Scalar-tensor theories are studied in the context of cosmological evolution, where the expansion history of the Universe is reconstructed. It is considered quintessence/phantom models, where inflation and cosmic acceleration are reproduced. Also, the non-minimally coupling regime between the scalar field and the Ricci scalar is studied and cosmological solutions are obtained. The Chamaleon mechanism is shown as a solution of the local gravity tests problems presented in this kind of theories.
The physical equivalence of Einstein and Jordan frame in Scalar Tensor theories has been explained by Dicke in 1962: they are related by a local transformation of units. We discuss this point in a cosmological framework. Our main result is the construction of a formalism in which all the physical observables are frame-invariant. The application of this approach to CMB codes is at present under analysis.
We study the graceful exit problem and the role of the stress-energy-momentum tensors in the two-dimensional string cosmology. The one-loop quantum correction of conformal fields is incorporated in the arbitrary large $N$ limit to ensure exact quantum solvability. The only solution which gives the bounded curvature with the asymptotic flatness is restricted to the first branch under some conditions. However, even in this case, the accelerating expansion is forever. We show that the only nonvanishing quantum stress-momentum tensor is the pressure part($T_{xx}$) which is of relevance to the dyna…
We study the ratio of the entropy to the total energy in conformal field theories at finite temperature. For the free field realizations of N=4 super Yang-Mills theory in D=4 and the (2,0) tensor multiplet in D=6, the ratio is bounded from above. The corresponding bounds are less stringent than the recently proposed Verlinde bound. For strongly coupled CFTs with AdS duals, we show that the ratio obeys the Verlinde bound even in the presence of rotation. For such CFTs, we point out an intriguing resemblance in their thermodynamic formulas with the corresponding ones of two-dimensional CFTs. The…
We study the ratio of the entropy to the total energy in conformal field theories at finite temperature. For the free field realizations of N=4 super Yang-Mills theory in D=4 and the (2,0) tensor multiplet in D=6, the ratio is bounded from above. The corresponding bounds are less stringent than the recently proposed Verlinde bound. For strongly coupled CFTs with AdS duals, we show that the ratio obeys the Verlinde bound even in the presence of rotation. For such CFTs, we point out an intriguing resemblance in their thermodynamic formulas with the corresponding ones of two-dimensional CFTs. The…
We review some works of E M Lifshitz connected with gravity and cosmology and also some later works, connected with his ideas. The main topics of this review are the stochastic cosmology of an anisotropic universe and of an isotropic universe with the scalar field, the quasi-isotropic (gradient) expansion in cosmology and Horava-Lifshitz gravity and cosmology.
This text is a review of aspects of supergravity theories that are relevant in superstring cosmology. In particular, it considers the possibilities and restrictions for `uplifting terms', i.e. methods to produce de Sitter vacua. We concentrate on N=1 and N=2 supergravities, and the tools of superconformal methods, which clarify the structure of these theories. Cosmic strings and embeddings of target manifolds of supergravity theories in others are discussed in short at the end.
Recently, Chamseddine and Mukhanov introduced a higher-derivative scalar-tensor theory which leads to a modified Friedmann equation allowing for bouncing solutions. As we note in the present work, this Friedmann equation turns out to reproduce exactly the loop quantum cosmology effective dynamics for a flat isotropic and homogeneous space-time. We generalize this result to obtain a class of scalar-tensor theories, belonging to the family of mimetic gravity, which all reproduce the loop quantum cosmology effective dynamics for flat, closed and open isotropic and homogeneous space-times.
Theories with curvature squared terms in the action are known to contain ghost modes in general. However, if we regard curvature squared terms as quantum corrections to the original theory, the emergence of ghosts may be simply due to the perturbative truncation of a full non-perturbative theory. If this is the case, there should be a way to live with ghosts. In this paper, we take the Euclidean path integral approach, in which ghost degrees of freedom can be, and are integrated out in the Euclideanized spacetime. We apply this procedure to Einstein gravity with a Weyl curvature squared correc…
Invariant tensors play an important role in gauge theories, for example, in dualities of N=1 gauge theories. However, for theories with fields in representations larger than the fundamental, the full set of invariant tensors is often difficult to construct. We present a new approach to the construction of these tensors, and use it to find the complete set of invariant tensors of a theory of SO(3) with fields in the symmetric tensor representation.
