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Lavinia Heisenberg

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Published work

77 published item(s)

preprint2026arXiv

A Non-Renormalization Theorem for Local Functionals in Ghost-Free Vector Field Theories Coupled to Dynamical Geometry

We establish a non-renormalization theorem for a class of ghost-free local functionals describing massive vector field theories coupled to dynamical geometry. Under the assumptions of locality, Lorentz invariance, and validity of the effective field theory expansion below a fixed cutoff, we show that quantum corrections do not generate local operators that renormalize the classical derivative self-interactions responsible for the constraint structure of the theory. The proof combines an operator-level analysis of the space of allowed local counterterms with a systematic decoupling-limit argument, which isolates the leading contributions to the effective action at each order in the derivative expansion. As a consequence, all radiatively induced local functionals necessarily involve additional derivatives per field and are suppressed by the intrinsic strong-coupling scales of the theory. In particular, the classical interactions defining ghost-free vector field theories are stable under renormalization, and any additional degrees of freedom arising from quantum corrections appear only above the effective field theory cutoff. This result extends known non-renormalization properties of flat-space vector theories to the case of dynamical geometry and provides a structural explanation for their perturbative stability to all loop orders.

preprint2026arXiv

Probing Cosmic Expansion and Early Universe with Einstein Telescope

Over the next two decades, gravitational-wave (GW) observations are expected to evolve from a discovery-driven endeavour into a precision tool for astrophysics, cosmology, and fundamental physics. Current second-generation ground-based detectors have established the existence of compact-binary mergers and enabled GW multi-messenger astronomy, but they remain limited in sensitivity, redshift reach, frequency coverage, and duty cycle. These limitations prevent them from addressing many fundamental open questions in cosmology. By the 2040s, wide-field electromagnetic surveys will have mapped the luminous Universe with unprecedented depth and accuracy. Nevertheless, key problems including the nature of dark matter, the physical origin of cosmic acceleration, the properties of gravity on cosmological scales, and the physical conditions of the earliest moments after the Big Bang will remain only partially constrained by electromagnetic observations alone. Progress on these fronts requires access to physical processes and epochs that do not emit light. Gravitational waves provide a unique and complementary observational channel: they propagate over cosmological distances largely unaffected by intervening matter, probe extreme astrophysical environments, and respond directly to the geometry of spacetime. In this context, next-generation GW observatories such as the Einstein Telescope (ET) will be transformative for European astronomy. Operating at sensitivities and frequencies beyond existing detectors, ET will observe binary black holes and neutron stars out to previously inaccessible redshifts, enable continuous high signal-to-noise monitoring of compact sources, and detect gravitational-wave backgrounds of astrophysical and cosmological origin. Together with space-based detectors, ET will play a central role in advancing our understanding of cosmic evolution and fundamental physics.

preprint2026arXiv

Testing General Relativity Through Gravitational Wave Classification: A Convolutional Neural Network Framework

We present a machine learning framework for testing general relativity (GR) with gravitational wave signals from binary black hole mergers. Using the source parameters of 173 BBH events from the GWTC catalog as a realistic astrophysical population, we generate simulated GR waveforms and construct beyond GR (BGR) waveforms by applying controlled phase deformations. We introduce a response function formalism that provides a systematic framework for quantifying how any observable responds to modifications of GR. We train convolutional neural networks (CNNs) on two input representations: whitened waveforms and a response function type observable derived from the waveform mismatch, which isolates the effect of phase deviations from the bulk signal. Using response functions as the CNN input improves the classification sensitivity by a factor of approximately 33 compared to whitened waveforms, demonstrating that the choice of observable representation is as important as the classifier architecture. We study the fundamental limits of this classification through Bayes optimal error analysis, averaging methods that reveal coherent patterns hidden in noise, and a comparison between CNN accuracy and a single feature classifier as a proxy for human performance. At all deformation scales, the CNN outperforms the best single feature approach. We extend the framework to physically motivated theories using the parameterized post Einsteinian (ppE) formalism and apply it to massive gravity, where the classifier detects deviations for graviton masses of order $m_g \sim 10^{-23}\;\mathrm{eV}/c^2$ with aLIGO design sensitivity.

preprint2022arXiv

A quantum state for the late Universe

We consider the quantum description of a toy model universe in which the Schwarzschild-de Sitter geometry emerges from the coherent state of a massless scalar field. Although highly idealised, this simple model allows us to find clear hints supporting the conclusion that the reaction of the de Sitter background to the presence of matter sources induces i) a modified Newtonian dynamics at galactic scales and ii) different values measured for the present Hubble parameter. Both effects stem from the conditions required to have a normalisable quantum state.

preprint2022arXiv

Can late-time extensions solve the $H_0$ and $σ_8$ tensions?

We analyze the properties that any late-time modification of the $Λ$CDM expansion history must have in order to consistently solve both the $H_0$ and the $σ_8$ tensions. Taking a model-independent approach, we obtain a set of necessary conditions that can be applied to generic late-time extensions. Our results are fully analytical and merely based on the assumptions that the deviations from the $Λ$CDM background remain small. For the concrete case of a dark energy fluid with equation of state $w(z)$, we derive the following general requirements: (i) Solving the $H_0$ tension demands $w(z)<-1$ at some $z$ (ii) Solving both the $H_0$ and $σ_8$ tensions requires $w(z)$ to cross the phantom divide. Finally, we also allow for small deviations on the effective gravitational constant. In this case, our method is still able to constrain the functional form of these deviations.

preprint2022arXiv

Gravitational Waves in Full, Non-Linear General Relativity

These notes provide a student-friendly introduction to the theory of gravitational waves in full, non-linear general relativity (GR). We aim for a balance between physical intuition and mathematical rigor and cover topics such as the Newman-Penrose formalism, electromagnetic waves, asymptotically Minkowski spacetimes, the peeling theorem, the universal structure of null infinity, the Bondi-Metzner-Sachs group, and the definition of radiative modes in linear as well as in non-linear GR. Many exercises and some explicitly calculated examples complement the abstract theory and are designed to help students build up their intuition and see the mathematical machinery at work.

preprint2022arXiv

Positivity bounds in vector theories

Assuming unitarity, locality, causality, and Lorentz invariance of the, otherwise unknown, UV completion, we derive a new set of constraints on the effective field theory coefficients for the most general, ghost-free Generalized Proca and Proca Nuevo massive vector models. For the Generalized Proca model, we include new interactions that had not been previously considered in the context of positivity bounds and find these additional terms lead to a widened parameter space for the previously considered interactions. Although, the Generalized Proca and Proca Nuevo models are inequivalent, we find interesting analogues between the coefficients parameterizing the two models and the roles they play in the positivity bounds.

preprint2022arXiv

Simultaneously solving the $H_0$ and $σ_8$ tensions with late dark energy

In a model independent approach, we derive generic conditions that any late time modification of the $Λ$CDM expansion history must satisfy in order to consistently solve both the $H_0$ and the $σ_8$ tensions. Our results are fully analytical and the method is merely based on the assumption that the late-time deviations from $Λ$CDM remain small. For the concrete case of a dark energy fluid with deviations encoded in the expansion history and the gravitational coupling constant, we present necessary conditions on its equation of state. Solving both the $H_0$ and $σ_8$ tensions requires that $w(z)$ must cross the phantom divide if $G_\text{eff}=G$. On the other hand, for $G_\text{eff}=G+δG(z)$ and $w(z)\leq -1$, it is required that $\displaystyle \frac{δG(z)}{G}<α(z)\frac{δH(z)}{H(z)}<0$ at some redshift $z$.

preprint2022arXiv

Symbolic Implementation of Extensions of the $\texttt{PyCosmo}$ Boltzmann Solver

$\texttt{PyCosmo}$ is a Python-based framework for the fast computation of cosmological model predictions. One of its core features is the symbolic representation of the Einstein-Boltzmann system of equations. Efficient $\texttt{C/C++}$ code is generated from the $\texttt{SymPy}$ symbolic expressions making use of the $\texttt{sympy2c}$ package. This enables easy extensions of the equation system for the implementation of new cosmological models. We illustrate this with three extensions of the $\texttt{PyCosmo}$ Boltzmann solver to include a dark energy component with a constant equation of state, massive neutrinos and a radiation streaming approximation. We describe the $\texttt{PyCosmo}$ framework, highlighting new features, and the symbolic implementation of the new models. We compare the $\texttt{PyCosmo}$ predictions for the $Λ$CDM model extensions with $\texttt{CLASS}$, both in terms of accuracy and computational speed. We find a good agreement, to better than 0.1% when using high-precision settings and a comparable computational speed. Links to the Python Package Index (PyPI) page of the code release and to the PyCosmo Hub, an online platform where the package is installed, are available at: https://cosmology.ethz.ch/research/software-lab/PyCosmo.html.

