arXiv subjects

Shin'ichi Nojiri

Publications and source records attributed to Shin'ichi Nojiri.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Relic Neutrinos Probing Small Scale Primordial Non-Gaussianity

Relic neutrinos retain a record of electromagnetic entropy production after neutrino decoupling, probing primordial modes erased from the primary CMB. We derive the cubic photon number source from acoustic damping and its leading folded sensitive bispectrum window, with neutrino decoupling, thermalization, and acoustic coherence combined in a single response kernel. For excited initial states, this kernel filters the physical folded profile and yields a sharpness dependent transmission condition, directly connecting small scale primordial non-Gaussianity to relic neutrino capture rates.

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arXiv2026

ACT-compatible Inflation in Scalar Field Coupled $f\left(Q, \tilde R\right)$ Gravity

In this work, we construct models compatible with ACT constraints on inflation in the framework of $f\left(Q, \tilde R\right)$ gravity, with $f(R)$ gravity coupled to a scalar field. The $f\left(Q, \tilde R\right)$ theory is equivalent to $f(Q, B)$ gravity models or $f(Q, C)$ gravity where $B$ or $C$ is the difference between $Q$ and the scalar curvature $\tilde R$ in Einstein's gravity, so, $B=Q-\tilde R$ or $C=\tilde R - Q$. Using appropriate reconstruction techniques compatible with $f\left(Q, \tilde R\right)$ theory, we propose two functional behaviors of the Hubble rate $H$ that satisfy the constraints, and we construct models that realize these behaviors of the Hubble rate $H$ using $f\left(Q, \tilde R\right)$ gravity and $f(R)$ gravity coupled with a scalar field. We also discuss the reheating stage after inflation. Although the scenario of $f(R)$ gravity coupled with a scalar field is well-known, since the model can be rewritten in the form of Einstein's gravity coupled with two scalar fields, the non-trivial problem occurs in the $f\left(Q, \tilde R\right)$ gravity case, because the number of dynamical degrees of freedom in $f(Q)$ gravity is not settled.

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arXiv2026

Horizon singularity, energy conditions and shadows in time-dependent and spherically symmetric spacetime

Some dynamical spacetime solutions that describe ultra-compact objects are analysed. We show that by turning a static spacetime that describes a one-way wormhole into a dynamical time-dependent one, a singularity might arise in general. Several well-known wormhole solutions are studied, which are shown to become singular when promoted to a time-dependent wormhole. However, we show that one can construct a dynamical wormhole free of singularities. The corresponding Lagrangian that holds such dynamical spacetimes is also reconstructed, based on a two-scalar-field model free of ghosts. Energy conditions are also analysed, which might remain satisfied for a dynamical -singular- wormhole. Finally, the evolution of the optical appearance of such dynamical objects is simulated and compared to static solutions. Some interesting features emerge that point to a way to measure the time evolution of dynamical objects by looking at the photon ring structure around the object.

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arXiv2026

Observational signatures of negative mass wormholes through their shadows

Systems containing objects with negative mass (NMOs) are considered. Such a system consists of one object with positive mass and one NMO, where a bound state exists even though the force exerted by the NMO on the object with positive-mass is repulsive. Unlike standard binaries composed of positive-mass objects, the emitted gravitational waves exhibit decreasing frequency and amplitude over time. We propose a model that removes the ghost appearing in the construction of the Ellis-Bronnikov wormhole, a candidate for a NMO. Furthermore, we perform numerical simulations to obtain the optical appearance of such NMOs. The observed luminosity is also compared with the Schwarzschild black hole and with the Simpson-Visser wormhole, revealing clear differences in the photon ring substructure around the central object.

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arXiv2026

Is Phantom Divide Crossing in General Relativity Completely Impossible? Shortcomings in canonical and minimally coupled scalar field and Possible Solutions in $k$-essence Models

General relativity has its successes at the local astrophysical level, however, it seems to be insufficient in describing the Universe at large scales. In this work we investigate how the most general field theories in the context of general relativity can accomodate a phantom-to-quintessence transition which may be essential element of realistic Dark Energy scenarios in the late Universe. As we demonstrate in a very detailed manner, this is impossible for a canonical and minimally coupled single scalar field theory, but it may be possible for ghost condensate theories like $k$-essence theories. We point out how the ghost instabilities may be eliminated, and we analyze the quantitative features of a $k$-essence theory that may realize a phantom-to-quintessence transition in the late Universe. We also qualitatively compare the difficulties and fine-tunings required for $k$-essence theories to realize a phantom-to-quintessence transition, and how such a transition is naturally realized in modified gravity, without unnecessary fine-tunings and ghost eliminations.

