Searcharxiv⌕ Search

arXiv subjects

Zoltán Keresztes

Publications and source records attributed to Zoltán Keresztes.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Spin and quadrupolar effects in the secular evolution of precessing compact binaries with black hole, neutron star, gravastar, or boson star components

We discuss precessing compact binaries on eccentric orbit with gravastar, black hole, neutron star, or boson star components. We derive secular evolution equations to second post-Newtonian--order accuracy, with leading-order spin-orbit, spin-spin, and mass quadrupole-monopole contributions. The emerging closed system of first-order differential equations evolves the pairs of polar and azimuthal angles of the spin and orbital angular momentum vectors together with the periastron angle. The secular dynamics is autonomous. We confirm numerically, that secular evolutions look like smoothed-out instantaneous evolutions over timescales where radiation reaction is negligible. The secular evolution of the spin polar angles and the difference of their azimuthal angles generates a closed subsystem. We study analytically this system for the particular cases of one spin dominating over the other and for black hole - boson star binaries of equal masses. In the first case known large flip-flops of the smaller spin are reproduced, when the larger spin is almost coplanar with the orbit. We also find new, quadrupole-induced flip-flops occurring when the neutron star with dominant spin has a quadrupolar parameter $w_1\approx 3$. Finally we analyze the evolutions of the spin angles numerically by comparing the cases when the black hole companion is either a gravastar, another black hole or a boson star with identical mass. We find that both the amplitude and period of the flip-flop are the largest, when the companion is a black hole. In the case of a boson star companion the frequency of the flip-flop increases significantly. Further, while in the case of gravastars and black holes a swinging-type azimuthal evolution occurs, with the spins of the components periodically overpassing each other, their sequence is conserved when the companion is a boson star.

gr-qc↗

Stability analysis of the spin evolution fix points in inspiraling compact binaries with black hole, neutron star, gravastar, or boson star components

Based on the secular spin evolution of black holes, neutron stars, gravastars, or boson stars in precessing compact binaries on eccentric orbit, we identify the aligned and more generic coplanar configurations of the spins and orbital angular momentum as fix points. Through a dynamical system analysis, we investigate their linear stability as function of the mass quadrupole parameter. Marginal stability holds for the binary configurations with both spins antialigned to the orbital angular momentum, for both spins aligned to the orbital angular momentum (with the exception of certain quadrupolar parameter ranges of neutron stars and boson stars), and for the extremal mass ratio. For equal masses, the configurations of one of the spins aligned and the other antialigned is stable for gravastar binaries, for neutron star binaries in the high quadrupolar parameter range, and for boson star binaries. For some unequal mass gravastar binaries, black hole binaries or neutron star binaries, a transition from stability to instability can occur during the inspiral, when one of the spins is aligned, while the other is antialigned to the orbital angular momentum. We discover a transitional instability regime during the inspiral of certain gravastar, neutron star, or boson star binaries with opposing spins. For coplanar configurations we find instabilities only for the gravastar - gravastar, boson star - boson star and black hole - boson star binaries. For a given spin configuration, marginal stability strongly depends on the value of the quadrupolar parameters. The stability region is larger for neutron star binaries than for black hole binaries, while the mixed systems have a restricted stability parameter region.

gr-qc↗

Spherically symmetric, static black holes with scalar hair, and naked singularities in nonminimally coupled k-essence

