We construct a compact phase space for flat FLRW spacetimes with standard matter described by a perfect fluid with a barotropic equation of state for general f(R) theories of gravity, subject to certain conditions on the function f. We then use this framework to study the behaviour of the phase space of Universes with a non-negative Ricci scalar in R + αR^n gravity. We find a number of interesting cosmological evolutions which include the possibility of an initial unstable power-law inflationary point, followed by a curvature fluid dominated phase mimicking standard radiation, then passing through a standard matter (CDM) era and ultimately evolving asymptotically towards a de-Sitter-like late-time accelerated phase.
We consider cosmological dynamics in fourth order gravity with both $f(R)$ and $Φ(\mathcal {G})$ correction to the Einstein gravity ($\mathcal{G}$ is the Gauss-Bonnet term). The particular case for which both terms are equally important on power-law solutions is described. These solutions and their stability are studied using the dynamical system approach. We also discuss condition of existence and stability of de Sitter solution in a more general situation of power-law $f$ and $Φ$.
We discuss the dynamical system approach applied to Higher Order Theories of Gravity. We show that once the theory of gravity has been specified, the cosmological equations can be written as a first-order autonomous system and we give several examples which illustrate the utility of our method. We also discuss a number of results which have appeared recently in the literature.
In the framework of extended gravity theories, we discuss the meaning of a time dependent "cosmological constant" and give a set of conditions to recover asymptotic de Sitter behaviour for a class of cosmological models independently of initial data. To this purpose we introduce a time-dependent (effective) quantity which asymptotically becomes the true cosmological constant. We will deal with scalar-tensor, fourth and higher than fourth-order theories.
We study a class of almost scale-invariant modified gravity theories, using a particular form of $f(R, G) = αR^2 + βG \log G$ where $R$ and $G$ are the Ricci and Gauss-Bonnet scalars, respectively and $α$, $β$ are arbitrary constants. We derive the Einstein-like field equations to first order in cosmological perturbation theory in longitudinal gauge.
A fourth-order theory of gravity is considered which in terms of dynamics has the same degrees of freedom and number of constraints as those of scalar-tensor theories. In addition it admits a canonical point-like Lagrangian description. We study the critical points of the theory and we show that it can describe the matter epoch of the universe and that two accelerated phases can be recovered one of which describes a de Sitter universe. Finally for some models exact solutions are presented.
We discuss the instabilities appearing in the cosmological model with a quasi de Sitter phase following from a fourth-order gravity theory. Both the classical equation as well as the quantization in form of a Wheeler - De Witt equation are conformally related to the analogous model with Einstein's theory of gravity with a minimally coupled scalar field. Results are: 1. In the non-tachyonic case, classical fourth-order gravity is not more unstable than Einstein's theory itself. 2. The well-known classically valid conformal relation is also (at least for some typical cases) valid on the level of…
For the non-tachyonic curvature squared action we show that the expanding Bianchi-type I models tend to the dust-filled Einstein-de Sitter model for t tending to infinity if the metric is averaged over the typical oscillation period. Applying a conformal equivalence between curvature squared action and a minimally coupled scalar field (which holds for all dimensions > 2) the problem is solved by discussing a massive scalar field in an anisotropic cosmological model.
Building on earlier work, we discuss a general framework for exploring the cosmological dynamics of Higher Order Theories of Gravity. We show that once the theory of gravity has been specified, the cosmological equations can be written as a first-order autonomous system and we give several examples which illustrate the utility of our method. We also discuss a number of results which have appeared recently in the literature.
The conformal equivalence of fourth-order gravity following from a non-linear Lagrangian L(R) to theories of other types is widely known, here we report on a new conformal equivalence of these theories to theories of the same type but with different Lagrangian. For a quantization of fourth-order theories one needs a Hamiltonian formulation of them. One of the possibilities to do so goes back to Ostrogradski in 1850. Here we present another possibility: A Hamiltonian H different from Ostrogradski's one is discussed for the Lagrangian L depending on first and second order drivatives of the posit…
We present for the first time the complete matter power spectrum for $R^n$ gravity which has been derived from the fourth order scalar perturbation equations. This leads to the discovery of a characteristic signature of fourth order gravity in the matter power spectrum, the details of which have not seen before in other studies in this area and therefore provides a crucial test for fourth order gravity on cosmological scales.
