The light-rays and wave fronts in a flat class of Godel-type metric are examined to reveal the causality violating features of the space-time. Non-causal features demonstrated by the development of unusual wave front singularities are shown to be related to the non-monotonic advance of time along the light rays, as measured by a system of observers at rest with respect to one another with synchronized clocks.
In the Rastall gravity a non-minimal coupling between geometry and matter fields is considered. Then the usual energy-momentum tensor conservation law is not valid. Here a Lagrangian formalism is proposed to the Rastall theory of gravity. The Gödel-type universe is studied in this gravitational model. Then it is studied whether this theory permits causality violation. The field equations do not exclude solutions with a breakdown of causality for a perfect fluid as matter content. In this case, an expression for the critical radius (beyond which the causality is violated) is determined. In addi…
[Abridged] In its standard formulation, the $f(T)$ field equations are not invariant under local Lorentz transformations, and thus the theory does not inherit the causal structure of special relativity. A locally Lorentz covariant $f(T)$ gravity theory has been devised recently, and this local causality problem has been overcome. The nonlocal question, however, is left open. If gravitation is to be described by this covariant $f(T)$ gravity theory there are a number of issues that ought to be examined in its context, including the question as to whether its field equations allow homogeneous Gö…
The $f(R)$ gravity theories provide an alternative way to explain the current cosmic acceleration without a dark energy matter component. If gravity is governed by a $f(R)$ theory a number of issues should be reexamined in this framework, including the violation of causality problem on nonlocal scale. We examine the question as to whether the $f(R)$ gravity theories permit space-times in which the causality is violated. We show that the field equations of these $f(R)$ gravity theories do not exclude solutions with breakdown of causality for a physically well-motivated perfect-fluid matter cont…
We examine the question as to whether the Palatini f(R) gravity theories permit space-times in which the causality is violated. We show that every perfect-fluid Gödel-type solution of Palatini f(R) gravity with density $ρ$ and pressure $p$ that satisfy the weak energy condition $ρ+p \geq 0$ is necessarily isometric to the Gödel geometry, demonstrating therefore that these theories present causal anomalies in the form of closed time-like curves. This result extends a theorem on Gödel-type models to the framework of Palatini f(R) gravity theory. We concretely examine the Gödel-type perfect-fluid…
The issue of causality in $f(T)$ gravity is investigated by examining the possibility of existence of the closed timelike curves in the Gödel-type metric. By assuming a perfect fluid as the matter source, we find that the fluid must have an equation of state parameter greater than minus one in order to allow the Gödel solutions to exist, and furthermore the critical radius $r_c$, beyond which the causality is broken down, is finite and it depends on both matter and gravity. Remarkably, for certain $f(T)$ models, the perfect fluid that allows the Gödel-type solutions can even be normal matter, …
In this paper the causality issues are discussed in a non-Riemannian geometry, called Lyra geometry. It is a non-Riemannian geometry originated from Weyl geometry. In order to compare this geometry with the Riemannian geometry, the Einstein field equations are considered. It is verified that the Gödel and Gödel-type metric are consistent with this non-Riemannian geometry. A non-trivial solution for Gödel universe in the absence of matter sources is determined without analogue in general relativity. Different sources are considered and then different conditions for causal and non-causal solutio…
I give a historical survey of the discussions about the existence of closed timelike curves in general relativistic models of the universe, opening the physical possibility of time travel in the past, as first recognized by K. Gödel in his rotating universe model of 1949. I emphasize that journeying into the past is intimately linked to spacetime models devoid of timelike singularities. Since such singularities arise as an inevitable consequence of the equations of general relativity given physically reasonable assumptions, time travel in the past becomes possible only when one or another of t…
The Palatini $f(R,T)$ gravity theory is considered. The standard Einstein-Hilbert action is replaced by an arbitrary function of the Ricci scalar $R$ and of the trace $T$ of the energy-momentum tensor. In the Palatini approach, the Ricci scalar is a function of the metric and the connection. These two quantities, metric and connection, are taken as independents variables. Then, it is examined whether Palatini $f(R,T)$ gravity theory allows solutions in which lead to violation of causality. The Gödel and Gödel-type space-times are considered. In addition, a critical radius, which permits to exa…
In this paper, we will examine the problem of violation of causality in $f(R,T)$ modified gravity, where $R$ is the Ricci scalar and $T$ is the trace of the energy-momentum tensor $T_{μν}$. We investigate the causality problem in two special cases, in the first we consider the matter content of the universe as a perfect fluid and in the second case, the matter content is a perfect fluid plus a scalar field.