We apply a recently developed 2+1+1 decomposition of spacetime, based on a nonorthogonal double foliation for the study of spherically symmetric, static black hole solutions of Horndeski scalar-tensor theory. Our discussion proceeds in an effective field theory (EFT) of modified gravity approach, with the action depending on metric and embedding scalars adapted to the nonorthogonal 2+1+1 decomposition. We prove that the most generic class of Horndeski Lagrangians compatible with observations can be expressed in this EFT form. By studying the first order perturbation of the EFT action we derive three equations of motion, which reduce to those derived earlier in an orthogonal 2+1+1 decomposition, and a fourth equation for the metric parameter N related to the nonorthogonality of the foliation. For the Horndeski class of theories with vanishing $G_3$ and $G_5$, but generic functions $G_2(ϕ,X)$ (k-essence) and $G_4(ϕ)$ (nonminimal coupling to the metric) we prove the unicity theorem that no action beyond Einstein--Hilbert allows for the Schwarzschild solution. Next we integrate the EFT field equations for the case with only one independent metric function obtaining new solutions characterized by a parameter interpreted as either mass or tidal charge, the cosmological constant and a third parameter. These solutions represent naked singularities, black holes with scalar hair or have the double horizon structure of the Schwarzschild--de Sitter spacetime. Solutions with homogeneous Kantowski--Sachs type regions also emerge. Finally, one of the solutions obtained for the function $G_4$ linear in the curvature coordinate, in certain parameter range exhibits an intriguing logarithmic singularity lying outside the horizon. The newly derived hairy black hole solutions evade previously known unicity theorems by being asymptotically nonflat, even in the absence of the cosmological constant.

gr-qc↗

Spin dynamics of moving bodies in rotating black hole spacetimes

The dynamics of spinning test bodies, moving in rotating black hole (Kerr, Bardeen-like and Hayward-like) spacetimes, are investigated. In Kerr spacetime, all the spherical, zoom-whirl and unbound orbits are considered numerically. Along spherical orbits and for high spin, an amplitude modulation is found in the harmonic evolution of the spin precessional angular velocity, caused by the spin-curvature coupling. Along the discussed zoom-whirl and unbound orbits, the test body approaches the center so much that it passes through the ergosphere. Near and inside the ergosphere, the variation of the spin direction can be very rapid. The effects of the spin-curvature coupling is also investigated. The initial values are chosen such a way, that the body and its spin move in the equatorial plane of the coordinate space and of the comoving frame, respectively. Hence, a clear effect of the spin-curvature coupling is observed as the orbit and the spin vector leave the equatorial plane. Additional effects in the spin precessional angular velocity and in the evolution of the Boyer-Lindquist coordinate components of the spin vector is also considered. Finally, in case of different regular black holes, the spin-curvature coupling influences differently the orbit and the spin evolutions.

gr-qc↗

Minimally coupled scalar fields as imperfect fluids

We revisit the issue of the fluid description of minimally coupled scalar fields. While in a cosmological setup the interpretation of a time-evolving scalar field as a perfect fluid is well-understood, the situation is more intricate when the scalar field is static, but has a spatial gradient, a situation motivated by black hole perturbations in scalar-tensor theories. Then the scalar field is interpreted as either a particular imperfect fluid of type I or a superposition of a pair of leftgoing (incoming) and rightgoing (outgoing) null dusts with a perfect fluid. Finally, when the scalar gradient is null, it is equivalent to an imperfect fluid of type II, degenerating into null dust when the energy conditions are imposed. We also propose the suitable action in terms of the fluid pressure components for each case and discuss the variational principle for a generic class of minimally coupled scalar fields.

gr-qc↗

Hamiltonian dynamics of doubly-foliable space-times

The 2+1+1 decomposition of space-time is useful in monitoring the temporal evolution of gravitational perturbations/waves in space-times with a spatial direction singled-out by symmetries. Such an approach based on a perpendicular double foliation has been employed in the framework of dark matter and dark energy motivated scalar-tensor gravitational theories for the discussion of the odd sector perturbations of spherically symmetric gravity. For the even sector however the perpendicularity has to be suppressed in order to allow for suitable gauge freedom, recovering the 10th metric variable. The 2+1+1 decomposition of the Einstein-Hilbert action leads to the identification of the canonical pairs, the Hamiltonian and momentum constraints. Hamiltonian dynamics is then derived via Poisson brackets.

gr-qc↗

Dark Matter as a Non-Relativistic Bose-Einstein Condensate with Massive Gravitons

