The cosmological constant problem is studied in a two component cosmological model. The universe contains a cosmological constant of an arbitrary size and sign and an additional component with an inhomogeneous equation of state. It is shown that, in a proper parameter regime, the expansion of the universe with a large absolute value of the cosmological constant may asymptotically tend to de Sitter space corresponding to a small effective positive cosmological constant. It is argued that such a behavior can be regarded as a solution of the cosmological constant problem in this model. The mechanism behind the relaxation of the cosmological constant is discussed. A connection with modified gravity theories is discussed and an example of a possible realization of the cosmological constant relaxation in f(R) modified gravity is described.
The recent measurements of Cosmic Microwave Background temperature and polarization anisotropies made by the Planck satellite have provided impressive confirmation of the $Λ$CDM cosmological model. However interesting hints of slight deviations from $Λ$CDM have been found, including a $95 \%$ c.l. preference for a "modified gravity" structure formation scenario. In this paper we confirm the preference for a modified gravity scenario from Planck 2015 data, find that modified gravity solves the so-called $A_{lens}$ anomaly in the CMB angular spectrum, and constrains the amplitude of matter densi…
General Relativity (GR) is consistent with a wide range of experiments/observations from millimeter scales up to galactic scales and beyond. However, there are reasons to believe that GR may need to be modified because it includes singularities (it is an incomplete theory) and also it requires fine-tuning to explain the accelerating expansion of the universe through the cosmological constant. Thus, it is important to check various experiments and observations beyond the above range of scales for possible hints of deviations from the predictions of GR. If such hints are found it is important to…
The present work deals with three alternative generalized Bekenstein-Hawking formulation of thermodynamical parameters namely entropy and temperature for the universal thermodynamical system bounded by a horizon in the frame work of inhomogeneous perfect fluid Lemaitre-Tolman-Bondi (LTB) model of the Universe. For the first choice, the first law of thermodynamics holds only for the trivial de Sitter case of the LTB model while we need restriction on the evolution of the horizon radius for the validity of the generalized second law of thermodynamics. However, for the other two choices, the firs…
We investigate the future evolution of the dark energy universe in modified gravities including $F(R)$ gravity, string-inspired scalar-Gauss-Bonnet and modified Gauss-Bonnet ones, and ideal fluid with the inhomogeneous equation of state (EoS). Modified Friedmann-Robertson-Walker (FRW) dynamics for all these theories may be presented in universal form by using the effective ideal fluid with an inhomogeneous EoS without specifying its explicit form. We construct several examples of the modified gravity which produces accelerating cosmologies ending at the finite-time future singularity of all fo…
We investigate a simple inhomogeneous anisotropic cosmology (plane symmetric $G_2$ model) filled with a tilted perfect fluid undergoing velocity diffusion on a scalar field. Considered are two types of fluid: dust and radiation. We solve the system of Einstein field equations and diffusion equations numerically and demonstrate how the universe evolves towards its future asymptotic state. Also, typical time scales of characteristic processes are determined. The obtained results for dust- and radiation-filled cosmologies are compared to each other and to those in the diffusionless case, giving a…
Conditions for the existence and stability of de Sitter space in modified gravity are derived by considering inhomogeneous perturbations in a gauge-invariant formalism. The stability condition coincides with the corresponding condition for stability with respect to homogeneous perturbations, while this is not the case in scalar-tensor gravity. The stability criterion is applied to various modified gravity models of the early and the present universe.
Within the context of modified gravity and dark energy scenarios of the accelerating universe, we study the stability of de Sitter space with respect to inhomogeneous perturbations using a gauge-independent formalism. In modified gravity the stability condition is exactly the same that one obtains from a homogeneous perturbation analysis, while the stability condition in scalar-tensor gravity is more restrictive.
We propose a scale-dependent cosmology in which the Robertson--Walker metric and the Einstein equation are modified in such a way that $Ω_0$, $H_0$ and the age of the Universe all become scale-dependent. Its implications on the observational cosmology and possible modifications of the standard Friedmann cosmology are discussed. For example, the age of the Universe in this model is longer than that of the standard model.
