe is of primeval importance for cosmology since it could not only confirm the paradigm of primordial inflation but also help in discriminating between different early Universe scenarios. The recent observations, while broadly consistent with a spatially flat standard $Λ$ Cold Dark Matter ($Λ$CDM) model, are showing tensions that still allow (and, in some cases, even suggest) a few percent deviations from a flat universe. In particular, the Planck Cosmic Microwave Background power spectra, assuming the nominal likelihood, prefer a closed universe at more than 99\% confidence level. While new physics could be in action, this anomaly may be the result of an unresolved systematic error or just a statistical fluctuation. However, since a positive curvature allows a larger age of the Universe, an accurate determination of the age of the oldest objects provides a smoking gun in confirming or falsifying the current flat $Λ$CDM model.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2020

Scalar field emulator via anisotropically deformed vacuum energy: Application to dark energy

We introduce a generalization of the usual vacuum energy, called `deformed vacuum energy', which yields anisotropic pressure whilst preserving zero inertial mass density. It couples to the shear scalar in a unique way, such that they together emulate the canonical scalar field with an arbitrary potential. This opens up a new avenue by reconsidering cosmologies based on canonical scalar fields, along with a bonus that the kinetic term of the scalar field is replaced by an observable, the shear scalar. We further elaborate the aspects of this approach in the context of dark energy.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2020

Graduated dark energy: Observational hints of a spontaneous sign switch in the cosmological constant

We study the cosmological constant ($Λ$) in the standard $Λ$CDM model by introducing the \textit{graduated dark energy} (gDE) characterised by a minimal dynamical deviation from the null inertial mass density of the $Λ$ in the form $ρ_{\rm inert}\propto ρ^λ<0$ with $λ<1$ being a ratio of two odd integers, for which its energy density $ρ$ dynamically takes negative values in the finite past. For large negative values of $λ$, it creates a phenomenological model described by a smooth function that approximately describes the $Λ$ spontaneously switching sign in the late universe to become positive today. We confront the model with the latest combined observational data sets of PLK+BAO+SN+$H$. It is striking that the data predict bimodal posterior probability distributions for the parameters of the model along with large negative $λ$ values; the new maximum significantly excludes the $Λ$, and the old maximum contains the $Λ$. The improvement in the goodness of fit for the $Λ$ reaches highly significant levels, $Δχ_{\rm min}^2=6.4$ for the new maxima, while it remains at insignificant levels, $Δχ_{\rm min}^2\lesssim0.02$, for the old maxima. We show that, in contrast to the old maxima, which do not distinguish from the $Λ$, the new maxima agree with the model-independent $H_0$ measurements, high-precision Ly-$α$ data, and model-independent $Omh^2$ diagnostic estimates. Our results provide strong hints of a spontaneous sign switch in the cosmological constant and lead us to conjecture that the universe has transitioned from AdS vacua to dS vacua, at a redshift $z\approx 2.32$ and triggered the late-time acceleration, and suggests looking for such mechanisms in string theory constructions.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2020

Anisotropic massive Brans-Dicke gravity extension of the standard $Λ$CDM model

We present an explicit detailed theoretical and observational investigation of an anisotropic massive Brans-Dicke (BD) gravity extension of the standard $Λ$CDM model, wherein the extension is characterized by two additional degrees of freedom; the BD parameter, $ω$, and the present day density parameter corresponding to the shear scalar, $Ω_{σ^2,0}$. The BD parameter, determining the deviation from general relativity (GR), by alone characterizes both the dynamics of the effective dark energy (DE) and the redshift dependence of the shear scalar. These two affect each other depending on $ω$, namely, the shear scalar contributes to the dynamics of the effective DE, and its anisotropic stress --which does not exist in scalar field models of DE within GR-- controls the dynamics of the shear scalar deviating from the usual $\propto(1+z)^6$ form in GR. We mainly confine the current work to non-negative $ω$ values as it is the right sign --theoretically and observationally-- for investigating the model as a correction to the $Λ$CDM. By considering the current cosmological observations, we find that $ω\gtrsim 250$, $Ω_{σ^2,0}\lesssim 10^{-23}$ and the contribution of the anisotropy of the effective DE to this value is insignificant. We conclude that the simplest anisotropic massive BD gravity extension of the standard $Λ$CDM model exhibits no significant deviations from it all the way to the Big Bang Nucleosynthesis. We also point out the interesting features of the model in the case of negative $ω$ values; for instance, the constraints on $Ω_{σ^2,0}$ could be relaxed considerably, the values of $ω\sim-1$ (relevant to string theories) predict dramatically different dynamics for the expansion anisotropy.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2020

