arXiv subjects

Salvatore Capozziello

Publications and source records attributed to Salvatore Capozziello.

At least 289 records · Page 16Linked to original sources

arXiv2016

f(T) teleparallel gravity and cosmology

Over the past decades, the role of torsion in gravity has been extensively investigated along the main direction of bringing gravity closer to its gauge formulation and incorporating spin in a geometric description. Here we review various torsional constructions, from teleparallel, to Einstein-Cartan, and metric-affine gauge theories, resulting in extending torsional gravity in the paradigm of f(T) gravity, where f(T) is an arbitrary function of the torsion scalar. Based on this theory, we further review the corresponding cosmological and astrophysical applications. In particular, we study cosmological solutions arising from f(T) gravity, both at the background and perturbation levels, in different eras along the cosmic expansion. The f(T) gravity construction can provide a theoretical interpretation of the late-time universe acceleration, and it can easily accommodate with the regular thermal expanding history including the radiation and cold dark matter dominated phases. Furthermore, if one traces back to very early times, a sufficiently long period of inflation can be achieved and hence can be investigated by cosmic microwave background observations, or alternatively, the Big Bang singularity can be avoided due to the appearance of non-singular bounces. Various observational constraints, especially the bounds coming from the large-scale structure data in the case of f(T) cosmology, as well as the behavior of gravitational waves, are described in detail. Moreover, the spherically symmetric and black hole solutions of the theory are reviewed. Additionally, we discuss various extensions of the f(T) paradigm. Finally, we consider the relation with other modified gravitational theories, such as those based on curvature, like f(R) gravity, trying to enlighten the subject of which formulation might be more suitable for quantization ventures and cosmological applications.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2016

Big-bounce cosmology from quantum gravity: The case of a cyclical Bianchi I universe

We analyse the classical and quantum dynamics of a Bianchi I model in the presence of a small negative cosmological constant characterizing its evolution in term of the dust-time dualism. We demonstrate that in a canonical metric approach, the cosmological singularity is removed in correspondence to a positive defined value of the dust energy density. Furthermore, the quantum Big-Bounce is connected to the Universe turning point via a well-defined semiclassical limit. Then we can reliably infer that the proposed scenario is compatible with a cyclical Universe picture. We also show how, when the contribution of the dust energy density is sufficiently high, the proposed scenario can be extended to the Bianchi IX cosmology and therefore how it can be regarded as a paradigm for the generic cosmological model. Finally, we investigate the origin of the observed cut-off on the cosmological dynamics, demonstrating how the Big-Bounce evolution can be mimicked by the same semiclassical scenario, where the negative cosmological constant is replaced via a polymer discretization of the Universe volume. A direct proportionality law between such two parameters is then established.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2016

Cosmological expansion and contraction from Pauli exclusion principle in $M0$-branes

We show that the Pauli exclusion principle in a system of $M0$-branes can give rise to the expansion and contraction of the universe which is located on an $M3$-brane. We start with a system of $M0$-branes with high symmetry, which join mutually and form pairs of $M1$-anti-$M1$-branes. The resulting symmetry breaking creates gauge fields that live on the $M1$-branes and play the role of graviton tensor modes, which induce an attractive force between the $M1$ and anti-$M1$ branes. Consequently, the gauge fields that live on the $M1$-branes, and the scalar fields which are attached symmetrically to all parts of these branes, decay to fermions that attach anti-symmetrically to the upper and lower parts of the branes, and hence the Pauli exclusion principle emerges. By closing $M1$-branes mutually, the curvatures produced by parallel spins will be different from the curvatures produced by anti-parallel spins, and this leads to an inequality between the number of degrees of freedom on the boundary surface and the number of degrees of freedom in the bulk region. This behavior is inherited in the $M3$-brane on which the universe is located, and hence this leads to the emergence of the universe expansion and contraction. In this sense, the Pauli exclusion principle rules the cosmic dynamics.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2016