preprint2022arXiv

The Effect of Mission Duration on LISA Science Objectives

The science objectives of the LISA mission have been defined under the implicit assumption of a 4 yr continuous data stream. Based on the performance of LISA Pathfinder, it is now expected that LISA will have a duty cycle of $\approx 0.75$, which would reduce the effective span of usable data to 3 yr. This paper reports the results of a study by the LISA Science Group, which was charged with assessing the additional science return of increasing the mission lifetime. We explore various observational scenarios to assess the impact of mission duration on the main science objectives of the mission. We find that the science investigations most affected by mission duration concern the search for seed black holes at cosmic dawn, as well as the study of stellar-origin black holes and of their formation channels via multi-band and multi-messenger observations. We conclude that an extension to 6 yr of mission operations is recommended.

preprint2021arXiv

Black holes in $f(\mathbb Q)$ Gravity

We systematically study the field equations of $f(\mathbb Q)$ gravity for spherically symmetric and stationary metric-affine spacetimes. Such spacetimes are described by a metric as well as a flat and torsionless affine connection. In the Symmetric Teleparallel Equivalent of GR (STEGR), the connection is pure gauge and hence unphysical. However, in the non-linear extension $f(\Q)$, it is promoted to a dynamical field which changes the physics. Starting from a general metric-affine geometry, we construct the most general static and spherically symmetric forms of the metric and the affine connection. We then use these symmetry reduced geometric objects to prove that the field equations of $f(\Q)$ gravity admit GR solutions as well as beyond-GR solutions, contrary to what has been claimed in the literature. We formulate precise criteria, under which conditions it is possible to obtain GR solutions and under which conditions it is possible to obtain beyond-GR solutions. We subsequently construct several perturbative corrections to the Schwarzschild solution for different choices of $f(\Q)$, which in particular include a hair stemming from the now dynamical affine connection. We also present an exact beyond-GR vacuum solution. Lastly, we apply this method of constructing spherically symmetric and stationary solutions to $f(\T)$ gravity, which reproduces similar solutions but without a dynamical connection.

preprint2021arXiv

Cosmology of Extended Proca-Nuevo

Proca-Nuevo is a non-linear theory of a massive spin-1 field which enjoys a non-linearly realized constraint that distinguishes it among other generalized vector models. We show that the theory may be extended by the addition of operators of the Generalized Proca class without spoiling the primary constraint that is necessary for consistency, allowing to interpolate between Generalized Proca operators and Proca-Nuevo ones. The constraint is maintained on flat spacetime and on any fixed curved background. Upon mixing extended Proca-Nuevo dynamically with gravity, we show that the constraint gets broken in a Planck scale suppressed way. We further prove that the theory may be covariantized in models that allow for consistent and ghost-free cosmological solutions. We study the models in the presence of perfect fluid matter, and show that they describe the correct number of dynamical variables and derive their dispersion relations and stability criteria. We also exhibit, in a specific set-up, explicit hot Big Bang solutions featuring a late-time self-accelerating epoch, and which are such that all the stability and subluminality conditions are satisfied and where gravitational waves behave precisely as in General Relativity.

preprint2021arXiv

First-order thermodynamics of Horndeski gravity

We extend to the Horndeski realm the irreversible thermodynamics description of gravity previously studied in "first generation" scalar-tensor theories. We identify a subclass of Horndeski theories as an out-of--equilibrium state, while general relativity corresponds to an equilibrium state. In this context, we identify an effective heat current, "temperature of gravity", and shear viscosity in the space of theories. The identification is accomplished by recasting the field equations as effective Einstein equations with an effective dissipative fluid, with Einstein gravity as the equilibrium state, following Eckart's first-order thermodynamics.

preprint2021arXiv

Low-Energy String Theory Predicts Black Holes Hide a New Universe

We propose a construction with which to resolve the black hole singularity and enable an anisotropic cosmology to emerge from the inside of the hole. The model relies on the addition of an S-brane to the effective action which describes the geometry of space-time. This space-like defect is located inside of the horizon on a surface where the Weyl curvature reaches a limiting value. We study how metric fluctuations evolve from the outside of the black hole to the beginning of the cosmological phase to the future of the S-brane. Our setup addresses i) the black hole singularity problem, ii) the cosmological singularity problem and iii) the information loss paradox since the outgoing Hawking radiation is entangled with the state inside the black hole which becomes the new universe.

preprint2021arXiv

Quantum stability of Proca-Nuevo

The construction of general derivative self-interactions for a massive Proca field relies on the well-known condition for constrained systems of having a degenerate Hessian. The nature of the existing constraints algebra will distinguish among different classes of interactions. Proca-Nuevo interactions enjoy a non-trivial constraint by mixing terms of various order whereas Generalized Proca interactions satisfy the degeneracy condition order by order for each individual Lagrangians. In both cases the vector field propagates at most three degrees of freedom. It has been shown that the scattering amplitudes of Proca-Nuevo arising at the tree level always differ from those of the Generalized Proca, implying their genuinely different nature and a lack of relation by local field redefinitions. In this work, we show the quantum stability of the Proca-Nuevo theory below a specific UV cut-off. Although Proca-Nuevo and Generalized Proca are different inherently in their classical structure, both have the same high energy behaviour when quantum corrections are taken into account. The arising counter terms have the exact same structure and scaling. This might indicate that whatever UV completion they may come from, we expect it to be of similar nature.

preprint2021arXiv

Revisiting Cosmologies in Teleparallelism

We discuss the most general field equations for cosmological spacetimes for theories of gravity based on non-linear extensions of the non-metricity scalar and the torsion scalar. Our approach is based on a systematic symmetry-reduction of the metric-affine geometry which underlies these theories. While for the simplest conceivable case the connection disappears from the field equations and one obtains the Friedmann equations of General Relativity, we show that in $f(\mathbb{Q})$ cosmology the connection generically modifies the metric field equations and that some of the connection components become dynamical. We show that $f(\mathbb{Q})$ cosmology contains the exact General Relativity solutions and also exact solutions which go beyond. In $f(\mathbb{T})$~cosmology, however, the connection is completely fixed and not dynamical.

preprint2021arXiv

Through a Black Hole into a New Universe

We show that an S-Brane which arises in the inside of the black hole horizon when the Weyl curvature reaches the string scale induces a continuous transition between the inside of the black hole and the beginning of a new universe. This provides a simultaneous resolution of both the black hole and Big Bang singularities. In this context, the black hole information loss problem is also naturally resolved.

preprint2020arXiv

ADM formulation and Hamiltonian analysis of Coincident General Relativity

We consider a simpler geometrical formulation of General Relativity based on non-metricity, known as Coincident General Relativity. We study the ADM formulation of the theory and perform a detailed Hamiltonian analysis. We explicitly show the propagation of two physical degrees of freedom, as it should, even though the role of boundary terms and gauge conditions is significantly altered. This might represent an alternative promising new route for numerical relativity and canonical quantum gravity. We also give an outlook on the number of propagating degrees of freedom in non-linear extension of non-metricity scalar.

preprint2020arXiv

Geometrized quantum Galileons

We investigate the renormalization structure of the scalar Galileon model in flat spacetime by calculating the one-loop divergences in a closed geometric form. The geometric formulation is based on the definition of an effective Galileon metric and allows to apply known heat-kernel techniques. The result for the one-loop divergences is compactly expressed in terms of curvature invariants of the effective Galileon metric and corresponds to a resummation of the divergent one-loop contributions of all n-point functions. The divergent part of the one-loop effective action therefore serves as generating functional for arbitrary n-point counterterms. We discuss our result within the Galileon effective field theory and give a brief outlook on extensions to more general Galileon models in curved spacetime.

preprint2020arXiv

Model Independent Analysis of Supernova Data, Dark Energy, Trans-Planckian Censorship and the Swampland

In this Letter, we consider the model-independent reconstruction of the expansion and growth functions from the Pantheon supernova data. The method relies on developing the expansion function in terms of shifted Chebyshev polynomials and determining the coefficients of the polynomials by a maximum-likelihood fit to the data. Having obtained the expansion function in a model-independent way, we can then also determine the growth function without assuming a particular model. We then compare the results with the predictions of two classes of Dark Energy models, firstly a class of quintessence scalar field models consistent with the trans-Planckian censorship and swampland conjectures, and secondly a class of generalized Proca vector field models. We determine constraints on the parameters which appear in these models.

