arXiv subjects

Quentin Vigneron

Publications and source records attributed to Quentin Vigneron.

17 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

An off-shell conformally invariant Galilean Weyl tensor

We propose a manifestly conformally invariant off-shell definition of the Weyl tensor in Galilean geometry. We also propose definitions for the electric and magnetic parts thereof. For the latter to vanish, observers with specific kinematical properties need to exist. While this is guaranteed by the Newton--Cartan equation, it might not be true for other Galilean invariant theories. Therefore, we propose that imposing the existence of observers for which the off-shell magnetic part is zero should be a necessary condition for a Galilean invariant theory to be called `Newtonian', in the spirit of the `Newtonian' condition, introduced by Trautman, in standard Newton--Cartan gravity. As a side result, we also show that there exists a unique Galilean boost-invariant connection that can be built from a Galilean structure and a choice of Coriolis field, even when the clock form is not closed. No extra structure is needed, contrasting with the standard approach used to construct boost-invariant connections which introduces a mass gauge field.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2026

Weyl-type theorems in Galilei and Carroll geometry

A classic theorem of Weyl (1921) states that a Weyl metric -- a natural generalisation of a pseudo-Riemannian metric -- is uniquely determined by its conformal and projective structures (i.e. by its conformal structure and its set of unparametrised geodesics). An equivalent formulation of Weyl's result is that a torsion-free linear connection compatible with a pseudo-Riemannian conformal structure is uniquely determined by its projective structure. We discuss analogous results for suitably defined notions of conformal structure for Galilei and Carroll geometry, i.e. for spacetime geometries arising as the `non-relativistic' and `ultra-relativistic' limits of Lorentzian geometry.

math-ph↗

arXiv2026

General formalism, classification, and demystification of the current warp-drive spacetimes

We critically examine proposals for the so-called warp-drive spacetimes and classify these models based on their various restrictions within the framework of General Relativity. We then provide a summary of general formalism for each class, and in the process, we highlight some misconceptions, misunderstandings, and errors in the literature that have been used to support claims about the physicality and feasibility of these models. On the way, we prove several new no-go theorems. Our analysis shows that when the principles of General Relativity are applied correctly, most claims regarding physical warp drives must be reassessed, and it becomes highly challenging to justify or support the viability of such models, not merely due to the violation of energy conditions.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2025

Bianchi cosmologies in a Thurston-based theory of gravity

The strong interplay between Bianchi--Kantowski--Sachs (BKS) spacetimes and Thurston geometries motivates the exploration of the role of topology in our understanding of gravity. As such, we study non-tilted BKS solutions of a theory of gravity that explicitly depends on Thurston geometries. We show that shear-free solutions with perfect fluid, as well as static vacuum solutions, exist for all topologies. Moreover, we prove that, aside from non-rotationally-symmetric Bianchi II models, all BKS metrics isotropize in the presence of a positive cosmological constant, and that recollapse is never possible when the weak energy condition is satisfied. This contrasts with General Relativity (GR), where these two properties fail for Bianchi IX and KS metrics. No additional parameters compared to GR are required for these results. We discuss, in particular, how this framework might allow for simple inflationary models in any topology.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2025

Affine connections for Galilean and Carrollian structures: a unified perspective

We develop a classification of general Carrollian structures, permitting affine connections with both torsion and non-metricity. We compare with a recent classification of general Galilean structures in order to present a unified perspective on both. Moreover, we demonstrate how both sets of structures emerge from the most general possible Lorentzian structures in their respective limits, and we highlight the role of global hyperbolicity in constraining both structures. We then leverage this work in order to construct for the first time an ultra-relativistic geometric trinity of gravitational theories, and consider connections which are simultaneously compatible with Galilean and Carrollian structures. We close by outlining a number of open questions and future prospects.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2024

A natural model for curved inflation

Inflationary models with a non-zero background curvature require additional hypothesis or parameters compared to flat inflation and the procedure to construct them cannot be as simple as in the flat case. For this reason, there is no consensus on the primordial power spectrum that should be considered at large scales in a curved Universe. In this letter, we propose a model of curved inflation in which the usual canonical quantization and Bunch-Davies vacuum choice of the flat case can be considered. The framework is a recently proposed modification of general relativity in which a non-dynamical topological term is added to the Einstein equation. The model is universal as it is the same for any background curvature, and no additional parameters or hypothesis on the initial spatial curvature are introduced. This gives a natural and simple solution to the problem of constructing curved inflation, and at the same time provides an additional argument for this topological modification of general relativity.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2023

