arXiv subjects

Salvatore Capozziello

Publications and source records attributed to Salvatore Capozziello.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

arXiv2024

Gravitational-wave signatures of gravito-electromagnetic couplings

Gravitational waves (GWs) can undoubtedly serve as a messenger from the early Universe acting as well as a novel probe of the underlying gravity theory. In this work, motivated by one-loop vacuum-polarization effects on curved spacetime, we investigate a gravitational theory with non-minimal curvature-electromagnetic coupling terms of the form $ξR F_{μν}F^{μν}$, where $R$ is the scalar curvature and $F_{μν}$ the Faraday tensor, which can be responsible for the generation of primordial electromagnetic fields. We study then the GW signatures of such coupling terms deriving in particular for the first time to the best of our knowledge the modified tensor modes equation of motion. Remarkably, we find a universal infrared (IR) frequency scaling $f^5$ of the electromagnetically induced GW (EMIGW) signal, which, depending on the energy scale of inflation, the duration of inflation and reheating as well as the dynamical behaviour of the gauge coupling function $ξ$, can be well within the detection sensitivity bands of GW experiments such as SKA, LISA, ET and BBO, being thus potentially detectable in the future by GW observatories.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2024

Comparing Inflationary Models in Extended Metric-Affine Theories of Gravity

We study slow-roll inflation as a common feature in Metric-affine Theories of Gravity. In particular, we take into account extended metric, teleparallel and symmetric-teleparallel theories of gravity, based on different geometric invariants, discussing analogies and differences. The analysis for each model is performed in two approaches. First, we focus on the {\it potential-slow-roll approach} by studying the reconstructed potentials for different forms of the extended models related to the considered gravitational theory in the Einstein frame. Secondly, we investigate the {\it Hubble-slow-roll approach} for some conventional inflationary potentials related to the specific extended model in the Jordan frame. We compare all results with cosmic microwave background anisotropy observations coming from Planck 2018 and BICEP2/Keck array satellites in order to find the observational constraints on the parameters space of the models as well as their prediction from the spectral parameters. Eventually, we attempt to present a qualitative comparison between three classes of considered modified gravities using the obtained inflationary results. The aim is to select, in principle, cosmological signatures capable of discriminating among concurrent models in view to point out the representation of gravity, according with geometric invariants, which better addresses the early universe dynamics.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2024

General analysis of Noether symmetries in Horndeski gravity

We explore Noether symmetries of Horndeski gravity, extending the classification of general scalar-tensor theories. Starting from the minimally coupled scalar field and the first-generation scalar-tensor gravity, the discussion is generalised to kinetic gravity braiding and Horndeski gravity. We highlight the main findings by focusing on the non-minimally coupled Gauss-Bonnet term and the extended cuscuton model. Finally, we discuss how the presence of matter can influence Noether symmetries. It turns out that the selected Horndeski functions are unchanged with respect to the vacuum case.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2024

Testing non-local gravity through Ultra-Diffuse Galaxies kinematics

The emergence of the Ultra-Diffuse Galaxies in recent years has posed a severe challenge to the galaxy formation models as well as the Extended Theories of Gravity. The existence of both dark matter lacking and dark matter dominated systems within the same family of astrophysical objects indeed requires the gravity models to be versatile enough to describe very different gravitational regimes. In this work, we study a non-local extension of the theory of General Relativity that has drawn increasing attention in recent years due to its capability to account for the late time cosmic acceleration without introducing any dark energy fluid. We leverage the kinematic data of three Ultra-Diffuse Galaxies: NGC 1052-DF2 and NGC 1052-DF4, which are dark matter lacking, and Dragonfly 44, which exhibits a highly dominant dark matter component. Our analysis shows that the non-local corrections to the Newtonian potential do not affect the kinematic predictions, hence no spoiling effects emerge when the Non-local Gravity model serves as a dark energy model. We additionally provide the minimum value that the characteristic non-local radii can reach at these mass scales.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2024

