arXiv subjects

Radouane Gannouji

Publications and source records attributed to Radouane Gannouji.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

arXiv2019

Relativistic cosmological large scale structures at one-loop

The large scale structure bispectrum in the squeezed limit couples large with small scales. Since relativity is important at large scales and non-linear loop corrections are important at small scales, the proper calculation of the observed bispectrum in this limit requires a non-linear relativistic calculation. We compute the matter bispectrum in general relativity in the weak field approximation. The calculation is as involved as existing second-order results. We find several differences with the Newtonian calculation such as the non-cancellation of IR divergences, the need to renormalize the background, and the fact that initial conditions must be set at second order in perturbation theory. For the bispectrum, we find relativistic corrections to be as large as the newtonian result in the squeezed limit. In that limit relativistic one-loop contributions, which we compute for the first time, can be as large as tree level results and have the same $1/k^2$ dependence as a primordial local non-Gaussianity signal where $k$ is the momentum approaching zero. Moreover, we find the time dependence of the relavistic corrections to the bispectrum to be the same as that of a primordial non-Gaussianity signal.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2019

Bigravity and Horndeski gravity connected by a disformal coupling

In this paper, we have studied bi-gravity theory in a very specific limit where we focused only on one degree of freedom generated by the massive graviton. We have analyzed the model in the context of cosmology and demonstrated that the model can give rise to late time cosmic acceleration as an attractor of the dynamical system. However, the observational constraints due to tensor perturbations are stringent giving rise to large fine tuning.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2018

On the consistency of the expansion with the perturbations

Assuming a simple form for the growth index gamma(z) depending on two parameters gamma_0 = gamma(z=0) and gamma_1 = gamma'(z=0), we show that these parameters can be constrained using background expansion data. We explore systematically the preferred region in this parameter space. Inside General Relativity we obtain that models with a quasi-static growth index and gamma_1 = -0.02 are favoured. We find further the lower bounds gamma_0 > 0.53 and gamma_1 > -0.15 for models inside GR. Models outside GR having the same background expansion as LCDM and arbitrary gamma(z) with gamma_0 = gamma_0^{LCDM}, satisfy G_{eff,0}>G for gamma_1 > gamma_1^{LCDM}, and G_{eff,0}<G for gamma_1 < gamma_1^{LCDM}. The first models will cross downwards the value G_{eff}=G on very low redshifts z<0.3, while the second models will cross upwards G_{eff}=G in the same redshift range. This makes the realization of such modified gravity models even more problematic.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2018

Consistency of Modified Gravity with a decreasing $G_{\rm eff}(z)$ in a $Λ$CDM background

Recent analyses \cite{Nesseris:2017vor,Kazantzidis:2018rnb} have indicated that an effective Newton's constant $G_{\rm eff}(z)$ decreasing with redshift may relieve the observed tension between the Planck15 best fit $Λ$CDM cosmological background ({\it i.e.} Planck15/$Λ$CDM) and the corresponding $Λ$CDM background favored by growth $fσ_8$ and weak lensing data. We investigate the consistency of such a decreasing $G_{\rm eff}(z)$ with some viable scalar-tensor models and $f(R)$ theories. We stress that $f(R)$ theories generically can not lead to a decreasing $G_{\rm eff}(z)$ for any cosmological background. For scalar-tensor models we deduce that in the context of a $Λ$CDM cosmological background, a decreasing $G_{\rm eff}(z)$ is not consistent with a large Brans-Dicke parameter $ω_{BD,0}$ today. This inconsistency remains and amplifies in the presence of a phantom dark energy equation of state parameter ($w < -1$). However it can be avoided for $w >-1$. We also find that any modified gravity model with the required decreasing $G_{\rm eff}(z)$ and $G_{{\rm eff},0}=G$, would have a characteristic signature in its growth index $γ$ with $0.61\lesssim γ_0\lesssim 0.69$ and large slopes $γ_0'$, $0.16\lesssim γ_0'\lesssim 0.4$, which is a characteristic signature of a decreasing (with $z$) $G_{\rm eff}(z)<G$ on small redshifts. This is a substantial departure today from the quasi-static behaviour in $Λ$CDM with $(γ_0,γ_0')\approx (0.55,-0.02)$.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2017

Black hole stability under odd-parity perturbations in Horndeski gravity

We study the stability under linear odd-parity perturbations of static spherically symmetric black holes in Horndeski gravity. We derive the master equation for these perturbations and obtain the conditions of no-ghost and Laplacian instability. In order for the black hole solutions to be stable, we study their generalized "Regge-Wheeler potential". It turns out that the problem is reduced to an algebraic problem where three functions characterizing the black hole should be positive outside the horizon to prove the stability. We found that these conditions are similar to the no-ghost and Laplacian instability conditions. We apply our results to various known solutions.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2017

Global structure of static spherically symmetric solutions surrounded by quintessence