We analytically derive the covariant form of the Riemann (curvature) tensor for homogeneous Metric-Affine Cosmologies. That is, we present, in a Cosmological setting, the most general covariant form of the full Riemann tensor including also its non-Riemannian pieces which are associated to spacetime torsion and non-metricity. Having done so we also compute a list of the curvature tensor by-products such as Ricci tensor, homothetic curvature, Ricci scalar, Einstein tensor etc. Finally we derive the generalized Metric-Affine version of the usual Gauss-Bonnet density in this background and demons…
We study a scalar-tensor bimetric cosmology in the Randall-Sundrum model with one positive tension brane, where the biscalar field is assumed to be confined on the brane. The effective Friedmann equations on the brane are obtained and analyzed. We comment on resolution of cosmological problems in this bimetric model.
A perturbative analysis shows that black holes do not remember the value of the scalar field $ϕ$ at the time they formed if $ϕ$ changes in tensor-scalar cosmology. Moreover, even when the black hole mass in the Einstein frame is approximately unaffected by the changing of $ϕ$, in the Jordan-Fierz frame the mass increases. This mass increase requires a reanalysis of the evaporation of primordial black holes in tensor-scalar cosmology. It also implies that there could have been a significant magnification of the (Jordan-Fierz frame) mass of primordial black holes.
We present a class of exact solutions for homogeneous, anisotropic cosmologies in four dimensions derived from the low-energy string effective action including a homogeneous dilaton $ϕ$ and antisymmetric tensor potential $B_{μν}$. Making this potential time-dependent produces an anisotropic energy-momentum tensor, and leads us to consider a Bianchi I cosmology. The solution for the axion field must then only be a linear function of one spatial coordinate. This in turn places an upper bound on the product of the two scale factors evolving perpendicular to the gradient of the axion field. The on…
In the context of scalar-tensor models of dark energy and inflation, the dynamics of vacuum scalar-tensor cosmology are analysed without specifying the coupling function or the scalar field potential. A conformal transformation to the Einstein frame is used and the dynamics of general relativity with a minimally coupled scalar field are derived for a generic potential. It is shown that the dynamics are non-chaotic, thus settling an existing debate.
It has been pointed out that matter bounce cosmology driven by a k-essence field cannot satisfy simultaneously the observational bounds on the tensor-to-scalar ratio and non-Gaussianity of the curvature perturbation. In this paper, we show that this is not the case in more general scalar-tensor theories. To do so, we evaluate the power spectra and the bispectra of scalar and tensor perturbations on a general contracting background in the Horndeski theory. We then discuss how one can discriminate contracting models from inflation based on non-Gaussian signatures of tensor perturbations.
In this paper the scalar-tensor theory is applied to the study of perturbations in a multi-fluid universe, using the 1+3 covariant approach. Both scalar and harmonic decompositions are instituted on the perturbation equations. In particular, as an application, we study perturbations on a background FRW cosmology consisting of both radiation and dust in the presence of a scalar field. We consider both radiation-dominated and dust-dominated epochs, respectively, and study the results. During the analysis, quasi-static approximation is instituted. It is observed that the fluctuations of the energ…
The classical evolution of a homogeneous cosmological model is investigated within the framework of low - energy effective string gravity with higher genus corrections. Various conformal frames are considered. For the general case of correction functions in the Lagrangian we give the cosmological solutions with arbitrary curvature and dilaton, modulus and Kalb-Ramond fields. They generalize previously known tree level solutions. The features of the solutions are discussed.
We analyze homogeneous, anisotropic cosmology driven by a self-interacting ``massive'' antisymmetric tensor field $B_{μν}$ which is present in string theories with D-branes. Time-dependent magnetic $B$ field existing in the early universe can lead to the Bianchi type I universe. Evolutions of such a tensor field are solved exactly or numerically in the universe dominated by vacuum energy, radiation, and $B$ field itself. The matter-like behavior of the $B$ field (dubbed as ``$B$-matter'') ensures that the anisotropy disappears at late time and thus becomes unobservable in a reasonable cosmolog…
We review several related investigations of the effects of the quantum stress tensor of a conformal field in inflationary cosmology. Particular attention will be paid to the effects of quantum stress tensor fluctuations as a source of density and tensor perturbations in inflationary models. These effects can possibly depend upon the total expansion factor during inflation, and hence be much larger than one might otherwise expect. They have the potential to contribute a non-scale invariant and non-Gaussian component to the primordial spectrum of perturbations, and might be observable.