Gravitational tensor and scalar modes in $f(Q,B)$ non-metric gravity

We investigate gravitational waves generated in $f(Q,B)$ non-metric gravity, i.e., a theory of gravity described by a non-metric compatible connection, free of torsion and curvature. It is an extension of symmetric teleparallel gravity, equipped with a boundary term $B$. This theory exhibits gravitational waves regardless of the gauge adopted: they are the standard massless tensors plus a massive scalar gravitational wave like in the case of $f(R)$ gravity. It is precisely the boundary term $B$ that generates the massive scalar mode with an effective mass $m_{B}$ associated to a Klein-Gordon equation in the linearized boundary term. As in $f(Q)$ gravity also in $f(Q,B)$ non-metric gravity, a free test particle follows a geodesic motion due to the covariant conservation with respect to the Levi-Civita connection of the energy and momentum densities on shell. Therefore, in $f(Q,B)$ gravity, the proper acceleration between two neighboring worldlines traveled by two free point-like particle is governed by a first-order geodesic deviation equation in the metric perturbation $h_{μν}$. Thanks to this approximate linear equation, $f(Q,B)$ non-metric gravity shows three polarization modes: two massless transverse tensor radiation modes, with helicity equal to 2, reproducing the standard plus and cross modes, exactly as in General Relativity, and an additional massive scalar wave mode with transverse polarization of zero helicity. We obtain the same result both by considering the coincidence gauge and by leaving the gauge free. In summary, three degrees of freedom propagate in the $f(Q,B)$ linearized theory with amplitudes $\tilde{h}^{(+)}$ and $\tilde{h}^{(\times)}$ for tensor modes and amplitude $\tilde{h}^{(s)}$ for the scalar mode. Specifically, both $f(Q,B)$ and $f(R)$ gravity involve the same massive transverse scalar perturbation.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2024

Preserving quantum information in $f(Q)$ cosmology

The effects of cosmological expansion on quantum bosonic states are investigated, using quantum information theory. In particular, a generic Bogoliubov transformation of bosonic field modes is considered and the state change on a single mode is regarded as the effect of a quantum channel. Properties and capacities of this channel are thus explored in the framework of $f(Q)$ theories. As immediate result, we obtain that the information on a single-mode state appears better preserved, whenever the number of particles produced by the cosmological expansion is small. Hence, similarly to general relativity, we show that analogous particle productions result even if we consider symmetric teleparallel gravity theories. Thus, we investigate a power law $f(Q)$ model, leaving unaltered the effective gravitational coupling, and minimise the corresponding particle production. We thus show how to optimise the preservation of classical and quantum information, stored in a bosonic mode states in the remote past. Finally, we compare our findings with those obtained in general relativity.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2024

The Equivalence Principle as a Noether Symmetry

The Equivalence Principle is considered in the framework of metric-affine gravity. We show that it naturally emerges as a Noether symmetry starting from a general non-metric theory. In particular, we discuss the Einstein Equivalence Principle and the Strong Equivalence Principle showing their relations with the non-metricity tensor. Possible violations are also discussed pointing out the role of non-metricity in this debate.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2024

Primordial black holes and induced gravitational waves in non-singular matter bouncing cosmology

We present a novel model-independent generic mechanism for primordial black hole formation within the context of non-singular matter bouncing cosmology. In particular, considering a short duration transition from the matter contracting phase to the Hot Big Bang expanding Universe, we find naturally enhanced curvature perturbations on very small scales which can collapse and form primordial black holes. Interestingly, the primordial black hole masses that we find can lie within the observationally unconstrained asteroid-mass window, potentially explaining the totality of dark matter. Remarkably, the enhanced curvature perturbations, collapsing to primordial black holes, can induce as well a stochastic gravitational-wave background, being potentially detectable by future experiments, in particular by SKA, PTAs, LISA and ET, hence serving as a new portal to probe the potential bouncing nature of the initial conditions prevailed in the early Universe.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2024