Weak field limit of higher dimensional massive Brans-Dicke gravity: Observational constraints

We consider higher-dimensional massive Brans-Dicke theory with Ricci-flat internal space. The background model is perturbed by a massive gravitating source which is pressureless in the external (our space) but has an arbitrary equation-of-state parameter $Ω$ in the internal space. We obtain the exact solution of the system of linearized equations for the perturbations of the metric coefficients and scalar field. For a massless scalar field, relying on the fine-tuning between the Brans-Dicke parameter $ω$ and $Ω$, we demonstrate that (i) the model does not contradict gravitational tests relevant to the parameterized post-Newtonian parameter $γ$, and (ii) the scalar field is not ghost in the case of nonzero $|Ω|\sim O(1)$ along with the natural value $|ω|\sim O(1)$. In the general case of a massive scalar field, the metric coefficients acquire the Yukawa correction terms, where the Yukawa mass scale $m$ is defined by the mass of the scalar field. For the natural value $ω\sim O(1)$, the inverse-square-law experiments impose the following restriction on the lower bound of the mass: $m\gtrsim 10^{-11}\,$GeV. The experimental constraints on $γ$ requires that $Ω$ must be extremely close to $-1/2$.

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arXiv2019

Screening $Λ$ in a new modified gravity model

We study a new model of Energy-Momentum Squared Gravity (EMSG), called Energy-Momentum Log Gravity (EMLG), constructed by the addition of the term $f(T_{μν}T^{μν})=α\ln(λ\,T_{μν}T^{μν})$, envisaged as a correction, to the Einstein-Hilbert action with cosmological constant $Λ$. The choice of this modification is made as a specific way of including new terms in the right-hand side of the Einstein field equations, resulting in constant effective inertial mass density and, importantly, leading to an explicit exact solution of the matter energy density in terms of redshift. We look for viable cosmologies, in particular, an extension of the standard $Λ$CDM model. EMLG provides an effective dynamical dark energy passing below zero at large redshifts, accommodating a mechanism for screening $Λ$ in this region, in line with suggestions for alleviating some of the tensions that arise between observational data sets within the standard $Λ$CDM model. We present a detailed theoretical investigation of the model and then constrain the free parameter $α'$, a normalisation of $α$, using the latest observational data. The data does not rule out the $Λ$CDM limit of our model ($α'= 0$), but prefers slightly negative values of the EMLG model parameter ($α'= -0.032\pm 0.043$), which leads to the screening of $Λ$. We also discuss how EMLG relaxes the persistent tension that appears in the measurements of $H_0$ within the standard $Λ$CDM model.

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arXiv2019

Constraints on a Bianchi type I spacetime extension of the standard $Λ$CDM model

We consider the simplest anisotropic generalization, as a correction, to the standard $Λ$CDM model, by replacing the spatially flat Robertson-Walker metric by the Bianchi type-I metric, which brings in a new term $Ω_{σ0}a^{-6}$ (mimicking the stiff fluid) in the average expansion rate $H(a)$ of the Universe. From Hubble and Pantheon data, relevant to the late Universe ($z\lesssim 2.4$), we obtain the constraint $Ω_{\sigma0}\lesssim10^{-3}$, in line with the model-independent constraints. When the baryonic acoustic oscillations and cosmic microwave background (CMB) data are included, the constraint improves by 12 orders of magnitude, i.e., $Ω_{\sigma0}\lesssim10^{-15}$. We find that this constraint could alter neither the matter-radiation equality redshift nor the peak of the matter perturbations. Demanding that the expansion anisotropy has no significant effect on the standard big bang nucleosynthesis (BBN), we find the constraint $Ω_{\sigma0}\lesssim10^{-23}$. We show explicitly that the constraint from BBN renders the expansion anisotropy irrelevant to make a significant change in the CMB quadrupole temperature, whereas the constraint from the cosmological data in our model provides the temperature change up to $\sim11\, \rm mK$, though it is much beyond the CMB quadrupole temperature.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2018

Cosmological implications of scale-independent energy-momentum squared gravity: Pseudo nonminimal interactions in dark matter and relativistic relics

