Metric-affine Theories Research Articles

Comparing inflationary models in extended Metric-Affine theories of gravity

We study slow-roll inflation as a common feature in Metric-affine Theories of Gravity. In particular, we take into account extended metric, teleparallel and symmetric-teleparallel theories of gravity, based on different geometric invariants, discussing analogies and differences. The analysis for each model is performed in two approaches. First, we focus on the potential-slow-roll approach by studying the reconstructed potentials for different forms of the extended models related to the considered gravitational theory in the Einstein frame. Secondly, we investigate the Hubble-slow-roll approach for some conventional inflationary potentials related to the specific extended model in the Jordan frame. We compare all results with cosmic microwave background anisotropy observations coming from Planck 2018 and BICEP2/Keck array satellites in order to find the observational constraints on the parameters space of the models as well as their prediction from the spectral parameters. Eventually, we attempt to present a qualitative comparison between three classes of considered modified gravities using the obtained inflationary results. The aim is to select, in principle, cosmological signatures capable of discriminating among concurrent models in view to point out the representation of gravity, according with geometric invariants, which better addresses the early universe dynamics.

Metric-Affine F(T,Q) gravity: cosmological implications and constraints

Abstract In this paper, we investigate some exact cosmological models in Metric-Affine $F(T,Q)$ gravity, with observational constraints. The Metric-Affine $F(T,Q)$ gravity is some kind of unification of two known gravity theories, namely, the $F(T)$ gravity and the $F(Q)$ gravity. We obtain the field equations of the Metric-Affine theory by considering the metric tensor and the general affine connection as independent variables. We then focus on the particular case in which the $F(T,Q)$ function characterizing the aforementioned metric-affine models is linear, that is, $F(T,Q)=\lambda T+\mu Q$. We investigate this linear case and consider a Friedmann-Lema\^{i}tre-Robertson-Walker background to study cosmological aspects and applications. We have obtained three exact solutions of the modified field equations in two different cases, $T$ and $Q$, using the Hubble function $H(t)$ and the scale factor $a(t)$. We then placed observational constraints on these solutions using the Hubble $H(z)$ datasets and the MCMC analysis. We have investigated the deceleration parameter $q(z)$ and effective EoS parameters, and a comparative study of all three models with $\Lambda$CDM model has been carried out.

Natural metric-affine inflation

We consider here natural inflation in the low energy (two-derivative) metric-affine theory containing only the minimal degrees of freedom in the inflationary sector, i.e. the massless graviton and the pseudo-Nambu-Goldstone boson (PNGB). This theory contains the Ricci-like and parity-odd Holst invariants together with non-minimal couplings between the PNGB and the above-mentioned invariants. The Palatini and Einstein-Cartan realizations of natural inflation are particular cases of our construction. Explicit models of this type featuring non-minimal couplings are shown to emerge from the microscopic dynamics of a QCD-like theory with an either sub-Planckian or trans-Planckian confining scale and that is renormalizable on Minkowski spacetime. Moreover, for these models, we find regions of the parameter space where the inflationary predictions agree with the most recent observations at the 2σ level. We find that in order to enter the 1σ region it is necessary (and sufficient) to have a finite value of the Barbero-Immirzi parameter and a sizable non-minimal coupling between the inflaton and the Holst invariant (with sign opposite to the Barbero-Immirzi parameter). Indeed, in this case the potential of the canonically normalized inflaton develops a plateau as shown analytically.

Inflation and reheating in quadratic metric-affine gravity with derivative couplings

Within the framework of metric-affine theories of gravity, where both the metric and connection are treated as independent variables, we consider actions quadratic in the Ricci scalar curvature coupled non-minimally to a scalar field through derivative couplings. Our analysis delves into the inflationary predictions, revealing their consistency with the latest observational constraints across a wide range of parameters. This compatibility permits adjustments such as an increase in the spectral index and a reduction in the tensor-to-scalar ratio. While we do not propose a specific reheating mechanism, our analysis demonstrates that within the quadratic model of inflation, the maximum reheating temperature can reach ∼ 3 × 1015 GeV.

