Static spherically symmetric perfect fluid solutions in f(R)f(R) theories of gravity

Static spherically symmetric perfect fluid solutions are studied in metric $f(R)$ theories of gravity. We show that pressure and density do not uniquely determine $f(R)$ ie. given a matter distribution and an equation state, one cannot determine the functional form of $f(R)$. However, we also show that matching the outside Schwarzschild-de Sitter-metric to the metric inside the mass distribution leads to additional constraints that severely limit the allowed fluid configurations.Comment: 5 page

Non-Gaussianity in three fluid curvaton model

The generation of non-gaussianity is studied in a three fluid curvaton model. By utilizing second order perturbation theory we derive general formulae for the large scale temperature fluctuation and non-gaussianity parameter, $f_{NL}$, that includes the possibility of a non-adiabatic final state. In the adiabatic limit we recover previously known results. The results are applied to a three fluid curvaton model where the curvaton decays into radiation and matter. We find that the amount of non-gaussianity decreases as the final state of the system becomes more adiabatic and that the generated non-gaussianity in the scenario is small, $|f_{NL}| \sim \mathcal{O}(1)$.Comment: 10 pages, 2 figure

Numerical simulations of fragmentation of the Affleck-Dine condensate

We present numerical simulations of fragmentation of the Affleck-Dine condensate in two spatial dimensions. We argue analytically that the final state should consist of both Q-balls and anti-Q-balls in a state of maximum entropy, with most of the balls small and relativistic. Such a behaviour is found in simulations on a 100x100 lattice with cosmologically realistic parameter values. During fragmentation process, we observe filament-like texture in the spatial distribution of charge. The total charge in Q-balls is found to be almost equal to the charge in anti-Q-balls and typically orders of magnitude larger than charge asymmetry. Analytical considerations indicate that, apart from geometrical factors, the results of the simulated two dimensional case should apply also to the fully realistic three dimensional case.Comment: 28 pages, 39 figure

Cosmological expansion and the uniqueness of gravitational action

Modified theories of gravity have recently been studied by several authors as possibly viable alternatives to the cosmological concordance model. Such theories attempt to explain the accelerating expansion of the universe by changing the theory of gravity, instead of introducing dark energy. In particular, a class of models based on higher order curvature invariants, so-called $f(R)$ gravity models, has drawn attention. In this letter we show that within this framework, the expansion history of the universe does not uniquely determine the form of the gravitational action and it can be radically different from the standard Einstein-Hilbert action. We demonstrate that for any barotropic fluid, there always exists a class of $f(R)$ models that will have exactly the same expansion history as that arising from the Einstein-Hilbert action. We explicitly show how one can extend the Einstein-Hilbert action by constructing a $f(R)$ theory that is equivalent on the classical level. Due to the classical equivalence between $f(R)$ theories and Einstein-Hilbert gravity with an extra scalar field, one can also hence construct equivalent scalar-tensor theories with standard expansion.Comment: 4 page

Stellar configurations in f(R) theories of gravity

We study stellar configurations and the space-time around them in metric $f(R)$ theories of gravity. In particular, we focus on the polytropic model of the Sun in the $f(R)=R-\mu^4/R$ model. We show how the stellar configuration in the $f(R)$ theory can, by appropriate initial conditions, be selected to be equal to that described by the Lane-Emden -equation and how a simple scaling relation exists between the solutions. We also derive the correct solution analytically near the center of the star in $f(R)$ theory. Previous analytical and numerical results are confirmed, indicating that the space-time around the Sun is incompatible with Solar System constraints on the properties of gravity. Numerical work shows that stellar configurations, with a regular metric at the center, lead to $\gamma_{PPN}\simeq1/2$ outside the star ie. the Schwarzschild-de Sitter -space-time is not the correct vacuum solution for such configurations. Conversely, by selecting the Schwarzschild-de Sitter -metric as the outside solution, we find that the stellar configuration is unchanged but the metric is irregular at the center. The possibility of constructing a $f(R)$ theory compatible with the Solar System experiments and possible new constraints arising from the radius-mass -relation of stellar objects is discussed.Comment: 8 pages, 7 figures; typos corrected, reference adde

Constraints on the three-fluid model of curvaton decay

A three fluid system describing the decay of the curvaton is studied by numerical and analytical means. We place constraints on the allowed interaction strengths between the fluids and initial curvaton density by requiring that the curvaton decays before nucleosynthesis while nucleosynthesis, radiation-matter equality and decoupling occur at correct temperatures. We find that with a continuous, time-independent interaction, a small initial curvaton density is naturally preferred along with a low reheating temperature. Allowing for a time-dependent interaction, this constraint can be relaxed. In both cases, a purely adiabatic final state can be generated, but not without fine-tuning. Unlike in the two fluid system, the time-dependent interactions are found to have a small effect on the curvature perturbation itself due to the different nature of the system. The presence of non-gaussianity in the model is discussed.Comment: 9 pages, 10 figure

Non-Vacuum Bianchi Types I and V in f(R) Gravity

In a recent paper \cite{1}, we have studied the vacuum solutions of Bianchi types I and V spacetimes in the framework of metric f(R) gravity. Here we extend this work to perfect fluid solutions. For this purpose, we take stiff matter to find energy density and pressure of the universe. In particular, we find two exact solutions in each case which correspond to two models of the universe. The first solution gives a singular model while the second solution provides a non-singular model. The physical behavior of these models has been discussed using some physical quantities. Also, the function of the Ricci scalar is evaluated.Comment: 15 pages, accepted for publication in Gen. Realtiv. Gravi

Loitering universe models in light of the CMB

Spatially flat loitering universe models have recently been shown to arise in the context of brane world scenarios. Such models allow more time for structure formation to take place at high redshifts, easing, e.g., the tension between the observed and predicted evolution of the quasar population with redshift. While having the desirable effect of boosting the growth of structures, we show that in such models the position of the first peak in the power spectrum of the cosmic microwave background anisotropies severely constrains the amount of loitering at high redshifts.Comment: 4 pages, 3 figures. Included discussion of the linear growth factor. Matches version accepted for publication in PR

Reheating as a surface effect

We describe a new mechanism for reheating the Universe through evaporation of a surface charge of a fragmented inflaton condensate. We show that for a range of Yukawa coupling of the inflaton to the matter sector evaporation gives rise to a much smaller reheat temperature compared to the standard perturbative decay. As a consequence, reheating through a surface effect could solve the gravitino and moduli over production problem in inflationary models without fine tuning the Yukawa sector.Comment: 4 page

Q-ball dynamics from atomic Bose-Einstein condensates

Relativistic scalar field theories with a conserved global charge Q possess often (meta)stable spherically symmetric soliton solutions, called Q-balls. We elaborate on the perfect formal analogy which exists between Q-balls, and spherically symmetric solitons in certain non-relativistic atomic Bose-Einstein condensates, for which the dominant interatomic interaction can be tuned attractive. In a harmonic trap, present in existing experiments, the Q-ball solution is modified in an essential way. If the trap is significantly prolongated in one direction, however, then genuine solitons do appear, and actual experimental data can be obtained for some of the Q-ball properties studied numerically in the relativistic cosmological context, such as their formation and collisions. We also suggest conditions under which the same cosmologically relevant analogies could be extended to the fully three-dimensional case.Comment: 16 pages. v2: clarifications and references adde