arXiv subjects

Salvatore Capozziello

Publications and source records attributed to Salvatore Capozziello.

At least 325 records · Page 18Linked to original sources

arXiv2014

Maximal neutron star mass and the resolution of hyperon puzzle in modified gravity

The so-called hyperon puzzle in the theory of neutron stars is considered in the framework of modified $f(R)$ gravity. We show that for simple hyperon equations of state, it is possible to obtain the maximal neutron star mass which satisfies the recent observational data for PSR J1614-2230, in higher-derivative models with power-law terms as $f(R) = R+αR^2+ βR^3$. The soft hyperon equation of state under consideration is usually treated as non-realistic in the standard General Relativity. The numerical analysis of Mass-Radius relation for massive neutron stars with hyperon equation of state in modified gravity turns out to be consistent with observations. Thus, we show that the same modified gravity can solve at once three problems: consistent description of the maximal mass of neutron star, realistic Mass-Radius relation and account for hyperons in equation of state.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2014

Noether Symmetry Approach in Gauss-Bonnet Cosmology

We discuss the Noether Symmetry Approach in the framework of Gauss-Bonnet cosmology showing that the functional form of the $F(R, {\cal G})$ function, where $R$ is the Ricci scalar and ${\cal G}$ is the Gauss-Bonnet topological invariant, can be determined by the presence of symmetries. Besides, the method allows to find out exact solutions due to the reduction of cosmological dynamical system and the presence of conserved quantities. Some specific cosmological models are worked out

gr-qc↗

arXiv2014

Invariant solutions and Noether symmetries in Hybrid Gravity

Symmetries play a crucial role in physics and, in particular, the Noether symmetries are a useful tool both to select models motivated at a fundamental level, and to find exact solutions for specific Lagrangians. In this work, we consider the application of point symmetries in the recently proposed metric-Palatini Hybrid Gravity in order to select the $f({\cal R})$ functional form and to find analytical solutions for the field equations and for the related Wheeler-DeWitt (WDW) equation. We show that, in order to find out integrable $f({\cal R})$ models, conformal transformations in the Lagrangians are extremely useful. In this context, we explore two conformal transformations of the forms $dτ=N(a) dt$ and $dτ=N(ϕ) dt$. For the former conformal transformation, we found two cases of $f({\cal R})$ functions where the field equations admit Noether symmetries. In the second case, the Lagrangian reduces to a Brans-Dicke-like theory with a general coupling function. For each case, it is possible to transform the field equations by using normal coordinates to simplify the dynamical system and to obtain exact solutions. Furthermore, we perform quantization and derive the WDW equation for the minisuperspace model. The Lie point symmetries for the WDW equation are determined and used to find invariant solutions.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2014

Curvature dark energy reconstruction through different cosmographic distance definitions

In the context of $f(\mathcal{R})$ gravity, dark energy is a geometrical fluid with negative equation of state. Since the function $f(\mathcal{R})$ is not known \emph{a priori}, the need of a model independent reconstruction of its shape represents a relevant technique to determine which $f(\mathcal{R})$ model is really favored with respect to others. To this aim, we relate cosmography to a generic $f(\mathcal R)$ and its derivatives in order to provide a model independent investigation at redshift $z \sim 0$. Our analysis is based on the use of three different cosmological distance definitions, in order to alleviate the duality problem, i.e. the problem of which cosmological distance to use with specific cosmic data sets. We therefore consider the luminosity, $d_L$, flux, $d_F$, and angular, $d_A$, distances and we find numerical constraints by the Union 2.1 supernovae compilation and measurement of baryonic acoustic oscillations, at $z_{BAO}=0.35$. We notice that all distances reduce to the same expression, i.e. $d_{L;F;A}\sim\frac{1}{\mathcal H_0}z$, at first order. Thus, to fix the cosmographic series of observables, we impose the initial value of $H_0$ by fitting $\mathcal H_0$ through supernovae only, in the redshift regime $z<0.4$. We find that the pressure of curvature dark energy fluid is slightly lower than the one related to the cosmological constant. This indicates that a possible evolving curvature dark energy realistically fills the current universe. Moreover, the combined use of $d_L,d_F$ and $d_A$ shows that the sign of the acceleration parameter agrees with theoretical bounds, while its variation, namely the jerk parameter, is compatible with $j_0>1$. Finally, we infer the functional form of $f(\mathcal{R})$ by means of a truncated polynomial approximation, in terms of fourth order scale factor $a(t)$.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2014