In this paper, we explore classes of irrotational-fluid cosmological models in the context of f(R)-gravity in an attempt to put some theoretical and mathematical restrictions on the form of the f(R) gravitational Lagrangian. In particular, we investigate the consistency of linearised dust models for shear-free cases as well as in the limiting cases when either the gravito-magnetic or gravito-elecric components of the Weyl tensor vanish. We also discuss the existence and consistency of classes of non-expanding irrotational spacetimes in f(R)-gravity.
We investigate whether or not an Einstein Static universe is a solution to the cosmological equations in $f(R)$ gravity. It is found that only one class of $f(R)$ theories admits an Einstein Static model, and that this class is neutrally stable with respect to vector and tensor perturbations for all equations of state on all scales. Scalar perturbations are only stable on all scales if the matter fluid equation of state satisfies $c_s^2>\frac{\sqrt{5}-1}{6}\approx 0.21$. This result is remarkably similar to the GR case, where it was found that the Einstein Static model is stable for $c_s^2>{1/…
An alternate Hamiltonian H different from Ostrogradski's one is found for the Lagrangian L = L(q, \dot q, \ddot q). We add a suitable divergence to L and insert a=q and b=\ddot q. Contrary to other approaches no constraint is needed because \ddot a = b is one of the canonical equations. Another canonical equation becomes equivalent to the fourth-order Euler-Lagrange equation of L. Usually, H becomes quadratic in the momenta, whereas the Ostrogradski approach has Hamiltonians always linear in the momenta. For non-linear L=F(R), G=dF/dR \ne 0 the Lagrangians L and \hat L=\hat F(\hat R) with \hat…
For the fourth-order teleparallel $f\left(T,B\right) $ theory of gravity, we investigate the cosmological evolution for the universe in the case of a spatially flat Friedmann--Lema\^ıtre--Robertson--Walker background space. We focus on the case for which $f\left(T,B\right) $ is separable, that is, $f\left(T,B\right) _{,TB}=0$ and $f\left(T,B\right) $ is a nonlinear function on the scalars $T$ and $B$. For this fourth-order theory we use a Lagrange multiplier to introduce a scalar field function which attributes the higher-order derivatives. In order to perform the analysis of the dynamics we u…
We consider the consequences of describing the metric properties of space- time through a quartic line element $ds^4=G_{μνλρ}dx^μdx^νdx^λdx^ρ$. The associated "metric" is a fourth-rank tensor $G_{μνλρ}$. We construct a theory for the gravitational field based on the fourth-rank metric $G_{μνλρ}$ which is conformally invariant in four dimensions. In the absence of matter the fourth-rank metric becomes of the form $G_{μνλρ}=g_{(μν}g_{λρ)}$ therefore we recover a Riemannian behaviour of the geometry; furthermore, the theory coincides with General Relativity. In the presence of matter we can keep …
The cosmology of general fourth order corrections to Einstein gravity is considered, both for a homogeneous and isotropic background and for general tensor perturbations. It is explicitly shown how the standard cosmological history can be (approximately) reproduced and under what condition the evolution of the tensor modes remain (approximately) unchanged. Requiring that the deviations from General Relativity are small during inflation sharpens the current constraints on such corrections terms by some thirty orders of magnitude. Taking a more conservative approach and requiring only that cosmo…
We present a set of equations describing the cosmological gravitational wave in a gravity theory with quadratic order gravitational coupling terms which naturally arise in quantum correction procedures. It is known that the gravitational wave equation in the gravity theories with a general $f(R)$ term in the action leads to a second order differential equation with the only correction factor appearing in the damping term. The case for a $R^{ab} R_{ab}$ term is completely different. The gravitational wave is described by a fourth order differential equation both in time and space. However, curi…
The averaging of the dynamic functions of the standard cosmological model (SCM) at its early stage with the dominance of the scalar field is carried out. It is shown that microscopic oscillations with Compton period provide the major contribution to the macroscopic energy density of the scalar field at large times at this stage. In this case, the effective equation of state of the scalar field oscillates between the inflationary and the extremely rigid ones, while the macroscopic equation of state is non-relativistic.
