arXiv subjects
Publications and source records attributed to Sayan Kar.
Quantum mechanical tunneling across smooth double barrier potentials modeled using Gaussian functions, is analyzed numerically and by using the WKB approximation. The transmission probability, resonances as a function of incident particle energy, and their dependence on the barrier parameters are obtained for various cases. We also discuss the tunneling time, for which we obtain generalizations of the known results for rectangular barriers.
Perturbations of giant magnons and single spikes in a $2+1$ dimensional $\mathbb R \times S^2$ background spacetime are analysed. Using the form of the giant magnon solution in the Jevicki-Jin gauge,the well-known Jacobi equation for small normal deformations of an embedded time-like surface are written down. Surprisingly, this equation reduces to a simple wave equation in a Minkowski background. The finiteness of perturbations and the ensuing stability of such giant magnons under small deformations are then discussed. It turns out that only the zero mode has finite deformations and is stable. Thereafter, we move on to explore the single spike solution in the Jevicki-Jin gauge. We obtain and solve the perturbation equation numerically and address stability issues.
We discuss a proposal on how gravitational collapse of a NEC (Null Energy Condition) violating spherically symmetric fluid distribution can avoid the formation of a zero proper volume singularity and eventually lead to a Lorentzian wormhole geometry. Our idea is illustrated using a time-evolving wormhole spacetime in which, we show how a collapsing sphere may never reach a zero proper volume end-state. The nature of geodesic congruences in such spacetimes is considered and analyzed. Our construction is inspired from a recently proposed static wormhole geometry, the multi-parameter Simpson-Visser line element, which is known to unite wormholes and black holes (regular and singular) in a single framework.
We construct solitary wave solutions in a $1+1$ dimensional massless scalar ($ϕ$) field theory with a specially chosen potential $V(ϕ)$. The equation governing perturbations about this solitary wave has an effective potential which is a simple harmonic well over a region, and a constant beyond. This feature allows us to ensure the stability of the solitary wave through the existence of bound states in the well, which can be found by semi-analytical methods. A further check on stability is performed through our search for quasi-normal modes (QNM) which are defined for purely outgoing boundary conditions. The time-domain profiles of the perturbations and the parametric variation of the QNM values are presented and discussed in some detail. Expectedly, a damped oscillatory temporal behaviour (ringdown) of the fluctuations is clearly seen through our analysis of the quasi-normal modes.
Memory effects are studied in the simplest scalar-tensor theory, the Brans--Dicke (BD) theory. To this end, we introduce, in BD theory, novel Kundt spacetimes (without and with gyratonic terms), which serve as backgrounds for the ensuing analysis on memory. The BD parameter $ω$ and the scalar field ($ϕ$) profile, expectedly, distinguishes between different solutions. Choosing specific localised forms for the free metric functions $H'(u)$ (related to the wave profile) and $J(u)$ (the gyraton) we obtain displacement memory effects using both geodesics and geodesic deviation. An interesting and easy-to-understand exactly solvable case arises when $ω=-2$ (with $J(u)$ absent) which we discuss in detail. For other $ω$ (in the presence of $J$ or without), numerically obtained geodesics lead to results on displacement memory which appear to match qualitatively with those found from a deviation analysis. Thus, the issue of how memory effects in BD theory may arise and also differ from their GR counterparts, is now partially addressed, at least theoretically, within the context of this new class of Kundt geometries.
We revisit a family of ultra-static Lorentzian wormholes which includes Ellis-Bronnikov spacetime as a special case. We first show how the required total matter stress energy (which violates the local energy conditions) may be split into a part due to a phantom scalar and another extra piece (which vanishes for Ellis--Bronnikov) satisfying the Averaged Null Energy Condition (ANEC) along radial null geodesics. Thereafter,we examine the effective potential for scalar wave propagation in a general setting. Conditions on the metric function, for which the effective potential may have double barrier features are written down and illustrated (using this class of wormholes). Subsequently, using numerous methods, we obtain the scalar quasinormal modes (QNMs). We note the behaviour of the QNMs as a function of $n$ (the metric parameter) and $b_0$ (the wormhole throat radius). Thus, the shapes and sizes of the wormholes, governed by the metric parameter $n$ and the throat radius $b_0$ are linked to the variation and the values of the QNMs. Finally, we demonstrate how, for large $n$, the time domain profiles exhibit, expectedly, the occurence of echoes. In summary, our results suggest that this family of wormholes may indeed be used as a template for further studies on the gravitational wave physics of exotic compact objects.