Magnetic Neutron Stars in f(R) gravity

Neutron stars with strong magnetic fields are considered in the framework of f(R) gravity. In order to describe dense matter in magnetic field, the model with baryon octet interacting through $σ$$ρ$$ω$-fields is used. The hyperonization process results in softening the equation of state (EoS) and in decreasing the maximal mass. We investigate the effect of strong magnetic field in models involving quadratic and cubic corrections in the Ricci scalar $R$ to the Hilbert-Einstein action. For large fields, the Mass-Radius relation differs considerably from that of General Relativity only for stars with masses close to the maximal one. Another interesting feature is the possible existence of more compact stable stars with extremely large magnetic fields ($\sim 6\times 10^{18}$ G instead of $\sim 4\times 10^{18}$ G as in General Relativity) in the central regions of the stars. Due to cubic terms, a significant increasing of the maximal mass is possible.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2014

Fermion interactions, cosmological constant and spacetime dimensionality in an unified approach based on affine geometry

One of the main features of unified models, based on affine geometries, is that all possible interactions and fields naturally arise under the same standard. Here, we consider, from the effective Lagrangian of the theory, the torsion induced 4-fermion interaction. In particular, how this interaction affects the cosmological term, supposing that a condensation occurs for quark fields during the quark-gluon/hadron phase transition in the early universe. We explicitly show that there is no parity-violating pseudo-scalar density, dual to the curvature tensor (Holst term) and the spinor-bilinear scalar density has no mixed couplings of A-V form. On the other hand, the space-time dimensionality cannot be constrained from multidimensional phenomenological models admitting torsion.

hep-th↗

arXiv2014

Cosmographic bounds on the cosmological deceleration-acceleration transition redshift in $f(\mathcal{R})$ gravity

We examine the observational viability of a class of $f(\mathcal{R})$ gravity cosmological models. Particular attention is devoted to constraints from the recent observational determination of the redshift of the cosmological deceleration-acceleration transition. Making use of the fact that the Ricci scalar is a function of redshift $z$ in these models, $\mathcal {R=R}(z)$, and so is $f(z)$, we use cosmography to relate a $f(z)$ test function evaluated at higher $z$ to late-time cosmographic bounds. First, we consider a model independent procedure to build up a numerical $f(z)$ by requiring that at $z=0$ the corresponding cosmological model reduces to standard $Λ$CDM. We then infer late-time observational constraints on $f(z)$ in terms of bounds on the Taylor expansion cosmographic coefficients. In doing so we parameterize possible departures from the standard $Λ$CDM model in terms of a two-parameter logarithmic correction. The physical meaning of the two parameters is also discussed in terms of the post Newtonian approximation. Second, we provide numerical estimates of the cosmographic series terms by using Type Ia supernova apparent magnitude data and Hubble parameter measurements. Finally, we use these estimates to bound the two parameters of the logarithmic correction. We find that the deceleration parameter in our model changes sign at a redshift consistent with what is observed.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2014

Non-parametric study of the evolution of the cosmological equation of state with SNeIa, BAO and high redshift GRBs

We study the dark energy equation of state as a function of redshift in a non-parametric way, without imposing any {\it a priori} $w(z)$ (ratio of pressure over energy density) functional form. As a check of the method, we test our scheme through the use of synthetic data sets produced from different input cosmological models which have the same relative errors and redshift distribution as the real data. Using the luminosity-time $L_{X}-T_{a}$ correlation for GRB X-ray afterglows (the Dainotti et al. correlation), we are able to utilize GRB sample from the {\it Swift} satellite as probes of the expansion history of the Universe out to $z \approx 10$. Within the assumption of a flat FLRW universe and combining SNeIa data with BAO constraints, the resulting maximum likelihood solutions are close to a constant $w=-1$. If one imposes the restriction of a constant $w$, we obtain $w=-0.99 \pm 0.06$ (consistent with a cosmological constant) with the present day Hubble constant as $H_{0}=70.0 \pm 0.6$ ${\rm km} \, {\rm s}^{-1} {\rm Mpc}^{-1}$ and density parameter as $Ω_{Λ0}=0.723 \pm 0.025$, while non-parametric $w(z)$ solutions give us a probability map which is centred at $H_{0}=70.04 \pm 1$ ${\rm km} \, {\rm s}^{-1} {\rm Mpc}^{-1}$ and $Ω_{Λ0}=0.724 \pm 0.03$. Our chosen GRB data sample with full correlation matrix allows us to estimate the amount, as well as quality (errors) of data, needed to constrain $w(z)$ in the redshift range extending an order of magnitude in beyond the farthest SNeIa measured.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2014

