Notes on the post-Newtonian limit of the massive Brans–Dicke theory

Abstract

We consider the post-Newtonian limit of the massive Brans–Dicke theory and make some notes about the post-Newtonian limit of the case ω = 0. This case is dynamically equivalent to the metric f(R) theory. It is known that this theory can be compatible with the solar system tests if the Chameleon mechanism occurs. Also, it is known that this mechanism is because of the nonlinearity in the field equations produced by the largeness of the local curvature relative to the background curvature. Thus, the linearization of the field equations breaks down. On the other hand, we know that the Chameleon mechanism exists when a coupling between the matter and the scalar field exists. In the Jordan frame of the Brans–Dicke theory, we have no such coupling. But in the Einstein frame, this theory behaves like a Chameleon scalar field. By confining ourselves to the case ω = 0, we show that ‘Chameleon-like’ behaviour can exist also in the Jordan frame, but it has an important difference compared with the Chameleon mechanism. Also we show that the conditions which lead to the existence of a ‘Chameleon-like’ mechanism are consistent with the conditions in the post-Newtonian limit which correspond to a heavy scalar field at the cosmological scale and a small effective cosmological constant. Thus, one can linearize field equations to the post-Newtonian order, and this linearization has no contradiction with the existence of ‘Chameleon-like’ behaviour.