Singular space-times with bounded algebraic curvature scalars

We show that the absence of unbounded algebraic curvature invariants constructed from polynomials of the Riemann tensor cannot guarantee the absence of strong singularities. As a consequence, it is not sufficient to rely solely on the analysis of such scalars to assess the regularity of a given space-time. This conclusion follows from the analysis of incomplete geodesics within the internal region of asymmetric wormholes supported by scalar matter which arise in two distinct metric-affine gravity theories. These wormholes have bounded algebraic curvature scalars everywhere, which highlights that their finiteness does not prevent the emergence of pathologies (singularities) in the geodesic structure of space-time. By analyzing the tidal forces in the internal wormhole region, we find that the angular components are unbounded along incomplete radial time-like geodesics. The strength of the singularity is determined by the evolution of Jacobi fields along such geodesics, finding that it is of strong type, as volume elements are torn apart as the singularity is approached. Lastly, and for completeness, we consider the wormhole of the quadratic Palatini theory and present an analysis of the tidal forces in the entire space-time.

Dirac–Bergmann analysis and degrees of freedom of coincident f(Q)-gravity

We investigate the propagating degrees of freedom of f(Q)-gravity in a 4-dimensional space-time under the imposition of the coincident gauge by performing the Dirac–Bergmann analysis. In this work, we start with a top-down reconstruction of the metric-affine gauge theory of gravity based only on the concept of a vector bundle. Then, the so-called geometrical trinity of gravity is introduced and the role of the coincident GR is clarified. After that, we reveal relationships between the boundary terms in the variational principle and the symplectic structure of the theory in order to confirm the validity of the analysis for our studied theories. Then, as examples, we revisit the analysis of GR and its f(R∘)\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$f({\\mathop {R}\\limits ^{\\circ }})$$\\end{document}-extensions. Finally, after reviewing the Dirac–Bergmann analysis of the coincident GR and that of f(T)-gravity, we perform the analysis of coincident f(Q)-gravity. Under the imposition of appropriate spatial boundary conditions, we find that, as a generic case, the theory has five primary, three secondary, and two tertiary constraint densities and all these constraint densities are classified into second-class constraint density; the number six is the propagating degrees of freedom of the theory and there are no longer any remaining gauge degrees of freedom. We also discuss the condition of providing seven pDoF as a generic case. The violation of diffeomorphism invariance of coincident f(Q)-gravity make it possible to emerge such several sectors.

Bootstrapping gravity and its extension to metric-affine theories

In this work we study diffeomorphism-invariant metric-affine theories of gravity from the point of view of self-interacting field theories on top of Minkowski spacetime (or other background). We revise how standard metric theories couple to their own energy-momentum tensor, and discuss the generalization of these ideas when torsion and nonmetricity are also present. We review the computation of the corresponding currents through the Hilbert and canonical (Noether) prescriptions, emphasizing the potential ambiguities arising from both. We also provide the extension of this consistent self-coupling procedure to the vielbein formalism, so that fermions can be included in the matter sector. In addition, we clarify some subtle issues regarding previous discussions on the self-coupling problem for metric theories, both General Relativity and its higher derivative generalizations. We also suggest a connection between Lovelock theorem and the ambiguities in the bootstrapping procedure arising from those in the definition of conserved currents.

Probing Schwarzschild-like black holes in metric-affine bumblebee gravity with accretion disk, deflection angle, greybody bounds, and neutrino propagation

In this paper, we investigate Schwarzschild-like black holes within the framework of metric-affine bumblebee gravity. We explore the implications of such a gravitational setup on various astrophysical phenomena, including the presence of an accretion disk, the deflection angle of light rays, the establishment of greybody bounds, and the propagation of neutrinos. The metric-affine bumblebee gravity theory offers a unique perspective on gravitational interactions by introducing a vector field that couples to spacetime curvature. We analyze the behavior of accretion disks around Schwarzschild-like black holes in this modified gravity scenario, considering the effects of the bumblebee field on the accretion process. Furthermore, we scrutinize the deflection angle of light rays as they traverse the gravitational field, highlighting potential deviations from standard predictions due to the underlying metric-affine structure. Investigating greybody bounds in this context sheds light on the thermal radiation emitted by black holes and how the modified gravity framework influences this phenomenon. Moreover, we explore neutrino propagation around Schwarzschild-like black holes within metric-affine bumblebee gravity, examining alterations in neutrino trajectories and interactions compared to conventional general relativity. By comprehensively probing these aspects, we aim to unravel the distinctive features and consequences of Schwarzschild-like black holes in the context of metric-affine bumblebee gravity, offering new insights into the nature of gravitational interactions and their observable signatures.