We review various modified gravities considered as gravitational alternative for dark energy. Specifically, we consider the versions of $f(R)$, $f(G)$ or $f(R,G)$ gravity, model with non-linear gravitational coupling or string-inspired model with Gauss-Bonnet-dilaton coupling in the late universe where they lead to cosmic speed-up. It is shown that some of such theories may pass the Solar System tests. On the same time, it is demonstrated that they have quite rich cosmological structure: they may naturally describe the effective (cosmological constant, quintessence or phantom) late-time era wi…
A redshift tomography of the Pantheon type Ia supernovae (SnIa) data focusing on the best fit value of the absolute magnitude $M$ and/or Hubble constant $H_0$ in the context of $Λ$CDM indicates a local variation ($z\lesssim 0.2$) at $2σ$ level, with respect to the best fit of the full dataset. If this variation is physical, it can be interpreted either as a locally higher value of $H_0$, corresponding to a local matter underdensity $δρ_0/ρ_0 \simeq -0.10 \pm 0.04$ or as a time variation of Newton's constant which implies an evolving Chandrasekhar mass and thus an evolving absolute magnitude $M…
We investigate the quantum vacuum and find the fluctuations can lead to the inhomogeneous quantum vacuum. We find that the vacuum fluctuations can significantly influence the cosmological inhomogeneity, which is different from what previously expected. By introducing the modified Green's function, we reach a new inflationary scenario which can explain why the Universe is still expanding without slowing down. We also calculate the tunneling amplitude of the Universe based on the inhomogeneous vacuum. We find that the inhomogeneity can lead to the penetration of the universe over the potential b…
We study the problem of the instability of inhomogeneous radiation universes in quadratic lagrangian theories of gravity written as a system of evolution equations with constraints. We construct formal series expansions and show that the resulting solutions have a smaller number of arbitrary functions than that required in a general solution. These results continue to hold for more general polynomial extensions of general relativity.
In this paper we study a class of inhomogeneous cosmological models which is a modified version of what is usually called the Lemaître-Tolman model. We assume that we have a space with 2-dimensional locally homogeneous spacelike surfaces. In addition we assume they are compact. Classically we investigate both homogeneous and inhomogeneous spacetimes which this model describe. For instance one is a quotient of the AdS$_4$ space which resembles the BTZ black hole in AdS$_3$. Due to the complexity of the model we indicate a simpler model which can be quantized easily. This model still has the fea…
We construct approximate solutions of the hybrid quantum Gowdy cosmology with three-torus topology, linear polarization, and local rotational symmetry, in the presence of a massless scalar field. More specifically, we determine some families of states for which the complicated inhomogeneous and anisotropic Hamiltonian constraint operator of the Gowdy model is approximated by a much simpler one. Our quantum states follow the dynamics governed by this simpler constraint, while being at the same time also approximate solutions of the full Gowdy model. This is so thanks to the quantum correlations…
Interest in cosmological singularities has remarkably grown in recent times, particularly on future singularities with the discovery of late-time acceleration of the universe and dark energy. Recent work has seen a proper classification of such singularities into strong and weak based on their strength, with weak singularities being the likes of sudden, w and big freeze singularities and strong singularities like the big rip. This has led to a classification of such singularities in various types like Big rip is Type 1, w-singularity is type V etc. While singularities of type I-type IV have be…
We use an alternative interpretation of quantum mechanics, based on the Bohmian trajectory approach, and show that the quantum effects can be included in the classical equation of motion via a conformal transformation on the background metric. We apply this method to the Robertson-Walker metric to derive a modified version of Friedmann's equations for a Universe consisting of scalar, spin-zero, massive particles. These modified equations include additional terms that result from the non-local nature of matter and appear as an acceleration in the expansion of the Universe. We see that the same …
This paper is about the $n+2$-dimensional gravitational contraction of inhomogeneous fluid without heat flux in the framework of $f(R)$ metric theory of gravity. Matching conditions for two regions of a star has been derived by using the Darmois junction conditions. For the analytic solution of equations of motion in modified $f(R)$ theory of gravity, we have taken scalar curvature as constant. Hence final result of gravitational collapse in this frame work is the existence of black hole and cosmological horizons, both of these form earlier than singularity. It has been shown that constant cur…