An analytic understanding of the geodesic structure around non-Kerr spacetimes will result in a powerful tool that could make the mapping of spacetime around massive quiescent compact objects possible. To this end, I present an analytic closed form expression for the components of a the fourth order Killing tensor for Stationary Axisymmetric Vacuum (SAV) Spacetimes. It is as yet unclear what subset of SAV spacetimes admit this solution. The solution is written in terms of an integral expression involving the metric functions and two specific Greens functions. A second integral expression has t…
In this work, we study the issue of the past and future cosmological singularities in the context of the fourth-order conformal Weyl gravity. In particular, we investigate the emergent universe scenario proposed by Ellis {\it et al}, and find the stability conditions of the corresponding Einstein static state using the fixed point approach. We show that depending on the values of the parameters of the conformal Weyl gravity theory, there are possibilities for having initially stable emergent states for an FRW universe with both the positive and negative spatial curvatures. This represents that…
A broader perspective is suggested for the study of higher dimensional cosmological models. [1986: Considerations involving the Einstein constraints and the Ricci form of the evolution equations for spatially homogeneous spacetimes in 4 or more dimensions in the Taub time gauge (constant densitized lapse) are used to show how many of the special exact solutions found at random fit together into a larger picture in which the Taub spacetime solution plays an instructive role. Concludes with some remarks on chaos.]
In this work we analyze kinematical conformal cosmology (KCC), an alternative cosmological model based on conformal Weyl gravity (CG), and test it against current type Ia supernova (SNIa) luminosity data and other astrophysical observations. Expanding upon previous work on the subject, we revise the analysis of SNIa data, confirming that KCC can explain the evidence for an accelerating expansion of the Universe without using dark energy or other exotic components. We obtain an independent evaluation of the Hubble constant, H_{0} = 67.53 km/s Mpc, very close to the current best estimates. The m…
This is the fourth paper in a series of four in which we use space adiabatic methods in order to incorporate backreactions among the homogeneous and between the homogeneous and inhomogeneous degrees of freedom in quantum cosmological perturbation theory. In this paper, we finally consider the gauge invariant scalar (Mukhanov-Sasaki) and tensor (primordial gravitational wave) inhomogeneous perturbations of General Relativity coupled to an inflaton field which arise from a careful constraint analysis of this system up to second order in the perturbations. The simultaneous quantisation of the hom…
We give a rigorous and mathematically clear presentation of the Covariant and Gauge Invariant theory of gravitational waves in a perturbed Friedmann-Lemaitre-Robertson-Walker universe for Fourth Order Gravity, where the matter is described by a perfect fluid with a barotropic equation of state. As an example of a consistent analysis of tensor perturbations in Fourth Order Gravity, we apply the formalism to a simple background solution of R^n gravity. We obtain the exact solutions of the perturbation equations for scales much bigger than and smaller than the Hubble radius. It is shown that the …
We present a set of equations describing the evolution of the scalar-type cosmological perturbation in a gravity with general quadratic order curvature coupling terms. Equations are presented in a gauge ready form, thus are ready to implement various temporal gauge conditions depending on the problems. The Ricci-curvature square term leads to a fourth-order differential equation for describing the spacetime fluctuations in a spatially homogeneous and isotropic cosmological background.
We investigate a fourth order model of gravity, having a free length parameter, and no cosmological constant or dark energy. We consider cosmological evolution of a flat Friedmann universe in this model for the case that the length parameter is of the order of present Hubble radius. By making a suitable choice for the present value of the Hubble parameter, and value of third derivative of the scale factor (the jerk) we find that the model can explain cosmic acceleration to the same degree of accuracy as the standard concordance model. If the free length parameter is assumed to be time-dependen…
Loop Quantum Gravity is a background independent, nonperturbative approach to the quantization of General Relativity. Its application to models of interest in cosmology and astrophysics, known as Loop Quantum Cosmology, has led to new and exciting views of the gravitational phenomena that took place in the early universe, or that occur in spacetime regions where Einstein's theory predicts singularities. We provide a brief introduction to the bases of Loop Quantum Cosmology and summarize the most important results obtained in homogeneous scenarios. These results include a mechanism to avoid the…
