De Sitter Solution Research Articles

Swampland de Sitter conjectures in no-scale supergravity models

It is challenging to construct explicit and controllable models that realize de Sitter solutions in string compactifications. This difficulty is the main motivation for the refined de Sitter conjecture and the trans-Planckian censorship conjecture which forbid stable de Sitter solutions but allow metastable, unstable and rolling solutions in a theory consistent with quantum gravity. Inspired by this, we first study a toy de Sitter no-scale supergravity model and show that for particular choices of parameters it can be consistent with the refined de Sitter conjecture and the trans-Planckian censorship conjecture. Then we modify the model by adding rolling dynamics and show that the theory can become stable along the imaginary direction, where it would otherwise be unstable. We extend the model to multifield rolling and de Sitter fields, finding the parameter space where they can be compatible with the refined de Sitter conjecture. The modified models with rolling fields can be used to construct quintessence models to accommodate the accelerating expansion of the Universe.

Nonsingular extension of the Kerr-NUT–(anti–)de Sitter spacetimes

In 1963 Ezra Ted Newman and his two students Louis A. Tamburino, and Theodore W. J. Unti, proposed a deformation of the Shwarzschild spacetime that made it twisting. In the cosmological context, an equivalent solution had been found earlier, in 1951, by Abraham Haskel Taub. The problem that these solutions have is a conical singularity along the symmetry axis at all distances from the origin. In 1969 Misner proposed a non-singular interpretation of Taub-NUT spacetimes. We extend and refine his method to include a broader family of solutions and completely solve the outstanding issue of a non-singular extension of the Kerr-NUT- (anti) de Sitter solutions to Einstein's equations. Our approach relies on an observation that in 2 dimensional algebra of Killing vector fields there exist 2 distinguished vector fields that may be used to define $U(1)$-principal bundle structure over the non-singular spaces of non-null orbits. For all admissible parameters we derive appropriate Killing vector fields and discuss limits to spacetimes with less parameters. The global structure of spacetime, together with non-singular conformal geometry of the infinities is presented and (possibly also projectively non-singular) Killing horizons is presented.

Interacting quintessence in light of generalized uncertainty principle: cosmological perturbations and dynamics

We consider a cosmological scenario endowed with an interaction between the universe’s dark components – dark matter and dark energy. Specifically, we assume the dark matter component to be a pressure-less fluid, while the dark energy component is a quintessence scalar field with Lagrangian function modified by the quadratic Generalized Uncertainty Principle. The latter modification introduces new higher-order terms of fourth-derivative due to quantum corrections in the scalar field’s equation of motion. Then, we investigate asymptotic dynamics and general behaviour of solutions of the field equations for some interacting models of special interests in the literature. At the background level, the present interacting model exhibits the matter-dominated and de Sitter solutions which are absent in the corresponding quintessence model. Furthermore, to boost the background analysis, we study cosmological linear perturbations in the Newtonian gauge where we show how perturbations are modified by quantum corrected terms from the quadratic Generalized Uncertainty Principle. Depending on the coupling parameters, scalar perturbations show a wide range of behavior.

How a four-dimensional de Sitter solution remains outside the swampland

We argue that, in the presence of time-dependent fluxes and quantum corrections, four-dimensional de Sitter solutions should appear in the type IIB string landscape and not in the swampland. Our construction considers generic choices of local and non-local quantum terms and satisfies the no-go and the swampland criteria, the latter being recently upgraded using the trans-Planckian cosmic censorship. Interestingly, both time-independent Newton constant and moduli stabilization may be achieved in such backgrounds even in the presence of time-dependent fluxes and internal spaces. However, once the time-dependence is switched off, any four-dimensional solution with de Sitter isometries appears to have no simple effective field theory descriptions and is back in the swampland.

Cosmology at the top of the \u03b1\u2032 tower

The cosmology of the fully α′-corrected duality-invariant action for the Neveu-Schwarz sector of string theory is revisited, with special emphasis on its coupling to matter sources. The role of the duality covariant pressure and dilatonic charge of the matter sector is explored in various contexts, from the low-curvature regime to non-perturbative solutions in α′. We comment on how an infinite tower of α′ corrections allows for fixed-dilaton de Sitter solutions, even in vacuum. We further investigate the necessary conditions for accelerated expansion in the Einstein frame, as well as for non-singular bounces that could resolve the big bang singularity. In particular, explicit examples are constructed, which show that the tower of α′ corrections may support an Einstein-frame non-singular cosmological bouncing background, even when the matter sector respects the null energy condition.