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arXiv2026

Revisiting Coincident GR in Internal STEGR Formulation

We revisit Coincident General Relativity (CGR) in the gauge approach to gravity based on Symmetric Teleparallel Equivalent to General Relativity (STEGR) in the \textit{internal-space formulation}, which one of the authors recently proposed in Ref.~[J. Math. Phys. 66 (2025) 5, 052505]. First, we review the standard formulation of STEGR theories in the Palatini approach to gravity, in which formulation we impose the teleparallel and torsion-free conditions by using Lagrange multipliers. Second, we introduce the STEGR theories in the gauge approach to gravity, which is formulated in the internal space, and derive its field equations. We briefly discuss whether the Ostrogradski ghost instability exists and find that the theory may require a degenerate condition to be imposed. Finally, assuming the coincident gauge, we derive CGR in both terms of the action integral and the field equation. Discussing the possible kinematics of the STEGR theory, we formulate a motion of a test scalar particle in the spacetime with non-metricity.

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arXiv2026

ACT-DR6 consistent inflation in generalised entropic cosmology and $f(Q)$ gravity

Within the framework of generalised entropic cosmology and its equivalent $f(Q)$ gravity, we construct inflationary scenarios consistent with recent Atacama Cosmology Telescope (ACT) observations combined with Planck-BAO data. We work with $f(Q)$ gravity and use the reconstruction scheme from which one can obtain an arbitrary cosmological evolution consistent with desirable theoretical or observational considerations. Explicit inflationary cosmologies of the above theory, which pass ACT-Data Release 6 (DR6) data combined with Planck and BAO, are obtained. For $f(Q)$ gravity coupled with scalar, we obtain ACT inflation for large classes of $f(Q)$ via the choice of the scalar potentials. The entropic cosmology based on generalised entropy, which includes most of the known entropies like Tsallis, Rényi, Barrow, etc as a particular case, is investigated. The corresponding FRW equations, depending on the parameters of generalised entropy, are presented. Using the correspondence between the generalised entropy and $f(Q)$ gravity, we obtain generalised entropic inflation, which is consistent with the ACT-DR6. At the next step, the entropic gravity coupled with scalar is considered. It is demonstrated how one can obtain ACT-DR6-consistent inflation for such a theory based on any generalised entropy considered in this paper via the choice of scalar potentials. These findings may point towards the correct unifying entropy of the early universe.

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arXiv2026

May Negative Mass Objects exist in the sky?

We conjecture the possibility of negative mass objects (NMOs) existing in the sky. It is shown that they may not be so exotic as usually expected. We show that NMOs appear as solutions of standard gravitational equations if we consider the system of a compact positive mass object, cosmological fluid and negative cosmological constant. We also construct models which generate such NMOs as solutions within the two-scalar theory and scalar-Einstein-Gauss-Bonnet gravity inspired by string theory. The orbits of the photon and massive particles are investigated in the background, where there is a negative mass object which realises a kind of effective anti-gravity. It is explicitly found that the bound system consisting of a positive mass object and a negative mass object can be formed in spite that a positive mass object suffers the repulsive force from the NMO. The possibility that such exotic objects might be observed is discussed. A simple conjecture about their possible masses is made, too. As an even more exotic object, we consider a non-trivial object with vanishing mass and investigate its properties.

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arXiv2026

Theoretical and observational constraints on early dark energy in $F(R)$ gravity

This work examines an early dark energy (EDE) scenario in the context of $F(R)$ gravity. EDE is introduced to alleviate the Hubble tension by temporarily injecting approximately $10\%$ of the energy fraction around the matter-radiation equality epoch ($z \approx 10^{3}$--$10^{4}$). Building on several benchmark models, we focus on the potential-driven EDE scenario and investigate the conditions required within $F(R)$ gravity. We first introduce a dimensionless quantity to analytically visualize the evolution of the density ratio between EDE and other matter components. Considering several examples, we demonstrate that the desired EDE can indeed be realized in $F(R)$ gravity. However, stringent constraints arising from violations of the equivalence principle could exclude the allowed parameter space. Our result provides a generic constraint on the potential-driven EDE in $F(R)$ gravity at the background level. This work also concludes that nonperturbative effects or nontrivial mechanisms are indispensable for studying EDE in $F(R)$ gravity while maintaining compatibility with local tests of gravity.