Topologically modified Einstein equation: a solution with singularities on $\mathbb{S}^3$

Vigneron [Foundations of Physics, 54, 15, (2024)] recently proposed a modification of general relativity in which a non-dynamical term related to the spatial topology is introduced in the Einstein equation. The original motivation for this theory is to allow for the non-relativistic limit to exist in any physical topology. In the present paper, we derive a first inhomogeneous exact vacuum solution of this theory for a spherical topology, assuming staticity and spherical symmetry. The metric represents a black hole and a repulsive singularity at opposite poles of a 3-sphere. The solution is similar to the Schwarzschild metric, but the spacelike infinity is cut, and replaced by a repulsive singularity at finite distance, implying that the spacelike hypersurfaces have finite volume, and the total mass is zero. We discuss how this solution paves the way to massive, non-static solutions of this theory, more directly relevant for cosmology.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2023

The Non-Relativistic Geometric Trinity of Gravity

The geometric trinity of gravity comprises three distinct formulations of general relativity: (i) the standard formulation describing gravity in terms of spacetime curvature, (ii) the teleparallel equivalent of general relativity describing gravity in terms of spacetime torsion, and (iii) the symmetric teleparallel equivalent of general relativity (STEGR) describing gravity in terms of spacetime non-metricity. In this article, we complete a geometric trinity of non-relativistic gravity, by (a) taking the non-relativistic limit of STEGR to determine its non-relativistic analogue, and (b) demonstrating that this non-metric theory is equivalent to the Newton--Cartan theory and its teleparallel equivalent, i.e., the curvature and the torsion based non-relativistic theories that are both geometrised versions of classical Newtonian gravity.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2022

Is expansion blind to the spatial curvature?

In [arXiv:2204.13980], we proposed and motivated a modification of the Einstein equation as a function of the topology of the Universe in the form of a bi-connection theory. The new equation features an additional "topological term" related to a second non-dynamical reference connection and chosen as a function of the spacetime topology. In the present paper, we analyse the consequences for cosmology of this modification. First, we show that expansion becomes blind to the spatial curvature in this new theory, i.e. the expansion laws do not feature the spatial curvature parameter anymore (i.e. $\Omega_{\not= K} = 1, \ \forall \, \Omega_K$), while this curvature is still present in the evaluation of distances. Second, we derive the first order perturbations of this homogeneous solution. Two additional gauge invariant variables coming from the reference connection are present compared with general relativity: a scalar and a vector mode, both sourced by the shear of the cosmic fluid. Finally, we confront this model with observations. The differences with the $\Lambda$CDM model are negligible, in particular, the Hubble and curvature tensions are still present. Nevertheless, since the main difference between the two models is the influence of the background spatial curvature on the dynamics, an increased precision on the measure of that parameter might allow us to observationally distinguish them.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2022

Non-relativistic regime and topology: topological term in the Einstein equation

We study the non-relativistic (NR) limit of relativistic spacetimes in relation with the topology of the Universe. We first show that the NR limit of the Einstein equation is only possible in Euclidean topologies, i.e. for which the covering space is $\mathbb{E}^3$. We interpret this result as an inconsistency of general relativity in non-Euclidean topologies and propose a modification of that theory which allows for the limit to be performed in any topology. For this, a second reference non-dynamical connection is introduced in addition to the physical spacetime connection. The choice of reference connection is related to the covering space of the spacetime topology. Instead of featuring only the physical spacetime Ricci tensor, the modified Einstein equation features the difference between the physical and the reference Ricci tensors. This theory should be considered instead of general relativity if one wants to study a model universe with a non-Euclidean topology and admitting a non-relativistic limit.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2022