Finite expressions for the mean value of the stress tensor corresponding to a scalar field with a generalized dispersion relation in a Friedman--Robertson--Walker universe are obtained using adiabatic renormalization. Formally divergent integrals are evaluated by means of dimensional regularization. The renormalization procedure is shown to be equivalent to a redefinition of the cosmological constant and the Newton constant in the semiclassical Einstein equations.
Starting from an exact (in the Regge slope alpha') functional method for a bosonic stringy sigma-model, we investigate four-dimensional cosmological string solutions in graviton, dilaton and antisymmetric tensor backgrounds, compatible with world-sheet conformal invariance, and valid beyond perturbative expansions in powers of alpha'. The antisymmetric tensor field, playing the role of an axion in the four-dimensional target space time, leads to spatial anisotropies of the emergent Robertson-Walker expanding Universe, and, upon coupling the system to the electromagnetic field, it results in no…
We develop the general reconstruction scheme in two scalar model. The quintom-like theory which may describe (different) non-singular Little Rip or de Sitter cosmology is reconstructed. (In)stability of such dark energy cosmologies as well as the flow to fixed points is studied. The stability of Little Rip universe which leads to dissolution of bound objects sometime in future indicates that no classical transition to de Sitter space occurs.
The field equations in FRW background for the so called C-theories are presented and investigated. In these theories the usual Ricci scalar is substituted with $f(\mathcal{R})$ where $\mathcal{R}$ is a Ricci scalar related to a conformally scaled metric $\hat{g}_{μν} = \mathcal{C}(\mathcal{R})g_{μν}$, where the conformal factor itself depends on $\mathcal{R}$. It is shown that homogeneous perturbations of this Ricci scalar around general relativity FRW background of a large class of these theories are either inconsistent or unstable.
Small fluctuations around homogeneous and isotropic expanding backgrounds are the main object of study in cosmology. Their origin and evolution is sensitive to the physical processes that happen during inflation and in the late Universe. As such, they hold the key to answering many of the major open questions in cosmology. Given a large separation of relevant scales in many examples of interest, the most natural description of these fluctuations is formulated in terms of effective field theories. This was the main avenue for many of the important modern developments in theoretical cosmology, w…
Cosmological equations for homogeneous isotropic models filled by scalar fields and ultrarelativistic matter are investigated in the framework of gauge theories of gravity. Regular inflationary cosmological models of flat, closed and open type with dominating ultrarelativistic matter at a bounce are discussed. It is shown that essential part of inflationary cosmological models has bouncing character.
In this paper, we present a complete Noether Symmetry analysis in the framework of scalar-tensor cosmology. Specifically, we consider a non-minimally coupled scalar field action embedded in the FLRW spacetime and provide a full set of Noether symmetries for related minisuperspaces. The presence of symmetries implies that the dynamical system becomes integrable and then we can compute cosmological analytical solutions for specific functional forms of coupling and potential functions selected by the Noether Approach.
Problem of cosmological singularity is discussed in the framework of gauge theories of gravitation. Generalizing cosmological Friedmann equations (GCFE) for homogeneous isotropic models including scalar fields and usual gravitating matter are introduced. It is shown that by certain restrictions on equation of state of gravitating matter and indefinite parameter of GCFE generic feature of inflationary cosmological models of flat, open and closed type is their regular bouncing character.
We present a well-tempered DeWitt wave function, which vanishes at the classical big-bang singularity, in Hořava-Lifshitz (HL) cosmology with tensor perturbation, both analytically and numerically. In general relativity, the DeWitt wave function is ill-behaved once the tensor perturbation is taken into account. This is essentially because the amplitude of the perturbation diverges at the singularity and the perturbative expansion completely breaks down. On the other hand, in HL gravity it is known that the higher dimensional operators required by the perturbative renormalizability render the t…
In the holographic approach to cosmology, cosmological observables are described in terms of correlators of a three-dimensional boundary quantum field theory. As a concrete model, we study the 3$d$ massless $SU(N)$ scalar matrix field theory. In this work, we focus on the renormalisation of the energy-momentum tensor 2-point function, which can be related to the CMB power spectra. Here we present a non-perturbative procedure to remove divergences resulting from the loss of translational invariance on the lattice, by imposing Ward identities. This will allow us to make predictions for the CMB p…
It is shown that spatially flat, isotropic cosmologies derived from the Brans--Dicke gravity action exhibit a scale factor duality invariance. This classical duality is then associated with a hidden $N=2$ supersymmetry at the quantum level and the supersymmetric quantum constraints are solved exactly. These symmetries also apply to a dimensionally reduced version of vacuum Einstein gravity.