Noether symmetries and duality transformations in cosmology

We discuss the relation between Noether (point) symmetries and discrete symmetries for a class of minisuperspace cosmological models. We show that when a Noether symmetry exists for the gravitational Lagrangian then there exists a coordinate system in which a reversal symmetry exists. Moreover as far as concerns the scale-factor duality symmetry of the dilaton field, we show that it is related to the existence of a Noether symmetry for the field equations, and the reversal symmetry in the normal coordinates of the symmetry vector becomes scale-factor duality symmetry in the original coordinates. In particular the same point symmetry as also the same reversal symmetry exists for the Brans-Dicke- scalar field with linear potential while now the discrete symmetry in the original coordinates of the system depends on the Brans-Dicke parameter and it is a scale-factor duality when $ω_{BD}=1$. Furthermore, in the context of the O'Hanlon theory for $f\left( R\right) $-gravity, it is possible to show how a duality transformation in the minisuperspace can be used to relate different gravitational models.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2016

Born-Infeld condensate as a possible origin of neutrino masses and dark energy

We discuss the possibility that a Born-Infeld condensate coupled to neutrinos can generate both neutrino masses and an effective cosmological constant. In particular, an effective field theory is provided capable of dynamically realizing the neutrino superfluid phase firstly suggested by Ginzburg and Zharkov. In such a case, neutrinos acquire a mass gap inside the Born-Infeld ether forming a long-range Cooper pair. Phenomenological implications of the approach are also discussed.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2016

Astrophysical flows near $f(T)$ gravity black holes

In this paper, we study the accretion process for fluids flowing near a black hole in the context of $f(T)$ teleparallel gravity. Specifically, by performing a dynamical analysis by a Hamiltonian system, we are able to find the sonic points. After that, we consider different isothermal test fluids in order to study the accretion process when they are falling onto the black hole. We found that these flows can be classified according to the equation of state and the black hole features. Results are compared in $f(T)$ and $f(R)$ gravity.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2016

Emergence and oscillation of cosmic space by joining M1-branes

Recently, it has been proposed by Padmanabhan that the difference between the number of degrees of freedom on the boundary surface and the number of degrees of freedom in a bulk region leads to the expansion of the universe. Now, a natural question arises, how this model could explain the oscillation of universe between contraction and expansion branches? We try to address this issue in the framework of BIonic system. In this model, $M0$-branes join to each other and give rise to a pair of $M1$-anti-$M1$-branes. The fields which live on these branes play the roles of massive gravitons that cause the emergence of a wormhole between them and formation of a BIon system. This wormhole dissolves into M1-branes and causes a divergence between the number of degrees of freedom on the boundary surface of $M1$ and the bulk leading to an expansion of $M1$-branes. When $M1$-branes become close to each other, the square energy of their system becomes negative and some tachyonic states emerge. To removes these states, $M1$-branes compact, the sign of compacted gravity changes, causing the arising of anti-gravity: in this case, branes get away from each other. By articulating $M1$-BIons, an M3-brane and an anti-$M3$-brane are created and connected by three wormholes forming an $M3$-BIon. This new system behaves like the initial system and by closing branes to each other, they compact and, by getting away from each other, they open. Our universe is located on one of these M3-branes and, by compacting $M3$-brane, it contracts and, by opening it, it expands.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2016

The evolution of Brown-York quasilocal energy due to evolution of Lovelock gravity in a system of M0-branes

Recently, it has been suggested in [JHEP 12(2015)003] that the Brown-York mechanism can be used to measure the quasilocal energy in Lovelock gravity. We have used this method in a system of M0-branes and show that the Brown-York energy evolves in the process of birth and growth of Lovelock gravity. This can help us to predict phenomenological events which are emerged as due to dynamical structure of Lovelock gravity in our universe. In this model, first, M0-branes join to each other and form an M3-brane and an anti-M3-branes connected by an M2-brane. This system is named BIon. Universes and anti-universes live on M3-branes and M2 plays the role of wormhole between them. By passing time, M2 dissolves in M3's and nonlinear massive gravities, like Lovelock massive gravity, emerges and grows. By closing M3-branes, BIon evolves and wormhole between branes makes a transition to black hole. During this stage, Brown-York energy increases and shrinks to large values at the colliding points of branes. By approaching M3-branes towards each other, the square energy of their system becomes negative and some tachyonic states are produced. To remove these states, M3-branes compact, the sign of compacted gravity changes, anti-gravity is created which leads to getting away of branes from each other. Also, the Lovelock gravity disappears and it's energy forms a new M2 between M3-branes. By getting away of branes from each other, Brown-York energy decreases and shrinks to zero.