It is well known that non-local theories of gravity have been a flourish arena of studies for many reasons, for instance, the UV incompleteness of General Relativity (GR). In this paper we check the consistency of ST-homogeneous Gödel-type metrics within the non-local gravity framework. The non-local models considered here are ghost-free but not necessarily renormalizable since we focus on the classical solutions of the field equations. Furthermore, the non-locality is displayed in the action through transcendental entire functions of the d'Alembert operator $\Box$ that are mathematically repr…
We consider a string-inspired, gravitational theory of scalar and electromagnetic fields and we investigate the existence of axially-symmetric, Gödel-type cosmological solutions. The neutral case is studied first and an "extreme" Gödel-type rotating solution, that respects the causality, is determined. The charged case is considered next and two new configurations for the, minimally-coupled to gravity, electromagnetic field are presented. Another configuration motivated by the expected distribution of currents and charges in a rotating universe is studied and shown to lead to a Gödel-type solu…
In this paper, $f(R,T,R_{μν} T^{μν}$) gravity is considered. It is a modified theory of gravity that exhibits a strong coupling of gravitational and matter fields. Therefore, if gravity is governed by this model a number of issues must be re-examined. In this context, the question of causality and its violation is studied. Such analysis is carried out using the Gödel-type solutions. It is shown that this model allows both causal and non-causal solutions. These solutions depend directly on the content of matter present in the universe. For the non-causal solution, a critical radius is calculate…
In this paper, we will study non-commutative corrections in the metric tensor for the Gödel-type universe, a model that has as its main characteristic the possibility of violation of causality, allowing therefore time travel. We also find that the critical radius in such a model, which eventually will determine the time travel possibility, is modified due to the non commutativity of spatial coordinates.
The bumblebee field coupled with gravity is considered. This gravitational theory exhibits spontaneous breaking of Lorentz symmetry. The Gödel-type universe is introduced and then the causality and its violation are studied. Causal and non-causal Gödel-type solutions are obtained for different content of matter. In addition, when the coupling constant, which controls the interaction between the bumblebee field and the gravitational field, is zero the bumblebee potential may be associated with the value of the cosmological constant of the general relativity. Furthermore, the case with the non-z…
The spacetime homogeneous Gödel-type spacetimes which have four classes of metrics are studied according to their matter collineations. The obtained results are compared with Killing vectors and Ricci collineations. It is found that these spacetimes have infinite number of matter collineations in degenerate case, i.e. det$(T_{ab}) = 0$, and do not admit proper matter collineations in non-degenerate case, i.e. det$(T_{ab}) \ne 0$. The degenerate case has the new constraints on the parameters $m$ and $w$ which characterize the causality features of the Gödel-type spacetimes.
The $k$-essence modified $f(R)$ gravity model, i.e., $f(R,ϕ,X)$ theory is studied. The question of violation of causality, in the framework of Gödel-type universes, is investigated in this gravitational model. Causal and non-causal solutions are allowed. A critical radius for non-causal solution is calculated. It is shown that the violation of causality depends on the content of matter.
Even for holographic theories that obey boundary causality, the full bulk Lorentzian path integral includes metrics that violate this condition. This leads to the following puzzle: The commutator of two field theory operators at spacelike-separated points on the boundary must vanish. However, if these points are causally related in a bulk metric, then the bulk calculation of the commutator will be nonzero. It would appear that the integral over all metrics of this commutator must vanish exactly for holography to hold. This is puzzling since it must also be true if the commutator is multiplied …
We exhibit timelike geodesic paths for a metric, introduced by Bonnor [11] and considered also by Steadman [13], and show that coordinate time runs backward along a portion of these geodesics.
