G. Lambiase

Generalized Uncertainty Principle from Quantum Geometry

The generalized uncertainty principle of string theory is derived in the frameworkof quantum geometry by taking into account the existence of an upper limit onthe acceleration of massive particles.

Nonminimal derivative couplings and inflation in generalized theories of gravity

We study extended theories of gravity where nonminimal derivative couplings of the form Rφ, kφ, l are present in the Lagrangian. We show how and why the other couplings of similar structure may be ruled out and then deduce the field equations and the related cosmological models. Finally, we get inflationary solutions which do follow neither from any effective scalar field potential nor from a cosmological constant introduced “by hand”, and we show the de Sitter space–time to be an attractor solution. PACS number(s): 04.50.+h, 98.80.Cq Keyword(s): Cosmology, Alternative Theories of Gravity, Nonminimal Coupling. E-mail: capozziello@vaxsa.csied.unisa.it E-mail: lambiase@physics.unisa.it E-mail: hjschmi@rz.uni-potsdam.de

Nonminimal Derivative Coupling and the Recovering of Cosmological Constant

We show that the existence of the cosmologicalconstant can be connected to a nonminimal derivativecoupling, in the action of gravity, between the geometryand the kinetic part of a given scalar fieldwithout introducing any effective potential ofscalar fields. Exact solutions are given.

Geometric classification of the torsion tensor of space-time

Torsion appears in literature in quite different forms. Generally, spin is considered to be the source of torsion, but there are several other possibilities in which torsion emerges in different contexts. In some cases a phenomenological counterpart is absent, in some other cases torsion arises from sources without spin as a gradient of a scalar field. Accordingly, we propose two classification schemes. The firstone is based on the possibility to construct torsion tensors from the product of a covariant bivector and a vector and their respective space-time properties. The secondone is obtained by starting from the decomposition of torsion into three irreducible pieces. Their space-time properties again lead to a complete classification. The classifications found are given in a U4, a four dimensional space-time where the torsion tensors have some peculiar properties. The irreducible decomposition is useful since most of the phenomenological work done for torsion concerns four dimensional cosmological models. In the second part of the paper two applications of these classification schemes are given. The modifications of energy-momentum tensors are considered that arise due to different sources of torsion. Furthermore, we analyze the contributions of torsion to shear, vorticity, expansion and acceleration. Finally the generalized Raychaudhuri equation is discussed.

Selection Rules in Minisuperspace Quantum Cosmology

The existence of a Noether symmetry for a given minisuperspace cosmological model is a sort of selection rule to recover classical behaviours in cosmic evolution since oscillatory regimes for the wave function of the universe come out. The so-called Hartle criterion to select correlated regions in the configuration space of dynamical variables can be directly connected to the presence of a Noether symmetry and we show that such a statement works for generic extended theories of gravity in the framework of minisuperspace approximation. Examples and exact cosmological solutions are given for nonminimally coupled and higher-order theories.

Supermassive boson star at the galactic center

We explore whether supermassive non-baryonic stars (in particular boson, mini-boson and non-topological soliton stars) might be at the center of some galaxies, with special attention to the Milky Way. We analyze, from a dynamical point of view, what current observational data show, concluding that they are compatible with a single supermassive object without requiring it to be a black hole. Particularly, we show that scalar stars fit very well into these dynamical requirements. The parameters of different models of scalar stars necessary to reproduce the inferred central mass are derived, and the possible existence of boson particles with the adequate range of masses is commented. Accretion to boson stars is also analyzed, and a comparison with another non-baryonic candidate, a massive neutrino ball, which is also claimed as an alternative to the central black hole, is given. Both models are capable to explain the nature of the object in Sgr A

Neutrino optics and oscillations in gravitational fields

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Microlensing search towards M31

without invoking the presence of a singularity. One difficult issue is why the accreted materials will not finally produce, in a sufficiently long time, a black hole. We provide an answer based on stellar disruption in the case of boson stars, and comment several suggestions for its possible solution in neutrino ball scenarios. Finally, we discuss the prospects for the observational detection of these supermassive scalar objects, using the new generation of X-ray and radio interferometry satellites.

The Hawking-Unruh phenomenon on graphene

We study the propagation of neutrinos in gravitational fields using wave functions that are exact to first order in the metric deviation. For illustrative purposes, the geometrical background is represented by the Lense-Thirring metric. We derive explicit expressions for neutrino deflection, helicity transitions, flavor oscillations, and oscillation Hamiltonian.

Gauge invariant wave equations in curved space-times and primordial magnetic fields

We present the first results of the analysis of data collected during the 1998-99 observational campaign at the 1.3 meter McGraw-Hill Telescope, towards the Andromeda galaxy (M 31), aimed to detect gravitational microlensing effects as a probe for the presence of dark matter in our Galaxy and in the M 31 halo. The analysis is performed using the pixel lensing technique, which consists of the study of flux variations of unresolved sources and has been proposed and implemented by the AGAPE collaboration. We carry out a shape analysis by demanding that the detected flux variations be achromatic and compatible with a Paczynski light curve. We apply the Durbin-Watson hypothesis test to the residuals. Furthermore, we consider the background of variables sources. Finally five candidate microlensing events emerge from our selection. Comparing with the predictions of a Monte Carlo simulation, assuming a standard spherical model for the M 31 and Galactic haloes, and typical values for the MACHO mass, we find that our events are only marginally consistent with the distribution of observable parameters predicted by the simulation.