We study the tensor modes of linear metric perturbations within an effective framework of loop quantum cosmology. After a review of inverse-volume and holonomy corrections in the background equations of motion, we solve the linearized tensor modes equations and extract their spectrum. Ignoring holonomy corrections, the tensor spectrum is blue tilted in the near-Planckian superinflationary regime and may be observationally disfavoured. However, in this case background dynamics is highly nonperturbative, hence the use of standard perturbative techniques may not be very reliable. On the other han…
Institut für Theoretische Physik, Universität Heidelberg（海德堡大学理论物理研究所）；RIKEN Center for Interdisciplinary Theoretical and Mathematical Sciences (iTHEMS), RIKEN（理化学研究所跨学科理论与数学科学中心（iTHEMS））；ExtreMe Matter Institute EMMI, GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung mbH（重离子研究亥姆霍兹中心极端物质研究所EMMI）；Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Sussex（萨塞克斯大学物理与天文学系）
We review inflationary cosmology in modified gravity such as $R^2$ gravity with its extensions in order to generalize the Starobinsky inflation model. In particular, we explore inflation realized by three kinds of effects: modification of gravity, the quantum anomaly, and the $R^2$ term in loop quantum cosmology. It is explicitly demonstrated that in these inflationary models, the spectral index of scalar modes of the density perturbations and the tensor-to-scalar ratio can be consistent with the Planck results. Bounce cosmology in $F(R)$ gravity is also explained.
A characteristic signature of String Gas Cosmology is primordial power spectra for scalar and tensor modes which are almost scale-invariant but with a red tilt for scalar modes but a blue tilt for tensor modes. This feature, however, can also be realized in the so-called G-inflation model, in which Horndeski operators are introduced which leads to a blue tensor tilt by softly breaking the Null Energy Condition. In this article we search for potential observational differences between these two cosmologies by performing detailed perturbation analyses based on the Effective Field Theory approach…
We study the quantum cosmology of a quadratic $f(R)$ theory with a FRW metric, via one of its equivalent Horndeski type actions, where the dynamics of the scalar field is induced. The classical equations of motion and the Weeler-deWitt equation, in their exact versions, are solved numerically. From the choice of a free parameter in the action follow two cases, inflation + exit and inflation alone. The numerical solution of the Wheeler-DeWitt equation depends strongly on the boundary conditions, which can be chosen so that the resulting wave function of the universe seems to be normalizable and…
It has recently been shown that a Hagedorn phase of string gas cosmology can provide a causal mechanism for generating a nearly scale-invariant spectrum of scalar metric fluctuations, without the need for an intervening period of de Sitter expansion. In this paper we compute the spectrum of tensor metric fluctuations (gravitational waves) in this scenario, and show that it is also nearly scale-invariant. However, whereas the spectrum of scalar modes has a small red-tilt, the spectrum of tensor modes has a small blue tilt, unlike what occurs in slow-roll inflation. This provides a possible obse…
Minisuperpace Quantum Cosmology is an approach by which it is possible to infer initial conditions for dynamical systems which can suitably represent observable and non-observable universes. Here we discuss theories of gravity which, from various points of view, extend Einstein's General Relativity. Specifically, the Hamiltonian formalism for $f(R)$, $f(T)$ and $f(\mathcal{G})$ gravity, with $R$, $T$, and $\mathcal{G}$ being the curvature, torsion and Gauss--Bonnet scalars, respectively, is developed starting from the Arnowitt-Deser-Misner approach. The Minisuperspace Quantum Cosmology is deri…
A new cosmological theory is proposed in the theoretical framework of modified gravity theories which is based on a tachyonic field non-minimally coupled with a specific topological invariant constructed with third order contractions of the Riemann tensor. After proposing the action of the cosmological model, the modified Friedmann relations and the Klein-Gordon equations are obtained, describing the corresponding geometrical corrections to the Einstein-Hilbert action. The physical features of the cosmological system are investigated by adopting the dynamical system analysis in the case of an …
We study the cosmology on the Friedmann-Lemaitre-Robertson-Walker background in scalar-vector-tensor theories with a broken $U(1)$ gauge symmetry. For parity-invariant interactions arising in scalar-vector-tensor theories with second-order equations of motion, we derive conditions for the absence of ghosts and Laplacian instabilities associated with tensor, vector, and scalar perturbations at linear order. This general result is applied to the computation of the primordial tensor power spectrum generated during inflation as well as to the speed of gravity relevant to dark energy. We also const…
We argue that more cosmological solutions in massive gravity can be obtained if the metric tensor and the tensor $Σ_{μν}$ defined by Stückelberg fields take the homogeneous and isotropic form. The standard cosmology with matter and radiation dominations in the past can be recovered and $Λ$CDM model is easily obtained. The dynamical evolution of the universe is modified at very early times.