Interest in cosmological singularities has remarkably grown in recent times, particularly on future singularities with the discovery of late-time acceleration of the universe and dark energy. While such explorations have previously been done in various modified gravity and quantum gravitationally inspired cosmologies (besides standard general relativistic cosmology), no such an endeavour has been taken up till now in the realms of renormalization group approaches to cosmology and we have hence took up on this journey. In this work, we consider the formation of cosmological singularities in an …
The impressive success of the standard cosmological model has suggested to many that its ingredients are all one needs to explain galaxies and their systems. I summarize a number of known problems with this program. They might signal the failure of standard gravity theory on galaxy scales. The requisite hints as to the alternative gravity theory may lie with the MOND paradigm which has proved an effective summary of galaxy phenomenology. A simple nonlinear modified gravity theory does justice to MOND at the nonrelativistic level, but cannot be consistently promoted to relativistic status. The …
The fundamental problem of the occurrence/removal of finite-time future singularity in the universe evolution for coupled dark energy (DE) is addressed. It is demonstrated the existence of the (instable or local minimum) de Sitter space solution which may cure the Type II or Type IV future singularity for DE coupled with DM as the result of tuning the initial conditions. In case of phantom DE, the corresponding coupling may help to resolve the coincidence problem but not the Big Rip (Type I) singularity issue. We show that modified gravity of special form or inhomogeneous DE fluid may offer th…
The study of the dynamics of a two-body system in modified gravity constitutes a more complex problem than in Newtonian gravity. Numerical methods are typically needed to solve the equations of geodesics. Despite the complexity of the problem, the study of a two-body system in $f(R)$ gravity leads to a new exciting perspective hinting the right strategy to adopt in order to probe modified gravity. Our results point out some differences between the {\em semiclassical} (Newtonian) approach, and the {\em relativistic} (geodesic) one thus suggesting that the latter represents the best strategy for…
A modified Mimetic gravity (MMG) is proposed as a generalization of general relativity. The model contain a physical metric which is function of an auxiliary (unphysical) metric and a Lyra's metric. We construct different kinds of conformally invariant models in different levels of the expansion parameter $λ$. This model phenomenologically has been extended to higher order forms. Cosmology of a certain class of such models has been investigated in details. A cosmological solution has been proposed in inhomogeneous form of scalar field. For homogenous case, energy conditions are widely investig…
The modified Chaplygin gas (MCG) is a strong candidate for the unified model of dark matter and dark energy. The equation of state of this modified model is valid from the radiation era to the $Λ$CDM model. In early epoch (when $ρ$ was large), dark matter had the dominant role while at later stages (when $ρ$ is small), the MCG model behaves as dark energy. In this work, we have found exact solution of static spherically symmetric Einstein equations describing a wormhole for an inhomogeneous distribution of modified Chaplygin gas. For existence of wormhole solution, there are some restrictions …
We derive a Cardy-Verlinde-like formula which relates the entropy of the closed FRW universe to its energy, and Casimir energy, for a multicomponent coupled fluid. The generalized fluid obeys an inhomogeneous equation of state. A viscous dark fluid is included, and we include also modified gravity using its fluid representation. It is demonstrated how such an expression reduces to the standard Cardy-Verlinde formula corresponding to the 2d CFT entropy only in some special cases. The dynamical entropy bound for a closed FRW universe with dark components is obtained. The universality of the dyna…
We show that the common singularities present in generic modified gravity models governed by actions of the type $S=\int d^4x \sqrt{-g}f(R,ϕ,X)$, with $X= -{1/2}g^{ab}\partial_aϕ\partial_bϕ$, are essentially the same anisotropic instabilities associated to the hypersurface $F(ϕ)=0$ in the case of a non-minimal coupling of the type $F(ϕ)R$, enlightening the physical origin of such singularities that typically arise in rather complex and cumbersome inhomogeneous perturbation analyses. We show, moreover, that such anisotropic instabilities typically give rise to dynamically unavoidable singularit…