hep-th↗

arXiv2016

String duality transformations in $f(R)$ gravity from Noether symmetry approach

We select $f(R)$ gravity models that undergo scale factor duality transformations. As a starting point, we consider the tree-level effective gravitational action of bosonic String Theory coupled with the dilaton field. This theory inherits the Busher's duality of its parent String Theory. Using conformal transformations of the metric tensor, it is possible to map the tree-level dilaton-graviton string effective action into $f(R)$ gravity, relating the dilaton field to the Ricci scalar curvature. Furthermore, the duality can be framed under the standard of Noether symmetries and exact cosmological solutions are derived. Using suitable changes of variables, the string-based $f(R)$ Lagrangians are shown in cases where the duality transformation becomes a parity inversion.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2016

The fate of Schwarzschild-de Sitter Black Holes in $f(R)$ gravity

The semiclassical effects of antievaporating black holes can be discussed in the framework of $f(R)$ gravity. In particular, the Bousso-Hawking-Nojiri-Odinstov antievaporation instability of degenerate Schwarzschild-de Sitter black holes (the so called Nariai space-time) leads to a dynamical increasing of black hole horizon in $f(R)$ gravity. This phenomenon causes the following transition: emitting marginally trapped surfaces become space-like surfaces before the effective Bekenstein-Hawking emission time. As a consequence, Bousso-Hawking thermal radiation cannot be emitted in an antievaporating Nariai black hole. Possible implications in cosmology and black hole physics are also discussed.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2016

Extended Cosmologies

We shall discuss cosmological models in extended theories of gravitation. We shall define a surface, called the model surface, in the space of observable parameters which characterises families of theories. We also show how this surface can be used to compare with observations. The model surface can potentially be used to falsify whole families of models instead reasoning on a single model basis as it is usually done by best fit arguments with observations.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2015

Emergence and expansion of cosmic space as due to M0-branes

Recently, Padmanabhan [arXiv:1206.4916 [hep-th]] discussed that the difference between the number of degrees of freedom on the boundary surface and the number of degrees of freedom in a bulk region causes the accelerated expansion of the universe. The main question that arises on the origin of this inequality between the surface degrees of freedom and the bulk degrees of freedom. We answer this question in M-theory. In our model, first M0-branes are compactified on one circle and then N D0-branes are created. Then, N D0-branes join to each other, grow and form a D5-brane. Next, D5- brane is compactified on two circle and our universe-D3-brane, two D1-brane and some extra energies are produced. After that, one of the D1-branes, which is more close to the universe-brane, gives its energy into it, leads to an increase of the difference between the number of degrees of freedom and the occurring inflation era. With the disappearance of this D1-brane, the number of degrees of freedom of boundary surface and bulk region becomes equal and inflation ends. At this stage, extra energies that are produced due to the compactification cause to an expansion of universe and deceleration epoch. Finally, another D1-brane, dissolves in our universe-brane, leads to an inequality between degrees of freedom and gives rise to a new phase of acceleration.

hep-th↗

arXiv2015

The Mass-Radius relation for Neutron Stars in $f(R)$ gravity

We discuss the Mass -Radius diagram for static neutron star models obtained by the numerical solution of modified Tolman-Oppenheimer-Volkoff equations in $f(R)$ gravity where the Lagrangians $f(R)=R+αR^2 (1+γR)$ and $f(R)=R^{1+ε}$ are adopted. Unlike the case of the perturbative approach previously reported, the solutions are constrained by the presence of an extra degree of freedom, coming from the trace of the field equations. In particular, the stiffness of the equation of state determines an upper limit on the central density $ρ_c$ above which the the positivity condition of energy-matter tensor trace $T^{\rm m}=ρ- 3 p$ holds. In the case of quadratic f(R)-gravity, we find higher masses and radii at lower central densities with an inversion of the behavior around a pivoting $ρ_c$ which depends on the choice of the equation of state. When considering the cubic corrections, we find solutions converging to the required asymptotic behavior of flat metric only for $γ< 0$. A similar analysis is performed for $f(R)=R^{1+ε}$ considering $ε$ as the leading parameter. We work strictly in the Jordan frame in order to consider matter minimally coupled with respect to geometry. This fact allows us to avoid ambiguities that could emerge in adopting the Einstein frame.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2015