We confront a non-relativistic Bose--Einstein Condensate (BEC) model of light bosons interacting gravitationally either through a Newtonian or a Yukawa potential with the observed rotational curves of $12$ dwarf galaxies. The baryonic component is modelled as an axisymmetric exponential disk and its characteristics are derived from the surface luminosity profile of the galaxies. The purely baryonic fit is unsatisfactory, hence a dark matter component is clearly needed. The rotational curves of five galaxies could be explained with high confidence level by the BEC model. For these galaxies, we derive: (i) upper limits for the allowed graviton mass; and (ii) constraints on a velocity-type and a density-type quantity characterizing the BEC, both being expressed in terms of the BEC particle mass, scattering length and chemical potential. The upper limit for the graviton mass is of the order of $10^{-26}$ $\text{eV/c}^2$, three orders of magnitude stronger than the limit derived from recent gravitational wave detections.

astro-ph.CO↗

Gravitational dynamics in a 2+1+1 decomposed spacetime along nonorthogonal double foliations: Hamiltonian evolution and gauge fixing

Motivated by situations with temporal evolution and spatial symmetries both singled out, we develop a new 2+1+1 decomposition of spacetime, based on a nonorthogonal double foliation. Time evolution proceeds along the leaves of the spatial foliation. We identify the gravitational variables in the velocity phase-space as the 2-metric (induced on the intersection $Σ_{tχ}$ of the hypersurfaces of the foliations), the 2+1 components of the spatial shift vector, together with the extrinsic curvature, normal fundamental form and normal fundamental scalar of $Σ_{tχ}$, all constructed with the normal to the temporal foliation. This work generalizes a previous decomposition based on orthogonal foliations, a formalism lacking one metric variable, now reintroduced. The new metric variable is related to (i) the angle of a Lorentz-rotation between the nonorthogonal bases adapted to the foliations, and (ii) to the vorticity of these basis vectors. As a first application of the formalism, we work out the Hamiltonian dynamics of general relativity in terms of the variables identified as canonical, generalizing previous work. As a second application we present the unambiguous gauge-fixing suitable to discuss the even sector scalar-type perturbations of spherically symmetric and static spacetimes in generic scalar-tensor gravitational theories, which has been obstructed in the formalism of orthogonal double foliation.

gr-qc↗

Gravitational Waves in Locally Rotationally Symmetric (LRS) Class II Cosmologies

In this work we consider perturbations of homogeneous and hypersurface orthogonal cosmological backgrounds with local rotational symmetry (LRS), using a method based on the 1 + 1 + 2 covariant split of spacetime. The backgrounds, of LRS class II, are characterised by that the vorticity, the twist of the 2-sheets, and the magnetic part of the Weyl tensor all vanish. They include the flat Friedmann universe as a special case. The matter contents of the perturbed spacetimes are given by vorticity-free perfect fluids, but otherwise the perturbations are arbitrary and describe gravitational, shear, and density waves. All the perturbation variables can be given in terms of the time evolution of a set of six harmonic coefficients. This set decouples into one set of four coefficients with the density perturbations acting as source terms, and another set of two coefficients describing damped source-free gravitational waves with odd parity. We also consider the flat Friedmann universe, which~has been considered by several others using the 1 + 3 covariant split, as a check of the isotropic limit. In agreement with earlier results we find a second-order wavelike equation for the magnetic part of the Weyl tensor which decouples from the density gradient for the flat Friedmann universes. Assuming vanishing vector perturbations, including the density gradient, we find a similar equation for the electric part of the Weyl tensor, which was previously unnoticed.

gr-qc↗

Secular precessing compact binary dynamics, spin and orbital angular momentum flip-flops

We derive the conservative secular evolution of precessing compact binaries to second post-Newtonian order accuracy, with leading-order spin-orbit, spin-spin and mass quadrupole-monopole contributions included. The emerging closed system of first-order differential equations evolves the pairs of polar and azimuthal angles of the spin and orbital angular momentum vectors together with the periastron angle. In contrast with the instantaneous dynamics, the secular dynamics is autonomous. This secular dynamics reliably characterizes the system over timescales starting from a few times the radial period to several precessional periods, but less than the radiation reaction timescale. We numerically compare the instantaneous and secular evolutions and estimate the number of periods for which dissipation has no significant effect, e.g. the conservative timescale. We apply the analytic equations to study the spin flip-flop effect, recently found by numerical relativity methods. Our investigations show that the effect does not generalize beyond its original parameter settings, although we reveal distinct configurations exhibiting one half flip-flops. In addition, we find a flip-flopping evolution of the orbital angular momentum vector, which ventures from one pole to another through several precessional periods. This is a new effect, occurring for mass ratios much less than one.

