Related papers: Scalar-Tensor theories from $\Lambda(\phi)$ Pleban…
In Plebanski's self-dual formulation general relativity becomes SO(3) BF theory supplemented with the so-called simplicity (or metricity) constraints for the B-field. The main dynamical equation of the theory states that the curvature of…
This talk is based on my work in collaboration with B. Boisseau, D. Polarski, and A.A. Starobinsky. The most natural and best-motivated alternatives to general relativity are the so-called "scalar-tensor" theories, in which the…
We provide a detailed analysis of Friedmann-Robertson-Walker universes in a wide range of scalar-tensor theories of gravity. We apply solution-generating methods to three parametrised classes of scalar-tensor theory which lead naturally to…
We study $f(R)$ gravity models in the language of scalar-tensor theories. The correspondence between $f(R)$ gravity and scalar-tensor theories is revisited since $f(R)$ gravity is a subclass of Brans-Dicke models, with a vanishing coupling…
Theories with higher order time derivatives generically suffer from ghost-like instabilities, known as Ostrogradski instabilities. This fate can be avoided by considering "degenerate" Lagrangians, whose kinetic matrix cannot be inverted,…
The effective four-dimensional, linearised gravity for a brane world model with higher order curvature terms and a bulk scalar field is analysed. Large and small distance gravitational laws are derived. The model has a single brane embedded…
Multiple scalar fields appear in vast modern particle physics and gravity models. When they couple to gravity non-minimally, conformal transformation is utilized to bring the theory into Einstein frame. However, the kinetic terms of scalar…
The scalar-tensor theories have become popular recently in particular in connection with attempts to explain present accelerated expansion of the universe, but they have been considered as a natural extension of general relativity long time…
General relativity probably is not the definitive theory of gravity, due a number or issues, both from the theoretical and from the observational point of view. Alternative theories of gravity were conceived to extend general relativity and…
Birkhoff's theorem is discussed in the frame of f(R) gravity by using its scalar-tensor representation. Modified gravity has become very popular at recent times as it is able to reproduce the unification of inflation and late-time…
In dark-energy models where a scalar field is nonminimally coupled to the spacetime geometry, gravitational waves are expected to be supplemented with a scalar mode. Such scalar waves may interact with the standard tensor waves, thereby…
A class of scalar-tensor theories (STT) including a non-metricity that unifies metric, Palatini and hybrid metric-Palatini gravitational actions with non-minimal interaction is proposed and investigated from the point of view of their…
We study the dynamical description of scalar-tensor gravity by performing the best-fit analysis for two cases of exponential and power-law form of the potential and scalar field function coupled to the curvature. The models are then tested…
We discuss the most general class of teleparallel scalar-torsion theories of gravity in their covariant formulation. The only restrictions we impose are the invariance of the action under diffeomorphisms and local Lorentz transformations,…
Scalar-tensor gravitational theories are important extensions of standard general relativity, which can explain both the initial inflationary evolution, as well as the late accelerating expansion of the Universe. In the present paper we…
We estimate the possible variations of the gravitational constant G in the framework of a generalized (Bergmann-Wagoner-Nordtvedt) scalar-tensor theory of gravity on the basis of the field equations, without using their special solutions.…
The dynamical consequences of a bimetric scalar-tensor theory of gravity with a dynamical light speed are investigated in a cosmological setting. The model consists of a minimally-coupled self-gravitating scalar field coupled to ordinary…
We review, in the light of recent developments, the existing relations between gravity and topological BF theories at the classical level. We include the Plebanski action in both self-dual and non-chiral formulations, their generalizations,…
Recently, a strong debate has been pursued about the Newtonian limit (i.e. small velocity and weak field) of fourth order gravity models. According to some authors, the Newtonian limit of $f(R)$-gravity is equivalent to the one of…
Two first order strongly hyperbolic formulations of scalar-tensor theories of gravity (STT) allowing nonminimal couplings (Jordan frame) are presented along the lines of the 3+1 decomposition of spacetime. One is based on the Bona-Masso…