We investigate all static spherically symmetric solutions in the context of general relativity surrounded by a minimally-coupled quintessence field, using dynamical system analysis. Applying the 1+1+2 formalism and introducing suitable normalized variables involving the Gaussian curvature, we were able to reformulate the field equations as first order differential equations. In the case of a massless canonical scalar field we recovered all known black hole results, such as the Fisher solution, and we found that apart from the Schwarzschild solution all other solutions are naked singularities. Additionally, we identified the symmetric phase space which corresponds to the white hole part of the solution and in the case of a phantom field, we were able to extract the conditions for the existence of wormholes and define all possible class of solutions such as Cold Black holes, singular spacetimes and wormholes like Ellis wormhole, for example. For an exponential potential, we found that the black hole solution which is asymptotically flat is unique and it is the Schwarzschild spacetime, while all other solutions are naked singularities. Furthermore, we found solutions connecting to a white hole through a maximum radius, and not a minimum radius (throat) such as wormhole solutions, therefore violating the flare-out condition. Finally, we have found a necessary and sufficient condition on the form of the potential to have an asymptotically AdS spacetime along with a necessary condition for the existence of asymptotically flat black holes.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2015

Gauss-Bonnet Inflation

We consider an Einstein-Scalar-Gauss-Bonnet gravitational theory, and argue that at early times the Ricci scalar can be safely ignored. We then demonstrate that the pure scalar-Gauss-Bonnet theory, with a quadratic coupling function, naturally supports inflationary -- de Sitter -- solutions. During inflation, the scalar field decays exponentially and its effective potential remains always bounded. The theory contains also solutions where these de Sitter phases possess a natural exit mechanism and are replaced by linearly expanding -- Milne -- phases.

hep-th↗

arXiv2015

Early-time cosmological solutions in Einstein-scalar-Gauss-Bonnet theory

In this work, we consider a generalised gravitational theory that contains the Einstein term, a scalar field and the quadratic Gauss-Bonnet term. We focus on the early-universe dynamics, and demonstrate that a simple choice of the coupling function between the scalar field and the Gauss-Bonnet term and a simplifying assumption regarding the role of the Ricci scalar can lead to new, analytical, elegant solutions with interesting characteristics. We first argue, and demonstrate in the context of two different models, that the presence of the Ricci scalar in the theory at early times, when the curvature is strong, does not affect the actual cosmological solutions. By considering therefore a pure scalar-GB theory with a quadratic coupling function we derive a plethora of interesting, analytic solutions: for a negative coupling parameter, we obtain inflationary, de Sitter-type solutions or expanding solutions with a de Sitter phase in their past and a natural exit mechanism at later times; for a positive coupling function, we find instead singularity-free solutions with no Big-Bang singularity. We show that the aforementioned solutions arise only for this particular choice of coupling function, a result that may hint to some fundamental role that this coupling function may hold in the context of an ultimate theory.

hep-th↗

arXiv2014

Global structure of Black Holes via dynamical system

We recast the system of Einstein field equations for Locally Rotationally Symmetric spacetimes into an autonomous system of covariantly defined geometrical variables. The analysis of this autonomous system gives all the important global features of the maximal extension of these spacetimes. We conclude that the dynamical system analysis can be a powerful mathematical tool for qualitative understanding of the global structure of spacetimes covariantly, without actually solving the field equations.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2014

Stability and existence analysis of static black holes in pure Lovelock theories

In this paper, we study existence and stability of static black holes in Lovelock theories with a particular focus on pure Lovelock black holes. We derive the equation of stability from action without using S-deformation approach. It turns out that though pure-Lovelock black hole in even dimension is always unstable, however introduction of $Λ$ stablizes it by prescribing a lower threshold mass while there also exists an upper bound on mass which is given by existence of horizon. We also study stability of dimensionally continued black holes as well as of pure Lovelock analogue of BTZ black hole in all odd dimensions.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2014

Neutron stars in Starobinsky model

We study the structure of neutron stars in $f(R)=R+αR^{2}$ theory of gravity (Starobinsky model), in an exact and non-perturbative approach. In this model, apart from the standard General Relativistic junction conditions, two extra conditions, namely the continuity of the curvature scalar and its first derivative needs to be satisfied. For an exterior Schwarzschild solution, the curvature scalar and its derivative has to be zero at the stellar surface. We show that for some equation of state (EoS) of matter, matching all conditions at the surface of the star is impossible. Hence the model brings two major fine-tuning problems: (i) only some particular classes of EoS are consistent with Schwarzschild at the surface and (ii) given that EoS, only a very particular set of boundary conditions at the centre of the star will satisfy the given boundary conditions at the surface. Hence we show that this model (and subsequently many other f(R) models where uniqueness theorem is valid) is highly unnatural, for the existence of compact astrophysical objects. This is because the EoS of a compact star should be completely determined by the physics of nuclear matter at high density and not the theory of gravity.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2013

Quasi-dilaton non-linear massive gravity: Investigations of background cosmological dynamics