We construct an approximate solution to the cosmological perturbation theory around Einstein-de Sitter background up to the fourth-order perturbations. This could be done with the help of the specific symmetry condition imposed on the metric, from which follows, that the model density forms an infinite, cubic lattice. We show that the perturbative solution obtained this way can be interpreted as the exact solution to the Einstein equations for a dust-like energy-momentum tensor. In our model, it seems that physical quantities averaged over a large scales overlap with the respective Einstein-de…
We investigate the connection between dark energy and fourth order gravity by analyzing the behavior of scalar perturbations around a Friedmann-Robertson-Walker background. The evolution equations for scalar perturbation are derived using the covariant and gauge invariant approach and applied to two widely studied $f(R)$ gravity models. The structure of the general fourth order perturbation equations and the analysis of scalar perturbations lead to the discovery of a characteristic signature of fourth order gravity in the matter power spectrum, the details of which have not seen before in othe…
We employ the familiar canonical quantization procedure in a given cosmological setting to argue that it is equivalent to and results in the same physical picture if one considers the deformation of the phase-space instead. To show this we use a Probabilistic Evolutionary Process (PEP) to make the solutions of these different approaches comparable. Specific model theories are used to show that the independent solutions of the resulting Wheeler-DeWitt equation are equivalent to solutions of the deformation method with different signs for the deformation parameter. We also argued that since the …
We investigate the behaviour on approach to the initial singularity in higher-order extensions of general relativity by finding exact cosmological solutions for a wide class of models in which the Lagrangian is allowed to depend nonlinearly upon the three possible linear and quadratic scalars built from the Riemann tensor; $R$, $R_{ab}R^{ab}$ and $R_{abcd}R^{abcd}$. We present new anisotropic vacuum solutions analagous to the Kasner solutions of general relativity and extend previous results to a much wider range of fourth order theories of gravity. We discuss the implications of these results…
We consider the Einstein equation with first order (semiclassical) quantum corrections. Although the quantum corrections contain up to fourth order derivatives of the metric, the solutions which are physically relevant satisfy a reduced equations which contain derivatives no higher than second order. We obtain the reduced equations for a range of stress-energy tensors. These reduced equations are suitable for numerical solution, are expected to contain fewer numerical instabilities than the original fourth order equations, and yield only physically relevant solutions. We give analytic and nume…
The Lambda-CDM model is the best fit to cosmological data, and to the observed galactic rotation curves. However, in the absence of a direct detection of dark matter one should explore theories such as MOND, and perhaps also modified gravity theories like fourth order gravity and Scalar-Tensor-Vector Gravity [STVG] as possible explanations for the non-Keplerian behaviour of galaxy rotation curves. STVG has a modified law for gravitational acceleration which attempts to fit data by fixing two free parameters. We show that, remarkably, the biharmonic equation which we get in the weak field limit…
We investigate the effect of deviations from general relativity on approach to the initial singularity by finding exact cosmological solutions to a wide class of fourth-order gravity theories. We present new anisotropic vacuum solutions of modified Kasner type and demonstrate the extent to which they are valid in the presence of non-comoving perfect-fluid matter fields. The infinite series of Mixmaster oscillations seen in general relativity will not occur in these solutions, except in unphysical cases.
Solutions to flat space Friedmann-Robertson-Walker cosmologies in Brans-Dicke theory with a cosmological constant are investigated. The matter is modelled as a $γ$-law perfect fluid. The field equations are reduced from fourth order to second order through a change of variables, and the resulting two-dimensional system is analyzed using dynamical system theory. When the Brans-Dicke coupling constant is positive $(ω> 0)$, all initially expanding models approach exponential expansion at late times, regardless of the type of matter present. If $ω< 0$, then a wide variety of qualitatively distinct…
The cosmological constant problem and the compatibility of gravity with quantum mechanics are the two most pressing problems in all of gravitational theory. While string theory nicely addresses the latter, it has so far failed to provide any compelling solution to the former. On the other hand, while conformal gravity nicely addresses the cosmological constant problem (by naturally quenching the amount by which the cosmological constant gravitates rather than by quenching the cosmological constant itself), the fourth order derivative conformal theory has long been thought to possess a ghost wh…
We consider the cosmological horizons in the expanding universe from the point of view of observer moving with respect to CMB frame. The deformation (non-sphericity) of cosmological horizons is demonstrated. Some principle consequences are discussed.