Energy conditions in modified gravity

We consider generalized energy conditions in modified theories of gravity by taking into account the further degrees of freedom related to scalar fields and curvature invariants. The latter are usually recast as generalized {\it geometrical fluids} that have different meanings with respect to the standard matter fluids generally adopted as sources of the field equations. More specifically, in modified gravity the curvature terms are grouped in a tensor $H^{ab}$ and a coupling $g(Ψ^i)$ that can be reorganized in effective Einstein field equations, as corrections to the energy-momentum tensor of matter. The formal validity of such inequalities does not assure some basic requirements such as the attractive nature of gravity, so that the energy conditions have to be considered in a wider sense.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2014

The Affine Structure of Gravitational Theories: Symplectic Groups and Geometry

We give a geometrical description of gravitational theories from the viewpoint of symmetries and affine structure. We show how gravity, considered as a gauge theory, can be consistently achieved by the nonlinear realization of the conformal-affine group in an indirect manner: due the partial isomorphism between $CA\left( 3,1\right) $ and the centrally extended $Sp\left( 8\right) $, we perform a nonlinear realization of the centrally extended (CE)$Sp\left( 8\right) $ in its semi-simple version. In particular, starting from the bundle structure of gravity, we derive the conformal-affine Lie algebra and then, by the non-linear realization, we define the coset field transformations, the Cartan forms and the inverse Higgs constraints. Finally we discuss the geometrical Lagrangians where all the information on matter fields and their interactions can be contained.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2013

Cosmological implications of a viable non-analytical f(R) model

Power-law corrections (having the exponent strictly between 2 and 3) to the Einstein-Hilbert action yield an extended theory of gravity which is consistent with Solar-System tests and properly reproduces the main phases of the Universe thermal history. We find two distinct constraints for the characteristic length scale of the model: a lower bound from the Solar-System test and an upper bound by requiring the existence of the matter-dominated era. We also show how the extended framework can accommodate the existence of an early de Sitter phase. Within the allowed range of characteristic length scales, the relation between the expansion rate and the energy scale of inflation is modified, yielding a value of the rate several orders of magnitude smaller than in the standard picture. The observational implication of this fact is that a tiny value of the tensor-to-scalar ratio is expected in the extended framework. The suppression of primordial tensor modes also implies that the inflationary scale can be made arbitrarily close to the Planck one according to the current limits. Finally, an analysis of the propagation of gravitational waves on a Robertson-Walker background is addressed.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2013

Further stable neutron star models from f(R) gravity

Neutron star models in perturbative $f(R)$ gravity are considered with realistic equations of state. In particular, we consider the FPS, SLy and other equations of state and a case of piecewise equation of state for stars with quark cores. The mass-radius relations for $f(R)=R+R(e^{-R/R_{0}}-1)$ model and for $R^2$ models with logarithmic and cubic corrections are obtained. In the case of $R^2$ gravity with cubic corrections, we obtain that at high central densities ($ρ>10ρ_{ns}$, where $ρ_{ns}=2.7\times 10^{14}$ g/cm$^{3}$ is the nuclear saturation density), stable star configurations exist. The minimal radius of such stars is close to $9$ km with maximal mass $\sim 1.9 M_{\odot}$ (SLy equation). A similar situation takes place for AP4 and BSK20 EoS. Such an effect can give rise to more compact stars than in General Relativity. If observationally identified, such objects could constitute a formidable signature for modified gravity at astrophysical level. Another interesting result can be achieved in modified gravity with only a cubic correction. For some EoS, the upper limit of neutron star mass increases and therefore these EoS can describe realistic star configurations (although, in General Relativity, these EoS are excluded by observational constraints).

gr-qc↗

arXiv2013

Cosmographic Constraints and Cosmic Fluids

The problem of reproducing dark energy effects is reviewed here with particular interest devoted to cosmography. We summarize some of the most relevant cosmological models, based on the assumption that the corresponding barotropic equations of state evolve as the universe expands, giving rise to the accelerated expansion. We describe in detail the $Λ$CDM ($Λ$-Cold Dark Matter) and $ω$CDM models, considering also some specific examples, e.g., Chevallier-Polarsky-Linder, the Chaplygin gas and the Dvali-Gabadadze-Porrati cosmological model. Finally, we consider the cosmological consequences of $f(\mathcal{R})$ and $f(\mathcal{T})$ gravities and their impact on the framework of cosmography. Keeping these considerations in mind, we point out the \emph{model-independent} procedure related to cosmography, showing how to match the series of cosmological observables to the free parameters of each model. We critically discuss the role played by cosmography, as a \emph{selection criterion} to check whether a particular model passes or does not present cosmological constraints. In so doing, we find out cosmological bounds by fitting the luminosity distance expansion of the redshift, z, adopting the recent Union 2.1 dataset of supernovae, combined with the baryonic acoustic oscillation and the cosmic microwave background measurements. We perform cosmographic analyses, imposing different priors on the Hubble rate present value. In addition, we compare our results with recent PLANCK limits, showing that the $Λ$CDM and $ω$CDM models seem to be the favorite with respect to other dark energy models. However, we show that cosmographic constraints on $f(\mathcal{R})$ and $f(\mathcal{T})$ cannot discriminate between extensions of General Relativity and dark energy models, leading to a disadvantageous degeneracy problem.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2013