Gravitational potential in spherical topologies

We study the properties of the Newtonian gravitational potential in a spherical Universe for different topologies. For this, we use the non-Euclidean Newtonian theory developed in Vigneron [2022, Class. & Quantum Gravity, 39, 155006] describing Newtonian gravitation in a spherical or hyperbolic Universe. The potential is calculated for a point mass in all the globally homogeneous regular spherical topologies, i.e. whose fundamental domain is unique and is a platonic solid. We provide the exact solution and the Taylor expansion series of the potential at a test position near the point mass. We show that the odd terms of the expansion can be interpreted as coming from the presence of a non-zero spatial scalar curvature, while the even terms relate to the closed nature of the topological space. A consequence is that, compared to the point mass solution in a 3-torus, widely used in Newtonian cosmological simulations, the spherical cases all feature an additional attractive first order term dependent solely on the spatial curvature. The choice of topology only affects the potential at second order and higher. For typical estimates of cosmological scales (curvature and topology), the strongest topological effect occurs in the case of the Poincar\'e dodecahedral space, but in general the effect of curvature dominates over topology. We also provide the set of equations that can be used to perform $N$-body simulations of structure formation in spherical topologies.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2022

On non-Euclidean Newtonian theories and their cosmological backreaction

Constructing an extension of Newton's theory which is defined on a non-Euclidean topology (in the sense of Thurston's decomposition), called a non-Euclidean Newtonian theory, corresponding to the zeroth order of a non-relativistic limit of general relativity is an important step in the study of the backreaction problem in cosmology and might be a powerful tool to study the influence of global topology on structure formation. After giving a precise mathematical definition of such a theory, based on the concept of Galilean manifolds, we propose two such extensions, for spherical or hyperbolic topologies, using a minimal modification of the Newton-Cartan equations. However as for now we do not seek to justify this modification from general relativity. The first proposition features a non-zero cosmological backreaction, but the presence of gravitomagnetism and the impossibility of performing exact $N$-body calculations make this theory difficult to be interpreted as a Newtonian-like theory. The second proposition features no backreaction, exact $N$-body calculation is possible and no gravitomagnetism appears. In absence of a justification from general relativity, we argue that this non-Euclidean Newtonian theory should be the one to be considered, and could be used to study the influence of topology on structure formation via $N$-body simulations. For this purpose we give the mass point gravitational field in $\mathbb{S}^3$.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2021

Is backreaction in cosmology a relativistic effect? On the need for an extension of Newton's theory to non-Euclidean topologies

Cosmological backreaction corresponds to the effect of inhomogeneities of structure on the global expansion of the Universe. The main question surrounding this phenomenon is whether or not it is important enough to lead to measurable effects on the scale factor evolution eventually explaining its acceleration or the Hubble tension. One of the most important result on this subject is the Buchert-Ehlers theorem (Buchert \& Ehlers, 1997) stating that backreaction is exactly zero when calculated using Newton's theory of gravitation, which may not be the case in general relativity. It is generally said that this result implies that backreaction is a purely relativistic effect. We will show that this is not necessarily the case, in the sense that this implication does not apply to a universe which is still well described by Newton's theory on small scales but has a non-Euclidean topology. The theorem should therefore be generalised to account for such a scenario. In a heuristic calculation where we construct a theory which is locally Newtonian but defined on a non-Euclidean topology, we show that backreaction is non-zero, meaning that it might be non-relativistic depending on the topological class of our Universe. However, that construction is not unique and remains to be justified from a non-relativistic limit of general relativity.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2020

The 1+3-Newton-Cartan system and Newton-Cartan cosmology

We perform a covariant 1+3 split of the Newton-Cartan equations. The resulting 3-dimensional system of equations, called \textit{the 1+3-Newton-Cartan equations}, is structurally equivalent to the 1+3-Einstein equations. In particular it features the momentum constraint, and a choice of adapted coordinates corresponds to a choice of shift vector. We show that these equations reduce to the classical Newton equations without the need for special Galilean coordinates. The solutions to the 1+3-Newton-Cartan equations are equivalent to the solutions of the classical Newton equations if space is assumed to be compact or if fall-off conditions at infinity are assumed. We then show that space expansion arises as a fundamental field in Newton-Cartan theory, and not by construction as in the classical formulation of Newtonian cosmology. We recover the Buchert-Ehlers theorem for the general expansion law in Newtonian cosmology.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2020

