arXiv subjects

S. D. Odintsov

Publications and source records attributed to S. D. Odintsov.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources

arXiv2019

Ghost-free Gauss-Bonnet Theories of Gravity

In this work we develop a theoretical framework for Gauss-Bonnet modified gravity theories, in which ghost modes can be eliminated at the equations of motion level. Particularly, after we present how the ghosts can occur at the level of equations of motion, we employ the Lagrange multipliers technique, and by means of constraints we are able to eliminate the ghost modes from Gauss-Bonnet theories of the form $f(\mathcal{G})$ and $F(R,\mathcal{G})$ types. Some cosmological realizations in the context of the ghost free $f(\mathcal{G})$ gravity are presented, by using the reconstruction technique we developed. Finally, we explore the modifications to the Newton law of gravity generated by the ghost-free $f(\mathcal{G})$ theory.

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arXiv2019

$k$-essence $f(R)$ Gravity Inflation

In this work we study a modified version of $f(R)$ gravity in which higher order kinetic terms of a scalar field are added in the action of vacuum $f(R)$ gravity. This type of theory is a type of $k$-essence $f(R)$ gravity, and it belongs to the general class of $f(R,ϕ,X)$ theories of gravity, where $ϕ$ is a scalar field and $X=\frac{1}{2}\partial^μϕ\partial_μϕ$. We focus on the inflationary phenomenology of the model, in the slow-roll approximation, and we investigate whether viable inflationary evolutions can be realized in the context of this theory. We use two approaches, firstly by imposing the slow-roll conditions and by using a non-viable vacuum $f(R)$ gravity. As we demonstrate, the spectral index of the primordial scalar perturbations and the tensor-to-scalar ratio of the resulting theory can be compatible with the latest observational data. In the second approach, we fix the functional form of the Hubble rate as a function of the $e$-foldings number, and we modify well-known vacuum $f(R)$ gravity reconstruction techniques, in order to find the $k$-essence $f(R)$ gravity which can realize the given Hubble rate. Accordingly, we calculate the slow-roll indices and the corresponding observational indices, and we also provide general formulas of these quantities in the slow-roll approximation. As we demonstrate, viability can be obtained in this case too, however the result is strongly model dependent. In addition, we discuss when ghosts can occur in the theory, and we investigate under which conditions ghosts can be avoided by using a particular class of models. Finally, we qualitatively discuss the existence of inflationary attractors for the non-slow-roll theory, and we provide hints towards finding general de Sitter attractors for the theory at hand.

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arXiv2019

Logarithmic-corrected $R^2$ Gravity Inflation in the Presence of Kalb-Ramond Fields

In this paper we shall study the inflationary aspects of a logarithmic corrected $R^2$ Starobinsky inflation model, in the presence of a Kalb-Ramond field in the gravitational action of $F(R)$ gravity. Our main interest is to pin down the effect of this rank two antisymmetric tensor field on the inflationary phenomenology of the $F(R)$ gravity theory at hand. The effects of the Kalb-Ramond field are expected to be strong during the inflationary era, however as the Universe expands, the energy density of the Kalb-Ramond field scales as $\sim a^{-6}$ so dark matter and radiation dominate over the Kalb-Ramond field effects. In general, antisymmetric fields constitute the field content of superstring theories, and thus their effect at the low-energy limit of the theory is expected to be significant. As we will show, for a flat Friedmann-Robertson-Walker metric, the Kalb-Ramond field actually reduces to a scalar field, so it is feasible to calculate the observational indices of inflation. We shall calculate the spectral index and the tensor-to-scalar ratio for the model at hand, by assuming two conditions for the resulting Kalb-Ramond scalar field, the slow-roll and the constant-roll condition. As we shall demonstrate, in both the slow-roll and constant-roll cases, compatibility with the latest observational data can be achieved. Also the effect of the Kalb-Ramond field on the inflationary phenomenology is to increase the amount of the predicted primordial gravitational radiation, in comparison to the corresponding $f(R)$ gravities, however the results are still compatible with the observational data.