Memory effects in the exact Kundt wave spacetimes are shown to arise in the behaviour of geodesics in such spacetimes. The types of Kundt spacetimes we consider here are direct products of the form $H^2\times M(1,1)$ and $S^2\times M(1,1)$. Both geometries have constant scalar curvature. We consider a scenario in which initial velocities of the transverse geodesic coordinates are set to zero (before the arrival of the pulse) in a spacetime with non-vanishing background curvature. We look for changes in the separation between pairs of geodesics caused by the pulse. Any relative change observed in the position and velocity profiles of geodesics, after the burst, can be solely attributed to the wave (hence, a memory effect). For constant negative curvature, we find there is permanent change in the separation of geodesics after the pulse has departed. Thus, there is displacement memory, though no velocity memory is found. In the case of constant positive scalar curvature (Plebański-Hacyan spacetimes), we find both displacement and velocity memory along one direction. In the other direction, a new kind of memory (which we term as frequency memory effect) is observed where the separation between the geodesics shows periodic oscillations once the pulse has left. We also carry out similar analyses for spacetimes with a non-constant scalar curvature, which may be positive or negative. The results here seem to qualitatively agree with those for constant scalar curvature, thereby suggesting a link between the nature of memory and curvature.
Displacement and velocity memory effects in the exact, vacuum, plane gravitational wave line element have been studied recently by looking at the behaviour of pairs of geodesics or via geodesic deviation. Instead, one may investigate the evolution of geodesic congruences. In our work here, we obtain the evolution of the kinematic variables which characterise timelike geodesic congruences, using chosen pulse profiles (square and sech-squared) in the exact, plane gravitational wave line element. We also analyse the behaviour of geodesic congruences in possible physical scenarios describable using derivatives (first, second and third) of one of the chosen pulses. Beginning with a discussion on the generic behaviour of such congruences and consequences thereof, we find exact analytical expressions for shear and expansion with the two chosen pulse profiles. Qualitatively similar numerical results are noted when various derivatives of the sech-squared pulse are used. We conclude that for geodesic congruences, a growth (or decay) of shear causes focusing of an initially parallel congruence, after the departure of the pulse. A correlation between the `focusing time (or $u$ value, $u$ being the affine parameter)' and the amplitude of the pulse (or its derivatives) is found. Such features distinctly suggest a memory effect, named in recent literature as ${\cal B}$ memory.
Quasi-normal modes (QNMs) of the massless scalar wave in $1+1$ dimensions are obtained for a symmetric, finite, triangular barrier potential. This problem is exactly solvable, with Airy functions involved in the solutions. Before obtaining the QNMs, we demonstrate how such a triangular barrier may arise in the context of scalar wave propagation in a tailor-made wormhole geometry. Thereafter, the Ferrari-Mashhoon idea is used to show how bound states in a well potential may be used to find the QNMs in a corresponding barrier potential. The bound state condition in the exactly solvable triangular well and the transformed condition for finding the QNMs are written down. Real bound state energies and complex QNMs are found by solving the respective transcendental equations. Numerical integration of the wave equation yields the time domain profiles for scalar waves propagating in this wormhole geometry which illustrate the quasinormal ringing. Estimates relating the size of the wormhole throat (in units of solar mass) with the QNM frequencies are stated and discussed. Finally, we show how the effective potential and the QNMs for scalar perturbations of the Ellis--Bronnikov wormhole spacetime can be reasonably well--approximated using a properly parametrised triangular barrier.
Perturbations of a class of semiclassical spiky strings in three dimensional Anti-de Sitter (AdS) spacetime, are investigated using the well-known Jacobi equations for small, normal deformations of an embedded timelike surface. We show that the equation for the perturbation scalar which governs the behaviour of such small deformations, is a special case of the well-known Darboux-Treibich-Verdier (DTV) equation. The eigenvalues and eigensolutions of the DTV equation for our case are obtained by solving certain continued fractions numerically. These solutions are thereafter utilised to further demonstrate that there do exist finite perturbations of the AdS spiky strings. Our results therefore establish that the spiky string configurations in AdS3 are indeed stable against small fluctuations. Comments on future possibilities of work are included in conclusion.