We show how light scalar fields can account for the discrepancy between the theoretical and observed values of the anomalous magnetic moment of the (anti)muon. When coupled to both matter and photons, light scalar fields induce a change of the anomalous magnetic moment of charged particles. This arises from two concurrent effects. Classically, light scalars induce a change of the cyclotron frequency, complementing the electromagnetic effects coming from the magnetic and electric fields used experimentally. Light scalars also contribute to the anomalous magnetic moment quantum mechanically at t…
In this work, we try to obtain a stable Lemaitre-Tolman-Bondi (LTB) static universe, which is spherically symmetric and radially inhomogeneous. However, this is not an easy task, and fails in general relativity (GR) and various modified gravity theories, because the corresponding LTB static universes must reduce to the Friedmann-Robertson-Walker (FRW) static universes. We find a way out in a new type of modified gravity theory, in which the conservation of energy and momentum is broken. In this work, we have proposed a novel modification to the original Rastall gravity. In some sense, our Rast…
We present a class of modified-gravity theories which we call ultra-local models. We add a scalar field, with negligible kinetic terms, to the Einstein-Hilbert action. We also introduce a conformal coupling to matter. This gives rise to a new screening mechanism which is not entirely due to the non-linearity of the scalar field potential or the coupling function but to the absence of the kinetic term. As a result this removes any fifth force between isolated objects in vacuum. The predictions of these models only depend on a single free function, as the potential and the coupling function are …
This article focuses on the formulation of some scalar factors which are uniquely expressed in terms of matter variables for dynamical charged dissipative cylindrical geometry in a standard gravity model $\mathcal{R}+Φ\mathcal{Q}$ ($Φ$ is the coupling parameter, $\mathcal{Q}=\mathcal{R}_{φ\vartheta}\mathcal{T}^{φ\vartheta}$) and calculates four scalars by orthogonally decomposing the Riemann tensor. We find that only $\mathcal{Y}_{TF}$ involves inhomogeneous energy density, heat flux, charge and pressure anisotropy coupled with modified corrections, and thus call it as complexity factor for th…
We give a modified derivation of the Einstein equation of state by considering the Clausius relation $TδS-δN =δQ$ on a null hypersurface with a non-vanishing expansion ($θ\neq 0$), i.e. not in the equilibrium. The derivation corresponds to choosing a specific observer to the hypersurface, and such a generalization gives a hint how we can improve the original derivation by Jacobson. We also give an interpretation of the thermodynamic relation based on the Noether charge method.
We discuss the gravitational collapse of spherical compact objects in the background of $f(R,T,Q)$ theory, where $R$ represent the Ricci scalar, $T$ is the trace of energy momentum tensor while $Q\equiv R_{μν}T^{μν}$, and investigate the influence of anisotropy and heat dissipation in this scenario. We provide an analysis on the role of distinct material terms considered while studying the dynamical equation. The dynamical equation is coupled with a heat transport equation and discussed in the background of $f(R,T,Q)$ theory of gravity. The reduction element in the density of inertial mass, is…
In this paper, we study the chameleon profile in inhomogeneous density distributions and find that the fifth force in thin shell near the surface is weaker from what expected in homogeneous density distributions. Also, we check the validity of quasi-static approximation for the chameleon scalar field in the astrophysical time scales. We have investigated the rolling down behaviour of the scalar field on its effective potential inside a one solar mass red giant star by using MESA code. We have found that the scalar field is fast enough to follow the minimum of the potential. This adiabatic beha…
We present measurements of the spatial clustering statistics in redshift space of various scalar field modified gravity simulations. We utilise the two-point and the three-point correlation functions to quantify the spatial distribution of dark matter halos within these simulations and thus discern between the models. We compare $Λ$CDM simulations to various modified gravity scenarios and find consistency with previous work in terms of 2-point statistics in real and redshift-space. However using higher order statistics such as the three-point correlation function in redshift space we find sign…
We analyze the semiclassical polymer dynamics of the inhomogeneous Mixmaster model by choosing the cubed scale factor as the discretized configurational variable, while the anisotropies remain pure Einsteinian variables. Such a modified theory of gravity should be regarded as the appropriate framework to describe the behavior of quantum mean values, both in polymer quantum mechanics and in Loop Quantum Cosmology. We first construct the generalized Kasner solution, including a massless scalar field and a cosmological constant in the dynamics. They account for a quasi-isotropization, inflationar…