Tachyonic de Sitter Solutions of 10d Type II Supergravities

AbstractCosmological models of the early or late universe exhibit (quasi) de Sitter space‐times with different stability properties. Considering models derived from string theory, the swampland program does not provide for now a definite characterisation of this stability. In this work we focus on de Sitter solutions of 10d type II supergravities, candidates for classical de Sitter string backgrounds: surprisingly, all known examples are unstable with . We aim at proving the existence of such a systematic tachyon, and getting formally a bound on the value of . To that end, we develop three methods, giving us various sufficient conditions for having a tachyon upon assumptions, in analogy with de Sitter no‐go theorems. Our analysis eventually indicates the existence of variety of different tachyons, and related bounds on . We use this knowledge to find 10 new de Sitter solutions of type IIB supergravity, that have tachyons of a different kind, higher values and new 6d geometries. One solution even appears to be stable, with however non‐compact extra dimensions.

Global solutions to the spherically symmetric Einstein-scalar field system with a positive cosmological constant in Bondi coordinates

We consider a characteristic initial value problem, with initial data given on a future null cone, for the Einstein (massless) scalar field system with a positive cosmological constant, in Bondi coordinates. We prove that, for small data, this system has a unique global classical solution which is causally geodesically complete to the future and decays polynomially in radius and exponentially in Bondi time, approaching the de Sitter solution.

De Sitter Solutions in Einstein–Gauss–Bonnet Gravity

De Sitter solutions play an important role in cosmology because the knowledge of unstable de Sitter solutions can be useful to describe inflation, whereas stable de Sitter solutions are often used in models of late-time acceleration of the Universe. The Einstein–Gauss–Bonnet gravity cosmological models are actively used both as inflationary models and as dark energy models. To modify the Einstein equations one can add a nonlinear function of the Gauss–Bonnet term or a function of the scalar field multiplied on the Gauss–Bonnet term. The effective potential method essentially simplifies the search and stability analysis of de Sitter solutions, because the stable de Sitter solutions correspond to minima of the effective potential.

Averaging generalized scalar field cosmologies I: locally rotationally symmetric Bianchi III and open Friedmann\u2013Lema\xeetre\u2013Robertson\u2013Walker models

Scalar field cosmologies with a generalized harmonic potential and a matter fluid with a barotropic Equation of State (EoS) with barotropic index gamma for locally rotationally symmetric (LRS) Bianchi III metric and open Friedmann–Lemaître–Robertson–Walker (FLRW) metric are investigated. Methods from the theory of averaging of nonlinear dynamical systems are used to prove that time-dependent systems and their corresponding time-averaged versions have the same late-time dynamics. Therefore, simple time-averaged systems determine the future asymptotic behavior. Depending on values of barotropic index gamma late-time attractors of physical interests for LRS Bianchi III metric are Bianchi III flat spacetime, matter dominated FLRW universe (mimicking de Sitter, quintessence or zero acceleration solutions) and matter-curvature scaling solution. For open FLRW metric late-time attractors are a matter dominated FLRW universe and Milne solution. With this approach, oscillations entering nonlinear system through Klein–Gordon (KG) equation can be controlled and smoothed out as the Hubble factor H – acting as a time-dependent perturbation parameter – tends monotonically to zero. Numerical simulations are presented as evidence of such behaviour.

Three-dimensional flux vacua from IIB on co-calibrated G2 orientifolds

We derive the 3D N = 1 superpotential for the closed string sector of type IIB supergravity on toroidal O5 orientifolds with co-calibrated G2 structure and RR background flux. We find that such compactifications can provide full closed string moduli stabilization on supersymmetric hbox {AdS}_3 vacua, and once we include brane-supersymmetry-breaking we also find indication for the existence of classical 3D de Sitter solutions. The latter however are rather difficult to reconcile with the “shape” moduli stabilization and flux quantization. We also discuss the possibility of achieving scale separation in hbox {AdS}_3 and hbox {dS}_3 vacua, but such effects seem to be hindered by the geometric flux quantization.