Gravitational waves in $f(Q)$ non-metric gravity without gauge fixing

We investigate the polarization modes of gravitational waves in $f(Q)$ non-metric gravity without gauge fixing. The main result of this study is that no further scalar mode appears more than the two standard plus and cross transverse polarizations of massless tensor gravitational radiation, typical of General Relativity. This is because the first-order perturbation of connection does not modify the linearized field equations in vacuum which remain gauge invariant. Then, the world line equations of free point particles, as well as the equations of their deviations, are obtained using only the symmetric teleparallel connection. In $f(Q)$ gravity, test masses follow timelike geodesics and not autoparallel curves. In the proper reference frame, thanks to the geodesic deviation equation of the structure-less bodies in free fall, we prove that, in any gauge, only the metric perturbations $h_{μν}$, related to tensor modes, survive by exploiting the gauge invariance. Besides, scalar modes disappear. This allows us to conclude that only two degrees of freedom of linearized $f(Q)$ non-metric gravity propagate as in General Relativity and in $f(T)$ teleparallel gravity. The situation is different with respect to $f(R)$ gravity (with $f(R)\neq R$) where a further scalar mode is found.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2024

Constraining $f({\cal R})$ gravity by Pulsar {\textit SAX J1748.9-2021} observations

We discuss spherically symmetric dynamical systems in the framework of a general model of $f({\cal R})$ gravity, i.e. $f({\cal R})={\cal R}e^{ζ{\cal R}}$, where $ζ$ is a dimensional quantity in squared length units [L$^2$]. We initially assume that the internal structure of such systems is governed by the Krori-Barua ansatz, alongside the presence of fluid anisotropy. By employing astrophysical observations obtained from the pulsar {\textit SAX J1748.9-2021}, derived from bursting X-ray binaries located within globular clusters, we determine that $ζ$ is approximately equal to $\pm 5$ km$^2$. In particular, the model can create a stable configuration for {\textit SAX J1748.9-2021}, encompassing its geometric and physical characteristics. In $f({\cal R})$ gravity, the Krori-Barua approach links $p_r$ and $p_t$, which represent the components of the pressures, to ($ρ$), representing the density, semi-analytically. These relations are described as $p_r\approx v_r^2 (ρ-ρ_{I})$ and $p_t\approx v_t^2 (ρ-ρ_{II})$. Here, the expression $v_r$ and $v_t$ represent the radial and tangential sound speeds, respectively. Meanwhile, $ρ_I$ pertains to the surface density and $ρ_{II}$ is derived using the parameters of the model. Notably, within the frame of $f({\cal R})$ gravity where $ζ$ is negative, the maximum compactness, denoted as $C$, is inherently limited to values that do not exceed the Buchdahl limit. This contrasts with general relativity or with $f({\cal R})$ with positive $ζ$, where $C$ has the potential to reach the limit of the black hole asymptotically. The predictions of such model suggest a central energy density which largely exceeds the saturation of nuclear density, which has the value $ρ_{\text{nuc}} = 3\times 10^{14}$ g/cm$^3$. Also, the density at the surface $ρ_I$ surpasses $ρ_{\text{nuc}}$.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2024

Can nonlocal gravity really explain dark energy?

In view to scrutinize the idea that nonlocal modifications of General Relativity could dynamically address the dark energy problem, we investigate the evolution of the Universe at infrared scales as an Infinite Derivative Gravity model of the Ricci scalar, without introducing the cosmological constant $Λ$ or any scalar field. The accelerated expansion of the late Universe is shown to be compatible with the emergence of nonlocal gravitational effects at sufficiently low energies. A technique for circumventing the mathematical complexity of the nonlocal cosmological equations is developed and, after drawing a connection with the Starobinsky gravity, verifiable predictions are considered, like a possible decreasing in the strength of the effective gravitational constant. In conclusion, the emergence of nonlocal gravity corrections at given scales could be an efficient mechanism to address the dark energy problem.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2024