Static and spherically symmetric wormholes in metric-affine theories of gravity

Static and spherically symmetric wormholes in metric-affine theories of gravity

Conformally covariant operators of mixed-symmetry tensors and MAGs

We compute conformally covariant actions and operators for tensors with mixed symmetries in arbitrary dimension d. Our results complete the classification of conformal actions that are quadratic on arbitrary tensors with three indices, which allows to write corresponding conformal actions for all tensor species that appear in the decomposition of the distorsion tensor of an arbitrary metric-affine theory of gravity including both torsion and nonmetricity. We also discuss the degrees of freedom that such theories are propagating, as well as interacting metric-affine theories that enjoy the conformal actions in the Gaussian limit.

Primordial gravitational waves in generalized Palatini gravity

Extended Palatini gravity is the metric-affine gravity theory characterized by zero torsion, nonzero metricity and a quadratic of the antisymmetric Ricci curvature. It reduces dynamically to general relativity plus a geometric Proca field. In this work, we study imprints of the geometric Proca field on the gravitational waves. Our results show that the geometric Proca leaves significant signatures in the gravitational wave signal, and gravitational wave energy density could be large enough to be detectable by the next upgrade of the existing GW detectors. Our results, if confirmed observationally, will be an indication that the gravity could be non-Riemannian in nature.

Metric-affine gravity: Nonmetricity of space as dark matter/energy ?

A possibility of using a metric-affine theory to consider dark matter and dark energy through the properties of nonmetricity is discussed. In the framework of proposed metric-affine theory, the gravity field is described by the standard Einstein tensor, which depends only on the metric tensor and its derivatives. The nonmetricity and torsion are considered as property of space–time, which is source gravity that can be interpreted as a specific (maybe dark) form of matter and energy. This form of matter and energy, which are described by nonmetricity and torsion tensors, are sources of ”metric” gravity. For the observers, these non-metric properties are manifested as the specific properties of perfect (or non-perfect) fluid interacting with metric gravity only. The proposed metric-affine theory cannot be considered as standard theory of metric-affine gravity. The suggested theory is the metric theory of gravity and the affine theory of a specific (dark) form of matter and energy. The stress–energy tensor of this specific matter and energy is described by the non-metric part of the generalized (metric-affine) Einstein tensor. The specific matter and energy manifest itself as specific perfect or non-perfect fluid (and its energy), which interacts with standard matter only through gravity. The non-metric part is described as a stress–energy tensor, which is supposed to be considered as a candidate for the role of a stress–energy tensor of dark matter/energy. The article discusses a potential possibility to assume that nonmetricity simulates dark matter/energy by introducing a new source term of gravity into general relativity.

Modified gravity: A unified approach to metric-affine models

The starting point of this work is the original Einstein action, sometimes called the Gamma squared action. Continuing from our previous results, we study various modified theories of gravity following the Palatini approach. The metric and the connection will be treated as independent variables leading to generalized theories, which may contain torsion or non-metricity or both. Due to our particular approach involving the Einstein action, our setup allows us to formulate a substantial number of new theories not previously studied. Our results can be linked back to well-known models, such as Einstein–Cartan theory and metric-affine theories, and also links to many recently studied modified gravity models. In particular, we propose an Einstein–Cartan type modified theory of gravity, which contains propagating torsion, provided our function depends non-linearly on a boundary term. We also can state precise conditions for the existence of propagating torsion. Our work concludes with a brief discussion of cosmology and the role of cosmological torsion in our model. We find solutions with early-time inflation and late-time matter dominated behavior. No matter sources are required to drive inflation, and it becomes a purely geometrical effect.

Describing metric-affine theories anew: alternative frameworks, examples and solutions

In this work we describe metric-affine theories anew by making a change of field variables. A series of equivalent frameworks is presented and identifications are worked out in detail. The advantage of applying the new frameworks is that any MAG theory can be handled as a Riemannian theory with additional fields. We study the Hilbert-Palatini action using the new field variables and disclose interesting symmetries under SO transformations in field space. Then, we use solvable and suitable Riemannian theories as seed models for solvable MAG theories, restricting ourselves to three examples. We present a black hole solution with torsion and non-metricity which under a certain tuning acquires a regular core. A de Sitter universe with the expansion powered by 3-form torsion, is also reported.

