Ia Supernovae Data Research Articles

Analysing dissipative effects in the ΛCDM model

In the present paper, the effects of viscous dark matter are analysed within the ΛCDM model. Here we consider bulk viscosity through the Israel-Stewart theory approach, leading to an effective pressure term in the continuity equation that accomplishes for the dissipative effects of the dark matter fluid. Then, the corresponding equation for viscosity is solved and a general equation for the Hubble parameter is obtained with the presence of a cosmological constant. The existence of de Sitter solutions is discussed, where a wider range of solutions is found in comparison to the ΛCDM model. Also the conditions for the near thermodynamical equilibrium of the fluid is analysed. Finally, a qualitative analysis provides some constraints on the model by using Supernovae Ia data which reveals the possible importance of causal thermodynamics in cosmology.

Crossing SNe Ia and BAO observational constraints with local ones in hybrid metric-Palatini gravity

In this paper, we consider the recently proposed hybrid metric-Palatini gravitational theory, which consists of adding to the Einstein-Hilbert Lagrangian an $f(\mathcal{R})$ term constructed \`a la Palatini. Using the respective dynamically equivalent scalar-tensor representation, we explore the cosmological evolution of a specific model, given by $f(\mathcal{R})\ensuremath{\propto}{\mathcal{R}}^{2}$, and obtain constraints on the free parameters by using different sources of cosmological data. The viability of the model is analyzed by combining the conditions imposed by the supernovae Ia and baryonic acoustic oscillation data and the results are compared with the local constraints.

An Improved Method to Measure the Cosmic Curvature

Abstract In this paper, we propose an improved model-independent method to constrain the cosmic curvature by combining the most recent Hubble parameter H(z) and supernovae Ia (SNe Ia) data. Based on the H(z) data, we first use the model-independent smoothing technique, Gaussian processes, to construct a distance modulus μ H (z), which is susceptible to the cosmic curvature parameter Ω k . In contrary to previous studies, the light-curve-fitting parameters, which account for the distance estimation of SN (μ SN(z)), are set free to investigate whether Ω k has a dependence on them. By comparing μ H (z) to μ SN(z), we put limits on Ω k . Our results confirm that Ω k is independent of the SN light-curve parameters. Moreover, we show that the measured Ω k is in good agreement with zero cosmic curvature, implying that there is no significant deviation from a flat universe at the current observational data level. We also test the influence of different H(z) samples and different Hubble constant H 0 values, finding that different H(z) samples do not have a significant impact on the constraints. However, different H 0 priors can affect the constraints of Ω k to some degree. The prior of H 0 = 73.24 ± 1.74 km s−1 Mpc−1 gives a value of Ω k , a little bit above the 1σ confidence level away from 0, but H 0 = 69.6 ± 0.7 km s−1 Mpc−1 gives it below 1σ.

The clustering of galaxies in the completed SDSS-III Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey: cosmological analysis of the DR12 galaxy sample

We present cosmological results from the final galaxy clustering data set of the Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey, part of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey III. Our combined galaxy sample comprises 1.2 million massive galaxies over an effective area of 9329 deg^2 and volume of 18.7 Gpc^3, divided into three partially overlapping redshift slices centred at effective redshifts 0.38, 0.51, and 0.61. We measure the angular diameter distance DM and Hubble parameter H from the baryon acoustic oscillation (BAO) method after applying reconstruction to reduce non-linear effects on the BAO feature. Using the anisotropic clustering of the pre-reconstruction density field, we measure the product DM*H from the Alcock-Paczynski (AP) effect and the growth of structure, quantified by f{\sigma}8(z), from redshift-space distortions (RSD). We combine measurements presented in seven companion papers into a set of consensus values and likelihoods, obtaining constraints that are tighter and more robust than those from any one method. Combined with Planck 2015 cosmic microwave background measurements, our distance scale measurements simultaneously imply curvature {\Omega}_K =0.0003+/-0.0026 and a dark energy equation of state parameter w = -1.01+/-0.06, in strong affirmation of the spatially flat cold dark matter model with a cosmological constant ({\Lambda}CDM). Our RSD measurements of f{\sigma}_8, at 6 per cent precision, are similarly consistent with this model. When combined with supernova Ia data, we find H0 = 67.3+/-1.0 km/s/Mpc even for our most general dark energy model, in tension with some direct measurements. Adding extra relativistic species as a degree of freedom loosens the constraint only slightly, to H0 = 67.8+/-1.2 km/s/Mpc. Assuming flat {\Lambda}CDM we find {\Omega}_m = 0.310+/-0.005 and H0 = 67.6+/-0.5 km/s/Mpc, and we find a 95% upper limit of 0.16 eV/c^2 on the neutrino mass sum.