In this paper, the problem of the self-adjointness for the case of a quantum minisuperspace Hamiltonian retrieved from a Brans-Dicke (BD) action is investigated. Our matter content is presented in terms of a perfect fluid, onto which the Schutz's formalism will be applied. We use the von Neumann theorem and the similarity with the Laplacian operator in one of the variables to determine the cases where the Hamiltonian is self-adjoint and if it admits self-adjoint extensions. For the latter, we study which extension is physically more suitable.
Scalar fields provide attractive modifications of pre-BBN cosmology, which have interesting implications for dark matter abundances. We analyse the effect of these modifications on the number of e-foldings between horizon exit of CMB modes and the end of inflation $(N_k)$, and examine the consequences for inflationary predictions of various models. We find significant effects in the predictions in the $(n_s, r)$ plane. For a large part of the parameter space, the shift in $N_k$ is positive; this ameliorates the tension of $m^{2} φ^{2}$ and natural inflation with data.
In recent years, the use of conformal transformation techniques has become widespread in the literature on gravitational theories alternative to general relativity, on cosmology, and on nonminimally coupled scalar fields. Typically, the transformation to the Einstein frame is generated by a fundamental scalar field already present in the theory. In this context, the problem of which conformal frame is the physical one has to be dealt with and, in the general case, it has been clarified only recently; the formulation of a theory in the ``new'' conformal frame leads to departures from canonical …
We consider the correspondence between the Jordan frame and the Einstein frame descriptions of scalar-tensor theory of gravitation. We argue that since the redefinition of the scalar field is not differentiable at the limit of general relativity the correspondence between the two frames is lost at this limit. To clarify the situation we analyse the dynamics of the scalar field in different frames for two distinct scalar-tensor cosmologies with specific coupling functions and demonstrate that the corresponding scalar field phase portraits are not equivalent for regions containing the general re…
A concise description is presented of the basic features of the formalism of non-canonical spacetime volume-forms and its application in modified gravity theories and cosmology. The well known unimodular gravity theory appears as a very special case. Concerning the hot issues facing cosmology now, we specifically briefly outline the construction of: (a) unified description of dark energy and dark matter as manifestations of a single material entity -- a special scalar field "darkon"; (b) quintessential models of universe evolution with a gravity-"inflaton"-assisted dynamical Higgs mechanism --…
We discuss the cosmological constant problem in the light of dilatation symmetry and its possible anomaly. For dilatation symmetric quantum theories realistic asymptotic cosmology is obtained provided the effective potential has a non-trivial minimum. For theories with dilatation anomaly one needs as a non-trivial "cosmon condition" that the energy-momentum tensor in the vacuum is purely anomalous. Such a condition is related to the short-distance renormalization group behavior of the fundamental theory. Observable deviations from the standard hot big bang cosmology are possible.