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arXiv2018

Kinetic Scalar Curvature Extended $f(R)$ Gravity

In this work we study a modified version of vacuum $f(R)$ gravity with a kinetic term which consists of the first derivatives of the Ricci scalar. We develop the general formalism of this kinetic Ricci modified $f(R)$ gravity and we emphasize on cosmological applications for a spatially flat cosmological background. By using the formalism of this theory, we investigate how it is possible to realize various cosmological scenarios. Also we demonstrate that this theoretical framework can be treated as a reconstruction method, in the context of which it is possible to realize various exotic cosmologies for ordinary Einstein-Hilbert action. Finally, we derive the scalar-tensor counterpart theory of this kinetic Ricci modified $f(R)$ gravity, and we show the mathematical equivalence of the two theories.

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arXiv2018

Cosmological Fluids with Logarithmic Equation of State

We investigate the cosmological applications of fluids having an equation of state which is the analog to the one related to the isotropic deformation of crystalline solids, that is containing logarithmic terms of the energy density, allowing additionally for a bulk viscosity. We consider two classes of scenarios and we show that they are both capable of triggering the transition from deceleration to acceleration at late times. Furthermore, we confront the scenarios with data from Supernovae type Ia (SN Ia) and Hubble function observations, showing that the agreement is excellent. Moreover, we perform a dynamical system analysis and we show that there exist asymptotic accelerating attractors, arisen from the logarithmic terms as well as from the viscosity, which in most cases correspond to a phantom late-time evolution. Finally, for some parameter regions we obtain a nearly de Sitter late-time attractor, which is a significant capability of the scenario since the dark energy, although dynamical, stabilizes at the cosmological constant value.

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arXiv2018

Viable Inflation in Scalar-Gauss-Bonnet Gravity and Reconstruction from Observational Indices

In this paper the focus is on inflationary dynamics in the context of Einstein Gauss-Bonnet gravitational theories. We investigate the implications of the slow-roll condition on the slow-roll indices and we investigate how the inflationary dynamical evolution is affected by the presence of the Gauss-Bonnet coupling to the scalar field. For exemplification of our analysis we investigate how the dynamics of inflationary cubic, quartic order and also exponential scalar potentials are affected by the non-trivial Gauss-Bonnet coupling to the scalar field. As we demonstrate it is possible to obtain a viable phenomenology compatible with the observational data, although the canonical scalar field theory with cubic and quartic order potentials does not yield phenomenologically acceptable results. In addition, with regard to the exponential potential example, the Einstein Gauss-Bonnet extension of the single canonical scalar field model has an inherent mechanism that can trigger the graceful exit from inflation. Furthermore we introduce a bottom-up reconstruction technique, in the context of which by fixing the tensor-to-scalar ratio and the Hubble rate as a function of the $e$-foldings number, one is capable of reproducing the Einstein Gauss-Bonnet theory which generates the aforementioned quantities. We illustrate how the method works by using some relatively simple examples.

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arXiv2018

De Sitter and Power-law Solutions in Non-local Gauss-Bonnet Gravity

The cosmological dynamics of a non-locally corrected gravity theory, involving a power of the inverse d'Alembertian, is investigated. Casting the dynamical equations into local form, the fixed points of the models are derived, as well as corresponding de Sitter and power-law solutions. Necessary and sufficient conditions on the model parameters for the existence of de Sitter solutions are obtained. The possible existence of power-law solutions is investigated, and it is proven that models with de Sitter solutions have no power-law solutions. A model is found, which allows to describe the matter-dominated phase of the Universe evolution.