preprint2020arXiv

One-loop renormalization in Galileon effective field theory

We investigate the renormalization structure of scalar Galileons in flat spacetime. We explicitly calculate the ultraviolet divergent one-loop contributions to the 2-point, 3-point, 4-point, and 5-point functions. We discuss the structure of the counterterms and their hierarchy within an effective field theory expansion. We comment on different resummation schemes, including a geometric resummation for which our results could be generalized to arbitrary n-point functions.

preprint2020arXiv

Probing cosmological fields with gravitational wave oscillations

Gravitational wave (GW) oscillations occur whenever there are additional tensor modes interacting with the perturbations of the metric coupled to matter. These extra modes can arise from new spin-2 fields (as in e.g. bigravity theories) or from non-trivial realisations of the cosmological principle induced by background vector fields with internal symmetries (e.g. Yang-Mills, gaugids or multi-Proca). We develop a general cosmological framework to study such novel features due to oscillations. The evolution of the two tensor modes is described by a linear system of coupled second order differential equations exhibiting friction, velocity, chirality and mass mixing. We follow appropriate schemes to obtain approximate solutions for the evolution of both modes and show the corresponding phenomenology for different mixings. Observational signatures include modulations of the wave-form, oscillations of the GW luminosity distance, anomalous GW speed and chirality. We discuss the prospects of observing these effects with present and future GW observatories such as LIGO/VIRGO and LISA.

preprint2020arXiv

Quantum Stability of Generalized Proca Theories

We establish radiative stability of generalized Proca effective field theories. While standard powercounting arguments would conclude otherwise, we find non-trivial cancellations of leading order corrections by explicit computation of divergent one-loop diagrams up to four-point. These results are crosschecked against an effective action based generalized Schwinger-DeWitt method. Further, the cancellations are understood as coming from the specific structure of the theory through a decoupling limit analysis which at the same time allows for an extension of the results to higher orders.

preprint2020arXiv

The coupling of matter and spacetime geometry

The geometrical formulation of gravity is not unique and can be set up in a variety of spacetimes. Even though the gravitational sector enjoys this freedom of different geometrical interpretations, consistent matter couplings have to be assured for a steady foundation of gravity. In generalised geometries, further ambiguities arise in the matter couplings unless the minimal coupling principle (MCP) is adopted that is compatible with the principles of relativity, universality and inertia. In this work, MCP is applied to all Standard Model gauge fields and matter fields in a completely general (linear) affine geometry. This is also discussed from an effective field theory perspective. It is found that the presence of torsion generically leads to theoretical problems. However, symmetric teleparallelism, wherein the affine geometry is integrable and torsion-free, is consistent with MCP. The generalised Bianchi identity is derived and shown to determine the dynamics of the connection in a unified fashion. Also, the parallel transport with respect to a teleparallel connection is shown to be free of second clock effects.

preprint2020arXiv

Topological mass generation and $2-$forms

In this work we revisit the topological mass generation of 2-forms and establish a connection to the unique derivative coupling arising in the quartic Lagrangian of the systematic construction of massive $2-$form interactions, relating in this way BF theories to Galileon-like theories of 2-forms. In terms of a massless $1-$form $A$ and a massless $2-$form $B$, the topological term manifests itself as the interaction $B\wedge F$, where $F = {\rm d} A$ is the field strength of the $1-$form. Such an interaction leads to a mechanism of generation of mass, usually referred to as "topological generation of mass" in which the single degree of freedom propagated by the $2-$form is absorbed by the $1-$form, generating a massive mode for the $1-$form. Using the systematical construction in terms of the Levi-Civita tensor, it was shown that, apart from the quadratic and quartic Lagrangians, Galileon-like derivative self-interactions for the massive 2-form do not exist. A unique quartic Lagrangian $ε^{μνρσ}ε^{αβγ}_{\;\;\;\;\;\;σ}\partial_μB_{αρ}\partial_νB_{βγ}$ arises in this construction in a way that it corresponds to a total derivative on its own but ceases to be so once an overall general function is introduced. We show that it exactly corresponds to the same interaction of topological mass generation. Based on the decoupling limit analysis of the interactions, we bring out supporting arguments for the uniqueness of such a topological mass term and absence of the Galileon-like interactions. Finally, we discuss some preliminary applications in cosmology.

preprint2020arXiv

Unveiling the Galileon in a three-body system : scalar and gravitational wave production

We consider the prospect of detecting cubic Galileons through their imprint on gravitational wave signals from a triple system. Namely, we consider a massive Black Hole (BH) surrounded by a binary system of two smaller BHs. We assume that the three BHs acquire a conformal coupling to the scalar field whose origin could be due to cosmology or to the galactic environment. In this case, the massive BH has a Vainshtein radius which englobes the smaller ones and suppresses the scalar effects on the motion of the binary system. On the other hand the two binaries can be outside each other's redressed Vainshtein radius calculated in the background of the central BH, allowing for a perturbative treatment of their dynamics. Despite the strong Vainshtein suppression, we find that the scalar effects on the binary system are slightly enhanced with respect to the static case and a significant amount of power can be emitted in the form of the Galileon scalar field, hence actively participating in the inspiralling phase. We compute the modification to the GW phase and show that it can lead to a detectable signal for large enough effective scalar coupling.

preprint2019arXiv

Cosmic Structure Formation with Kinetic Field Theory

Kinetic Field Theory (KFT) is a statistical field theory for an ensemble of point-like classical particles in or out of equilibrium. We review its application to cosmological structure formation. Beginning with the construction of the generating functional of the theory, we describe in detail how the theory needs to be adapted to reflect the expanding spatial background and the homogeneous and isotropic, correlated initial conditions for cosmic structures. Based on the generating functional, we develop three main approaches to non-linear, late-time cosmic structures, which rest either on the Taylor expansion of an interaction operator, suitable averaging procedures for the interaction term, or a resummation of perturbation terms. We show how an analytic, parameter-free equation for the non-linear cosmic power spectrum can be derived. We explain how the theory can be used to derive the density profile of gravitationally bound structures and use it to derive power spectra of cosmic velocity densities. We further clarify how KFT relates to the BBGKY hierarchy. We then proceed to apply kinetic field theory to fluids, introduce a reformulation of KFT in terms of macroscopic quantities which leads to a resummation scheme, and use this to describe mixtures of gas and dark matter. We discuss how KFT can be applied to study cosmic structure formation with modified theories of gravity. As an example for an application to a non-cosmological particle ensemble, we show results on the spatial correlation function of cold Rydberg atoms derived from KFT.

preprint2019arXiv

General Teleparallel Quadratic Gravity

In this Letter we consider a general quadratic parity-preserving theory for a general flat connection. Imposing a local symmetry under the general linear group singles out the general teleparallel equivalent of General Relativity carrying both torsion and non-metricity. We provide a detailed discussion on the teleparallel equivalents of General Relativity and how the two known equivalents, formulated on Weitzenböck and symmetric teleparallel geometries respectively, can be interpreted as two gauge-fixed versions of the general teleparallel equivalent. We then explore the viability of the general quadratic theory by studying the spectrum around Minkowski. The linear theory generally contains two symmetric rank-2 fields plus a 2-form and, consequently, extra gauge symmetries are required to obtain potentially viable theories.

preprint2019arXiv

Generalization of the 2-form interactions

We systematically construct derivative self-interactions for massless and massive 2-forms. There exists a no-go theorem in the literature for constructing Galileon-like Lagrangians in four dimensions for the 2-form with gauge invariance, the Kalb-Rammond field. The presence of non-minimal couplings strongly relies on the contraction with divergenceless tensors. In four dimensions these are the Einstein tensor and the double dual Riemann tensor. Even though they are divergenceless on their own, their combination ceases to be. In the case of massless 2-forms we are not able to establish non-minimal couplings of the 2-form to the gravity sector with second order equations of motion due to the impossibility of building consistent combinations of divergenceless tensors. Using the systematical construction in terms of the Levi-Civita tensor, we aim at constructing Galileon-like derivative self-interactions for the massive 2-form. Apart from $L_2$ and $L_4$ we are not able to construct further Galileon-like Lagrangians. For the massive case, an important non-minimal coupling between the 2-form and the double dual Riemann tensor arises, which receives additional support from the decoupling limit. Promoting the interactions in $L_4$ requires the presence of appropriate non-minimal couplings and we give concrete examples for this.

