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Rhiannon Cuttell

Publications and source records attributed to Rhiannon Cuttell.

5 recordsLinked to original sources

Deformed general relativity

In this thesis, I investigate how to construct a self-consistent model of deformed general relativity using canonical methods and metric variables. The specific deformation of general covariance is predicted by some studies into loop quantum cosmology. I firstly find the minimally-deformed model for a scalar-tensor theory, thereby establishing a classical reference point, and investigate the cosmological effects of a non-minimal coupled scalar field. By treating the deformation perturbatively, I derive the deformed gravitational action which includes the nearest order of curvature corrections. Then working more generally, I derive the deformed scalar-tensor constraint to all orders and I find that the momenta and spatial derivatives from gravity and matter must combine in a very specific form. It suggests that the deformation should be equally affected by matter field derivatives as it is by gravitational curvature. Finally, I derive the deformed gravitational action to all orders, and find how intrinsic and extrinsic curvatures differently affect the deformation. The deformation seems to be required to satisfy a non-linear equation usually found in fluid mechanics.

gr-qc

The general gravitational Lagrangian with deformed covariance

We derive the gravitational Lagrangian to all orders of curvature when the canonical constraint algebra is deformed by a phase space function as predicted by some studies into loop quantum cosmology. The deformation function seems to be required to satisfy a non-linear equation usually found in fluid mechanics, and can form discontinuities quite generally.

gr-qc

The general scalar-tensor Hamiltonian with deformed covariance

We derive the scalar-tensor Hamiltonian constraint to all orders of momenta when the canonical constraint algebra is deformed by a phase space function as predicted by some studies into loop quantum cosmology. We find that the momenta and spatial derivatives from gravity and matter fields must combine in a very specific form to maintain a deformed general covariance. This suggests that the deformation should be equally caused by matter field derivatives as it is by gravitational curvature. We demonstrate the cosmological consequences of a variety of deformation functions. Some cause a big bounce at high energy densities and others cause a sudden singularity.

gr-qc

Deformed general relativity and scalar-tensor models

We calculate the most general action for a scalar-tensor model up to quadratic order in derivatives with deformed general covariance and non-minimal coupling. We demonstrate how different choices of the free functions recover specific well known scalar-tensor models. We look at the cosmological dynamics and find the general conditions for either inflation or a big bounce. Using this we present a novel non-minimally coupled scalar model which produces a bounce, and describe how to find similar models.

gr-qc

Fourth order deformed general relativity

Whenever the condition of anomaly freedom is imposed within the framework of effective approaches to loop quantum cosmology, one seems to conclude that a deformation of general covariance is required. Here, starting from a general deformation we regain an effective gravitational Lagrangian including terms up to fourth order in extrinsic curvature. We subsequently constrain the form of the corrections, and then investigate the conditions for the occurrence of a big bounce and the realisation of an inflationary era, in the presence of a perfect fluid or scalar field.

gr-qc