Constraining the Λ\LambdaCDM and Galileon models with recent cosmological data

The Galileon theory belongs to the class of modified gravity models that can explain the late-time accelerated expansion of the Universe. In previous works, cosmological constraints on the Galileon model were derived, both in the uncoupled case and with a disformal coupling of the Galileon field to matter. There, we showed that these models agree with the most recent cosmological data. In this work, we used updated cosmological data sets to derive new constraints on Galileon models, including the case of a constant conformal Galileon coupling to matter. We also explored the tracker solution of the uncoupled Galileon model. After updating our data sets, especially with the latest \textit{Planck} data and BAO measurements, we fitted the cosmological parameters of the $\Lambda$CDM and Galileon models. The same analysis framework as in our previous papers was used to derive cosmological constraints, using precise measurements of cosmological distances and of the cosmic structure growth rate. We showed that all tested Galileon models are as compatible with cosmological data as the $\Lambda$CDM model. This means that present cosmological data are not accurate enough to distinguish clearly between both theories. Among the different Galileon models, we found that a conformal coupling is not favoured, contrary to the disformal coupling which is preferred at the $2.3\sigma$ level over the uncoupled case. The tracker solution of the uncoupled Galileon model is also highly disfavoured due to large tensions with supernovae and \textit{Planck}+BAO data. However, outside of the tracker solution, the general uncoupled Galileon model, as well as the general disformally coupled Galileon model, remain the most promising Galileon scenarios to confront with future cosmological data. Finally, we also discuss constraints coming from Lunar Laser Ranging experiment and gravitational wave speed of propagation.Comment: 22 pages, 17 figures, published version in A&

Experimental constraints on the uncoupled Galileon model from SNLS3 data and other cosmological probes

The Galileon model is a modified gravity theory that may provide an explanation for the accelerated expansion of the Universe. This model does not suffer from instabilities or ghost problems (normally associated with higher-order derivative theories), restores local General Relativity -- thanks to the Vainshtein screening effect -- and predicts late time acceleration of the expansion. In this paper, we derive a new definition of the Galileon parameters that allows us to avoid having to choose initial conditions for the Galileon field, and then test this model against precise measurements of the cosmological distances and the rate of growth of cosmic structures. We observe a small tension between the constraints set by growth data and those from distances. However, we find that the Galileon model remains consistent with current observations and is still competitive with the \Lambda CDM model, contrary to what was concluded in recent publications.Comment: 19 pages, 15 figures, accepted to Astronomy and Astrophysic

First experimental constraints on the disformally coupled Galileon model

The Galileon model is a modified gravity model that can explain the late-time accelerated expansion of the Universe. In a previous work, we derived experimental constraints on the Galileon model with no explicit coupling to matter and showed that this model agrees with the most recent cosmological data. In the context of braneworld constructions or massive gravity, the Galileon model exhibits a disformal coupling to matter, which we study in this paper. After comparing our constraints on the uncoupled model with recent studies, we extend the analysis framework to the disformally coupled Galileon model and derive the first experimental constraints on that coupling, using precise measurements of cosmological distances and the growth rate of cosmic structures. In the uncoupled case, with updated data, we still observe a low tension between the constraints set by growth data and those from distances. In the disformally coupled Galileon model, we obtain better agreement with data and favour a non-zero disformal coupling to matter at the $2.5\sigma$ level. This gives an interesting hint of the possible braneworld origin of Galileon theory.Comment: 9 pages, 6 figures, updated versio

Two superluminous supernovae from the early universe discovered by the Supernova Legacy Survey

We present spectra and lightcurves of SNLS 06D4eu and SNLS 07D2bv, two hydrogen-free superluminous supernovae discovered by the Supernova Legacy Survey. At z = 1.588, SNLS 06D4eu is the highest redshift superluminous SN with a spectrum, at M_U = -22.7 is one of the most luminous SNe ever observed, and gives a rare glimpse into the restframe ultraviolet where these supernovae put out their peak energy. SNLS 07D2bv does not have a host galaxy redshift, but based on the supernova spectrum, we estimate it to be at z ~ 1.5. Both supernovae have similar observer-frame griz lightcurves, which map to restframe lightcurves in the U-band and UV, rising in ~ 20 restframe days or longer, and declining over a similar timescale. The lightcurves peak in the shortest wavelengths first, consistent with an expanding blackbody starting near 15,000 K and steadily declining in temperature. We compare the spectra to theoretical models, and identify lines of C II, C III, Fe III, and Mg II in the spectrum of SNLS 06D4eu and SCP 06F6, and find that they are consistent with an expanding explosion of only a few solar masses of carbon, oxygen, and other trace metals. Thus the progenitors appear to be related to those suspected for SNe Ic. A high kinetic energy, 10^52 ergs, is also favored. Normal mechanisms of powering core- collapse or thermonuclear supernovae do not seem to work for these supernovae. We consider models powered by 56Ni decay and interaction with circumstellar material, but find that the creation and spin-down of a magnetar with a period of 2ms, magnetic field of 2 x 10^14 Gauss, and a 3 solar mass progenitor provides the best fit to the data.Comment: ApJ, accepted, 43 pages, 15 figure