34,373 research outputs found
Convergence of Scalar-Tensor theories toward General Relativity and Primordial Nucleosynthesis
In this paper, we analyze the conditions for convergence toward General
Relativity of scalar-tensor gravity theories defined by an arbitrary coupling
function (in the Einstein frame). We show that, in general, the
evolution of the scalar field is governed by two opposite mechanisms:
an attraction mechanism which tends to drive scalar-tensor models toward
Einstein's theory, and a repulsion mechanism which has the contrary effect. The
attraction mechanism dominates the recent epochs of the universe evolution if,
and only if, the scalar field and its derivative satisfy certain boundary
conditions. Since these conditions for convergence toward general relativity
depend on the particular scalar-tensor theory used to describe the universe
evolution, the nucleosynthesis bounds on the present value of the coupling
function, , strongly differ from some theories to others. For
example, in theories defined by analytical
estimates lead to very stringent nucleosynthesis bounds on
(). By contrast, in scalar-tensor theories defined by
much larger limits on () are
found.Comment: 20 Pages, 3 Figures, accepted for publication in Class. and Quantum
Gravit
Extended Skyrme Equation of State in asymmetric nuclear matter
We present a new equation of state for infinite systems (symmetric,
asymmetric and neutron matter) based on an extended Skyrme functional
constrained by microscopic Brueckner-Bethe-Goldstone results. The resulting
equation of state reproduces with very good accuracy the main features of
microscopic calculations and it is compatible with recent measurements of two
times Solar-mass neutron stars. We provide all necessary analytical expressions
to facilitate a quick numerical implementation of quantities of astrophysical
interest
Theoretical Constraints on the Vacuum Oscillation Solution to the Solar Neutrino Problem
The vacuum oscillation (VO) solution to the solar anomaly requires an
extremely small neutrino mass splitting, Delta m^2_{sol}\leq 10^{-10} eV^2. We
study under which circumstances this small splitting (whatever its origin) is
or is not spoiled by radiative corrections. The results depend dramatically on
the type of neutrino spectrum. If m_1^2 \sim m_2^2 \geq m_3^2, radiative
corrections always induce too large mass splittings. Moreover, if m_1 and m_2
have equal signs, the solar mixing angle is driven by the renormalization group
evolution to very small values, incompatible with the VO scenario (however, the
results could be consistent with the small-angle MSW scenario). If m_1 and m_2
have opposite signs, the results are analogous, except for some small (though
interesting) windows in which the VO solution may be natural with moderate
fine-tuning. Finally, for a hierarchical spectrum of neutrinos, m_1^2 << m_2^2
<< m_3^2, radiative corrections are not dangerous, and therefore this scenario
is the only plausible one for the VO solution.Comment: 13 pages, LaTeX, 3 ps figures (psfig.sty
Large mixing angles for neutrinos from infrared fixed points
Radiative amplification of neutrino mixing angles may explain the large
values required by solar and atmospheric neutrino oscillations. Implementation
of such mechanism in the Standard Model and many of its extensions (including
the Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model) to amplify the solar angle, the
atmospheric or both requires (at least two) quasi-degenerate neutrino masses,
but is not always possible. When it is, it involves a fine-tuning between
initial conditions and radiative corrections. In supersymmetric models with
neutrino masses generated through the Kahler potential, neutrino mixing angles
can easily be driven to large values at low energy as they approach infrared
pseudo-fixed points at large mixing (in stark contrast with conventional
scenarios, that have infrared pseudo-fixed points at zero mixing). In addition,
quasi-degeneracy of neutrino masses is not always required.Comment: 36 pages, 7 ps figure
Is a Simple Collisionless Relic Dark Matter Particle Ruled Out?
The central densities of dark matter (DM) halos are much lower than predicted
in cold DM models of structure formation. Confirmation that they have cores
with a finite central density would allow us to rule out many popular types of
collisionless particle as candidates for DM. Any model that leads to cusped
halos (such as cold DM) is already facing serious difficulties on small scales
and hot DM models have been excluded. Here I show that fermionic warm DM is
inconsistent with the wide range of phase space densities in the DM halos of
well-observed nearby galaxies.Comment: 6 pages, 1 figure, LaTeX uses emulateapj.sty, revised version to
appear in ApJ Letters. Argument clarified and strengthened in response to
criticism, conclusions little change
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