In this work we construct a bottom-up reconstruction technique for Loop Quantum Cosmology scalar-tensor theories, from the observational indices. Particularly, the reconstruction technique is based on fixing the functional form of the scalar-to-tensor ratio as a function of the $e$-foldings number. The aim of the technique is to realize viable inflationary scenarios, and the only assumption that must hold true in order for the reconstruction technique to work is that the dynamical evolution of the scalar field obeys the slow-roll conditions. We shall use two functional forms for the scalar-to-…
The bigravity models coupled with two scalar fields are constructed. We show that a wide class of the expansion history of the universe, especially corresponding to dark energy and/or inflation, can be described by a solution of the bigravity model. We discuss the stability of the solution and give the conditions for the stability. We also explicitly construct a model which gives a stable solution. By using the stable model, for an arbitrary evolution of the universe expansion, we construct the Brans-Dicke like model which reproduces the evolution.
We discuss early cosmology in theories where the fundamental Planck mass is close to the TeV scale. In such theories the standard model fields are localized to a (3+1)-dimensional wall with n new transverse sub-millimeter sized spatial dimensions. The topic touched upon include: early inflation that occurs while the size of the new dimensions are still small, the spectrum and magnitude of density perturbations, the post-inflation era of contraction of our world while the internal dimensions evolve to their final ``large'' radius, and the production of gravitons in the bulk during these two era…
In this paper, we use the exact renormalisation in the context of tensor models and tensorial group field theories. As a byproduct, we rederive Gaussian universality for random tensors and provide a general power counting for Abelian tensorial field theories with a closure constraint, leading us to a only five renormalizable theories.
Scalar-tensor Cosmologies can be dealt under the standard of the Hojman conservation theorem that allows to fix the form of the coupling $F(ϕ)$, of the potential $V(ϕ)$ and to find out exact solutions for related cosmological models. Specifically, the existence of a symmetry transformation vector for the equations of motion gives rise to a Hojman conserved quantity on the corresponding minisuperpace and exact solutions for the cosmic scale factor $a$ and the scalar field $ϕ$ can be achieved. In particular, we take advantage of the fact that minimally coupled solutions, previously obtained in t…
We remark on the existence of non-linearly realized conformal symmetries for scalar adiabatic perturbations in cosmology. These conformal symmetries are present for any cosmological background, beyond any slow-roll or quasi-de Sitter approximation. The dilatation transformation shifts the curvature perturbation by a constant, and corresponds to the well-known symmetry under spatial rescaling. We argue that the scalar sector is also invariant under special conformal transformations, which shift the curvature perturbation by a term linear in the spatial coordinates. We discuss whether these conf…
Recent developments in string theory suggest that there might exist extra spatial dimensions, which are not small nor compact. The framework of most brane cosmological models is that in which the matter fields are confined on a brane-world embedded in five dimensions (the bulk). Motivated by this we reexamine the classification of the second order symmetric tensors in 5--D, and prove two theorems which collect together some basic results on the algebraic structure of these tensors in 5-dimensional space-times. We also briefly indicate how one can obtain, by induction, the classification of sym…
We study the bounce and cyclicity realization in the framework of new gravitational scalar-tensor theories. In these theories the Lagrangian contains the Ricci scalar and its first and second derivatives, in a specific combination that makes them free of ghosts, and transformed into the Einstein frame they are proved to be a subclass of bi-scalar extensions of general relativity. We present analytical expressions for the bounce requirements, and we examine the necessary qualitative behavior of the involved functions that can give rise to a given scale factor. Having in mind these qualitative f…
We consider late-time cosmology in a (phantom) scalar-tensor theory with an exponential potential, as a dark energy model with equation of state parameter close to -1 (a bit above or below this value). Scalar (and also other kinds of) matter can be easily taken into account. An exact spatially-flat FRW cosmology is constructed for such theory, which admits (eternal or transient) acceleration phases for the current universe, in correspondence with observational results. Some remarks on the possible origin of the phantom, starting from a more fundamental theory, are also made. It is shown that q…
In holographic models of cosmology based on the (A)dS/CFT correspondence, conformal symmetry is implicit in the dual description of the Universe. Generically, however, one cannot expect the (broken) conformal invariance in the cosmic fluctuations as only the scale invariance is manifest in experiments. Also, in order for the prediction of the holographic models to make sense, the conformal symmetry needs to be broken as the scalar mode of the metric fluctuations becomes pure gauge in the conformal limit. We discuss the improvement ambiguity of the energy-momentum tensor in this context and con…