preprint2019arXiv

Generalized Proca and its Constraint Algebra

We reconsider the construction of general derivative self-interactions for a massive Proca field. The constructed Lagrangian is such that the vector field propagates at most three degrees of freedom, thus avoiding the ghostly nature of a fourth polarisation. The construction makes use of the well-known condition for constrained systems of having a degenerate Hessian. We briefly discuss the casuistry according to the nature of the existing constraints algebra. We also explore various classes of interesting new interactions that have been recently raised in the literature. For the sixth order Lagrangian that satisfies the constraints by itself we prove its topological character, making such a term irrelevant. There is however a window of opportunity for exploring other classes of fully-nonlinear interactions that satisfy the constraint algebra by mixing terms of various order.

preprint2019arXiv

The canonical frame of purified gravity

In the recently introduced gauge theory of translations, dubbed Coincident General Relativity, gravity is described with neither torsion nor curvature in the spacetime affine geometry. The action of the theory enjoys an enhanced symmetry and avoids the second derivatives that appear in the conventional Einstein-Hilbert action. While it implies the equivalent classical dynamics, the improved action principle can make a difference in considerations of energetics, thermodynamics, and quantum theory. This essay reports on possible progress in those three aspects of gravity theory. In the so-called purified gravity, 1) energy-momentum is described locally by a conserved, symmetric tensor, 2) the Euclidean path integral is convergent without the addition of boundary or regulating terms and 3) it is possible to identify a canonical frame for quantisation.

preprint2017arXiv

Dark energy survivals in massive gravity after GW170817: SO(3) invariant

The recent detection of the gravitational wave signal GW170817 together with an electromagnetic counterpart GRB 170817A from the merger of two neutron stars puts a stringent bound on the tensor propagation speed. This constraint can be automatically satisfied in the framework of massive gravity. In this work we consider a general $SO(3)$-invariant massive gravity with five propagating degrees of freedom and derive the conditions for the absence of ghosts and Laplacian instabilities in the presence of a matter perfect fluid on the flat Friedmann-Lemaître-Robertson-Walker (FLRW) cosmological background. The graviton potential containing the dependence of three-dimensional metrics and a fiducial metric coupled to a temporal scalar field gives rise to a scenario of the late-time cosmic acceleration in which the dark energy equation of state $w_{\rm DE}$ is equivalent to $-1$ or varies in time. We find that the deviation from the value $w_{\rm DE}=-1$ provides important contributions to the quantities associated with the stability conditions of tensor, vector, and scalar perturbations. In concrete models, we study the dynamics of dark energy arising from the graviton potential and show that there exist viable parameter spaces in which neither ghosts nor Laplacian instabilities are present for both $w_{\rm DE}>-1$ and $w_{\rm DE}<-1$. We also generally obtain the effective gravitational coupling $G_{\rm eff}$ with non-relativistic matter as well as the gravitational slip parameter $η_s$ associated with the observations of large-scale structures and weak lensing. We show that, apart from a specific case, the two quantities $G_{\rm eff}$ and $η_s$ are similar to those in general relativity for scalar perturbations deep inside the sound horizon.

preprint2016arXiv

Absence of solid angle deficit singularities in beyond-generalized Proca theories

In Gleyzes-Langlois-Piazza-Vernizzi (GLPV) scalar-tensor theories, which are outside the domain of second-order Horndeski theories, it is known that there exists a solid angle deficit singularity in the case where the parameter $α_{\rm H}$ characterizing the deviation from Horndeski theories approaches a non-vanishing constant at the center of a spherically symmetric body. Meanwhile, it was recently shown that second-order generalized Proca theories with a massive vector field $A^μ$ can be consistently extended to beyond-generalized Proca theories, which recover shift-symmetric GLPV theories in the scalar limit $A^μ \to \nabla^μ χ$. In beyond-generalized Proca theories up to quartic-order Lagrangians, we show that solid angle deficit singularities are generally absent due to the existence of a temporal vector component. We also derive the vector-field profiles around a compact object and show that the success of the Vainshtein mechanism operated by vector Galileons is not prevented by new interactions in beyond generalized Proca theories.

preprint2016arXiv

Anisotropic cosmological solutions in massive vector theories

In beyond-generalized Proca theories including the extension to theories higher than second order, we study the role of a spatial component $v$ of a massive vector field on the anisotropic cosmological background. We show that, as in the case of the isotropic cosmological background, there is no additional ghostly degrees of freedom associated with the Ostrogradski instability. In second-order generalized Proca theories we find the existence of anisotropic solutions on which the ratio between the anisotropic expansion rate $Σ$ and the isotropic expansion rate $H$ remains nearly constant in the radiation-dominated epoch. In the regime where $Σ/H$ is constant, the spatial vector component $v$ works as a dark radiation with the equation of state close to $1/3$. During the matter era, the ratio $Σ/H$ decreases with the decrease of $v$. As long as the conditions $|Σ| \ll H$ and $v^2 \ll ϕ^2$ are satisfied around the onset of late-time cosmic acceleration, where $ϕ$ is the temporal vector component, we find that the solutions approach the isotropic de Sitter fixed point ($Σ=0=v$) in accordance with the cosmic no-hair conjecture. In the presence of $v$ and $Σ$ the early evolution of the dark energy equation of state $w_{\rm DE}$ in the radiation era is different from that in the isotropic case, but the approach to the isotropic value $w_{\rm DE}^{\rm (iso)}$ typically occurs at redshifts $z$ much larger than 1. Thus, apart from the existence of dark radiation, the anisotropic cosmological dynamics at low redshifts is similar to that in isotropic generalized Proca theories. In beyond-generalized Proca theories the only consistent solution to avoid the divergence of a determinant of the dynamical system corresponds to $v=0$, so $Σ$ always decreases in time.

preprint2016arXiv

Beyond $Λ$CDM: Problems, solutions, and the road ahead

Despite its continued observational successes, there is a persistent (and growing) interest in extending cosmology beyond the standard model, $Λ$CDM. This is motivated by a range of apparently serious theoretical issues, involving such questions as the cosmological constant problem, the particle nature of dark matter, the validity of general relativity on large scales, the existence of anomalies in the CMB and on small scales, and the predictivity and testability of the inflationary paradigm. In this paper, we summarize the current status of $Λ$CDM as a physical theory, and review investigations into possible alternatives along a number of different lines, with a particular focus on highlighting the most promising directions. While the fundamental problems are proving reluctant to yield, the study of alternative cosmologies has led to considerable progress, with much more to come if hopes about forthcoming high-precision observations and new theoretical ideas are fulfilled.

preprint2016arXiv

Beyond generalized Proca theories

We consider higher-order derivative interactions beyond second-order generalized Proca theories that propagate only the three desired polarizations of a massive vector field besides the two tensor polarizations from gravity. These new interactions follow the similar construction criteria to those arising in the extension of scalar-tensor Horndeski theories to Gleyzes-Langlois-Piazza-Vernizzi (GLPV) theories. On the isotropic cosmological background, we show the existence of a constraint with a vanishing Hamiltonian that removes the would-be Ostrogradski ghost. We study the behavior of linear perturbations on top of the isotropic cosmological background in the presence of a matter perfect fluid and find the same number of propagating degrees of freedom as in generalized Proca theories (two tensor polarizations, two transverse vector modes, and two scalar modes). Moreover, we obtain the conditions for the avoidance of ghosts and Laplacian instabilities of tensor, vector, and scalar perturbations. We observe key differences in the scalar sound speed, which is mixed with the matter sound speed outside the domain of generalized Proca theories.

preprint2016arXiv

Cosmology for quadratic gravity in generalized Weyl geometry

A class of vector-tensor theories arises naturally in the framework of quadratic gravity in spacetimes with linear vector distortion. Requiring the absence of ghosts for the vector field imposes an interesting condition on the allowed connections with vector distortion: the resulting one-parameter family of connections generalises the usual Weyl geometry with polar torsion. The cosmology of this class of theories is studied, focusing on isotropic solutions wherein the vector field is dominated by the temporal component. De Sitter attractors are found and inhomogeneous perturbations around such backgrounds are analysed. In particular, further constraints on the models are imposed by excluding pathologies in the scalar, vector and tensor fluctuations. Various exact background solutions are presented, describing a constant and an evolving dark energy, a bounce and a self-tuning de Sitter phase. However, the latter two scenarios are not viable under a closer scrutiny.

preprint2016arXiv

Cosmology in doubly coupled massive gravity: constraints from SNIa, BAO and CMB

Massive gravity in the presence of doubly coupled matter field via en effective composite metric yields an accelerated expansion of the universe. It has been recently shown that the model admits stable de Sitter attractor solutions and could be used as a dark energy model. In this work, we perform a first analysis of the constraints imposed by the SNIa, BAO and CMB data on the massive gravity model with the effective composite metric and show that all the background observations are mutually compatible at the one sigma level with the model.

