Timelike Congruence Research Articles

Foliation-Generating Observers Under Lorentz Transformations

In this work, we revise the concept of foliation and related aspects that are crucial when formulating the Hamiltonian evolution for various theories beyond General Relativity. In particular, we show the relation between the kinematic characteristics of timelike congruences (observers) and the existence of foliations orthogonal to them. We then explore how local Lorentz transformations acting on observers affect the existence of transversal foliations, provide examples, and discuss the implications of these results for the 3+1 formulation of tetrad modified theories of gravity.

Timelike geodesic congruence in the simplest solutions of general relativity with quantum-improved metric tensor

A recent quantum-geometrical approach for the possible reconciliation of the principles of general relativity and quantum mechanics extends the fundamental tensor to the relativistic (quantum) scales, in which additional geometric structures and curvatures, i.e., additional sources of gravitation, are emerged. This paper introduces some characteristics of the emerged curvatures and their consequences on regulating the space and initial singularities. We analyze the timelike geodesic congruence in the simplest solutions of the Einstein field equations; the homogeneous, isotropic, and spherically symmetric Schwarzschild, de Sitter–Schwarzschild, and Friedmann–Lemaitre–Robertson–Walker (FLRW) metrics. From the expansion of the trajectory congruence that follows the change in the shape of the volume which keeps the same set of geodesics in the bundle along the flow lines which are generated by the velocity fields, we conclude that the analytical and numerical analyses give an unambiguous signature that the space and initial singularities are attenuated or even regulated, especially in the relativistic (quantum) regime. This means that the regulation of the singularity in Einstein’s general relativity (GR) would not be possible until quantum-mechanical ingredients are properly imposed on it.

Kinematic Geometry of a Timelike Line Trajectory in Hyperbolic Locomotions

This study utilizes the axodes invariants to derive novel hyperbolic proofs of the Euler–Savary and Disteli formulae. The inflection circle, which is widely recognized, is situated on the hyperbolic dual unit sphere, in accordance with the principles of the kinematic theory of spherical locomotions. Subsequently, a timelike line congruence is defined and its spatial equivalence is thoroughly studied. The formulated assertions degenerate into a quadratic form, which facilitates a comprehensive understanding of the geometric features of the inflection line congruence.

Raychaudhuri equation and bouncing cosmology

This work deals with an exhaustive study of bouncing cosmology in the background of homogeneous and isotropic Friedmann–Lemaître–Robertson–Walker spacetime. The geometry of the bouncing point has been studied extensively and used as a tool to classify the models from the point of view of cosmology. Raychaudhuri equation (RE) has been furnished in these models to classify the bouncing point as regular point or singular point. Behavior of time-like geodesic congruence in the neighborhood of the bouncing point has been discussed using the Focusing Theorem which follows as a consequence of the RE. An analogy of the RE with the evolution equation for a linear harmonic oscillator has been made and an oscillatory bouncing model has been discussed in this context.

Kinematics in metric-affine geometry

In a given geometry, the kinematics of a congruence of curves is described by a set of three quantities called expansion, rotation, and shear. The equations governing the evolution of these quantities are referred to as kinematic equations. In this paper, the kinematics of congruence of curves in a metric-affine geometry are analysed. Without assuming an underlying theory of gravity, we derive a generalised form of the evolution equations for expansion, namely, Raychaudhuri equation (timelike congruences) and Sachs optical equation (null congruences). The evolution equations for rotation and shear of both timelike and null congruences are also derived. Generalising the deviation equation, we find that torsion and non-metricity contribute to a relative acceleration between neighbouring curves. We briefly discuss the interpretation of the expansion scalars and derive an equation governing angular diameter distances. The effects of torsion and non-metricity on the distances are found to be dependent on which curves are chosen as photon trajectories. We also show that the rotation of a hypersurface orthogonal congruence (timelike or null) is a purely non-Riemannian feature.

