Scalar vacuum structure in general relativity and alternative theories. Conformal continuations

We discuss the global properties of static, spherically symmetric configurations of a self-gravitating real scalar field $\phi$ in general relativity (GR), scalar-tensor theories (STT) and high-order gravity ($L=f(R)$) in various dimensions. In GR, for fields with arbitrary potentials $V(\phi)$, not necessarily positive-definite, it is shown that the list of all possible types of space-time causal structure in the models under consideration is the same as the one for $\phi = const$. In particular, there are no regular black holes with any asymptotics. These features are extended to STT and $f(R)$ theories, connected with GR by conformal mappings, unless there is a conformal continuation, i.e., a case when a singularity in a solution of GR maps to a regular surface in an alternative theory, and the solution is continued through such a surface. This effect is exemplified by exact solutions in GR with a massless conformal scalar field, considered as a special STT. Necessary conditions for the existence of a conformal continuation are found; they only hold for special choices of STT and high-order theories of gravity.