In this paper, the hybrid metric-Palatini gravity is an approach to modified gravity in which is added to the usual Einstein-Hilbert action a supplementary term containing a Palatini-type correction of the form $f({\cal R},T)$. Here, ${\cal R}$ is the Palatini curvature scalar, which is constructed from an independent connection and $T$ is the trace of the energy-momentum tensor. This theory describes a non-minimal coupling between matter and geometry. The modified Einstein field equations in this hybrid metric-Palatini approach are obtained. Then, it is investigated whether this modified theo…
We show that singularities necessarily occur when a boundary of causality violating set exists in a space-time under the physically suitable assumptions except the global causality condition in the Hawking-Penrose singularity theorems. Instead of the global causality condition, we impose some restrictions on the causality violating sets to show the occurrence of singularities.
In this paper, we address the problem of causality violation in the solutions of Einstein equations and seek possible causality restoration mechanisms in modifed theories of gravity. We choose for the above problem, the causality violation due to the existence of closed time-like curves in the context of Kerr-Newman black hole. We first revisit and quantify the details of the causality violation in the Kerr-Newman spacetime. We then show that the issue is also existent in two of the modified solutions to the Kerr Newman spacetime: The Non-Commutativity inspired solution and the f(R)-Gravity mo…
The five-dimensional (5D) Riemannian Gödel-type manifolds are examined in light of the equivalence problem techniques, as formulated by Cartan. The necessary and sufficient conditions for local homogeneity of these 5D manifolds are derived. The local equivalence of these homogeneous Riemannian manifolds is studied. It is found that they are characterized by two essential parameters $m^2$ and $ω$: identical pairs $(m^2, ω)$ correspond to locally equivalent 5D manifolds. An irreducible set of isometrically nonequivalent 5D locally homogeneous Riemannian Gödel-type metrics are exhibited. A classi…
[Abridged] If gravitation is to be described by a hybrid metric-Palatini $f(\mathcal{R})$ gravity theory there are a number of issues that ought to be examined in its context, including the question as to whether its equations allow homogeneous Gödel-type solutions, which necessarily leads to violation of causality. Here, to look further into the potentialities and difficulties of $f(\mathcal{R})$ theories, we examine whether they admit Gödel-type solutions for well-motivated matter source. We first show that under certain conditions on the matter sources the problem of finding out space-time …
The spacetime of Ho and Weiler [Phys. Rev. D {\bf 87}, 045004 (2013)] supposedly admitting closed timelike curves (CTCs) is flat Minkowski spacetime with a compactified coordinate and can only contain CTCs if the compact direction is chosen to be timelike. This case of a "periodic time" is probably the simplest example of a causality-violating spacetime; it trivially satisfies all energy conditions usually assumed in general relativity, and its geodesics are just straight lines. Its relevance for phenomenology of the LHC, on the other hand, depends on consistency with observational constraints…
We present a topologically trivial, non-vacuum solution of the Einstein's field equations in four-dimensions, which is regular everywhere. The metric admits circular closed timelike curves, which appear beyond the null curve, and these timelike curves are linearly stable under linear perturbations. Additionally, the spacetime admits null geodesics curve which are not closed, and the metric is of type D in the Petrov classification scheme. The stress-energy tensor anisotropic fluid satisfy the different energy conditions and a generalization of Equation-of-State parameter of perfect fluid $p=ω\…
We investigate the instability of the Cauchy horizon caused by causality violation in the compact vacuum universe with the topology $B\times {\bf S}^{1}\times {\bf R}$, which Moncrief and Isenberg considered. We show that if the occurrence of curvature singularities are restricted to the boundary of causality violating region, the whole segments of the boundary become curvature singularities. This implies that the strong cosmic censorship holds in the spatially compact vacuum space-time in the case of the causality violation. This also suggests that causality violation cannot occur for a compa…
The causal properties of curved spacetime, which underpin our sense of time in gravitational theories, are defined by the null cones of the spacetime metric. In classical general relativity, it is assumed that these coincide with the light cones determined by the physical propagation of light rays. However, the quantum vacuum acts as a dispersive medium for the propagation of light, since vacuum polarisation in QED induces interactions which effectively violate the strong equivalence principle (SEP). For low frequencies the phenomenon of gravitational birefringence occurs and indeed, for some …