preprint2016arXiv

Cosmology in generalized Proca theories

We consider a massive vector field with derivative interactions that propagates only the 3 desired polarizations (besides two tensor polarizations from gravity) with second-order equations of motion in curved space-time. The cosmological implications of such generalized Proca theories are investigated for both the background and the linear perturbation by taking into account the Lagrangian up to quintic order. In the presence of a matter fluid with a temporal component of the vector field, we derive the background equations of motion and show the existence of de Sitter solutions relevant to the late-time cosmic acceleration. We also obtain conditions for the absence of ghosts and Laplacian instabilities of tensor, vector, and scalar perturbations in the small-scale limit. Our results are applied to concrete examples of the general functions in the theory, which encompass vector Galileons as a specific case. In such examples, we show that the de Sitter fixed point is always a stable attractor and study viable parameter spaces in which the no-ghost and stability conditions are satisfied during the cosmic expansion history.

preprint2016arXiv

Cosmology in massive gravity with effective composite metric

This paper is dedicated to scrutinizing the cosmology in massive gravity. A matter field of the dark sector is coupled to an effective composite metric while a standard matter field couples to the dynamical metric in the usual way. For this purpose, we study the dynamical system of cosmological solutions by using phase analysis, which provides an overview of the class of cosmological solutions in this setup. This also permits us to study the critical points of the cosmological equations together with their stability. We show the presence of stable attractor de Sitter critical points relevant to the late-time cosmic acceleration. Furthermore, we study the tensor, vector and scalar perturbations in the presence of standard matter fields and obtain the conditions for the absence of ghost and gradient instabilities. Hence, massive gravity in the presence of the effective composite metric can accommodate interesting dark energy phenomenology, that can be observationally distinguished from the standard model according to the expansion history and cosmic growth.

preprint2016arXiv

Derivative couplings in massive bigravity

In this work we study the cosmological perturbations in massive bigravity in the presence of non-minimal derivative couplings. For this purpose we consider a specific subclass of Horndeski scalar-tensor interactions that live on the unique composite effective metric. For the viability of the model both metrics have to be dynamical. Nevertheless, the number of allowed kinetic terms is crucial. We adapt to the restriction of having one single kinetic term. After deriving the full set of equations of motion for flat Friedmann-Lemaitre-Robertson-Walker background, we study linear perturbations on top of it. We show explicitly that only four tensor, two vector and two scalar degrees of freedom propagate, one of which being the Horndeski scalar, while the Boulware-Deser ghost can be integrated out.

preprint2016arXiv

Derivative self-interactions for a massive vector field

In this work we revisit the construction of theories for a massive vector field with derivative self-interactions such that only the 3 desired polarizations corresponding to a Proca field propagate. We start from the decoupling limit by constructing healthy interactions containing second derivatives of the Stueckelberg field with itself and also with the transverse modes. The resulting interactions can then be straightforwardly generalized beyond the decoupling limit. We then proceed to a systematic construction of the interactions by using the Levi-Civita tensors. Both approaches lead to a finite family of allowed derivative self-interactions for the Proca field. This construction allows us to show that some higher order terms recently introduced as new interactions trivialize in 4 dimensions by virtue of the Cayley-Hamilton theorem. Moreover, we discuss how the resulting derivative interactions can be written in a compact determinantal form, which can also be regarded as a generalization of the Born-Infeld lagrangian for electromagnetism. Finally, we generalize our results for a curved background and give the necessary non-minimal couplings guaranteeing that no additional polarizations propagate even in the presence of gravity.

preprint2016arXiv

Effective gravitational couplings for cosmological perturbations in generalized Proca theories

We consider the finite interactions of the generalized Proca theory including the sixth-order Lagrangian and derive the full linear perturbation equations of motion on the flat Friedmann-Lemaître-Robertson-Walker background in the presence of a matter perfect fluid. By construction, the propagating degrees of freedom (besides the matter perfect fluid) are two transverse vector perturbations, one longitudinal scalar, and two tensor polarizations. The Lagrangians associated with intrinsic vector modes neither affect the background equations of motion nor the second-order action of tensor perturbations, but they do give rise to non-trivial modifications to the no-ghost condition of vector perturbations and to the propagation speeds of vector and scalar perturbations. We derive the effective gravitational coupling $G_{\rm eff}$ with matter density perturbations under a quasi-static approximation on scales deep inside the sound horizon. We find that the existence of intrinsic vector modes allows a possibility for reducing $G_{\rm eff}$. In fact, within the parameter space, $G_{\rm eff}$ can be even smaller than the Newton gravitational constant $G$ at the late cosmological epoch, with a peculiar phantom dark energy equation of state (without ghosts). The modifications to the slip parameter $η$ and the evolution of growth rate $fσ_8$ are discussed as well. Thus, dark energy models in the framework of generalized Proca theories can be observationally distinguished from the $Λ$CDM model according to both cosmic growth and expansion history. Furthermore, we study the evolution of vector perturbations and show that outside the vector sound horizon the perturbations are nearly frozen and start to decay with oscillations after the horizon entry.

preprint2016arXiv

New Quasidilaton theory in Partially Constrained Vielbein Formalism

In this work we study the partially constrained vielbein formulation of the new quasidilaton theory of massive gravity which couples to both physical and fiducial metrics simultaneously via a composite effective metric. This formalism improves the new quasidilaton model since the Boulware-Deser ghost is removed fully non-linearly at all scales. This also yields crucial implications in the cosmological applications. We derive the governing cosmological background evolution and study the stability of the attractor solution.

preprint2016arXiv

Screening fifth forces in generalized Proca theories

For a massive vector field with derivative self-interactions, the breaking of the gauge invariance allows the propagation of a longitudinal mode in addition to the two transverse modes. We consider generalized Proca theories with second-order equations of motion in a curved space-time and study how the longitudinal scalar mode of the vector field gravitates on a spherically symmetric background. We show explicitly that cubic-order self-interactions lead to the suppression of the longitudinal mode through the Vainshtein mechanism. Provided that the dimensionless coupling of the interaction is not negligible, this screening mechanism is sufficiently efficient to give rise to tiny corrections to gravitational potentials consistent with solar-system tests of gravity. We also study the quartic interactions with the presence of non-minimal derivative coupling with the Ricci scalar and find the existence of solutions where the longitudinal mode completely vanishes. Finally, we discuss the case in which the effect of the quartic interactions dominates over the cubic one and show that local gravity constraints can be satisfied under a mild bound on the parameters of the theory.

preprint2015arXiv

Bimetric gravity and dark matter

We review some recent proposals for relativistic models of dark matter in the context of bimetric gravity. The aim is to solve the problems of cold dark matter (CDM) at galactic scales, and to reproduce the phenomenology of the modified Newtonian dynamics (MOND), while still being in agreement with the standard cosmological model $Λ$-CDM at large scales. In this context a promising alternative is dipolar dark matter (DDM) in which two different species of dark matter particles are separately coupled to the two metrics of bigravity and are linked together by an internal vector field. The phenomenology of MOND then results from a mechanism of gravitational polarization. Probably the best formulation of the model is within the framework of recently developed massive bigravity theories. Then the gravitational sector of the model is safe by construction, but a ghostly degree of freedom in the decoupling limit is still present in the dark matter sector. Future work should analyse the cosmological solutions of the model and check the post-Newtonian parameters in the solar system.

preprint2015arXiv

Cascading dust inflation in Born-Infeld gravity

In the framework of Born-Infeld inspired gravity theories, which deviates from General Relativity (GR) in the high curvature regime, we discuss the viability of Cosmic Inflation without scalar fields. For energy densities higher than the new mass scale of the theory, a gravitating dust component is shown to generically induce an accelerated expansion of the Universe. Within such a simple scenario, inflation gracefully exits when the GR regime is recovered, but the Universe would remain matter dominated. In order to implement a reheating era after inflation, we then consider inflation to be driven by a mixture of unstable dust species decaying into radiation. Because the speed of sound gravitates within the Born-Infeld model under consideration, our scenario ends up being predictive on various open questions of the inflationary paradigm. The total number of e-folds of acceleration is given by the lifetime of the unstable dust components and is related to the duration of reheating. As a result, inflation does not last much longer than the number of e-folds of deceleration allowing a small spatial curvature and large scale deviations to isotropy to be observable today. Energy densities are self-regulated as inflation can only start for a total energy density less than a threshold value, again related to the species' lifetime. Above this threshold, the Universe may bounce thereby avoiding a singularity. Another distinctive feature is that the accelerated expansion is of the superinflationary kind, namely the first Hubble flow function is negative. We show however that the tensor modes are never excited and the tensor-to-scalar ratio is always vanishing, independently of the energy scale of inflation.