Rigid nongeometric orientifolds and the swampland

Nongeometric flux compactifications with frozen complex structure moduli have been recently studied for several phenomenological purposes. In this context, we analyze the possibility of realizing de-Sitter solutions in the context of ${\cal N} =1$ type II nongeometric flux compactifications using the ${\mathbb T}^6/({\mathbb Z}_3 \times {\mathbb Z}_3)$ toroidal orientifolds. For the type IIB case, we observe that the Bianchi identities are too strong to simultaneously allow both the NS-NS three-form flux ($H_3$) and the nongeometric ($Q$) flux to take non-zero values, which makes this model irrelevant for phenomenology due to the no-scale structure. For the type IIA case, we find that all the (nongeometric) flux solutions satisfying the Bianchi identities result in de-Sitter no-go scenarios except for one case in which the no-go condition can be evaded. However for this case also, in our (limited) numerical investigation we do not find any de-Sitter vacua using the integer fluxes satisfying all the Bianchi identities.

A solution to the de Sitter swampland conjecture versus inflation tension via supergravity

The methods of supergravity allow us to derive a multi-field F-term potential. Using this, we denote a generic and non-positive single-field F-term potential. We insert our theory into the scalar-gravity part of the (2,1|1) invariant superconformal action. That action leads us to a de Sitter solution at the inflationary trajectory. One can denote stabilization of fields in terms of the Kähler kinetic terms and single-field slow-roll inflation parameters. We combine these with the de Sitter swampland conjecture to generate a bounded conjecture. This approach allowed us to show that the single field slow-roll inflation works in harmony with bounded de Sitter conjecture for any concave inflation potential.

Noether symmetry approach in Eddington-inspired Born\u2013Infeld gravity

In this work, we take a short recap of a formal framework of the Eddington-inspired Born–Infeld (EiBI) theory of gravity and derive the point-like Lagrangian for underlying theory based on the use of Noether gauge symmetries (NGS). We study a Hessian matrix and quantify Euler–Lagrange equations of EiBI universe. We discuss the NGS approach for the Eddington-inspired Born–Infeld theory and show that there exists the de Sitter solution in this gravity model.

Dynamics of nonminimally coupled scalar field models with generic potentials in FLRW background

We study the phase space analysis of a nonminimally coupled scalar field model with different potentials such as KKLT, Higgs, inverse and inverse square. Our investigation brings new asymptotic regimes, and obtains stable de-Sitter solution. In case of KKLT, we do not find stable de-Sitter solution whereas Higgs model satisfies the de-Sitter condition but does not provide a stable de-Sitter solution in usual sense as one of the eigenvalue is zero. We obtain time derivative of Hubble constant $\dot{H}=0$, equation of state $w_{\phi}\simeq -1$, scalar field $\phi=$constant and the positive effective gravitational constant ($G_{eff}>0$), which are missed in our earlier work. Therefore, in case of $F(\phi)R$ coupling with $F(\phi)= 1-\xi\phi^2 $ and the models of inverse and inverse square potentials$-$ a true stable de-Sitter solution is trivially satisfied.

Hairy Taub-NUT/bolt-AdS solutions in Horndeski theory

We present different Taub-NUT/Bolt-anti de Sitter (AdS) solutions in a shift-symmetric sector of Horndeski theory of gravity possessing nonminimal kinetic coupling of scalar fields to the Einstein tensor. In four dimensions, we find locally and asymptotically locally AdS solutions possessing nontrivial scalar field. In higher dimensions, analytical Taub-NUT/Bolt-AdS p-branes and solitons are obtained, supported by the existence of p Horndeski scalar fields with axionic profile. The thermodynamical properties are studied through Euclidean methods and it is found that the first law of thermodynamics is satisfied. Moreover, constraints on the parameter space of Horndeski gravity and NUT charge are obtained by demanding positivity of the mass, entropy, and specific heat of the p-branes and soliton. We briefly comment on future applications in holography.

Energy condition in unimodular f(R,\xa0T) gravity

We study an interesting alternative of modified gravity theory, namely, the unimodular f(R, T) gravity in which R is the Ricci scalar and T is the trace of the stress–energy tensor. We study the viability of the model by using the energy conditions. We discuss the strong, weak, null and dominant energy conditions in terms of deceleration, jerk and snap parameters. We investigate energy conditions for reconstructed unimodular f(R, T) models and give some constraints on the parametric space of the model. We observe that by setting appropriately free parameters, energy conditions can be satisfied. Furthermore, we study the stability of the solutions in perturbations framework. In this case, we investigate stability conditions for de Sitter and power law solutions and we examine viability of cosmological evolution of these perturbations. The results show that for some values of the input parameters, for which energy conditions are satisfied, de Sitter and power-law solutions may be stable.