Quantum gravity fluctuations in the timelike Raychaudhuri equation

We consider a timelike geodesic congruence in the presence of perturbative quantum fluctuations of the spacetime metric. We calculate the change in the volume of a bundle of geodesics due to such fluctuations and thereby obtain a quantum-gravitationally modified timelike Raychaudhuri equation. Quantum gravity generically increases the convergence of congruences and the production of caustics.

Geodesic congruences in modified Schwarzschild black holes

We investigate two different kinds of modified Schwarzschild black holes: A regularized Schwarzschild black hole and a quantum deformed Schwarzschild black hole. We study the geodesics and geodesic congruences in these two modified Schwarzschild black holes. In particular, we calculate the expansion of radial timelike and null geodesic congruences. Based on these results, we discuss some similarities and differences between these two kinds of modified Schwarzschild black holes.

Geodesic congruences in 5D warped Ellis–Bronnikov spacetimes

We study the timelike geodesic congruences in the generalised Ellis–Bronnikov spacetime (4D-GEB) and in recently proposed 5D model where a 4D-GEB is embedded in a warped geometry (5D-WGEB) and conduct a comparative study. Analytical expressions of ESR variables (for 4D geometries) are found which reveal the role of the wormhole parameter. In more general 4D and 5D scenarios geodesic equation, geodesic deviation equation and Raychaudhuri equations are solved numerically. The evolution of cross-sectional area of the congruences of timelike geodesics (orthogonal to the geodesic flow lines) projected on 2D-surfaces yield an interesting perspective and shows the effects of the wormhole parameter and growing/decaying warp factors. The presence of warping factor triggers rotation or accretion even in the absence of initial congruence rotation. The presence of rotation in the congruence is also found to be playing a crucial role which we discuss in detail.

Information content and minimum-length metric: A drop of light

In the vast amount of results linking gravity with thermodynamics, statistics, information, a path is described which tries to explore this connection from the point of view of (non)locality of the gravitational field. First the emphasis is put on that well-known thermodynamic results related to null hypersurfaces (i.e. to lightsheets and to generalized covariant entropy bound) can be interpreted as implying an irreducible intrinsic nonlocality of gravity. This nonlocality even if possibly concealed at ordinary scales(depending on which matter is source of the gravitational field, and which matter we use to probe the latter) unavoidably shows up at the smallest scales, read the Planck length $l_p$, whichever are the circumstances we are considering. Some consequences are then explored of this nonlocality when embodied in the fabric itself of spacetime by endowing the latter with a minimum length $L$, in particular the well-known and intriguing fact that this brings to get the field equations, and all of gravity with it, as a statistical-mechanical result. This is done here probing the neighborhood of a would-be (in ordinary spacetime) generic event through lightsheets (instead of spacelike or timelike geodesic congruences as in other accounts) from it. The tools for these derivations are nonlocal quantities, and among them the minimum-length Ricci scalar stands out both for providing micro degrees of freedom for gravity in the statistical account and for the fact that intriguingly the ordinary, or `classical', Ricci scalar can not be recovered from it in the $L\to 0$ limit. Emphasis is put on that classical gravity is generically obtained this way for $\hbar\ne 0$, but not in the $\hbar\to 0$ limit (the statistically derived field equations become singular in this limit), adding to previous results in this sense. (truncated Abstract; see the paper for full Abstract)

Regularized big bang singularity: Geodesic congruences

We investigate a particular regularization of big bang singularity, which remains within the domain of 4-dimensional general relativity but allowing for degenerate metrics. We study the geodesics and geodesic congruences in the modified Friedmann-Lemaitre-Robertson-Walker universe. In particular, we calculate the expansion of timelike and null geodesic congruences. Based on these results, we also briefly discuss the cosmological singularity theorems.

The Raychaudhuri equation for a quantized timelike geodesic congruence

A recent attempt to arrive at a quantum version of Raychaudhuri’s equation is looked at critically. It is shown that the method, and even the idea, has some inherent problems. The issues are pointed out here. We have also shown that it is possible to salvage the method in some limited domain of applicability. Although no generality can be claimed, a quantum version of the equation should be useful in the context of ascertaining the existence of a singularity in the quantum regime. The equation presented in the present work holds for arbitrary n+1 dimensions. An important feature of the Hamiltonian in the operator form is that it admits a self-adjoint extension quite generally. Thus, the conservation of probability is ensured.