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arXiv2018

Constant-roll Inflation in $f(T)$ Teleparallel Gravity

We investigate in detail the implications of the constant-roll condition on the inflationary era of a scalar field coupled to a teleparallel $f(T)$ gravity. The resulting cosmological equations constitute a reconstruction technique which enables us to find either the $f(T)$ gravity which corresponds to a given cosmological evolution, or the Hubble rate of the cosmological evolution generated by a fixed $f(T)$ gravity. We also analyze in some detail the phase space of the constant-roll teleparallel gravity and we discuss the physical significance of the resulting fixed points and trajectories. Also we calculate the observational indices of a theory with given $f(T)$ gravity, and we discuss all the implications of the constant-roll condition on these. As we demonstrate, the resulting theory can be compatible with the current observational data, for a wide range of values of the free parameters of the theory.

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arXiv2018

Dynamics of Inflation and Dark Energy from $F(R, \mathcal{G})$ Gravity

In this work we study certain classes of $F(R,{\cal G})$ gravity which have appealing phenomenological features, with respect to the successful realization of the dark energy and of the inflationary era. Particularly, we discuss the general formalism and we demonstrate how several inflationary and dark energy evolutions can be described in the context of $F(R,{\cal G})$ gravity. Also we propose a unified model, in the context of which the early and late-time dynamics are controlled by the $F(R,{\cal G})$ gravity, thus producing inflation and the dark energy era, while the intermediate era is approximately identical with standard Einstein-Hilbert gravity. Also we calculate the power spectrum of the primordial curvature perturbations corresponding to the unified $F(R,{\cal G})$ gravity model we propose, which as we demonstrate is nearly scale invariant and compatible with the latest observational data constraints.

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arXiv2018

Dynamical Systems Perspective of Cosmological Finite-time Singularities in $f(R)$ Gravity and Interacting Multifluid Cosmology

In this work we shall investigate the occurrence of future cosmological finite-time singularities in the dynamical system corresponding to two cosmological theories, namely that of vacuum $f(R)$ gravity and that of three fluids. The vacuum $f(R)$ gravity is an example for which the variables we will choose to quantify the phase space dynamics, do not necessarily blow-up near a cosmological singularity. After appropriately choosing the variables, we shall investigate the behavior of the corresponding dynamical system near some types of cosmological finite-time singularities, for some limiting cases in which we can produce analytic solutions for the dynamical variables. The most interesting case from both a mathematical and physical point of view, is the Big Rip case, and particularly in the limiting case of a very strong singularity. The physically appealing outcome is that the resulting non-autonomous dynamical system is attracted asymptotically to an accelerating attractor solution, with equation of state parameter $w_{eff}=-1$. Our analytic results, show that an extremely strong Big Rip singularity in vacuum $f(R)$ gravity theories is always related to an accelerating solution, or tends to acceleration. The converse statement though may not be true. The second cosmology we shall study is a multifluid cosmology, consisting of three fluids, the interacting dark matter and dark energy fluids, and the baryonic fluid. By appropriately choosing the variables, we will show that the dynamical system can become an autonomous polynomial dynamical system, in which case, by using a dominant balance analysis, we shall investigate the occurrence of finite-time singularities in this system.

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arXiv2018

A Study of Finite-time Singularities of Loop Quantum Cosmology Interacting Multifluids

In this work we study the occurrence of finite-time cosmological singularities in a cosmological system comprising from three fluids. Particularly, the system contains two dark fluids, namely that of dark energy and dark matter, which are interacting, and of a non-interacting baryonic fluid. For the study we adopt the phase space approach by constructing the cosmological dynamical system in such a way so that it rendered to be an autonomous polynomial dynamical system, and in order to achieve this, we appropriately choose the variables of the dynamical system. By employing a rigid mathematical framework, that of dominant balances analysis, we demonstrate that there exist non-singular solutions of the dynamical system, which correspond to a general set of initial conditions, which proves that no Big Rip or Type III finite-time singularities occur in this LQC multifluid dynamical system. Thus the new feature of this work is that we are able to do this using an analytic technique instead of adopting a numerical approach. In addition, we perform a fixed point analysis of the cosmological dynamical system, and we examine the behavior of the total effective equation of state parameter, at the fixed points, as a function of the free parameters of the system. Finally, we investigate the phenomenological implications of the dark energy equation of state which we assumed that it governs the dark energy fluid.