Avoiding singularities in Lorentzian-Euclidean black holes: the role of atemporality

We investigate a Schwarzschild metric exhibiting a signature change across the event horizon, which gives rise to what we term a Lorentzian-Euclidean black hole. The resulting geometry is regularized by employing the Hadamard partie finie technique, which allows us to prove that the metric represents a solution of vacuum Einstein equations. In this framework, we introduce the concept of atemporality as the dynamical mechanism responsible for the transition from a regime with a real-valued time variable to a new one featuring an imaginary time. We show that this mechanism prevents the occurrence of the singularity and, by means of the regularized Kretschmann invariant, we discuss in which terms atemporality can be considered as the characteristic feature of this black hole.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2024

Testing Yukawa cosmology at the Milky Way and M31 galactic scales

We address the galaxy rotation curves through the Yukawa gravitational potential emerging as a correction of the Newtonian potential in extended theories of gravity. On the one hand, we consider the contribution of the galactic bulge, galactic disk, and the dark matter halo of the Navarro-Frenk-White profile, in the framework of the standard $Λ$CDM model. On the other hand, we use modified Yukawa gravity to show that the rotational velocity of galaxies can be addressed successfully without the need for dark matter. In Yukawa gravity, we recover MOND and show that dark matter might be seen as an apparent effect due to the modification of the law of gravitation in terms of two parameters: the coupling constant $α$ and the characteristic length $λ$. We thus test our theoretical scenario using the Milky Way and M31 rotation velocity curves. In particular, we place observational constraints on the free parameters of Yukawa cosmology through the Monte Carlo method and then compare our results with the predictions of the $Λ$CDM paradigm by making use of Bayesian information criteria. Specifically, we find that $λ$ is constrained to be of the order of kpc, while cosmological data suggest $λ$ of the order of Gpc. To explain this discrepancy, we argue that there is a fundamental limitation in measuring $λ$ due to the role of quantum mechanics on cosmological scales.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2024

A critical discussion on the $H_0$ tension

A critical discussion on the $H_0$ Hubble constant tension is presented by considering both early and late-type observations. From recent precise measurements, discrepancies emerge when comparing results for some cosmological quantities obtained at different redshifts. We highlight the most relevant measurements of $H_0$ and propose potential ideas to solve its tension. These solutions concern the exploration of new physics beyond the $Λ$CDM model or the evaluation of $H_0$ by other methods. In particular, we focus on the role of the look-back time.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2024

Cosmological transition epoch from gamma-ray burst correlations

The redshift $z_t$ and the jerk parameter $j_t$ of the transition epoch are constrained by using two model-independent approaches involving the direct expansion of the Hubble rate and the expansion of the deceleration parameter around $z=z_t$. To extend our analysis to high-redshifts, we employ the \emph{Amati}, \emph{Combo}, \emph{Yonetoku} and \emph{Dainotti} gamma-ray burst correlations. The \textit{circularity problem} is prevented by calibrating these correlations through the Bézier interpolation of the updated observational Hubble data. Each gamma-ray burst data set is jointly fit with type Ia supernovae and baryonic acoustic oscillations through a Monte Carlo analysis, based on the Metropolis-Hastings algorithm, to obtain $z_t$, $j_t$ and the correlation parameters. The overall results are compatible with the concordance model with some exceptions. We also focus on the behaviors of the dark energy, verifying its compatibility with a cosmological constant, and the matter density $Ω_m$ and compare them with the expectations of the concordance paradigm.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2024