We develop a method for solving the field equations of a quadratic gravitational theory coupled to matter. The quadratic terms are written as a function of the matter stress tensor and its derivatives in such a way to have, order by order, a set of Einstein field equations with an effective $T_{μν}$. We study the cosmological scenario recovering the de Sitter exact solution, and the first order (in the coupling constants $α$ and $β$ appearing in the gravitational Lagrangian) solution to the gauge cosmic string metric and the charged black hole. For this last solution we discuss the consequence…
We explore some cosmological features of the newly suggested 4D Gauss-Bonnet gravity through two different models assuming a varying cosmological constant. Observational constraints, such as the cosmic transit and the flat curvature, have been considered in constructing the models. The cosmology in the current work has been probed using a given scale factor derived from the desired cosmic behavior which is the inverse of the usual viewpoint. The stability and cosmography have been studied for the two models.
We present a detailed study of gravitational lensing around a rotating BTZ black hole in (2+1) dimensional gravity. The study of orbits for massless test particle around this BH spacetime is performed to describe the nature of cosmological constant in lower dimensions. We study the effect of cosmological constant on the photon orbit in view of other critical parameters. The bending angle of light is studied in view of different values of cosmological constant for direct and retrograde motion of test particles. It is being observed that the bending angle slightly decreases as the value of cosmo…
We study $D$-dimensional Einstein-Gauss-Bonnet gravitational model including the Gauss-Bonnet term and the cosmological term $Λ$. We find a class of solutions with exponential time dependence of two scale factors, governed by two Hubble-like parameters $H >0$ and $h$, corresponding to factor spaces of dimensions $m >2$ and $l > 2$, respectively. These solutions contain a fine-tuned $Λ= Λ(x, m, l, α)$, which depends upon the ratio $h/H = x$, dimensions of factor spaces $m$ and $l$, and the ratio $α= α_2/α_1$ of two constants ($α_2$ and $α_1$) of the model. The master equation $Λ(x, m, l,α) = Λ$…
Cosmological models with an SU(2) Yang-Mills field are studied. For a specific model with a minimally coupled Yang-Mills Lagrangian, which includes an arbitrary function of the second-order term and a fourth-order term, a corresponding reconstruction program is proposed. It is shown that the model with minimal coupling has no de Sitter solutions, for any nontrivial function of the second-order term. To get de Sitter solutions, a gravitational model with nonminimally coupled Yang-Mills fields is then investigated. It is shown that the model with non-minimal coupling has in fact a de Sitter solu…
Corrections to Einstein's equations that become important at small curvatures are considered. The field equations are derived using a Palatini variation in which the connection and metric are varied independently. In contrast to the Einstein-Hilbert variation, which yields fourth order equations, the Palatini approach produces second order equations in the metric. The Lagrangian $L(R)=R-α^2/R$ is examined and it is shown that it leads to equations whose solutions approach a de Sitter universe at late times. Thus, the inclusion of 1/R curvature terms in the gravitational action offers an altern…
We present a new explicit class of black holes in general quadratic gravity with a cosmological constant. These spherically symmetric Schwarzschild-Bach-(anti-)de Sitter geometries (Schwa-Bach-(A)dS), derived under the assumption of constant scalar curvature, form a three-parameter family determined by the black-hole horizon position, the value of Bach invariant on the horizon, and the cosmological constant. Using a conformal to Kundt metric ansatz, the fourth-order field equations simplify to a compact autonomous system. Its solutions are found as power series, enabling us to directly set the…
The cosmological perturbation theory is revisited from the holographic point of view. In the case of the single brane model, it turns out that the AdS/CFT correspondence plays an important role. In the case of the two-brane model, it is shown that the effective equations of motion becomes the quasi-scalar-tensor gravity. It is also demonstrated that the radion anisotropy gives the CMB fluctuations through the Sachs-Wolfe effect.
Within 2+1-dimensional cosmological new massive gravity, we consider thin-shell and thin-shell wormhole construction. For this, we introduce first, the junction conditions apt for the fourth order terms in the action of the theory. Then, by employing some specific static solutions in new massive gravity, we study the characteristics of associated thin-shells and thin-shell wormholes. Our finding suggests that, firstly, there cannot exist any thin-shells regarding our chosen solutions of cosmological new massive gravity, and secondly, the constructed thin-shell wormhole does not need to be symm…
Semiclassical contributions to the gravitational action include various terms with zero, two, and four derivatives of the metric as well as nonlocal form factors for these terms. Contributions to some of these terms could be confused with others on a specific metric background or for a particular gauge fixing. We present a critical analysis of the recent works where the tensor structure and the number of derivatives in the action of gravity were not properly taken into account. Taking these relevant aspects into account, we show that although some contributions owing to the quantum fluctuation…
(There is no original abstract.) These are lecture notes from a 1971 summer school surveying the then known cosmological models in particular the properties of Bianchi cosmologies, and giving a pedagogical introduction to groups of isometries in spacetime and to the orthonormal tetrad method.