Strong evidence for an accelerating Universe

A recent analysis of the Supernova Ia data claims a 'marginal' ($\sim3\sigma$) evidence for a cosmic acceleration. This result has been complemented with a non-accelerating $R_{h}=ct$ cosmology, which was presented as a valid alternative to the $\Lambda$CDM model. In this paper, we use the same analysis to show that a non-marginal evidence for acceleration is actually found. We compare the standard Friedmann models to the $R_{h}=ct$ cosmology by complementing SN Ia data with the Baryon Acoustic Oscillations, Gamma Ray Bursts and Observational Hubble datasets. We also study the power-law model which is a functional generalisation of $R_{h}=ct$. We find that the evidence for late-time acceleration is beyond refutable at a 4.56$\sigma$ confidence level from SN Ia data alone, and at an even stronger confidence level ($5.38\sigma$) from our joint analysis. Also, the non-accelerating $R_{h}=ct$ model fails to statistically compare with the $\Lambda$CDM having a $\Delta(\text{AIC})\sim30$.

Estimation of conformal cosmological model parameters with SDSS and SNLS supernova samples

In spite of an enormous progress of standard ΛCDM cosmology (SC) a number of alternative approaches has been suggested because there are great puzzles with an origin and essence of dark matter and dark energy which unavoidably arise in the framework of the standard approach. Alternative approaches have to pass a number of observational tests including one with distant type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) data. As it was shown [1] a conformal cosmological (CC) approach can explain cosmological SNe Ia data without introducing Λ-term, however, introducing an exotic rigid equation of state is needed. Later on, these statements were confirmed with larger samples of observational data [2, 3]. In the paper we check previous claims with joint SDSS-II and SNLS supernova samples.

Braneworld cosmology in f ( R , T ) $f(R,T)$ gravity

Braneworld scenarios consider our observable universe as a brane embedded in a 5D space, named bulk. In this work, I derive the field equations of a braneworld model in a generalized theory of gravitation, namely $f(R,T)$ gravity, with $R$ and $T$, representing the Ricci scalar and the trace of the energy-momentum tensor, respectively. The cosmological parameters obtained from this approach are in agreement with recent constraints from Supernovae Ia data combined with baryon acoustic oscillations and cosmic microwave background observations, favouring such an alternative description of the universe dynamics.

Probing the cosmic distance duality with strong gravitational lensing and supernovae Ia data

We propose and perform a new test of the cosmic distance-duality relation (CDDR), DL(z) / DA(z) (1 + z)2 = 1, where DA is the angular diameter distance and DL is the luminosity distance to a given source at redshift z, using strong gravitational lensing (SGL) and type Ia Supernovae (SNe Ia) data. We show that the ratio D=DA12/DA2 and D*=DL12/DL2, where the subscripts 1 and 2 correspond, respectively, to redshifts z1 and z2, are linked by D/D*=(1+z1)2 if the CDDR is valid. We allow departures from the CDDR by defining two functions for η(z1), which equals unity when the CDDR is valid. We find that combination of SGL and SNe Ia data favours no violation of the CDDR at 1σ confidence level (η(z) ≃ 1), in complete agreement with other tests and reinforcing the theoretical pillars of the CDDR.