Quasinormal modes of a two-parameter family of Lorentzian wormhole spacetimes, which arise as solutions in a specific scalar-tensor theory associated with braneworld gravity, are obtained using standard numerical methods. Being solutions in a scalar-tensor theory, these wormholes can exist with matter satisfying the Weak Energy Condition. If one posits that the end-state of stellar-mass binary black hole mergers, of the type observed in GW150914, can be these wormholes, then we show how their properties can be measured from their distinct signatures in the gravitational waves emitted by them as they settle down in the post-merger phase from an initially perturbed state. We propose that their scalar quasinormal modes correspond to the so-called breathing modes, which normally arise in gravitational wave solutions in scalar-tensor theories. We show how the frequency and damping time of these modes depend on the wormhole parameters, including its mass. We derive the mode solutions and use them to determine how one can measure those parameters when these wormholes are the endstate of binary black hole mergers. Specifically, we find that if a breathing mode is observed in LIGO-like detectors with design sensitivity, and has a maximum amplitude equal to that of the tensor mode that was observed of GW150914, then for a range of values of the wormhole parameters, we will be able to discern it from a black hole. If in future observations we are able to confirm the existence of such wormholes, we would, at one go, have some indirect evidence of a modified theory of gravity as well as extra spatial dimensions.
We study gravitational lensing by a class of zero Ricci scalar wormholes which arise as solutions in a scalar-tensor theory of gravity. An attempt is made to find a possible link between lensing features, stable/unstable photon orbits and the energy conditions on the matter required to support these spacetimes. Our analysis shows (for this class of wormholes) that light rays always exhibit a positive deflection if the energy conditions are satisfied (nonexotic matter content). In contrast, if the energy conditions are violated (exotic matter), the net deflection of a light ray may be positive, negative or even zero, depending on values of the metric and impact parameters. This prompts us to introduce a surface defined by a turning point value at which the net deflection of a light ray is equal to zero, even though we have a curved spacetime geometry. We argue that the existence of such a surface may be linked to exotic/energy condition violating matter. Wormholes in modified gravity with matter satisfying the energy conditions do not seem to have such a zero deflection surface. Finally, we study strong gravitational lensing briefly and also look into the formation of Einstein and relativistic Einstein rings. We conclude with some estimates on the wormhole mass, throat-radius and the detectability of the Einstein rings.
Recently proposed Born-Infeld (BI) theories of gravity assume a constant BI parameter ($κ$). However, no clear consensus exists on the sign and value of $κ$. Recalling the Brans-Dicke (BD) approach, where a scalar field was used to generate the gravitational constant $G$, we suggest an extension of Born-Infeld gravity with a similar Brans-Dicke flavor. Thus, a new action, with $κ$ elevated to a spacetime dependent real scalar field, is proposed. We illustrate this new theory in a cosmological setting with pressureless dust and radiation as matter. Assuming a functional form of $κ(t)$, we numerically obtain the scale factor evolution and other details of the background cosmology. It is known that BI gravity differs from general relativity (GR) in the strong-field regime but reduces to GR for intermediate and weak fields. Our studies in cosmology demonstrate how, with this new, scalar-tensor BI gravity, deviations from GR as well as usual BI gravity, may arise in the weak-field regime too. For example, we note a late-time acceleration without any dark energy contribution. Apart from such qualitative differences, we note that fixing the sign and value of $κ$ is no longer a necessity in this theory, though the origin of the BD scalar does remain an open question.
Perturbations of a class of semiclassical strings known today as spiky strings, are studied using the well-known Jacobi equations for small normal deformations of an embedded timelike surface. It is shown that there exists finite normal perturbations of the spiky string worldsheets embedded in a $2+1$ dimensional flat spacetime. Such perturbations lead to a rounding off of the spikes, which, in a way, demonstrates the stable nature of the unperturbed worldsheet. The same features appear for the dual spiky string solution and in the spiky as well as their dual solutions in $3+1$ dimensional flat spacetime. Our results are based on exact solutions of the corresponding Jacobi equations which we obtain and use while constructing the profiles of the perturbed configurations.