Inflation in metric-affine quadratic gravity

In the general framework of Metric-Affine theories of gravity, where the metric and the connection are independent variables, we consider actions quadratic in the Ricci scalar curvature and the Holst invariant (the contraction of the Riemann curvature with the Levi-Civita antisymmetric tensor) coupled non-minimally to a scalar field. We study the profile of the equivalent effective metric theory, featuring an extra dynamical pseudoscalar degree of freedom, and show that it reduces to an effective single-field inflationary model. We analyze in detail the inflationary predictions and find that they fall within the latest observational bounds for a wide range of parameters, allowing for an increase in the tensor-to-scalar ratio. The spectral index can either decrease or increase dependingon the position in parameter space.

(In)equivalence of metric-affine and metric effective field theories

In a geometrical approach to gravity the metric and the (gravitational) connection can be independent and one deals with metric-affine theories. We construct the most general action of metric-affine effective field theories, including a generic matter sector, where the connection does not carry additional dynamical fields. Among other things, this helps in identifying the complement set of effective field theories where there are other dynamical fields, which can have an interesting phenomenology. Within the latter set, we study in detail a vast class where the Holst invariant (the contraction of the curvature with the Levi-Civita antisymmetric tensor) is a dynamical pseudoscalar. In the Einstein–Cartan case (where the connection is metric compatible and fermions can be introduced) we also comment on the possible phenomenological role of dynamical dark photons from torsion and compute interactions of the above-mentioned pseudoscalar with a generic matter sector and the metric. Finally, we show that in an arbitrary realistic metric-affine theory featuring a generic matter sector the equivalence principle always emerges at low energies without the need to postulate it.

Vector stability in quadratic metric-affine theories

In this work we study the stability of the four vector irreducible pieces of the torsion and the nonmetricity tensors in the general quadratic metric-affine Lagrangian in 4 dimensions. The goal will be to elucidate under which conditions the spin-1 modes associated to such vectors can propagate in a safe way, together with the graviton. This highly constrains the theory reducing the parameter space of the quadratic curvature part from 16 to 5 parameters. We also study the sub-case of Weyl-Cartan gravity, proving that the stability of the vector sector is only compatible with an Einstein-Proca theory for the Weyl vector.

The origin of Weyl gauging in metric-affine theories

In the first part, we discuss the interplay between local scale invariance and metric-affine degrees of freedom from few distinct points of view. We argue, rather generally, that the gauging of Weyl symmetry is a natural byproduct of requiring that scale invariance is a symmetry of a gravitational theory that is based on a metric and on an independent affine structure degrees of freedom. In the second part, we compute the Nöther identities associated with all the gauge symmetries, including Weyl, Lorentz and diffeomorphisms invariances, for general actions with matter degrees of freedom, exploiting a gauge covariant generalization of the Lie derivative. We find two equivalent ways to approach the problem, based on how we regard the spin-connection degrees of freedom, either as an independent object or as the sum of two Weyl invariant terms. The latter approach, which rests upon the use of a Weyl-covariant connection with desirable properties, denoted , is particularly convenient and constitutes one of our main results.

Quadratic metric-affine gravity: solving for the affine-connection

We consider the most general 11 parameter parity even quadratic Metric-Affine Theory whose action consists of the usual Einstein–Hilbert plus the 11 quadratic terms in torsion, non-metricity as well as their mixing. By following a certain procedure and using a simple trick we are able to find the unique solution of the affine connection in terms of an arbitrary hypermomentum. Given a fairly general non-degeneracy condition our result provides the exact form of the affine connection for all types of matter. Subsequently we compute the forms of torsion and non-metricity in terms of their sources (hypermomentum tensor) and also express the metric field equations in effectively Einstein’s GR with modified source terms that depend on the hypermomentum and its derivatives. We show that in the absence of matter the Theory always reduces to GR. Finally we generalize our result and find the form of the connection for a wider class of quadratic Theories.

Some recent results on Ricci-based gravity theories

In this paper, metric-affine theories in which the gravity Lagrangian is built using (projectively invariant) contractions of the Ricci tensor with itself and with the metric (Ricci-based gravity theories, or RBGs for short) are reviewed. The goal is to provide a contextualized and coherent presentation of some recent results. In particular, we focus on the correspondence that exists between the field equations of these theories and those of general relativity, and comment on how this can be used to build new solutions of physical interest. We also discuss the formalism of junction conditions in the [Formula: see text] case, and provide a brief summary on current experimental and observational bounds on model parameters.