preprint2015arXiv

Cosmology and fundamental physics with the Euclid satellite

Euclid is a European Space Agency medium class mission selected for launch in 2019 within the Cosmic Vision 2015-2025 programme. The main goal of Euclid is to understand the origin of the accelerated expansion of the Universe. Euclid will explore the expansion history of the Universe and the evolution of cosmic structures by measuring shapes and redshifts of galaxies as well as the distribution of clusters of galaxies over a large fraction of the sky. Although the main driver for Euclid is the nature of dark energy, Euclid science covers a vast range of topics, from cosmology to galaxy evolution to planetary research. In this review we focus on cosmology and fundamental physics, with a strong emphasis on science beyond the current standard models. We discuss five broad topics: dark energy and modified gravity, dark matter, initial conditions, basic assumptions and questions of methodology in the data analysis. This review has been planned and carried out within Euclid's Theory Working Group and is meant to provide a guide to the scientific themes that will underlie the activity of the group during the preparation of the Euclid mission.

preprint2015arXiv

Cosmology in bimetric theory with an effective composite coupling to matter

We study the cosmology of bimetric theory with a composite matter coupling. We find two possible branches of background evolution. We investigate the question of stability of cosmological perturbations. For the tensor and vector perturbations, we derive conditions on the absence of ghost and gradient instabilities. For the scalar modes, we obtain conditions for avoiding ghost degrees. In the first branch, we find that one of the scalar modes becomes a ghost at the late stages of the evolution. Conversely, this problem can be avoided in the second branch. However, we also find that the constraint for the second branch prevents the doubly coupled matter fields from being the standard ingredients of cosmology. We thus conclude that a realistic and stable cosmological model requires additional minimally coupled matter fields.

preprint2015arXiv

Dark Matter via Massive (bi-)Gravity

In this work we investigate the existence of relativistic models for dark matter in the context of bimetric gravity, used here to reproduce the modified Newtonian dynamics (MOND) at galactic scales. For this purpose we consider two different species of dark matter particles that separately couple to the two metrics of bigravity. These two sectors are linked together \textit{via} an internal $U(1)$ vector field, and some effective composite metric built out of the two metrics. Among possible models only certain classes of kinetic and interaction terms are allowed without invoking ghost degrees of freedom. Along these lines we explore the number of allowed kinetic terms in the theory and point out the presence of ghosts in a previous model. Finally, we propose a promising class of ghost-free candidate theories that could provide the MOND phenomenology at galactic scales while reproducing the standard cold dark matter (CDM) model at cosmological scales.

preprint2015arXiv

Dipolar Dark Matter with Massive Bigravity

Massive gravity theories have been developed as viable IR modifications of gravity motivated by dark energy and the problem of the cosmological constant. On the other hand, modified gravity and modified dark matter theories were developed with the aim of solving the problems of standard cold dark matter at galactic scales. Here we propose to adapt the framework of ghost-free massive bigravity theories to reformulate the problem of dark matter at galactic scales. We investigate a promising alternative to dark matter called dipolar dark matter (DDM) in which two different species of dark matter are separately coupled to the two metrics of bigravity and are linked together by an internal vector field. We show that this model successfully reproduces the phenomenology of dark matter at galactic scales (MOND) as a result of a mechanism of gravitational polarisation. The model is safe in the gravitational sector, but because of the particular couplings of the matter fields and vector field to the metrics, a ghost in the decoupling limit is present in the dark matter sector. However, it might be possible to push the mass of the ghost beyond the strong coupling scale by an appropriate choice of the parameters of the model. Crucial questions to address in future work are the exact mass of the ghost, and the cosmological implications of the model.

preprint2015arXiv

Matter coupling in partially constrained vielbein formulation of massive gravity

We consider a consistent linear effective vielbein matter coupling without introducing the Boulware-Deser ghost in ghost-free massive gravity. This is achieved in the partially constrained vielbein formulation. We first introduce the formalism and prove the absence of ghost at all scales. As next we investigate the cosmological application of this coupling in this new formulation. We show that even if the background evolution accords with the metric formulation, the perturbations display important different features in the partially constrained vielbein formulation. We study the cosmological perturbations of the two branches of solutions separately. The tensor perturbations coincide with those in the metric formulation. Concerning the vector and scalar perturbations, the requirement of absence of ghost and gradient instabilities yields slightly different allowed parameter space.

preprint2015arXiv

More on effective composite metrics

In this work we study different classes of effective composite metrics proposed in the context of one-loop quantum corrections in bimetric gravity. For this purpose we consider contributions of the matter loops in form of cosmological constants and potential terms yielding two types of effective composite metrics. This guarantees a nice behaviour at the quantum level. However, the theoretical consistency at the classical level needs to be ensured additionally. It turns out that among all these possible couplings only one unique effective metric survives this criteria at the classical level.

preprint2015arXiv

Non-minimal derivative couplings of the composite metric

In the context of massive gravity, bi-gravity and multi-gravity non-minimal matter couplings via a specific composite effective metric were investigated recently. Even if these couplings generically reintroduce the Boulware-Deser ghost, this composite metric is unique in the sense that the ghost reemerges only beyond the decoupling limit and the matter quantum loop corrections do not detune the potential interactions. We consider non-minimal {\it derivative} couplings of the composite metric to matter fields for a specific subclass of Horndeski scalar-tensor interactions. We first explore these couplings in the mini-superspace and investigate in which scenario the ghost remains absent. We further study these non-minimal derivative couplings in the decoupling-limit of the theory and show that the equation of motion for the helicity-0 mode remains second order in derivatives. Finally, we discuss preliminary implications for cosmology.

preprint2015arXiv

Revisiting perturbations in extended quasidilaton massive gravity

In this work we study the theory of extended quasidilaton massive gravity together with the presence of matter fields. After discussing the homogeneous and isotropic fully dynamical background equations, which governs the exact expansion history of the universe, we consider small cosmological perturbations around these general FLRW solutions. The stability of tensor, vector and scalar perturbations on top of these general background solutions give rise to slightly different constraints on the parameters of the theory than those obtained in the approximative assumption of the late-time asymptotic form of the expansion history, which does not correspond to our current epoch. This opens up the possibility of stable FLRW solutions to be compared with current data on cosmic expansion with the restricted parameter space based on theoretical ground.

preprint2015arXiv

Tensor perturbations in a general class of Palatini theories

We study a general class of gravitational theories formulated in the Palatini approach and derive the equations governing the evolution of tensor perturbations. In the absence of torsion, the connection can be solved as the Christoffel symbols of an auxiliary metric which is non-trivially related to the space-time metric. We then consider background solutions corresponding to a perfect fluid and show that the tensor perturbations equations (including anisotropic stresses) for the auxiliary metric around such a background take an Einstein-like form. This facilitates the study in a homogeneous and isotropic cosmological scenario where we explicitly establish the relation between the auxiliary metric and the space-time metric tensor perturbations. As a general result, we show that both tensor perturbations coincide in the absence of anisotropic stresses.

preprint2014arXiv

A test of the Suyama-Yamaguchi inequality from weak lensing

We investigate the weak lensing signature of primordial non-Gaussianities of the local type by constraining the magnitude of the weak convergence bi- and trispectra expected for the EUCLID weak lensing survey. Starting from expressions for the weak convergence spectra, bispectra and trispectra, whose relative magnitudes we investigate as a function of scale, we compute their respective signal to noise ratios by relating the polyspectra's amplitude to their Gaussian covariance using a Monte-Carlo technique for carrying out the configuration space integrations. In computing the Fisher-matrix on the non-Gaussianity parameters f_nl, g_nl and tau_nl with a very similar technique, we can derive Bayesian evidences for a violation of the Suyama-Yamaguchi relation tau_nl>=(6 f_nl/5)^2 as a function of the true f_nl and tau_nl-values and show that the relation can be probed down to levels of f_nl~10^2 and tau_nl~10^5. In a related study, we derive analytical expressions for the probability density that the SY-relation is exactly fulfilled, as required by models in which any one field generates the perturbations. We conclude with an outlook on the levels of non-Gaussianity that can be probed with tomographic lensing surveys.

preprint2014arXiv

Cosmological perturbations in massive gravity with doubly coupled matter

We investigate the cosmological perturbations around FLRW solutions to non- linear massive gravity with a new effective coupling to matter proposed recently. Unlike the case with minimal matter coupling, all five degrees of freedom in the gravity sector propagate on generic self-accelerating FLRW backgrounds. We study the stability of the cosmological solutions and put constraints on the parameters of the theory by demanding the correct sign for the kinetic terms for scalar, vector and tensor perturbations.