Geodesic congruences in exact plane wave spacetimes and the memory effect

Displacement and velocity memory effects in the exact, vacuum, plane gravitational wave line element have been studied recently by looking at the behaviour of pairs of geodesics or via geodesic deviation. Instead, one may investigate the evolution of geodesic congruences. In our work here, we obtain the evolution of the kinematic variables which characterise timelike geodesic congruences, using chosen pulse profiles (square and sech-squared) in the exact, plane gravitational wave line element. We also analyse the behaviour of geodesic congruences in possible physical scenarios describable using derivatives (first, second and third) of one of the chosen pulses. Beginning with a discussion on the generic behaviour of such congruences and consequences thereof, we find exact analytical expressions for shear and expansion with the two chosen pulse profiles. Qualitatively similar numerical results are noted when various derivatives of the sech-squared pulse are used. We conclude that for geodesic congruences, a growth (or decay) of shear causes focusing of an initially parallel congruence, after the departure of the pulse. A correlation between the `focusing time (or $u$ value, $u$ being the affine parameter)' and the amplitude of the pulse (or its derivatives) is found. Such features distinctly suggest a memory effect, named in recent literature as ${\cal B}$ memory.

Singularity theorems and the inclusion of torsion in affine theories of gravity

We extend the scope of the Raychaudhuri-Komar singularity theorem of General Relativity to affine theories of gravity with and without torsion. We first generalize the existing focusing theorems using time-like and null congruences of curves which are hypersurface orthogonal, showing how the presence of torsion affects the formation of focal points in Lorentzian manifolds. Considering the energy conservation on a given affine gravity theory, we prove new singularity theorems for accelerated curves in the cases of Lorentzian manifolds containing perfect fluids or scalar field matter sources.

Raychaudhuri equation with zero point length

The Raychaudhuri equation for a geodesic congruence in the presence of a zero-point length has been investigated. This is directly related to the small-scale structure of spacetime and possibly captures some quantum gravity effects. The existence of such a minimum distance between spacetime events modifies the associated metric structure and hence the expansion as well as its rate of change deviates from standard expectations. This holds true for any kind of geodesic congruences, including time-like and null geodesics. Interestingly, this construction works with generic spacetime geometry without any need of invoking any particular symmetry. In particular, inclusion of a zero-point length results into a non-vanishing cross-sectional area for the geodesic congruences even in the coincidence limit, thus avoiding formation of caustics. This will have implications for both time-like and null geodesic congruences, which may lead to avoidance of singularity formation in the quantum spacetime.

Time-like line congruence in the dual Lorentzian 3-space 𝔻13

In this paper, we introduce a time-like line congruence which has the parameter ruled surfaces as principal ruled surfaces. Then we extend several well-known formulae of line congruence in the Euclidean 3-space to the Minkowski 3-space. Meanwhile, we report some geometric descriptions of these formulae. Finally, an example of application is introduced and described in detail.

Memory, Penrose limits and the geometry of gravitational shockwaves and gyratons

The geometric description of gravitational memory for strong gravitational waves is developed, with particular focus on shockwaves and their spinning analogues, gyratons. Memory, which may be of position or velocity-encoded type, characterises the residual separation of neighbouring ‘detector’ geodesics following the passage of a gravitational wave burst, and retains information on the nature of the wave source. Here, it is shown how memory is encoded in the Penrose limit of the original gravitational wave spacetime and a new ‘timelike Penrose limit’ is introduced to complement the original plane wave limit appropriate to null congruences. A detailed analysis of memory is presented for timelike and null geodesic congruences in impulsive and extended gravitational shockwaves of Aichelburg-Sexl type, and for gyratons. Potential applications to gravitational wave astronomy and to quantum gravity, especially infra-red structure and ultra-high energy scattering, are briefly mentioned.