Cosmology in Eddington-inspired Born-Infeld gravity is investigated using a scalar Born-Infeld field (e.g. tachyon condensate) as matter. In this way, both in the gravity and matter sectors we have Born-Infeld-like structures characterized by their actions and via two separate constants, $κ$ and $α_T^2$ respectively. With a particular choice of the form of $\dotϕ$ (the time derivative of the Born-Infeld scalar), analytical cosmological solutions are found. Thereafter, we explore some of the unique features of the corresponding cosmological spacetimes. For $κ>0$, our solution has a de Sitter-like expansion both at early and late times, with an intermediate deceleration sandwiched between the accelerating phases. On the other hand, when $κ<0$, the initial de Sitter phase is replaced by a bounce. Our solutions, at late time, fit well with available supernova data-- a fact we demonstrate explicitly. The estimated properties of the Universe obtained from the fitting of the $κ>0$ solution, are as good as in $Λ$CDM cosmology. However, the $κ<0$ solution has to be discarded due to the occurrence of a bounce at an unacceptably low redshift.
We obtain a large class of Lorentzian wormhole spacetimes in scalar-tensor gravity, for which the matter stress energy does satisfy the weak energy condition. Our constructions have zero Ricci scalar and an everywhere finite, non-zero scalar field profile. Interpreting the scalar-tensor gravity as an effective on-brane theory resulting from a two-brane Randall--Sundrum model of warped extra dimensions, it is possible to link wormhole existence with that of extra dimensions. We study the geometry, matter content, gravitational red-shift and circular orbits in such wormholes and argue that our examples are perhaps among those which may have some observational relevance in astrophysics in future. We also study traversability and find that our wormholes are indeed traversable for values of the metric parameters satisfying the weak energy condition.
We investigate spherically symmetric, static spacetimes in Eddington-inspired Born-Infeld gravity coupled to Born-Infeld electrodynamics. The two constants, $b^2$ and $κ$ which parametrise the Born-Infeld structures in the electrodynamics (matter) and gravity sectors, characterise the features of our analytical solutions. Black holes or naked singularities are found to arise, depending on the values of $b^2$ and $κ$, as well as charge and mass. Several such solutions are classified and understood through the analysis of the associated metric functions for fixed $κ$, varying $b^2$ and vice-versa. Further, we also compare the new metric functions with those for the known $b^2\rightarrow \infty$ (Maxwell) and the $κ\rightarrow 0$ (geonic black hole) cases. Interestingly, for a particular relation between these two parameters, $b^2=1/{4κ},\, κ>0$, we obtain a solution resembling the well-known Reissner-Nordstr\" om line element, albeit some modifications. Using this particular solution as the background spacetime, we study null geodesics for Born-Infeld photons and also, gravitational lensing. Among interesting features we note $(i)$ an increase in the radius of the photon sphere with increasing $κ$ and $(ii)$ a net positive contribution in the leading order correction term involving $κ$, in the weak lensing formula for the deflection angle. We also investigate the effective potential and light propagation for various other solutions through numerics and plots. In summary, our work is the first attempt towards figuring out how Born-Infeld structures in both the matter and gravity sectors can influence the nature and character of resulting gravitational fields.
We explore the existence of Lorentzian wormholes in the context of an effective on-brane, scalar-tensor theory of gravity. In such theories, the timelike convergence condition, which is always violated for wormholes, has contributions, via the field equations,from on-brane matter as well as from an effective geometric stress energy generated by a bulk-induced radion field. It is shown that, for a class of wormholes, the required on-brane matter, as seen by an on-brane observer in the Jordan frame, is not exotic and does not violate the Weak Energy Condition. The presence of the effective geometric stress energy in addition to on-brane matter, is largely responsible for creating this intriguing possibility. Thus, if such wormholes are ever found to exist in the Universe, they would clearly provide pointers towards the existence of a warped extra dimension as proposed in the two-brane model of Randall and Sundrum.