We construct a simple class of compactified five-dimensional metrics which admits closed timelike curves (CTCs), and derive the resulting CTCs as analytic solutions to the geodesic equations of motion. The associated Einstein tensor satisfies all the null, weak, strong and dominant energy conditions. In particular, no negative-energy "tachyonic" matter is required. In extra-dimensional models where gauge charges are bound to our brane, it is the Kaluza-Klein (KK) modes of gauge-singlets that may travel through the CTCs. From our brane point of view, many of these KK modes would appear to trave…
Many solutions of General Relativity appear to allow the possibility of time travel. This was initially a fascinating discovery, but geometries of this type violate causality, a basic physical law which is believed to be fundamental. Although string theory is a proposed fundamental theory of quantum gravity, geometries with closed timelike curves have resurfaced as solutions to its low energy equations of motion. In this paper, we will study the class of solutions to low energy effective supergravity theories related to the BMPV black hole and the rotating Wave--D1--D5--brane system. Time trav…
It is shown that the measured neutrino velocity, apparently violating relativity theory, is compatible with (general) relativistic causality provided that we assume that the metric of spacetime fluctuates at short distances.
Causality violations are typically seen as unrealistic and undesirable features of a physical model. The following points out three reasons why causality violations, which Bonnor and Steadman identified even in solutions to the Einstein equation referring to ordinary laboratory situations, are not necessarily undesirable. First, a space-time in which every causal curve can be extended into a closed causal curve is singularity free--a necessary property of a globally applicable physical theory. Second, a causality-violating space-time exhibits a nontrivial topology--no closed timelike curve (CT…
We apply the $AdS/CFT$ holography to the simplest possible eternal time machine solution in $AdS_3$ based on two conical defects moving around their center of mass along a circular orbit. Closed timelike curves in this space-time extend all the way to the boundary of $AdS_3$, violating causality of the boundary field theory. By use of the geodesic approximation we address the "grandfather paradox" in the dual $1+1$ dimensional field theory and calculate the two-point retarded Green function. It has a non-trivial analytical structure both at negative and positive times, providing us with an int…
I present a {\em general relativistic} model with a compactified second time coordinate that {\em a priori} allows for causal, yet faster than light travel in the background of a FLRW geometry, by local modification of a higher dimensional background geometry, specifically with respect to the radius of the compactified time coordinate. The modification can be induced via the fields of the model. I show that one cannot convert (as possible in special relativistic models, or simple general relativistic models) the super-luminality into closed time-like loops violating causality, due to a novel c…
Irrespective of local conditions imposed on the metric, any extendible spacetime U has a maximal extension containing no closed causal curves outside the chronological past of U. We prove this fact and interpret it as impossibility (in classical general relativity) of the time machines, insofar as the latter are defined to be causality-violating regions created by human beings (as opposed to those appearing spontaneously).
A cosmological model is proposed which uses a causality argument to solve the homogeneity and entropy problems of cosmology. In this model a chronology violating region of spacetime causally precedes the remainder of the Universe, and a theorem establishes the existence of time functions precisely outside the chronology violating region. This model is shown to nicely reproduce Augustine of Hippo's thought on time and the beginning of the Universe. In the model the spacelike boundary representing the Big Bang is replaced by a null hypersurface at which the gravitational degrees of freedom are a…
We test the chronology protection conjecture in classical general relativity by investigating finitely vicious space-times. First we present singularity theorems in finitely vicious space-times by imposing some restrictions on the chronology violating sets. In the theorems we can refer to the location of an occurring singularity and do not assume any asymptotic conditions such as the existence of null infinities. Further introducing the concept of a non-naked singularity, we show that a restricted class of chronology violations cannot arise if all occurring singularities are the non-naked sing…