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arXiv2026

Apparent Phantom Crossing in Gauss-Bonnet Gravity

The recent observations of the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) indicated the possibility that the dark energy equation of state parameter $w$ might change from $w<-1$ to $w>-1$ when the redshift $z\sim 0.5$, which is called the inverse phantom crossing. In this paper, we investigate the possibility of the phantom crossing, and we construct realistic models realizing the crossing in the framework of the scalar--Einstein--Gauss-Bonnet gravity and ghost-free $f(\mathcal{G})$ gravity. We also investigate the scenario of the apparent phantom crossing, where dark matter energy density decreases more slowly than usually expected, which might explain the DESI observations. In the scenarios developed, the energy conditions are not violated by any component of the cosmic fluid. In the framework of the apparent phantom crossing, we also propose a new scenario, where the particle corresponding to the scalar field in the scalar--Einstein--Gauss-Bonnet gravity is dark matter. The mass of the particle might increase due to the coupling with the Gauss-Bonnet invariant, which makes the decrease of the dark matter energy density slower. This last scenario may suggest that the inverse phantom crossing might be related to the transition from the decelerating expansion of the Universe to the accelerating expansion.

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arXiv2026

Cosmological Perturbation in New General Relativity: Propagating mode from the violation of local Lorentz invariance

We investigate the propagating modes of New General Relativity (NGR) in second-order linear perturbations in the Lagrangian density (first-order in field equations). The Dirac-Bergmann analysis has revealed a violation of local Lorentz invariance in NGR. We review the recent status of NGR, considering the results of its Dirac-Bergmann analysis. We then reconsider the vierbein perturbation framework and identify the origin of each perturbation field in the vierbein field components. This identification is mandatory for adequately fixing gauges while guaranteeing consistency with the invariance ensured by the Dirac-Bergmann analysis. We find that the spatially flat gauge is adequate for analyzing a theory with the violation of local Lorentz invariance. Based on the established vierbein perturbative framework, introducing a real scalar field as matter, we perform a second-order perturbative analysis of NGR with respect to tensor, scalar, pseudo-scalar, and vector and pseudo-vector modes. We reveal the possible propagating modes of each type of NGR. In particular, we find that Type 3 has stable five propagating modes, \textit{i.e.}, tensor, scalar, and vector modes, compared to five non-linear degrees of freedom, which results in its Dirac-Bergmann analysis; the linear perturbation theory of Type 3 is preferable for applications to cosmology. Finally, we discuss our results in comparison to previous related work and conclude this study.

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arXiv2026

Ghost-free non-local $F(R)$ Gravity Compatible with ACT

We confront the ghost-free non-local $F(R)$ gravity theories with the latest Atacama Cosmology Telescope (ACT) constraints on the spectral index of the scalar perturbations and the updated constraints of Planck/BICEP on the tensor-to-scalar ratio. After reviewing how the ghost-free non-local version of $F(R)$ gravity can be obtained, we show that the de Sitter solution can be obtained in this framework. Also, we show that the resulting theory can be cast in terms of an $F(R,ϕ)$ theory of gravity. We analyze two models of non-local $F(R)$ gravity, one power-law and the $R^2$ model, and we show that both models can be compatible with the ACT and updated Planck/BICEP constraints.

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arXiv2026

Wormhole spacetimes in an expanding universe: Energy conditions and future singularities

We study wormhole geometries embedded in an expanding universe within a four-scalar non-linear $σ$ model, where the target-space metric is identified with the spacetime Ricci tensor. In this framework, wormholes can remain stable even when conventional energy conditions are violated. However, once cosmological expansion is included, the effective energy density and pressure are modified by the cosmological fluid, enabling the energy conditions to be satisfied. We further present intriguing geometries in which a finite future singularity appears in our universe but not in another universe connected by the wormhole. Near the throat, the hypersurface becomes timelike, allowing trajectories to traverse to the other universe before the singularity and return afterwards. We also construct wormhole solutions motivated by galactic dark-matter halo profiles, where the required non-vanishing pressure arises naturally from the four-scalar non-linear $σ$ model.

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arXiv2025

Phantom Crossing and Oscillating Dark Energy with $F(R)$ Gravity

In this work, we shall consider how a dynamical oscillating and phantom crossing dark energy era can be realized in the context of $F(R)$ gravity. We approach the topic from a theoretical standpoint considering all the conditions that may lead to a consistent phantom crossing behavior and separately how the $F(R)$ gravity context may realize oscillating dark energy era. Apart from our qualitative considerations, we study in a quantitative way two $F(R)$ gravity dark energy models which are viable cosmologically and also exhibit simultaneously phantom crossing behavior and also oscillating dark energy. We consider these models by solving numerically the field equations using appropriate statefinder parameters engineered for dark energy studies. As we show, $F(R)$ provides a natural extension of Einstein's general relativity which can naturally realize a transition from a phantom era to a quintessential era, a feature supported by recent observational data, without resorting to phantom scalar fields to realize the phantom evolution.