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arXiv2018

Viable Inflationary Evolution from Loop Quantum Cosmology Scalar-Tensor Theory

In this work we construct a bottom-up reconstruction technique for Loop Quantum Cosmology scalar-tensor theories, from the observational indices. Particularly, the reconstruction technique is based on fixing the functional form of the scalar-to-tensor ratio as a function of the $e$-foldings number. The aim of the technique is to realize viable inflationary scenarios, and the only assumption that must hold true in order for the reconstruction technique to work is that the dynamical evolution of the scalar field obeys the slow-roll conditions. We shall use two functional forms for the scalar-to-tensor ratio, one of which corresponds to a popular inflationary class of models, the $α$-attractors. For the latter, we shall calculate the leading order behavior of the spectral index and we shall demonstrate that the resulting inflationary theory is viable and compatible with the latest Planck and BICEP2/Keck-Array data. In addition, we shall find the classical limit of the theory, and as we demonstrate, the Loop Quantum Cosmology corrected theory and the classical theory are identical at leading order in the perturbative expansion quantified by the parameter $ρ_c$, which is the critical density of the quantum theory. Finally, by using the formalism of slow-roll scalar-tensor Loop Quantum Cosmology, we shall investigate how several inflationary potentials can be realized by the quantum theory, and we shall calculate directly the slow-roll indices and the corresponding observational indices. In addition, the $f(R)$ gravity frame picture is presented.

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arXiv2018

Attractor Cosmology from non-minimally Coupled Gravity

By using a bottom-up reconstruction technique for non-minimally coupled scalar-tensor theories, we realize the Einstein frame attractor cosmologies in the $Ω(ϕ)$-Jordan frame. For our approach, what is needed for the reconstruction method to work is the functional form of the non-minimal coupling $Ω(ϕ)$ and of the scalar-to-tensor ratio, and also the assumption of the slow-roll inflation in the $Ω(ϕ)$-Jordan frame. By appropriately choosing the scalar-to-tensor ratio, we demonstrate that the observational indices of the attractor cosmologies can be realized directly in the $Ω(ϕ)$-Jordan frame. We investigate the special conditions that are required to hold true in for this realization to occur, and we provide the analytic form of the potential in the $Ω(ϕ)$-Jordan frame. Also, by performing a conformal transformation, we find the corresponding Einstein frame canonical scalar-tensor theory, and we calculate in detail the corresponding observational indices. The result indicates that although the spectral index of the primordial curvature perturbations is the same in the Jordan and Einstein frames, at leading order in the $e$-foldings number, the scalar-to-tensor ratio differs. We discuss the possible reasons behind this discrepancy, and we argue that the difference is due to some approximation we performed to the functional form of the potential in the Einstein frame, in order to obtain analytical results, and also due to the difference in the definition of the $e$-foldings number in the two frames, which is also pointed out in the related literature. Finally, we find the $F(R)$ gravity corresponding to the Einstein frame canonical scalar-tensor theory.

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arXiv2018

The Reconstruction of $f(ϕ)R$ and Mimetic Gravity from Viable Slow-roll Inflation

In this work, we extend the bottom-up reconstruction framework of $F(R)$ gravity to other modified gravities, and in particular for $f(ϕ)R$ and mimetic $F(R)$ gravities. We investigate which are the important conditions in order for the method to work, and we study several viable cosmological evolutions, focusing on the inflationary era. Particularly, for the $f(ϕ)R$ theory case, we specify the functional form of the Hubble rate and of the scalar-to-tensor ratio as a function of the $e$-foldings number and accordingly, the rest of the physical quantities and also the slow-roll and the corresponding observational indices can be calculated. The same method is applied in the mimetic $F(R)$ gravity case, and in both cases we thoroughly analyze the resulting free parameter space, in order to show that the viability of the models presented is guaranteed and secondly that there is a wide range of values of the free parameters for which the viability of the models occurs. In addition, the reconstruction method is also studied in the context of mimetic $F(R)=R$ gravity. As we demonstrate, the resulting theory is viable, and also in this case, only the scalar-to-tensor ratio needs to be specified, since the rest follow from this condition. Finally, we discuss in brief how the reconstruction method could function for other modified gravities.