A cubic correction of $f(T)$ gravity, where $T$ is the teleparallel scalar torsion, is considered to describe gravity in spatially flat Friedmann-Robertson-Walker model. A scale factor permitting departure from inflation era has been derived. The cosmological evolution has been studied and it has shown that a phase transition from early era to late one is possible. The maximum temperature by releasing the vacuum latent heat has been shown to be much below the GUT temperature. The energy conditions have been analyzed and has shown that they are satisfied for certain values of the parameters $\v…
We present a new approach to cosmological perturbations based on the theory of Lie groups and their representations. After re-deriving the standard covariant formalism from SO(3) considerations, we provide a new expansion of the perturbed Friedmann-Lemaitre-Robertson-Walker (FLRW) metric in terms of irreducible representations of the Lorentz group. The resulting decomposition splits into (scalar, scalar), (scalar, vector) and (vector, vector) terms. These equations directly correspond to the standard Lifshitz classification of cosmological perturbations using scalar, vector and tensor modes wh…
Perturbative solutions to the fourth-order gravity describing spherically-symmetric, static and electrically charged black hole in an asymptotically de Sitter universe is constructed and discussed. Special emphasis is put on the lukewarm configurations, in which the temperature of the event horizon equals the temperature of the cosmological horizon.
In this work, we present a consistent Hamiltonian analysis of cosmological perturbations for generalized non-canonical scalar fields. In order to do so, we introduce a new phase-space variable that is uniquely defined for different non-canonical scalar fields. We also show that this is the simplest and efficient way of expressing the Hamiltonian. We extend the Hamiltonian approach of [arXiv:1512.02539] to non-canonical scalar field and obtain a new definition of speed of sound in phase-space. In order to invert generalized phase-space Hamilton's equations to Euler-Lagrange equations of motion,…
We study the renormalized energy-momentum tensor of cosmological scalar fluctuations during the slow-rollover regime for power-law inflation and find that it is characterized by a negative energy density at the leading order, with the same time behaviour as the background energy. The average expansion rate appears decreased by the back-reaction of the effective energy of cosmological fluctuations, but this value is comparable with the energy of background only if inflation starts at a Planckian energy. We also find that, for this particular model, the first and second order inflaton fluctuatio…
Some theoretic results related to the cosmological constant, obtained in the 80's and 90's of last century, are reviewed. These results exhibit some interesting underlying pattern when viewed from a category-theoretic perspective. In doing this, we illustrate how Baez and Dolan's Periodic Table of $k$-tuply monoidal $n$-categories can serve as a basic framework of a quantum spacetime structure. Explicitly, we show how Einstein gravity (with the cosmological constant turned on) emerges when we de-categorify certain $2$-tuply monoidal $2$-categories properly, as Crane proposed a long time ago. I…
We study the fourth order action of the comoving curvature perturbation in an inflationary universe in order to understand more systematically the de Sitter limit in nonlinear cosmological perturbation theory. We derive the action of the curvature perturbation to fourth order in the comoving gauge, and show that it vanishes sufficiently fast in the de Sitter limit. By studying the de Sitter limit, we then extrapolate to the n'th order action of the comoving curvature perturbation and discuss the slow-roll order of the n-point correlation function.
With the availability of thousands of type Ia supernovae in the near future the magnitude scatter induced by lensing will become a major issue as it affects parameter estimation. Current N-body simulations are too time consuming to be integrated in the likelihood analyses used for estimating the cosmological parameters. In this paper we show that in the weak lensing regime a statistical numerical approximation produces accurate results orders of magnitude faster. We write down simple fits to the second, third and fourth central moments of the lensing magnification probability distribution as a…
Along this review, we focus on the study of several properties of modified gravity theories, in particular on black-hole solutions and its comparison with those solutions in General Relativity, and on Friedmann-Lemaitre-Robertson-Walker metrics. The thermodynamical properties of fourth order gravity theories are also a subject of this investigation with special attention on local and global stability of paradigmatic f(R) models. In addition, we revise some attempts to extend the Cardy-Verlinde formula, including modified gravity, where a relation between entropy bounds is obtained. Moreover, a…