Transition redshift: new constraints from parametric and nonparametric methods

In this paper, we use the cosmokinematics approach to study the accelerated expansion of the Universe. This is a model independent approach and depends only on the assumption that the Universe is homogeneous and isotropic and is described by the FRW metric. We parametrize the deceleration parameter, q(z), to constrain the transition redshift (zt) at which the expansion of the Universe goes from a decelerating to an accelerating phase. We use three different parametrizations of q(z) namely, qI(z)=q1+q2z, qII (z) = q3 + q4 ln (1 + z) and qIII (z)=½+q5/(1+z)2. A joint analysis of the age of galaxies, strong lensing and supernovae Ia data indicates that the transition redshift is less than unity i.e. zt < 1. We also use a nonparametric approach (LOESS+SIMEX) to constrain zt. This too gives zt < 1 which is consistent with the value obtained by the parametric approach.

Updated f(T) gravity constraints from high-redshift cosmography

In the last dozen years, a wide and variegated mass of observational data revealed that the universe is now expanding at an accelerated rate. In the absence of a well-based theory to interpret the observations, cosmography provides information about the evolution of the universe from measured distances, only assuming that the geometry can be described by the Friedmann–Lemaitre–Robertson–Walker metric. In this paper, we perform a high-redshift analysis which allows us to put constraints on the cosmographic parameters up to the fifth-order, thus inducing indirect constraints on any gravity theory. Here, we are interested in the so-called teleparallel gravity theory, [Formula: see text]. Actually, we use the analytical expressions of the present day values of [Formula: see text] and its derivatives as functions of the cosmographic parameters to map the cosmography region of confidences into confidence ranges for [Formula: see text] and its derivative. Moreover, we show how these can be used to test some teleparallel gravity models without solving the dynamical equations. Our analysis is based on the Union2 Type Ia supernovae (SNIa) data set, a set of 28 measurements of the Hubble parameter, the Hubble diagram constructed from some gamma ray bursts (GRB) luminosity distance indicators and Gaussian priors on the distance from the baryon acoustic oscillations (BAOs) and the Hubble constant [Formula: see text]. To perform our statistical analysis and to explore the probability distributions of the cosmographic parameters, we use the Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) method.

Testing the Distance-Duality Relation from Hubble, Galaxy Clusters and Type Ia Supernovae Data with Model Independent Methods

In this paper, we perform cosmological-model-independent tests for the distance-duality (DD) relation η(z)=D L(1+z)−2/D A by combining the angular diameter distance D A(or comoving distances D c ) with the luminosity distance D L. The D A are provided by two galaxy clusters samples compiled by De Filippis et al. (the elliptical β model), Bonamente et al. (the spherical β model), the D c are obtained from Hubble parameter data and D L are given from the Union2.1 supernovae (SNe) Ia compilation. We employ two methods, i.e., method A: binning the SNe Ia data within the range Δz=|z−z SNe|<0.005, and method B: reconstructing the D L(z) by smoothing the noise of Union2.1 data set over redshift with the Gaussian smoothing function, to obtain D L associated with the redshits of the observed D A or D c. Four parameterizations for η(z), i.e., η(z)=1+η 0 z, η(z)=1+η 0 z/(1+z), η(z)=1+η 0 z/(1+z)2 and η(z)=1−η 0 ln(1+z), are adopted for the DD relation. We find that DD relation is consistent with the present observational data, and the results we obtained are not sensitive to the method and parameterization.

COSMOLOGY WITH STRONG-LENSING SYSTEMS

In this paper, we assemble a catalog of 118 strong gravitational lensing systems from SLACS, BELLS, LSD and SL2S surveys and use them to constrain the cosmic equation of state. In particular we consider two cases of dark energy phenomenology: $XCDM$ model where dark energy is modeled by a fluid with constant $w$ equation of state parameter and in Chevalier - Polarski - Linder (CPL) parametrization where $w$ is allowed to evolve with redshift: $w(z) = w_0 + w_1 \frac{z}{1+z}$. We assume spherically symmetric mass distribution in lensing galaxies, but relax the rigid assumption of SIS model in favor to more general power-law index $\gamma$, also allowing it to evolve with redshifts $\gamma(z)$. Our results for the $XCDM$ cosmology show the agreement with values (concerning both $w$ and $\gamma$ parameters) obtained by other authors. We go further and constrain the CPL parameters jointly with $\gamma(z)$. The resulting confidence regions for the parameters are much better than those obtained with a similar method in the past. They are also showing a trend of being complementary to the supernova Ia data. Our analysis demonstrates that strong gravitational lensing systems can be used to probe cosmological parameters like the cosmic equation of state for dark energy. Moreover, they have a potential to judge whether the cosmic equation of state evolved with time or not.