gr-qc↗

Gravitational, shear and matter waves in Kantowski-Sachs cosmologies

A general treatment of vorticity-free, perfect fluid perturbations of Kantowski-Sachs models with a positive cosmological constant are considered within the framework of the 1+1+2 covariant decomposition of spacetime. The dynamics is encompassed in six evolution equations for six harmonic coefficients, describing gravito-magnetic, kinematic and matter perturbations, while a set of algebraic expressions determine the rest of the variables. The six equations further decouple into a set of four equations sourced by the perfect fluid, representing forced oscillations and two uncoupled damped oscillator equations. The two gravitational degrees of freedom are represented by pairs of gravito-magnetic perturbations. In contrast with the Friedmann case one of them is coupled to the matter density perturbations, becoming decoupled only in the geometrical optics limit. In this approximation, the even and odd tensorial perturbations of the Weyl tensor evolve as gravitational waves on the anisotropic Kantowski-Sachs background, while the modes describing the shear and the matter density gradient are out of phase dephased by $π/2$ and share the same speed of sound.

gr-qc↗

Cosmological constraints on superconducting dark energy models

We consider cosmological tests of a scalar-vector-tensor gravitational model, in which the dark energy is included in the total action through a gauge invariant, electromagnetic type contribution. The ground state of dark energy, corresponding to a constant potential $V$ is a Bose-Einstein type condensate with spontaneously broken U(1) symmetry. In another words dark energy appears as a massive vector field emerging from a superposition of a massless vector and a scalar field, the latter corresponding to the Goldstone boson. Two particular cosmological models, corresponding to pure electric and pure magnetic type potentials, respectively are confronted with Type IA Supernovae and Hubble parameter data. In the electric case good fit is obtained along a narrow inclined stripe in the $Ω_{m}-Ω_{V}\,$ parameter plane, which includes the $Λ$CDM limit as the best fit. The other points on this admissible region represent superconducting dark energy as a sum of a cosmological constant and a time-evolving contribution. In the magnetic case the cosmological test selects either i) parameter ranges of the superconducting dark energy allowing for the standard baryonic plus dark matter or ii) a unified superconducting dark matter and dark energy model, additionally including only the baryonic sector.

gr-qc↗

Criticality and Big Brake singularities in the tachyonic evolutions of closed Friedmann universes with cold dark matter

The evolution of a closed Friedmann universe filled by a tachyon scalar field with a trigonometric potential and cold dark matter (CDM) is investigated. A subset of the evolutions consistent to 1$σ$ confidence level with the Union 2.1 supernova data set is identified. The evolutions of the tachyon field are classified. Some of them evolve into a de Sitter attractor, while others proceed through a pseudo-tachyonic regime into a sudden future singularity. Critical evolutions leading to Big Brake singularities in the presence of CDM are found and a new type of cosmological evolution characterized by singularity avoidance in the pseudo-tachyon regime is presented.

gr-qc↗

Combined cosmological tests of a bivalent tachyonic dark energy scalar field model

A recently investigated tachyonic scalar field dark energy dominated universe exhibits a bivalent future: depending on initial parameters can run either into a de Sitter exponential expansion or into a traversable future soft singularity followed by a contraction phase. We also include in the model (i) a tiny amount of radiation, (ii) baryonic matter ($Ω_{b}h^{2}=0.022161$, where the Hubble constant is fixed as $h=0.706$) and (iii) cold dark matter (CDM). Out of a variety of six types of evolutions arising in a more subtle classification, we identify two in which in the past the scalar field effectively degenerates into a dust (its pressure drops to an insignificantly low negative value). These are the evolutions of type IIb converging to de Sitter and type III hitting the future soft singularity. We confront these background evolutions with various cosmological tests, including the supernova type Ia Union 2.1 data, baryon acoustic oscillation distance ratios, Hubble parameter-redshift relation and the cosmic microwave background (CMB) acoustic scale. We determine a subset of the evolutions of both types which at 1$σ$ confidence level are consistent with all of these cosmological tests. At perturbative level we derive the CMB temperature power spectrum to find the best agreement with the Planck data for $Ω_{CDM}=0.22$. The fit is as good as for the $Λ$CDM model at high multipoles, but the power remains slightly overestimated at low multipoles, for both types of evolutions. The rest of the CDM is effectively generated by the tachyonic field, which in this sense acts as a combined dark energy and dark matter model.