In this paper, we introduce a scale-independent energy-momentum squared gravity (EMSG) that allows different gravitational couplings for different types of sources, which may lead to scenarios with many interesting applications/implications in cosmology. In the present study, to begin with, we study a modification of the $Λ$ cold dark matter ($Λ$CDM) model, where photons and baryons couple to the spacetime as in general relativity, while the cold dark matter and relativistic relics (neutrinos and any other relativistic relics) couple to the spacetime in accordance with EMSG. This scenario induces pseudo nonminimal interactions on these components, leading to modification at both the background and perturbative levels. A consequence of this scenario is that the dimensionless free parameter of the theory may induce direct changes on the effective number of the relativistic species, without the need to introduce new extra species. In order to quantify the observational consequences of the cosmological scenario, we use the cosmic microwave background Planck data (temperature, polarization, and lensing power spectrum) and baryonic acoustic oscillations data. We find that the free model parameter is too small to induce statistically significant corrections on the $Λ$CDM model due to EMSG. We deduce that the model presented here is quite rich with promising cosmological applications/implications that deserve further investigations.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2018

Scalar perturbations in cosmological $f(R)$ models: the cosmic screening approach

We investigate cosmological perturbations for nonlinear $f(R)$ models within the cosmic screening approach. Matter is considered both in the form of a set of discrete point-like massive bodies and in the form of a continuous pressureless perfect fluid. We perform full relativistic analysis of the first-order theory of scalar perturbations for arbitrary nonlinear $f(R)$ models and demonstrate that scalar potentials $Φ(t,\mathbf{r})$ and $Ψ(t,\mathbf{r})$ are determined by a system of only two master equations. Our equations are applicable at all spatial scales as long as the approximation $δR/\bar R \ll 1$ (which is usually assumed in studies devoted to cosmological perturbations in $f(R)$ models) works.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2018

Constraint on energy-momentum squared gravity from neutron stars and its cosmological implications

Deviations from the predictions of general relativity due to energy-momentum squared gravity (EMSG) are expected to become pronounced in the high density cores of neutron stars. We derive the hydrostatic equilibrium equations in EMSG and solve them numerically to obtain the neutron star mass-radius relations for four different realistic equations of state. We use the existing observational measurements of the masses and radii of neutron stars to constrain the free parameter, $α,$ that characterizes the coupling between matter and spacetime in EMSG. We show that $-10^{-38}\,\mathrm{cm^{3}/erg}<α<+10^{-37}\,\mathrm{cm^{3}/erg}$. Under this constraint, we discuss what contributions EMSG can provide to the physics of neutron stars, in particular, their relevance to the so called \textit{hyperon puzzle} in neutron stars. We also discuss how EMSG alters the dynamics of the early universe from the predictions of the standard cosmological model. We show that EMSG leaves the standard cosmology safely unaltered back to $t\sim 10^{-4}$ seconds at which the energy density of the universe is $\sim 10^{34}\,\mathrm{erg\,cm^{-3}}$.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2018

Cosmic acceleration in dust only Universe via energy-momentum powered gravity

We propose a modified theory of gravitation constructed by the addition of the term $f(T_{μν}T^{μν})$ to the Einstein-Hilbert action, and elaborate a particular case $f(T_{μν}T^{μν})=α(T_{μν}T^{μν})^η$, where $α$ and $η$ are real constants, dubbed as energy-momentum powered gravity (EMPG). We search for viable cosmologies arising from EMPG especially in the context of the late-time accelerated expansion of the Universe. We investigate the ranges of the EMPG parameters $(α,η)$ on theoretical as well as observational grounds leading to the late-time acceleration of the Universe with pressureless matter only, while keeping the successes of standard general relativity at early times. We find that $η=0$ corresponds to the $Λ$CDM model, whereas $η\neq 0$ leads to a $w$CDM-type model. However, the underlying physics of the EMPG model is entirely different in the sense that the energy in the EMPG Universe is sourced by pressureless matter only. Moreover, the energy of the pressureless matter is not conserved, namely, in general it does not dilute as $ρ\propto a^{-3}$ with the expansion of the Universe. Finally, we constrain the parameters of an EMPG-based cosmology with a recent compilation of 28 Hubble parameter measurements, and find that this model describes an evolution of the Universe similar to that in the $Λ$CDM model. We briefly discuss that EMPG can be unified with Starobinsky gravity to describe the complete history of the Universe including the inflationary era.

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