1+3 formulation of Newton's equations

We present in this paper a 4-dimensional formulation of the Newton equations for gravitation on a Lorentzian manifold, inspired from the 1+3 and 3+1 formalisms of general relativity. We first show that the freedom on the coordinate velocity of a general time-parametrised coordinate system with respect to a Galilean reference system is similar to the shift freedom in the 3+1-formalism of general relativity. This allows us to write Newton's theory as living in a 4-dimensional Lorentzian manifold $M^N$. This manifold can be chosen to be curved depending on the dynamics of the Newtonian fluid. In this paper, we focus on a specific choice for $M^N$ leading to what we call the \textit{1+3-Newton equations}. We show that these equations can be recovered from general relativity with a Newtonian limit performed in the rest frames of the relativistic fluid. The 1+3 formulation of the Newton equations along with the Newtonian limit we introduce also allow us to define a dictionary between Newton's theory and general relativity. This dictionary is defined in the rest frames of the dust fluid, i.e. a non-accelerating observer. A consequence of this is that it is only defined for irrotational fluids. As an example supporting the 1+3-Newton equations and our dictionary, we show that the parabolic free-fall solution in 1+3-Newton exactly translates into the Schwarzschild spacetime, and this without any approximations. The dictionary might then be an additional tool to test the validity of Newtonian solutions with respect to general relativity. It however needs to be further tested for non-vacuum, non-stationary and non-isolated Newtonian solutions, as well as to be adapted for rotational fluids. One of the main applications we consider for the 1+3 formulation of Newton's equations is to define new models suited for the study of backreaction and global topology in cosmology.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2019

Dark Matter from Backreaction? Collapse models on galaxy cluster scales

In inhomogeneous cosmology, restricting attention to an irrotational dust matter model, backreaction arises in terms of the deviation of the averaged spatial scalar curvature from a constant-curvature model on some averaging domain $D$, $W_D$, and the kinematical backreaction $Q_D$. These backreaction variables can be modeled as an effective scalar field, called the `morphon field'. The general cosmological equations still need a closure condition to be solved. A simple example is the class of scaling solutions where $W_D$ and $Q_D$ are assumed to follow a power law of the volume scale factor $a_D$. But while they can describe models of quintessence, these and other models still assume the existence of dark matter in addition to the known sources. Going beyond scaling solutions by using a model for structure formation that we argue is reasonably generic, we investigate the correspondence between the morphon field and fundamental scalar field dark matter models, in order to describe dark matter as an effective phenomenon arising from kinematical backreaction and the averaged spatial curvature of the inhomogeneous Universe. While we find significant differences with those fundamental models, our main result is that the energy budget on typical collapsing domains is provided by curvature and matter in equal parts already around the turn-around time, leading to curvature dominance thereafter and increasing to a curvature contribution of $3/4$ of the energy budget at the onset of virialization. Kinematical backreaction is subdominant at early stages, but its importance rises quickly after turn-around and dominates the curvature contribution in the final phase of the collapse. We conclude that backreaction can indeed mimic dark matter (in the energy budget) during the collapse phase of megaparsec-scale structures.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2018

Tidal disruption of stars in a supermassive black hole binary system: the influence of orbital properties on fallback and accretion rates

The disruption of a star by a supermassive black hole generates a sudden bright flare. Previous studies have focused on the disruption by single black holes, for which the fallback rate decays as~$\propto t^{-5/3}$. In this paper, we generalise the study to the case of a supermassive black hole binary (SMBHB), using both analytical estimates and hydrodynamical simulations, looking for specific observable signatures. The range of binary separation for which it is possible to distinguish between the disruption created by a single or a binary black hole concerns typically separations of order a few milliparsecs for a primary of mass $\sim 10^6M_{\odot}$. When the fallback rate is affected by the secondary, it undergoes two types interruptions, depending on the initial inclination $θ$ of the orbit of the star relative to the plane of the SMBHB. For $θ\lesssim 70^\circ$, periodic sharp interruptions occur and the time of first interruption depends on the distance of the secondary black hole with the debris. If $θ\gtrsim 70^\circ$, a first smooth interruption occurs, but not always followed by a further recovery of the fallback rate. This implies that most of the TDEs around a SMBHB will undergo periodic sharp interruptions of their lightcurve.

astro-ph.HE↗