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arXiv2025

Dynamical Black Hole in the accelerating Universe approaching the future singularity -- Possible origin of (super-)massive black holes

We construct and investigate the dynamical black hole spacetime embedded in the expanding universe filled with cosmic fluid, such as dark energy. When the equation of state (EoS) parameter of the fluid is a constant, we find exact solutions of the Einstein equation where the Schwarzschild black hole is embedded in the expanding universe. This solution differs from the well-known McVittie metric, where the EoS parameter is not a constant but rather depends on the radial coordinate. It is shown that a dynamical black hole grows with the expansion of the universe. If primordial black holes are created before or during inflation, above dynamical black holes might be the origin of the supermassive black holes at the centre of galaxies, massive black holes suggested by the GW231123 event, and also the dark matter. The case where the cosmic fluid EoS is more general is also considered so that the universe enters the epoch of finite-time future singularity. Thermodynamics and the behaviour of black holes around different future singularities are carefully investigated. It is then demonstrated that the black hole horizon enhances the tidal force, but near the horizon, the tidal force works to press the extended object, which is in contrast with a massive body near to future singularity. We also propose a new type of future singularity where the singularity inside the black hole is a sphere with a finite radius. When the radius of the spherical singularity becomes larger than the radius of the black hole horizon, it becomes naked. The universe may end up with a cosmic doomsday when the radius of the singularity becomes infinite.

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arXiv2025

Non-stationary wormholes with the presence of scalar fields and modified gravity

Some novel regular spacetimes are considered that show a non-stationary wormhole structure. A Simpson-Visser-like procedure is applied to reconstruct these regular spacetimes, free of time-like and space-like singularities. Such a procedure is also applied to describe a regular cosmological expansion, where the universe reaches a minimum scale and then rebounds. This type of regular spacetime is achieved by considering some scalar fields as sources, with the appropriate kinetic term and scalar potential. We show that all these sources turn out to be ghosts due to the wrong sign of the kinetic term. These ghosts can, however, be eliminated by constraints. Nevertheless, the same procedure is also explored in the framework of modified gravities, particularly within the so-called f(R) gravity, where a new wormhole spacetime is also obtained that does not require a ghost scalar field.

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arXiv2025

Modified gravity as entropic cosmology

The present work reveals a direct correspondence between modified theories of gravity (cosmology) and entropic cosmology based on the thermodynamics of apparent horizon. It turns out that due to the total differentiable property of entropy, the usual thermodynamic law (used for Einstein gravity) needs to be generalized for modified gravity theories having more than one thermodynamic degrees of freedom (d.o.f.). For the modified theories having $n$ number of thermodynamic d.o.f., the corresponding horizon entropy is given by: $S_\mathrm{h} \sim S_\mathrm{BH} +$ terms containing the time derivatives of $S_\mathrm{BH}$ up to $(n-1)$-th order, and moreover, the coefficient(s) of the derivative term(s) are proportional to the modification parameter of the gravity theory (compared to the Einstein gravity; $S_\mathrm{BH}$ is the Bekenstein-Hawking entropy). By identifying the independent thermodynamic variables from the first law of thermodynamics, we show that the equivalent thermodynamic description of modified gravity naturally allows the time derivative of the Bekenstein-Hawking entropy in the horizon entropy.

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arXiv2025

Analogue of Chern-Simons invariant in non-metricity gravity and axion cosmology

We propose a pseudo-scalar quantity, which is an analogue of the Chern-Simons invariant, in the framework of non-metricity gravity. By considering the coupling between the pseudo-scalar quantity and the axion, we give scenarios which may solve the problems of the axion misalignment, the $S_8$ problem, and the beginning of inflation. When the phase transition associated with the spontaneous breaking of the gauge symmetry of the electroweak theory or grand unified theories (GUTs) occurs, the pseudo-scalar quantity has a non-trivial value, which induces the misalignment of the axion field and axion particles are produced. If the gradient of the potential is small, the $S_8$ problem might be solved. We also propose a mechanism which induces inflation by the misalignment of the axion field generated by the phase transition of the GUTs.

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