Raychaudhuri equation in spacetimes with torsion and nonmetricity

We introduce and develop the 1+3 covariant approach to relativity and cosmology to spacetimes of arbitrary dimensions that have nonzero torsion and do not satisfy the metricity condition. Focusing on timelike observers, we identify and discuss the main differences between their kinematics and those of their counterparts living in standard Riemannian spacetimes. At the centre of our analysis lies the Raychaudhuri equation, which is the fundamental formula monitoring the convergence/divergence, namely the collapse/expansion, of timelike worldline congruences. To the best of our knowledge, we provide the most general expression so far of the Raychaudhuri equation, with applications to an extensive range of non-standard astrophysical and cosmological studies. Assuming that metricity holds, but allowing for nonzero torsion, we recover the results of analogous previous treatments. Focusing on non-metricity alone, we identify a host of effects that depend on the nature of the timelike congruence and on the type of the adopted non-metricity. We also demonstrate that in spaces of high symmetry one can recover the pure-torsion results from their pure non-metricity analogues, and vice-versa, via a simple ansatz between torsion and non-metricity.

A Type D Non-Vacuum Spacetime with Causality Violating Curves, and Its Physical Interpretation

We present a topologically trivial, non-vacuum solution of the Einstein’s field equations in four dimensions, which is regular everywhere. The metric admits circular closed timelike curves, which appear beyond the null curve, and these timelike curves are linearly stable under linear perturbations. Additionally, the spacetime admits null geodesics curve, which are not closed, and the metric is of type D in the Petrov classification scheme. The stress-energy tensor anisotropic fluid satisfy the different energy conditions and a generalization of Equation-of-State parameter of perfect fluid . The metric admits a twisting, shearfree, nonexapnding timelike geodesic congruence. Finally, the physical interpretation of this solution, based on the study of the equation of the geodesics deviation, will be presented.

Geodesic flows in a charged black hole spacetime with quintessence

We investigate the evolution of timelike geodesic congruences, in the background of a charged black hole spacetime surrounded by quintessence. The Raychaudhuri equations for three kinematical quantities namely the expansion scalar, shear and rotation along the geodesic flows in such spacetime are obtained and solved numerically. We have also analysed both the weak and the strong energy conditions for the focussing of timelike geodesic congruences. The effect of the normalisation constant (alpha ) and the equation of state parameter (varepsilon ) on the evolution of the expansion scalar is discussed, for the congruences with and without an initial shear and rotation. It is observed that there always exists a critical value of the initial expansion below which we have focussing with smaller values of the normalisation constant and the equation of state parameter. As the corresponding values of both of these parameters are increased, no geodesic focussing is observed. The results obtained are then compared with those of the Reissner Nordström and Schwarzschild black hole spacetimes as well as their de Sitter black hole analogues accordingly.

No practical lensing by Lambda: Deflection of light in the Schwarzschild–de Sitter spacetime

Debate persists as to whether the cosmological constant $\Lambda$ can directly modify the power of a gravitational lens. With the aim of reestablishing a consensus on this issue, I conduct a comprehensive analysis of gravitational lensing in the Schwarzschild--de Sitter spacetime, wherein the effects of $\Lambda$ should be most apparent. The effective lensing law is found to be in precise agreement with the $\Lambda=0$ result: $\alpha_\mathrm{eff} = 4m/b_\mathrm{eff}+15\pi m^2/4b_\mathrm{eff}^2 +O(m^3/b_\mathrm{eff}^3)$, where the effective bending angle $\alpha_\mathrm{eff}$ and impact parameter $b_\mathrm{eff}$ are defined by the angles and angular diameter distances measured by a comoving cosmological observer. [These observers follow the timelike geodesic congruence which (i) respects the continuous symmetries of the spacetime and (ii) approaches local isotropy most rapidly at large distance from the lens.] The effective lensing law can be derived using lensed or unlensed angular diameter distances, although the inherent ambiguity of unlensed distances generates an additional uncertainty $O(m^5/\Lambda b_\mathrm{eff}^7)$. I conclude that the cosmological constant does not interfere with the standard gravitational lensing formalism.