Probing Strong-Field Scalar-Tensor Gravity with Gravitational Wave Asteroseismology

We present an alternative way of tracing the existence of a scalar field based on the analysis of the gravitational wave spectrum of a vibrating neutron star. Scalar-tensor theories in strong-field gravity can potentially introduce much greater differences in the parameters of a neutron star than the uncertainties introduced by the various equations of state. The detection of gravitational waves from neutron stars can set constraints on the existence and the strength of scalar fields. We show that the oscillation spectrum is dramatically affected by the presence of a scalar field, and can provide unique confirmation of its existence.Comment: 14 pages, 7 figure

Einstein and Jordan frames reconciled: a frame-invariant approach to scalar-tensor cosmology

Scalar-Tensor theories of gravity can be formulated in different frames, most notably, the Einstein and the Jordan one. While some debate still persists in the literature on the physical status of the different frames, a frame transformation in Scalar-Tensor theories amounts to a local redefinition of the metric, and then should not affect physical results. We analyze the issue in a cosmological context. In particular, we define all the relevant observables (redshift, distances, cross-sections, ...) in terms of frame-independent quantities. Then, we give a frame-independent formulation of the Boltzmann equation, and outline its use in relevant examples such as particle freeze-out and the evolution of the CMB photon distribution function. Finally, we derive the gravitational equations for the frame-independent quantities at first order in perturbation theory. From a practical point of view, the present approach allows the simultaneous implementation of the good aspects of the two frames in a clear and straightforward way.Comment: 15 pages, matches version to be published on Phys. Rev.

Lovie Joe

https://digitalcommons.library.umaine.edu/mmb-vp/4478/thumbnail.jp

Time-dependent spherically symmetric covariant Galileons

We study spherically symmetric solutions of the cubic covariant Galileon model in curved spacetime in presence of a matter source, in the test scalar field approximation. We show that a cosmological time evolution of the Galileon field gives rise to an induced matter-scalar coupling, due to the Galileon-graviton kinetic braiding, therefore the solution for the Galileon field is non trivial even if the bare matter-scalar coupling constant is set to zero. The local solution crucially depends on the asymptotic boundary conditions, and in particular, Minkowski and de Sitter asymptotics correspond to different branches of the solution. We study the stability of these solutions, namely, the well-posedness of the Cauchy problem and the positivity of energy for scalar and tensor perturbations, by diagonalizing the kinetic terms of the spin-2 and spin-0 degrees of freedom. In addition, we find that in presence of a cosmological time evolution of the Galileon field, its kinetic mixing with the graviton leads to a friction force, resulting to efficient damping of scalar perturbations within matter.Comment: 20 pages, no figure, RevTeX4 format; v2: minor changes reflecting the published version in PR

Questioning the Equivalence Principle

The Equivalence Principle (EP) is not one of the ``universal'' principles of physics (like the Action Principle). It is a heuristic hypothesis which was introduced by Einstein in 1907, and used by him to construct his theory of General Relativity. In modern language, the (Einsteinian) EP consists in assuming that the only long-range field with gravitational-strength couplings to matter is a massless spin-2 field. Modern unification theories, and notably String Theory, suggest the existence of new fields (in particular, scalar fields: ``dilaton'' and ``moduli'') with gravitational-strength couplings. In most cases the couplings of these new fields ``violate'' the EP. If the field is long-ranged, these EP violations lead to many observable consequences (variation of ``constants'', non-universality of free fall, relative drift of atomic clocks,...). The best experimental probe of a possible violation of the EP is to compare the free-fall acceleration of different materials.Comment: 14 pages, contribution to the ONERA workshop on "Missions spatiales en physique fondamentale" (Chatillon, 18-19 Jan 2001), to appear in a special issue of the Comptes Rendus de l'Academie des Sciences (Paris), edited by C. Borde and P. Toubou

Constraints on Shift-Symmetric Scalar-Tensor Theories with a Vainshtein Mechanism from Bounds on the Time Variation of G

We show that the current bounds on the time variation of the Newton constant G can put severe constraints on many interesting scalar-tensor theories which possess a shift symmetry and a nonminimal matter-scalar coupling. This includes, in particular, Galileon-like models with a Vainshtein screening mechanism. We underline that this mechanism, if efficient to hide the effects of the scalar field at short distance and in the static approximation, can in general not alter the cosmological time evolution of the scalar field. This results in a locally measured time variation of G which is too large when the matter-scalar coupling is of order one.Comment: RevTeX4 format; v.2: 5 pages, title changed, matches published versio

An astronomical search for evidence of new physics: Limits on gravity-induced birefringence from the magnetic white dwarf RE J0317-853

The coupling of the electromagnetic field directly with gravitational gauge fields leads to new physical effects that can be tested using astronomical data. Here we consider a particular case for closer scrutiny, a specific nonminimal coupling of torsion to electromagnetism, which enters into a metric-affine geometry of space-time. We show that under the assumption of this nonminimal coupling, spacetime is birefringent in the presence of such a gravitational field. This leads to the depolarization of light emitted from extended astrophysical sources. We use polarimetric data of the magnetic white dwarf ${RE J0317-853}$ to set strong constraints on the essential coupling constant for this effect, giving k^2 \lsim (19 {m})^2 .Comment: Statements about Moffat's NGT modified. Accepted for publication in Phys.Rev.