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arXiv2017

The Early-time Cosmology with Stiff Era from Modified Gravity

In this work, we shall incorporate a stiff era in the Universe's evolution in the context of $F(R)$ gravity. After deriving the vacuum $F(R)$ gravity, which may realize a stiff evolution, we combine the stiff $F(R)$ gravity with an $R^2$ model, and we construct a qualitative model for the inflationary and stiff era, with the latter commencing after the end of the inflationary era. We assume that the baryogenesis occurs during the stiff era, and we calculate the baryon to entropy ratio, which effectively constraints the functional form of the stiff $F(R)$ gravity. Further constraints on the stiff $F(R)$ gravity may come from the primordial gravitational waves, and particularly their scalar mode, which is characteristic of the $F(R)$ gravity theory. The stiff era presence does not contradict the standard cosmology era, namely, inflation, and the radiation-matter domination eras. Furthermore, we investigate which $F(R)$ gravity may realize a dust and stiff matter dominated Einstein-Hilbert evolution.

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arXiv2017

Inverse Symmetric Inflationary Attractors

We present a class of inflationary potentials which are invariant under a special symmetry, which depends on the parameters of the models. As we show, in certain limiting cases, the inverse symmetric potentials are qualitatively similar to the $α$-attractors models, since the resulting observational indices are identical. However, there are some quantitative differences which we discuss in some detail. As we show, some inverse symmetric models always yield results compatible with observations, but this strongly depends on the asymptotic form of the potential at large $e$-folding numbers. In fact when the limiting functional form is identical to the one corresponding to the $α$-attractors models, the compatibility with the observations is guaranteed. Also we find the relation of the inverse symmetric models with the Starobinsky model and we highlight the differences. In addition, an alternative inverse symmetric model is studied and as we show, not all the inverse symmetric models are viable. Moreover, we study the corresponding $F(R)$ gravity theory and we show that the Jordan frame theory belongs to the $R^2$ attractor class of models. Finally we discuss a non-minimally coupled theory and we show that the attractor behavior occurs in this case too.

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arXiv2017

Autonomous Dynamical System Approach for $f(R)$ Gravity

In this work we shall investigate the cosmological dynamical system of $f(R)$ gravity, by constructing it in such a way so that it is rendered autonomous. We shall study the vacuum $f(R)$ gravity case, but also the case that matter and radiation perfect fluids are present along with the $f(R)$ gravity. The dynamical system is constructed in such a way so that the time-dependence of the system is contained in a single parameter which depends on the Hubble rate and it's second derivative. The autonomous structure of the dynamical system is achieved when this parameter is constant, therefore we focus on these cases. For the vacuum $f(R)$ case, we investigate two cases with the first leading to a stable de Sitter attractor fixed point but also to an unstable de Sitter fixed point, and the second is related to a matter dominated era. The stable de Sitter attractor is also found for the $f(R)$ gravity in the presence of matter and radiation perfect fluids. In all the cases we performed a detailed numerical analysis of the dynamical system and we also investigate in detail the stability of the resulting fixed points. Also, we present an exceptional feature of the $R^2$ gravity model, in the absence of perfect fluids. Finally, we investigate what is the approximate form of the $f(R)$ gravities near the stable and the unstable de Sitter fixed points.

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arXiv2017

Ghost-Free $F(R)$ Gravity with Lagrange Multiplier Constraint

We propose two new versions of ghost-free generalized $F(R)$ gravity with Lagrange multiplier constraint. The first version of such theory for a particular degenerate choice of the Lagrange multiplier, corresponds to mimetic $F(R)$ gravity. The second version of such theory is just the Jordan frame description of mimetic gravity with potential. As we demonstrate, it is possible to realize several cosmological scenarios in such theory. In particulary, de Sitter solutions may also be found.

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