Beyond $Λ$CDM with $f(z)$CDM: criticalities and solutions of Padé Cosmography

Recently, cosmography emerged as a valuable tool to effectively describe the vast amount of astrophysical observations without relying on a specific cosmological model. Its model-independent nature ensures a faithful representation of data, free from theoretical biases. Indeed, the commonly assumed fiducial model, the $Λ$CDM, shows some shortcomings and tensions between data at late and early times that need to be further investigated. In this paper, we explore an extension of the standard cosmological model by adopting the $f(z)$CDM approach, where $f(z)$ represents the cosmographic series characterizing the evolution of recent universe driven by dark energy. To construct $f(z)$, we take into account the Padé series, since this rational polynomial approximation offers a better convergence at high redshifts than the standard Taylor series expansion. Several orders of such an approximant have been proposed in previous works, here we want to answer the questions: What is the impact of the cosmographic series choice on the parameter constraints? Which series is the best for the analysis? So, we analyse the most promising ones by identifying which order is preferred in terms of stability and goodness of fit. Theoretical predictions of the $f(z)$CDM model are obtained by the Boltzmann solver code and the posterior distributions of the cosmological and cosmographic parameters are constrained by a Monte Carlo Markov Chains analysis. We consider a joint data set of cosmic microwave background temperature measurements from the Planck collaboration, type Ia supernovae data from the latest Pantheon+ sample, baryonic acoustic oscillations and cosmic chronometers data. In conclusions, we state which series can be used when only late time data are used, while which orders has to be considered in order to achieve the necessary stability when large redshifts are considered.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2024

Unveiling the Fifth State of Matter: Insights into Ultra-Hot Plasma and its Applications

In this work, we investigate the dissociation energy of the North (N) and South (S) poles of a quantum magnetic particle, incorporated within both classical and quantum mechanical perspectives. A simple model of a harmonic oscillator is employed to estimate the dissociation energy of the N-S poles, as well as the corresponding breakdown temperature and internal pressure. The results indicate that the separation of magnetic poles occurs in two states: (a) in an ultra-hot plasma medium with extremely high temperatures, such as in the core of a hot star, and (b) at extremely high pressures, such as between internal plates in complex superlattices of layered solids. The breakdown temperature is found to be of the order of $10^7$ to $10^8$ Kelvin, which is only achievable in an ultra-hot plasma environment, known as the fifth phase of matter. Based on this model, the possibility of dissociation of bonds between N and S magnetic poles for solid superlattices under very high pressures between crystal plates is also calculated. The results suggest that the presence of isolated magnetic monopoles in superlattices of solids under ultra-high-pressure conditions is possible. Consequently, the model proposes that the conductivity of magnetic monopole carriers can be applied to the manipulation of nanomaterials for the production of advanced devices, such as new generations of superconductors, new spin devices, and magnetic-electronics, advanced materials with magnetic monopoles, as well as super-dielectrics.

physics.plasm-ph↗

arXiv2024

Gravitational waves in $f(Q)$ non-metric gravity via geodesic deviation

We investigate gravitational waves in the $f(Q)$ gravity, i.e., a geometric theory of gravity described by a non-metric compatible connection, free from torsion and curvature, known as symmetric-teleparallel gravity. We show that $f(Q)$ gravity exhibits only two massless and tensor modes. Their polarizations are transverse with helicity equal to two, exactly reproducing the plus and cross tensor modes typical of General Relativity. In order to analyze these gravitational waves, we first obtain the deviation equation of two trajectories followed by nearby freely falling point-like particles and we find it to coincide with the geodesic deviation of General Relativity. This is because the energy-momentum tensor of matter and field equations are Levi-Civita covariantly conserved and, therefore, free structure-less particles follow, also in $f(Q)$ gravity, the General Relativity geodesics. Equivalently, it is possible to show that the curves are solutions of a force equation, where an extra force term of geometric origin, due to non-metricity, modifies the autoparallel curves with respect to the non-metric connection. In summary, gravitational waves produced in non-metricity-based $f(Q)$ gravity behave as those in torsion-based $f(T)$ gravity and it is not possible to distinguish them from those of General Relativity only by wave polarization measurements. This shows that the situation is different with respect to the curvature-based $f(R)$ gravity where an additional scalar mode is always present for $f(R)\neq R$.

gr-qc↗