astro-ph.CO↗

Spinning compact binary dynamics and chameleon orbits

We analyse the conservative evolution of spinning compact binaries to second post-Newtonian (2PN) order accuracy, with leading order spin-orbit, spin-spin and mass quadrupole-monopole contributions included. As a main result we derive a closed system of first order differential equations in a compact form, for a set of dimensionless variables encompassing both orbital elements and spin angles. These evolutions are constrained by conservation laws holding at 2PN order. As required by the generic theory of constrained dynamical systems we perform a consistency check and prove that the constraints are preserved by the evolution. We apply the formalism to show the existence of chameleon orbits, whose local, orbital parameters evolve from elliptic (in the Newtonian sense) near pericenter, towards hyperbolic at large distances. This behavior is consistent with the picture that General Relativity predicts stronger gravity at short distances than Newtonian theory does.

gr-qc↗

Soft singularity crossing and transformation of matter properties

We investigate particular cosmological models, based either on tachyon fields or on perfect fluids, for which soft future singularities arise in a natural way. Our main result is the description of a smooth crossing of the soft singularity in models with an anti-Chaplygin gas or with a particular tachyon field in the presence of dust. Such a crossing is made possible by certain transformations of matter properties. Some of these cosmological evolutions involving tachyons are compatible with SNIa data. We compute numerically their dynamics involving a first soft singularity crossing, a turning point and a second soft singulatity crossing during recollapse, ending in a Big Crunch singularity.

gr-qc↗

Distributional cosmological quantities solve the paradox of soft singularity crossing

Both dark energy models and modified gravity theories could lead to cosmological evolutions different from either the recollapse into a Big Crunch or exponential de Sitter expansion. The newly arising singularities may represent true endpoints of the evolution or allow for the extension of geodesics through them. In the latter case the components of the Riemann tensor representing tidal forces diverge. Sudden Future Singularities (SFS) occur at finite time, finite scale factor and finite Hubble parameter, only the deceleration parameter diverges. The energy density of a perfect fluid is regular and its pressure diverges at the SFS. A particular SFS, the Big Brake occurs when the energy density vanishes and the expansion arrives at a full stop at the singularity. Such scenarios are generated by either a particular scalar field (the tachyon field) or the anti-Chaplygin gas. By adding matter to these models, an unwanted feature appears: at the finite scale factor of the SFS the energy density of matter remains finite, implying (for a spatially flat universe) a finite Hubble parameter, hence finite expansion rate, rather then full stop. The universe would further expand through the singularity, this nevertheless seems forbidden as the energy density of the tachyonic field / anti-Chaplygin gas would become ill-defined. This paradox is relieved in the case of the anti-Chaplygin gas by redefining its energy density and pressure in terms of distributions peaked on the singularity. The regular cosmological quantities, continuous across the SFS are the energy density and the square of the Hubble parameter; those allowing for a jump at the SFS are the Hubble parameter and expansion rate (both being mirror-symmetric). The pressure and the decelaration parameter will contain Dirac delta-function contributions peaked on the SFS, however they anyhow would diverge at the singularity.

gr-qc↗

Perturbations of Kantowski-Sachs models with a cosmological constant

We investigate perturbations of Kantowski-Sachs models with a positive cosmological constant, using the gauge invariant 1+3 and 1+1+2 covariant splits of spacetime together with a harmonic decomposition. The perturbations are assumed to be vorticity-free and of perfect fluid type, but otherwise include general scalar, vector and tensor modes. In this case the set of equations can be reduced to six evolution equations for six harmonic coefficients.

gr-qc↗