preprint2014arXiv

Cosmology of the proxy theory to massive gravity

In this paper, we scrutinize very closely the cosmology in the proxy theory to massive gravity obtained in Phys. Rev. D84 (2011) 043503. This proxy theory was constructed by covariantizing the decoupling limit Lagrangian of massive gravity and represents a subclass of Horndeski scalar-tensor theory. Thus, this covariantization unifies two important classes of modified gravity theories, namely massive gravity and Horndeski theories. We go beyond the regime which was studied in Phys. Rev. D84 (2011) 043503 and show that the theory does not admit any homogeneous and isotropic self-accelerated solutions. We illustrate that the only attractor solution is flat Minkowski solution, hence this theory is less appealing as a dark energy model. We also show that the absence of de Sitter solutions is tightly related to the presence of shift symmetry breaking interactions.

preprint2014arXiv

Ghosts & Matter Couplings in Massive (bi-&multi-)Gravity

Recently, several works have investigated the coupling to matter in ghost-free massive (bi-&multi-)gravity and a new effective coupling to matter has been proposed. In this note we clarify some confusion on the existence and the implications of a ghost above the strong coupling scale. We confirm that the standard constraint which is otherwise typically present in this type of theories disappears on generic backgrounds as soon as this new coupling is considered. This implies the re-emergence of the Boulware-Deser ghost. Nevertheless the absence of ghost in the decoupling limit implies that the cut-off scale (if identified with the scale at which the ghost enters) is higher than the strong coupling scale. Therefore there is a valid interesting region of applicability for these couplings at scales below the cut-off.

preprint2014arXiv

Infrared lessons for ultraviolet gravity: the case of massive gravity and Born-Infeld

We generalize the ultraviolet sector of gravitation via a Born-Infeld action using lessons from massive gravity. The theory contains all of the elementary symmetric polynomials and is treated in the Palatini formalism. We show how the connection can be solved algebraically to be the Levi-Civita connection of an effective metric. The non-linearity of the algebraic equations yields several branches, one of which always reduces to General Relativity at low curvatures. We explore in detail a {\it minimal} version of the theory, for which we study solutions in the presence of a perfect fluid with special attention to the cosmological evolution. In vacuum we recover Ricci-flat solutions, but also an additional physical solution corresponding to an Einstein space. The existence of two physical branches remains for non-vacuum solutions and, in addition, the branch that connects to the Einstein space in vacuum is not very sensitive to the specific value of the energy density. For the branch that connects to the General Relativity limit we generically find three behaviours for the Hubble function depending on the equation of state of the fluid, namely: either there is a maximum value for the energy density that connects continuously with vacuum, or the energy density can be arbitrarily large but the Hubble function saturates and remains constant at high energy densities, or the energy density is unbounded and the Hubble function grows faster than in General Relativity. The second case is particularly interesting because it could offer an interesting inflationary epoch even in the presence of a dust component. Finally, we discuss the possibility of avoiding certain types of singularities within the minimal model.

preprint2014arXiv

On couplings to matter in massive (bi-)gravity

We investigate the coupling to matter in ghost-free massive (bi-)gravity. When species in the matter sector couple covariantly to only one metric, we show that at one--loop these couplings do not spoil the special structure of the graviton potential. When the same species couples directly to both metrics we show that a ghost is present at the classical level and that loops destroy the special structure of the potential at an unacceptably low scale. We then propose a new `composite' effective metric built out of both metrics. When matter fields couple covariantly to this effective metric, the would be Boulware--Deser ghost is absent in different representative limits. At one--loop such couplings do not detune the special structure of the potential. We conjecture that matter can couple covariantly to that effective metric in all generality without introducing any Boulware--Deser ghost below a cut-off scale parametrically larger than the strong coupling scale. We also discuss alternative couplings to matter where the kinetic and potential terms of the matter field couple to different metrics. In both cases we discuss preliminary implications for cosmology.

preprint2014arXiv

Quantum Corrections in Galileons from Matter Loops

Galileon interactions represent a class of effective field theories that have received much attention since their inception. They can be treated in their own right as scalar field theories with a specific global shift and Galilean symmetry or as a descendant of a more fundamental theory like massive gravity. It is well known that the Galileon theories are stable under quantum corrections thanks to the non-renormalization theorem which is not due to the symmetry. We consider different covariant couplings of this Galileon scalar field with the matter field: the conformal coupling, the disformal coupling and the longitudinal coupling. We compute the one-loop quantum corrections to the Galileon interactions from the coupling to the external matter fields. In all the considered cases of covariant couplings we show that the terms generated by one-loop matter corrections not only renormalize the Galileon interactions but also give rise to higher order derivative ghost interactions. However, the renormalized version of the Galileon interactions as well as the new interactions come at a scale suppressed by the original classical coupling scale and hence are harmless within the regime of validity of the effective field theory.

preprint2014arXiv

Quantum corrections in massive bigravity and new effective composite metrics

We compute the one-loop quantum corrections to the interactions between the two metrics of the ghost-free massive bigravity. When considering gravitons running in the loops, we show how the structure of the interactions gets destabilized at the quantum level, exactly in the same way as in its massive gravity limit. A priori one might have expected a better quantum behavior, however the broken diffeomorphism invariance out of the two initial diffeomorphisms in bigravity has similar consequences at the quantum level as the broken diffeomorphism in massive gravity. From lessons of the generated quantum corrections through matter loops we propose yet other types of effective composite metrics to which the matter fields can couple. Among these new effective metrics there might be one or more that could provide interesting phenomenology and important cosmological implications.

preprint2013arXiv

A study of relative velocity statistics in Lagrangian perturbation theory with PINOCCHIO

Subject of this paper is a detailed analysis of the PINOCCHIO algorithm for studying the relative velocity statistics of merging haloes in Lagrangian perturbation theory. Given a cosmological background model, a power spectrum of fluctuations as well as a Gaussian linear density contrast field $δ_{\rm l}$ is generated on a cubic grid, which is then smoothed repeatedly with Gaussian filters. For each Lagrangian particle at position $\bmath{q}$ and each smoothing radius $R$, the collapse time, the velocities and ellipsoidal truncation are computed using Lagrangian Perturbation Theory. The collapsed medium is then fragmented into isolated objects by an algorithm designed to mimic the accretion and merger events of hierarchical collapse. Directly after the fragmentation process the mass function, merger histories of haloes and the statistics of the relative velocities at merging are evaluated. We reimplemented the algorithm in C++, recovered the mass function and optimised the construction of halo merging histories. Comparing our results with the output of the Millennium simulation suggests that PINOCCHIO is well suited for studying relative velocities of merging haloes and is able to reproduce the pairwise velocity distribution.

preprint2013arXiv

Quantum Corrections in Massive Gravity

We compute the one-loop quantum corrections to the potential of ghost-free massive gravity. We show how the mass of external matter fields contribute to the running of the cosmological constant, but do not change the ghost-free structure of the massive gravity potential at one-loop. When considering gravitons running in the loops, we show how the structure of the potential gets destabilized at the quantum level, but in a way which would never involve a ghost with a mass smaller than the Planck scale. This is done by explicitly computing the one-loop effective action and supplementing it with the Vainshtein mechanism. We conclude that to one-loop order the special mass structure of ghost-free massive gravity is technically natural.

preprint2013arXiv

Stability of Horndeski vector-tensor interactions

We study the Horndeski vector-tensor theory that leads to second order equations of motion and contains a non-minimally coupled abelian gauge vector field. This theory is remarkably simple and consists of only 2 terms for the vector field, namely: the standard Maxwell kinetic term and a coupling to the dual Riemann tensor. Furthermore, the vector sector respects the U(1) gauge symmetry and the theory contains only one free parameter, M^2, that controls the strength of the non-minimal coupling. We explore the theory in a de Sitter spacetime and study the presence of instabilities and show that it corresponds to an attractor solution in the presence of the vector field. We also investigate the cosmological evolution and stability of perturbations in a general FLRW spacetime. We find that a sufficient condition for the absence of ghosts is M^2>0. Moreover, we study further constraints coming from imposing the absence of Laplacian instabilities. Finally, we study the stability of the theory in static and spherically symmetric backgrounds (in particular, Schwarzschild and Reissner-Nordström-de Sitter). We find that the theory, quite generally, do have ghosts or Laplacian instabilities in regions of spacetime where the non-minimal interaction dominates over the Maxwell term. We also calculate the propagation speed in these spacetimes and show that superluminality is a quite generic phenomenon in this theory.

