Aurélien Barrau

Anomaly-free scalar perturbations with holonomy corrections in loop quantum cosmology

Holonomy corrections to scalar perturbations are investigated in the loop quantum cosmology framework. Due to the effective approach, modifications of the algebra of constraints generically lead to anomalies. In order to remove those anomalies, counter-terms are introduced. We find a way to explicitly fulfill the conditions for anomaly freedom and we give explicit expressions for the counter-terms. Surprisingly, the new quantization scheme naturally arises in this procedure. The gauge invariant variables are found and equations of motion for the anomaly-free scalar perturbations are derived. Finally, some cosmological consequences are discussed qualitatively.

Temporal and spectral gamma-ray properties of Mkn 421 above 250 GeV from CAT observations between 1996 and 2000

The -ray emission above 250 GeV from the BL Lac object Markarian 421 was observed by the CAT Cherenkov imaging telescope between December, 1996, and June, 2000. In 1998, the source produced a series of small flares, making it the second extragalactic source detected by CAT. The time-averaged dierential spectrum has been measured from 0: 3t o 5 TeV, which is welltted with ap ower law: dE E 2:880:12 stat 0:06 syst TeV . In 2000, the source showed an unprecedented activity, with variability time-scales as short as one hour, as for instance observed during the night between 4 and 5 February. The 2000 time-averaged spectrum measured is compatible with that of 1998, but some indication of a spectral curvature is found between 0:3 and 5 TeV. The possibility of TeV spectral hardening during flares is also discussed, and the results are compared to those obtained on the other TeV BL Lac, Markarian 501.

Inflation in loop quantum cosmology: Dynamics and spectrum of gravitational waves

Loop quantum cosmology provides an efficient framework to study the evolution of the Universe beyond the classical Big Bang paradigm. Because of holonomy corrections, the singularity is replaced by a bounce. The dynamics of the background is investigated into the details, as a function of the parameters of the model. In particular, the conditions required for inflation to occur are carefully considered and are shown to be generically met. The propagation of gravitational waves is then investigated in this framework. By both numerical and analytical approaches, the primordial tensor power spectrum is computed for a wide range of parameters. Several interesting features could be observationally probed.

Fast radio bursts and white hole signals

We estimate the size of a primordial black hole exploding today via a white hole transition, and the power in the resulting explosion, using a simple model. We point out that Fast Radio Bursts, strong signals with millisecond duration, probably extragalactic and having unknown source, have wavelength not far from the expected size of the exploding hole. We also discuss the possible higher energy components of the signal.

Observational issues in loop quantum cosmology

Quantum gravity is sometimes considered as a kind of metaphysical speculation. In this review, we show that, although still extremely difficult to reach, observational signatures can in fact be expected. The early universe is an invaluable laboratory to probe ?Planck scale physics?. Focusing on loop quantum gravity as one of the best candidate for a non-perturbative and background-independent quantization of gravity, we detail some expected features.

Anomaly-free cosmological perturbations in effective canonical quantum gravity

This article lays out a complete framework for an effective theory of cosmological perturbations with corrections from canonical quantum gravity. Since several examples exist for quantum-gravity effects that change the structure of space-time, the classical perturbative treatment must be rethought carefully. The present discussion provides a unified picture of several previous works, together with new treatments of higher-order perturbations and the specification of initial states.

Planck star phenomenology

It is possible that black holes hide a core of Planckian density, sustained by quantum-gravitational pressure. As a black hole evaporates, the core remembers the initial mass and the final explosion occurs at macroscopic scale. We investigate possible phenomenological consequences of this idea. Under several rough assumptions, we estimate that up to several short gamma-ray bursts per day, around 10 MeV, with isotropic distribution, can be expected coming from a region of a few hundred light years around us

Anomaly-free perturbations with inverse-volume and holonomy corrections in loop quantum cosmology

This paper addresses the issue of the closure of the algebra of constraints for generic (cosmological) perturbations when taking into account simultaneously the two main corrections of effective loop quantum cosmology, namely the holonomy and the inverse-volume terms. Previous works on either the holonomy or the inverse-volume case are reviewed and generalized. In the inverse-volume case, we point out new possibilities. An anomaly-free solution including both corrections is found for perturbations, and the corresponding equations of motion are derived.

Loop quantum cosmology: From pre-inflationary dynamics to observations

The Planck collaboration has provided us rich information about the early universe, and a host of new observational missions will soon shed further light on the `anomalies that appear to exist on the largest angular scales. From a quantum gravity perspective, it is natural to inquire if one can trace back the origin of such puzzling features to Planck scale physics. Loop quantum cosmology provides a promising avenue to explore this issue because of its natural resolution of the big bang singularity. Thanks to advances over the last decade, the theory has matured sufficiently to allow concrete calculations of the phenomenological consequences of its pre-inflationary dynamics. In this article we summarize the current status of the ensuing two-way dialog between quantum gravity and observations.

Black-hole relics in string gravity: last stages of Hawking evaporation

The endpoint of black-hole evaporation is a very intriguing problem of modern physics. Based on the Einstein-dilaton-Gauss–Bonnet four-dimensional string gravity model, we show that black holes do not disappear and should become relics at the end of the evaporation process. The possibility of experimental detection of such remnant black holes is investigated. If they really exist, these objects could form a considerable part of the non-baryonic dark matter in our universe.