Parametrizing the transition to the phantom epoch with supernovae Ia and standard rulers

The reconstruction of a (non)canonical scalar field Lagrangian from the dark energy equation of state (EOS) parameter is studied, where it is shown that any EOS parametrization can be well reconstructed in terms of scalar fields. Several examples of EOS parameters are studied and the particular scalar field Lagrangian is reconstructed. Then, we propose some new parametrizations that may present a (fast) transition to a phantom dark energy EOS (where ${w}_{\mathrm{DE}}&lt;\ensuremath{-}1$), and the scalar field Lagrangian is also reconstructed numerically. Furthermore, the properties of these parametrizations of the dark energy EOS are studied by using supernovae Ia data (HST Cluster Supernova Survey) combined with standard ruler data sets [cosmic microwave background (CMB) and baryon acoustic oscillations (BAO)] and its comparison with the $\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Lambda}}\mathrm{CDM}$ model is analyzed. Then, the best fit of the models is obtained, which provides some information about whether a phantom transition may be supported by the observations. In this regard, the crossing of the phantom barrier is allowed statistically but the occurrence of a future singularity seems unlikely.

Curvature versus distances: Testing the FLRW cosmology

We test the FLRW cosmology by reconstructing in a model-independent way both the Hubble parameter $H(z)$ and the comoving distance $D(z)$ via the most recent Hubble and Supernovae Ia data. In particular we use: data binning with direct error propagation, the principal component analysis, the genetic algorithms and the Pad\'e approximation. Using our reconstructions we evaluate the Clarkson {\it et al} test known as $\Omega_K(z)$, whose value is constant in redshift for the standard cosmological model, but deviates elsewise. We find good agreement with the expected values of the standard cosmological model within the experimental errors. Finally, we provide forecasts, exploiting the Baryon Acoustic Oscillations measurements from the Euclid survey.

Dependence on supernovae light-curve processing in void models

In this work, we show that when supernova Ia (SN Ia) data sets are used to put constraints on the free parameters of inhomogeneous models, certain extra information regarding the light-curve fitter used in the supernovae Ia luminosity fluxes processing should be taken into account. We found that the size of the void as well as other parameters of these models might be suffering extra degenerations or additional systematic errors due to the fitter. A recent proposal to relieve the tension between the results from Planck satellite and SNe Ia is re-analyzed in the framework of these subjects.

Extensive search for systematic bias in supernova Ia data

The use of advanced statistical analysis tools is crucial in order to improve cosmological parameter estimates via removal of systematic errors and identification of previously unaccounted for cosmological signals. Here we demonstrate the application of a new fully-Bayesian method, the internal robustness formalism, to scan for systematics and new signals in the recent supernova Ia Union compilations. Our analysis is tailored to maximize chances of detecting the anomalous subsets by means of a variety of sorting algorithms. We analyse supernova Ia distance moduli for effects depending on angular separation, redshift, surveys and hemispherical directions. The data have proven to be robust within 2 sigma, giving an independent confirmation of successful removal of systematics-contaminated supernovae. Hints of new cosmology, as for example the anisotropies reported by Planck, do not seem to be reflected in the supernova Ia data.