preprint2013arXiv

Superluminality in the Bi- and Multi- Galileon

We re-explore the Bi- and Multi-Galileon models with trivial asymptotic conditions at infinity and show that propagation of superluminal fluctuations is a common and unavoidable feature of these theories, unlike previously claimed in the literature. We show that all Multi-Galileon theories containing a Cubic Galileon term exhibit superluminalities at large distances from a point source, and that even if the Cubic Galileon is not present one can always find sensible matter distributions in which there are superluminal modes at large distances. In the Bi-Galileon case we explicitly show that there are always superluminal modes around a point source even if the Cubic Galileon is not present. Finally, we briefly comment on the possibility of avoiding superluminalities by modifying the asymptotic conditions at infinity.

preprint2012arXiv

Cosmology of the Galileon from Massive Gravity

We covariantize the decoupling limit of massive gravity proposed in arXiv:1011.1232 and study the cosmology of this theory as a proxy, which embodies key features of the fully non-linear covariant theory. We first confirm that it exhibits a self-accelerating solution, similar to what has been found in arXiv:1010.1780, where the Hubble parameter corresponds to the graviton mass. For a certain range of parameters fluctuations relative to the self-accelerating background are stable and form an attractor solution. We also show that a degravitating solution can not be constructed in this covariantized proxy theory in a meaningful way. As for cosmic structure formation, we find that the helicity-0 mode of the graviton causes an enhancement relative to LCDM. For consistency we also compare proxy theories obtained starting from different frames in the decoupling limit and discuss the possibility of obtaining a non-representative proxy theory by choosing the wrong starting frame.

preprint2012arXiv

Non-Renormalization and Naturalness in a Class of Scalar-Tensor Theories

We study the renormalization of some dimension-4, 7 and 10 operators in a class of nonlinear scalar-tensor theories. These theories are invariant under: (a) linear diffeomorphisms which represent an exact symmetry of the full non-linear action, and (b) global field-space Galilean transformations of the scalar field. The Lagrangian contains a set of non-topological interaction terms of the above-mentioned dimensionality, which we show are not renormalized at any order in perturbation theory. We also discuss the renormalization of other operators, that may be generated by loops and/or receive loop-corrections, and identify the regime in which they are sub-leading with respect to the operators that do not get renormalized. Interestingly, such scalar-tensor theories emerge in a certain high-energy limit of the ghost-free theory of massive gravity. One can use the non-renormalization properties of the high-energy limit to estimate the magnitude of quantum corrections in the full theory. We show that the quantum corrections to the three free parameters of the model, one of them being the graviton mass, are strongly suppressed. In particular, we show that having an arbitrarily small graviton mass is technically natural.

preprint2011arXiv

Chronology Protection in Galileon Models and Massive Gravity

Galileon models are a class of effective field theories that have recently received much attention. They arise in the decoupling limit of theories of massive gravity, and in some cases they have been treated in their own right as scalar field theories with a specific nonlinearly realized global symmetry (Galilean transformation). It is well known that in the presence of a source, these Galileon theories admit superluminal propagating solutions, implying that as quantum field theories they must admit a different notion of causality than standard local Lorentz invariant theories. We show that in these theories it is easy to construct closed timelike curves (CTCs) within the {\it naive} regime of validity of the effective field theory. However, on closer inspection we see that the CTCs could never arise since the Galileon inevitably becomes infinitely strongly coupled at the onset of the formation of a CTC. This implies an infinite amount of backreaction, first on the background for the Galileon field, signaling the break down of the effective field theory, and subsequently on the spacetime geometry, forbidding the formation of the CTC. Furthermore the background solution required to create CTCs becomes unstable with an arbitrarily fast decay time. Thus Galileon theories satisfy a direct analogue of Hawking's chronology protection conjecture.

preprint2011arXiv

de Sitter Galileon

We generalize the Galileon symmetry and its relativistic extension to a de Sitter background. This is made possible by studying a probe-brane in a flat five-dimensional bulk using a de Sitter slicing. The generalized Lovelock invariants induced on the probe brane enjoy the induced Poincaré symmetry inherited from the bulk, while living on a de Sitter geometry. The non-relativistic limit of these invariants naturally maintain a generalized Galileon symmetry around de Sitter while being free of ghost-like pathologies. We comment briefly on the cosmology of these models and the extension to the AdS symmetry as well as generic FRW backgrounds.

preprint2011arXiv

On the validity of the Born approximation for weak cosmic flexions

Weak lensing calculations are often made under the assumption of the Born approximation, where the ray path is approximated as a straight radial line. In addition, lens-lens couplings where there are several deflections along the light ray are often neglected. We examine the effect of dropping the Born approximation and taking lens-lens couplings into account, for weak lensing effects up to second order (cosmic flexion), by making a perturbative expansion in the light path. We present a diagrammatic representation of the resulting corrections to the lensing effects. The flexion signal, which measures the derivative of the density field, acquires correction terms proportional to the squared gravitational shear; we also find that by dropping the Born approximation, two further degrees of freedom of the lensing distortion can be excited (the twist components), in addition to the four standard flexion components. We derive angular power spectra of the flexion and twist, with and without the Born-approximation and lens-lens couplings and confirm that the Born approximation is an excellent approximation for weak cosmic flexions, except at very small scales.

preprint2011arXiv

Weak lensing tomography with orthogonal polynomials

The topic of this article is weak cosmic shear tomography where the line of sight-weighting is carried out with a set of specifically constructed orthogonal polynomials, dubbed TaRDiS (Tomography with orthogonAl Radial Distance polynomIal Systems). We investigate the properties of these polynomials and employ weak convergence spectra, which have been obtained by weighting with these polynomials, for the estimation of cosmological parameters. We quantify their power in constraining parameters in a Fisher-matrix technique and demonstrate how each polynomial projects out statistically independent information, and how the combination of multiple polynomials lifts degeneracies. The assumption of a reference cosmology is needed for the construction of the polynomials, and as a last point we investigate how errors in the construction with a wrong cosmological model propagate to misestimates in cosmological parameters. TaRDiS performs on a similar level as traditional tomographic methods and some key features of tomography are made easier to understand.

preprint2010arXiv

Cosmic Acceleration and the Helicity-0 Graviton

We explore cosmology in the decoupling limit of a non-linear covariant extension of Fierz-Pauli massive gravity obtained recently in arXiv:1007.0443. In this limit the theory is a scalar-tensor model of a unique form defined by symmetries. We find that it admits a self-accelerated solution, with the Hubble parameter set by the graviton mass. The negative pressure causing the acceleration is due to a condensate of the helicity-0 component of the massive graviton, and the background evolution, in the approximation used, is indistinguishable from the ΛCDM model. Fluctuations about the self-accelerated background are stable for a certain range of parameters involved. Most surprisingly, the fluctuation of the helicity-0 field above its background decouples from an arbitrary source in the linearized theory. We also show how massive gravity can remarkably screen an arbitrarily large cosmological constant in the decoupling limit, while evading issues with ghosts. The obtained static solution is stable against small perturbations, suggesting that the degravitation of the vacuum energy is possible in the full theory. Interestingly, however, this mechanism postpones the Vainshtein effect to shorter distance scales. Hence, fifth force measurements severely constrain the value of the cosmological constant that can be neutralized, making this scheme phenomenologically not viable for solving the old cosmological constant problem. We briefly speculate on a possible way out of this issue.

preprint2010arXiv

Parameter estimation biases due to contributions from the Rees-Sciama effect to the integrated Sachs-Wolfe spectrum

The subject of this paper is an investigation of the nonlinear contributions to the spectrum of the integrated Sachs-Wolfe (iSW) effect. We derive the corrections to the iSW-auto spectrum and the iSW-tracer cross-spectrum consistently to third order in perturbation theory and analyse the cumulative signal-to-noise ratio for a cross-correlation between the PLANCK and EUCLID data sets as a function of multipole order. We quantify the parameter sensitivity and the statistical error bounds on the cosmological parameters Omega_m, sigma_8, h, n_s and w from the linear iSW-effect and the systematical parameter estimation bias due to the nonlinear corrections in a Fisher-formalism, analysing the error budget in its dependence on multipole order. Our results include: (i) the spectrum of the nonlinear iSW-effect can be measured with 0.8σstatistical significance, (ii) nonlinear corrections dominate the spectrum starting from l=100, (iii) an anticorrelation of the CMB temperature with tracer density on high multipoles in the nonlinear regime, (iv) a much weaker dependence of the nonlinear effect on the dark energy model compared to the linear iSW-effect, (v) parameter estimation biases amount to less than 0.1 sigma and weaker than other systematics.