Merging matter and geometry in the same Lagrangian

We show that a Lagrangian density proportional to $\sqrt{-g} Ł_m^2/R$ reduces to a pressuron theory of gravity that is indistinguishable from General Relativity in the dust limit. The combination of matter and geometry in the same Lagrangian density intrinsically satisfies Mach's Principle --- since matter cannot exist without curvature and vice versa --- while it may have the correct phenomenology in order to describe actual gravity.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2015

The emission of Gamma Ray Bursts as a test-bed for modified gravity

The extreme physical conditions of Gamma Ray Bursts can constitute a useful observational laboratory to test theories of gravity where very high curvature regimes are involved. Here we propose a sort of curvature engine capable, in principle, of explaining the huge energy emission of Gamma Ray Bursts. Specifically, we investigate the emission of radiation by charged particles non-minimally coupled to the gravitational background where higher order curvature invariants are present. The coupling gives rise to an additional force inducing a non-geodesics motion of particles. This fact allows a strong emission of radiation by gravitationally accelerated particles. As we will show with some specific model, the energy emission is of the same order of magnitude of that characterizing the Gamma Ray Burst physics. Alternatively, strong curvature regimes can be considered as a natural mechanism for the generation of highly energetic astrophysical events. Possible applications to cosmology are discussed.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2015

Can f(R) gravity contribute to (dark) radiation?

We discuss the possibility that suitable modifications of gravity could account for some amount of the radiation we observe today, in addition to the possibility of explaining the present speed up of the universe. We start introducing and reviewing cosmological reconstruction methods for metric $f(R)$ theories of gravity that can be considered as one of the straightforward modifications of Einstein's gravity as soon as $f(R)\neq R$. We then take into account two possible $f(R)$ models which could give rise to (dark) radiation. Constraints on the models are found by using the Planck Collaboration 2015 data within a cosmographic approach and by obtaining the matter power spectrum of those models. The conclusion is that $f(R)$ gravity can only contribute minimally to the (dark) radiation to avoid departures from the observed matter power spectrum at the smallest scales (of the order of $0.01$Mpc$^{-1}$), i.e., precisely those scales that exited the horizon at the radiation dominated epoch. This result could strongly contribute to select reliable $f(R)$ models.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2015

Hybrid metric-Palatini gravity

Recently, the phenomenology of f(R) gravity has been scrutinized motivated by the possibility to account for the self-accelerated cosmic expansion without invoking dark energy sources. Besides, this kind of modified gravity is capable of addressing the dynamics of several self-gravitating systems alternatively to the presence of dark matter. It has been established that both metric and Palatini versions of these theories have interesting features but also manifest severe and different downsides. A hybrid combination of theories, containing elements from both these two formalisms, turns out to be also very successful accounting for the observed phenomenology and is able to avoid some drawbacks of the original approaches. This article reviews the formulation of this hybrid metric-Palatini approach and its main achievements in passing the local tests and in applications to astrophysical and cosmological scenarios, where it provides a unified approach to the problems of dark energy and dark matter.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2015

Constraining $f(R)$ gravity by the Large Scale Structure

Over the past decades, General Relativity and the concordance $Λ$CDM model have been successfully tested using several different astrophysical and cosmological probes based on large datasets ({\it precision cosmology}). Despite their successes, some shortcomings emerge due to the fact that General Relativity should be revised at infrared and ultraviolet limits and to the fact that the fundamental nature of Dark Matter and Dark Energy is still a puzzle to be solved. In this perspective, $f(R)$ gravity have been extensively investigated being the most straightforward way to modify General Relativity and to overcame some of the above shortcomings. In this paper, we review various aspects of $f(R)$ gravity at extragalactic and cosmological levels. In particular, we consider cluster of galaxies, cosmological perturbations, and N-Body simulations, focusing on those models that satisfy both cosmological and local gravity constraints. The perspective is that some classes of $f(R)$ models can be consistently constrained by Large Scale Structure.

gr-qc↗