COSMOLOGICAL CONSTRAINT AND ANALYSIS ON HOLOGRAPHIC DARK ENERGY MODEL CHARACTERIZED BY THE CONFORMAL-AGE-LIKE LENGTH

We present a best-fit analysis on the single-parameter holographic dark energy model characterized by the conformal-age-like length, [Formula: see text]. Based on the Union2 compilation of 557 supernova Ia (SNIa) data, the baryon acoustic oscillation (BAO) results from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey data release 7 (SDSS DR7) and the cosmic microwave background radiation (CMB) data from the 7-year Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe (WMAP7), we show that the model gives the minimal [Formula: see text], which is comparable to [Formula: see text] for the ΛCDM model. The single parameter d concerned in the model is found to be d = 0.232±0.006±0.009. Since the fractional density of dark energy Ωde~ d2a2at a ≪ 1, the fraction of dark energy is naturally negligible in the early universe, Ωde≪ 1 at a ≪ 1. The resulting constraints on the present fractional energy density of matter and the equation of state are [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] respectively. We also provide a systematic analysis on the cosmic evolutions of the fractional energy density of dark energy, the equation of state of dark energy, the deceleration parameter and the statefinder. It is noticed that the equation of state crosses from wde&gt; -1 to wde&lt; -1, the universe transits from decelerated expansion (q &gt; 0) to accelerated expansion (q &lt; 0) recently, and the statefinder may serve as a sensitive diagnostic to distinguish the CHDE model with the ΛCDM model.

Cosmological constraints for an Eddington-Born-Infeld field

We consider the Eddington-Born-Infeld (EBI) model here without assuming any cosmological constant. The EBI scalar field is supposed to play a role of both dark matter and dark energy. Different eras in cosmology are reconstructed for the model. A comparison is drawn with $\Lambda$CDM model using Supernova Ia, WMAP7 and BAO data. It seems that the EBI field in this form does not give good fit to observational data in comparison to the $\Lambda$CDM model.

Inflation with stable anisotropic hair: is it cosmologically viable?

Recently an inflationary model with a vector field coupled to the inflaton was proposed and the phenomenology studied for the Bianchi type I spacetime. It was found that the model demonstrates a counter-example to the cosmic no-hair theorem since there exists a stable anisotropically inflationary fix-point. One of the great triumphs of inflation, however, is that it explains the observed flatness and isotropy of the universe today without requiring special initial conditions. Any acceptable model for inflation should thus explain these observations in a satisfactory way. To check whether the model meets this requirement, we introduce curvature to the background geometry and consider axisymmetric spacetimes of Bianchi type II,III and the Kantowski-Sachs metric. We show that the anisotropic Bianchi type I fix-point is an attractor for the entire family of such spacetimes. The model is predictive in the sense that the universe gets close to this fix-point after a few e-folds for a wide range of initial conditions. If inflation lasts for N e-folds, the curvature at the end of inflation is typically of order ~ e −2N . The anisotropy in the expansion rate at the end of inflation, on the other hand, while being small on the one-percent level, is highly significant. We show that after the end of inflation there will be a period of isotropization lasting for $ \sim \frac{2}{3}N $ e-folds. After that the shear scales as the curvature and becomes dominant around N e-folds after the end of inflation. For plausible bounds on the reheat temperature the minimum number of e-folds during inflation, required for consistency with the isotropy of the supernova Ia data, lays in the interval (21, 48). Thus the results obtained for our restricted class of spacetimes indicates that inflation with anisotropic hair is cosmologically viable.

Unified models of the cosmological dark sector

We model the cosmological substratum by a viscous fluid that is supposed to provide a unified description of the dark sector and pressureless baryonic matter. In the homogeneous and isotropic background the total energy density of this mixture behaves as a generalized Chaplygin gas. The perturbations of this energy density are intrinsically non-adiabatic and source relative entropy perturbations. The resulting baryonic matter power spectrum is shown to be compatible with the 2dFGRS and SDSS (DR7) data. A joint statistical analysis, using also Hubble-function and supernovae Ia data, shows that, different from other studies, there exists a maximum in the probability distribution for a negative present value q0 ≈ −0.53 of the deceleration parameter. Moreover, different from other approaches, the unified model presented here favors a matter content that is of the order of the baryonic matter abundance suggested by big-bang nucleosynthesis.