Cosmological solutions, a new wick-rotation, and the first law of thermodynamics

We present a modified implementation of the Euclidean action formalism suitable for studying the thermodynamics of a class of cosmological solutions containing Killing horizons. To obtain a real metric of definite signature, we perform a “triple Wick-rotation” by analytically continuing all spacelike directions. The resulting Euclidean geometry is used to calculate the Euclidean on-shell action, which defines a thermodynamic potential. We show that for the vacuum de Sitter solution, planar solutions of Einstein-Maxwell theory and a previously found class of cosmological solutions of mathcal{N} = 2 supergravity, this thermodynamic potential can be used to define an internal energy which obeys the first law of thermodynamics. Our approach is complementary to, but consistent with the isolated horizon formalism. For planar Einstein-Maxwell solutions, we find dual solutions in Einstein-anti-Maxwell theory where the sign of the Maxwell term is reversed. These solutions are planar black holes, rather than cosmological solutions, but give rise, upon a standard Wick-rotation to the same Euclidean action and thermodynamic relations.

New non-perturbative de Sitter vacua in \u03b1\u2032-complete cosmology

The α′-complete cosmology developed by Hohm and Zwiebach classifies the O(d, d; ℝ) invariant theories involving metric, b-field and dilaton that only depend on time, to all orders in α′. Some of these theories feature non-perturbative isotropic de Sitter vacua in the string frame, generated by the infinite number of higher-derivatives of O(d, d; ℝ) multiplets. Extending the isotropic ansatz, we construct stable and unstable non-perturbative de Sitter solutions in the string and Einstein frames. The generalized equations of motion admit new solutions, including anisotropic d + 1-dimensional metrics and non-vanishing b-field. In particular, we find dSn+1× Td−n geometries with constant dilaton, and also metrics with bounded scale factors in the spatial dimensions with non-trivial b-field. We discuss the stability and non-perturbative character of the solutions, as well as possible applications.

Stealth dark energy in scordatura DHOST theory

A stealth de Sitter solution in scalar-tensor theories has an exact de Sitter background metric and a nontrivial scalar field profile. Recently, in the context of Degenerate Higher-Order Scalar-Tensor (DHOST) theories it was shown that stealth de Sitter solutions suffer from either infinite strong coupling or gradient instability for scalar field perturbations. The sound speed squared is either vanishing or negative. In the first case, the strong coupling scale is zero and thus lower than the energy scale of any physical phenomena. From the viewpoint of effective field theory, this issue is naturally resolved by introducing a controlled detuning of the degeneracy condition dubbed scordatura, recovering a version of ghost condensation. In this paper we construct a viable dark energy model in the scordatura DHOST theory based on a stealth cosmological solution, in which the metric is the same as in the standard ΛCDM model and the scalar field profile is linearly time-dependent. We show that the scordatura mechanism resolves the strong coupling and gradient instability. Further, we find that the scordatura is also necessary to make the quasi-static limit well-defined, which implies that the subhorizon observables are inevitably affected by the scordatura. We derive the effective gravitational coupling and the correction to the friction term for the subhorizon evolution of the linear dark matter energy density contrast as well as the Weyl potential and the gravitational slip parameter. In the absence of the scordatura, the quasi-static approximation would break down at all scales around stealth cosmological solutions even if the issue of the infinite strong coupling is unjustly disregarded. Therefore previous estimations of the subhorizon evolution of matter density contrast in modified gravity in the literature need to be revisited by taking into account the scordatura effect.

Intricacies of classical de Sitter string backgrounds

Up-to-date, there is no known example of a classical de Sitter solution of string theory, despite several good candidates. We consider here two newly discovered 10d supergravity de Sitter solutions, and analyse in great detail whether they can be promoted to classical string backgrounds. To that end, we identify five requirements to be met, and develop the necessary 10d tools to test the solutions. Eventually, they both fail to verify simultaneously all requirements, in spite of positive partial results. The explicit values obtained offer a clear illustration of the situation, and the analysis highlights various subtleties. We finally discuss the relation to the problem of scale separation.