New late-time constraints on [formula omitted] gravity

Abstract

Modification of general relativity (GR) inspired by theories like f(R) gravity is among the most popular ones to explain the late-time acceleration of the Universe as an alternative to the ΛCDM model. In this work, we use the state-of-the-art BAO+BBN data and the most recent Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) sample namely PantheonPlus, including the Cepheid host distances and covariance from SH0ES samples, to robustly constrain the f(R) gravity framework via two of the most popular f(R) models in literature, namely, the Hu-Sawicki and Starobinsky models. Additionally, we consider how the time variation of the Newton’s gravitational constant affects the supernovae distance modulus relation. We find a minor evidence for f(R) gravity under the Hu-Sawicki dynamics from BAO+BBN and BAO+BBN+uncalibrated supernovae joint analysis, but the inclusion of Cepheid host distances, makes the model compatible with GR. Further, we notice tendency of this model to relax the H0 tension. In general, in all the analyses carried out in this study with the late time probes, we find both the f(R) models to be consistent with GR at 95% CL.