Weak gravitational lensing by compact objects in fourth order gravity

We discuss weak lensing characteristics in the gravitational field of a compact object in the low-energy approximation of fourth order f(R) gravity theory. The particular solution is characterized by a gravitational strength parameter $σ$ and a distance scale $r_{c}$ much larger than the Schwarzschild radius. Above $r_{c}$ gravity is strengthened and as a consequence weak lensing features are modified compared to the Schwarzschild case. We find a critical impact parameter (depending upon $r_{c}$) for which the behavior of the deflection angle changes. Using the Virbhadra-Ellis lens equation we improve the computation of the image positions, Einstein ring radii, magnification factors and the magnification ratio. We demonstrate that the magnification ratio as function of image separation obeys a power-law depending on the parameter $σ$, with a double degeneracy. No $σ\neq 0$ value gives the same power as the one characterizing Schwarzschild black holes. As the magnification ratio and the image separation are the lensing quantities most conveniently determined by direct measurements, future lensing surveys will be able to constrain the parameter $σ$ based on this prediction.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2013

The Cauchy problem in hybrid metric-Palatini f(X)-gravity

The well-formulation and the well-posedness of the Cauchy problem is discussed for {\it hybrid metric-Palatini gravity}, a recently proposed modified gravitational theory consisting of adding to the Einstein-Hilbert Lagrangian an $f(R)$ term constructed {\it à la} Palatini. The theory can be recast as a scalar-tensor one predicting the existence of a light long-range scalar field that evades the local Solar System tests and is able to modify galactic and cosmological dynamics, leading to the late-time cosmic acceleration. In this work, adopting generalized harmonic coordinates, we show that the initial value problem can always be {\it well-formulated} and, furthermore, can be {\it well-posed} depending on the adopted matter sources.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2013

Unifying static analysis of gravitational structures with a scale-dependent scalar field gravity as an alternative to dark matter

Aims. We investigated the gravitational effects of a scalar field within scalar-tensor gravity as an alternative to dark matter. Motivated by chameleon, symmetron and f(R)-gravity models, we studied a phenomenological scenario where the scalar field has both a mass (i.e. interaction length) and a coupling constant to the ordinary matter which scale with the local properties of the considered astrophysical system. Methods. We analysed the feasibility of this scenario using the modified gravitational potential obtained in its context and applied it to the galactic and hot gas/stellar dynamics in galaxy clusters and elliptical/spiral galaxies respectively. This is intended to be a first step in assessing the viability of this new approach in the context of "alternative gravity" models. Results. The main results are: 1. the velocity dispersion of elliptical galaxies can be fitted remarkably well by the suggested scalar field, with model significance similar to a classical Navarro-Frenk-White dark halo profile; 2. the analysis of the stellar dynamics and the gas equilibrium in elliptical galaxies has shown that the scalar field can couple with ordinary matter with different strengths (different coupling constants) producing and/or depending on the different clustering state of matter components; 3. elliptical and spiral galaxies, combined with clusters of galaxies, show evident correlations among theory parameters which suggest the general validity of our results at all scales and a way toward a possible unification of the theory for all types of gravitational systems we considered. All these results demonstrate that the proposed scalar field scenario can work fairly well as an alternative to dark matter.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2013

Weak Forces and Neutrino Oscillations under the standards of Hybrid Gravity with Torsion

We present a unifying approach where weak forces and neutrino oscillations are interpreted under the same standards of torsional hybrid gravity. This gravitational theory mixes metric and metric-affine formalism in presence of torsion and allows to derive an effective scalar field which gives rise to a running coupling for Dirac matter fields. In this picture, two phenomena occurring at different energy scales can be encompassed under the dynamics of such a single scalar field, which represents the further torsional and curvature degrees of freedom.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2013

Higher-Order Gauss-Bonnet Cosmology

We study cosmological models derived from higher-order Gauss-Bonnet gravity $F(R,G)$ by using the Lagrange multiplier approach without assuming the presence of additional fields with the exception of standard perfect fluid matter. The presence of Lagrange multipliers reduces the number of allowed solutions. We need to introduce compatibility conditions of the FRW equations, which impose strict restrictions on the metric or require the introduction of additional exotic matter. Several classes of $F(R,G)$ models are generated and discussed.

gr-qc↗