We investigate cosmological behavior in the quasi-Dilaton non-linear massive gravity. We perform a detailed dynamical analysis and examine the stable late-time solutions relevant to late time cosmic acceleration. We demonstrate that a dark-energy dominated, cosmological-constant-like solution is a late attractor of the dynamics. We also analyze the evolution of the universe at intermediate times, showing that the observed epoch sequence can be easily obtained in the model under consideration. Furthermore, we study the non-singular bounce and the cosmological turnaround which can be realized for a region of the parameter space. Last but not least, we use observational data from Type Ia Supernovae (SNIa), Baryon Acoustic Oscillations (BAO) and Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB), in order to constrain the parameters of the theory.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2012

Light mass galileons: Cosmological dynamics, mass screening and observational constraints

In this paper, we examine the cosmological viability of a light mass galileon field consistent with local gravity constraints. The minimal, L_3=\Boxϕ(\partial_μϕ)^2, massless galileon field requires an additional term in order to give rise to a viable ghost free late time acceleration of Universe. The desired cosmological dynamics can either be achieved by incorporating an additional terms in the action such as (L_4,L_5) - the higher order galileon Lagrangians or by considering a light mass field a la galileon field potential. We analyse the second possibility and find that: (1) The model produces a viable cosmology in the regime where the non-linear galileon field is subdominant, (2) The Vainshtein mechanism operates at small scales where the non-linear effects become important and contribution of the field potential ceases to be significant. Also the small mass of the field under consideration is protected against strong quantum corrections thereby providing quantum stability to the system.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2012

DGP black holes on the brane

We find an exact solution on the brane for static black hole in the DGP model. In the appropriate limit we recover the 2 known solutions, the Schwarzschild and the Reissner-Nordstrom solutions with tidal charge. The solution has 2 branches, which correspond asymptotically to de-Sitter or flat Universe. Also we study the linear stability of the solutions. We find that the Regge-Wheeler and the Zerilli potential are positive. Finally the dipole perturbation is derived which corresponds to a linearization of a rotating black hole solution on the brane.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2011

Vainshtein mechanism in Gauss-Bonnet gravity and Galileon aether

We derive field equations of Gauss-Bonnet gravity in 4 dimensions after dimensional reduction of the action and demonstrate that in this scenario Vainshtein mechanism operates in the flat spherically symmetric background. We show that inside this Vainshtein sphere the fifth force is negligibly small compared to the gravitational force. We also investigate stability of the spherically symmetric solution, clarify the vocabulary used in the literature about the hyperbolicity of the equation and the ghost-Laplacian stability conditions. We find superluminal behavior of the perturbation of the field in the radial direction. However, because of the presence of the non linear terms, the structure of the space-time is modified and as a result the field does not propagate in the Minkowski metric but rather in an "aether" composed by the scalar field $π(r)$. We thereby demonstrate that the superluminal behavior does not create time paradoxes thank to the absence of Causal Closed Curves. We also derive the stability conditions for Friedmann Universe in context with scalar and tensor perturbations.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2011

FLRW cosmology in Weyl-Integrable Space-Time

We investigate the Weyl space-time extension of general relativity (GR) for studying the FLRW cosmology through focusing and defocusing of the geodesic congruences. We have derived the equations of evolution for expansion, shear and rotation in the Weyl space-time. In particular we consider the Starobinsky modification, $f(R)=R+βR^2-2Λ$, of gravity in the Einstein-Palatini formalism, which turns out to reduce to the Weyl integrable space-time (WIST) with the Weyl vector being a gradient. The modified Raychaudhuri equation takes the form of the Hill-type equation which is then analysed for studying formation of the caustics. In this model, it is possible to have a Big Bang singularity free cyclic Universe but unfortunately the periodicity turns out to be extremely short.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2010

Modified gravity a la Galileon: Late time cosmic acceleration and observational constraints

In this paper we examine the cosmological consequences of fourth order Galileon gravity. We carry out detailed investigations of the underlying dynamics and demonstrate the stability of one de Sitter phase. The stable de Sitter phase contains a Galileon field $π$ which is an increasing function of time (\dotπ>0). Using the required suppression of the fifth force, supernovae, BAO and CMB data, we constrain parameters of the model. We find that the $π$ matter coupling parameter $β$ is constrained to small numerical values such that $β$<0.02. We also show that the parameters of the third and fourth order in the action (c_3,c_4) are not independent and with reasonable assumptions, we obtain constraints on them. We investigate the growth history of the model and find that the sub-horizon approximation is not allowed for this model. We demonstrate strong scale dependence of linear perturbations in the fourth order Galileon gravity.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2010

Chameleon dark energy models with characteristic signatures

In chameleon dark energy models, local gravity constraints tend to rule out parameters in which observable cosmological signatures can be found. We study viable chameleon potentials consistent with a number of recent observational and experimental bounds. A novel chameleon field potential, motivated by f(R) gravity, is constructed where observable cosmological signatures are present both at the background evolution and in the growth-rate of the perturbations. We study the evolution of matter density perturbations on low redshifts for this potential and show that the growth index today gamma_0 can have significant dispersion on scales relevant for large scale structures. The values of gamma_0 can be even smaller than 0.2 with large variations of gamma on very low redshifts for the model parameters constrained by local gravity tests. This gives a possibility to clearly distinguish these chameleon models from the Lambda-Cold-Dark-Matter model in future high-precision observations.

astro-ph.CO↗