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Motivated by the fact that the pre-inflationary era may evolve in an exotic way, in this work we formalize anisotropic evolution in the context of modified gravity, focusing on pre-inflationary and near the vicinity of the inflationary epochs. We specialize on specific metrics like Bianchi and Taub and we formalize the inflationary theory in vacuum $F(R)$ gravity, in $F(R)$ gravity with an extra scalar field and in Gauss-Bonnet gravity. We discuss the qualitative effects of the anisotropies on the evolution of the Universe and also we consider several specific solutions, like the de Sitter solution, in both the isotropic and anisotropic contexts. Furthermore, several exotic modified gravity cosmological solutions, like the ones which contain finite time singularities, are also discussed in brief., Comment: NPB Accepted

We studied the canonical structure of 2D $F(R)$ gravity. Its equivalence with Jackiw-Teitelboim gravity is demonstrated when no matter presents. Then, due to AdS$_2$/CFT$_1$ correspondence, such $F(R)$ gravity is equivalent to the Sachdev-Ye--Kitaev models. The singular $D\to 2$ limit of $F(R)$ gravity is also studied. It is shown that in such a limit AdS$_2$/CFT$_1$ correspondence is not realized., Comment: LaTeX 5 pages, to appear in EPL

We construct spherically symmetric and static solutions in $F(R)$ gravity coupled with electromagnetic fields. The solutions include new types of black holes with electric and magnetic charges. We show that the higher-derivative terms make the curvature singularity much softer than that in the charged black holes in Einstein's general relativity. We calculate some thermodynamical quantities of the obtained black holes like entropy, Hawking radiation, and quasi-local energy and we confirm that the black hole solutions satisfy the first law of thermodynamics. Finally, we study the stability analysis using the odd-type mode and show that there are stable black hole solutions and the radial speed of the parity-odd mode is unit, that is, the speed of light., Comment: LaTeX 20 pages, 9 figures, to appear in Fortschritte der Physik - Progress of Physics

In this work, we shall provide an $F(R)$ gravity theoretical framework for solving the $H_0$-tension. Specifically, by exploiting the $F(R)$ gravity correspondence with a scalar-tensor theory, we shall provide a condition in which when it is satisfied, the $H_0$-tension is alleviated. The condition that remedies the $H_0$-tension restricts the corresponding $F(R)$ gravity, and we present in brief the theoretical features of the constrained $F(R)$ gravity theory in both the Jordan and Einstein frames. The condition that may remedy the $H_0$-tension is based on the existence of a metastable de Sitter point that occurs for redshifts near the recombination. This metastable de Sitter vacuum restricts the functional form of the $F(R)$ gravity in the Jordan frame. We also show that by appropriately choosing the $F(R)$ gravity, along with the theoretical solution offered for the $H_0$-tension problem, one may also provide a unified description of the inflationary era with the late-time accelerating era, in terms of two extra de Sitter vacua. We propose a new approach to $F(R)$ gravity by introducing a new class of integral $F(R)$ gravity functions, which may be wider than the usual class expressed in terms of elementary $F(R)$ gravity functions. Finally, the Einstein frame inflationary dynamics formalism is briefly discussed., Comment: NPB Accepted

In this work we shall address the ghost issue of $F\left( R,\mathcal{G} \right)$ gravity, which is known to be plagued with ghost degrees of freedom. These ghosts occur due to the presence of higher than two derivatives in the field equations, and can arise even when considering cosmological perturbations, where superluminal modes may arise in the theory. If we consider the quantum theory, the ghosts generate the negative norm states, which give the negative probabilities, and therefore the ghosts are physically inconsistent. Motivated by the importance of $F\left( R,\mathcal{G} \right)$ gravity for providing viable inflationary and dark energy phenomenologies, in this work we shall provide a technique that can render $F\left( R,\mathcal{G} \right)$ gravity theories free from ghost degrees of freedom. This will be done by introducing two auxiliary scalar fields, and by employing the Lagrange multiplier technique, the theory is ghost free in the Einstein frame. Also the framework can be viewed as a reconstruction technique and can be used as a method in order to realize several cosmological evolutions of interest. We demonstrate how we can realize several cosmologically interesting phenomenologies by using the reconstruction technique., Comment: NPB Accepted

Recent observation shows that general relativity (GR) is not valid in the strong regime. $\mathit{f(R)}$ gravity where $\mathit{R}$ is the Ricci scalar, is regarded to be one of good candidates able to cure the anomalies appeared in the conventional general relativity. In this realm, we apply the equation of motions of $\mathit{f(R)}$ gravity to a spherically symmetric spacetime with two unknown functions and derive original black hole (BH) solutions without any constrains on the Ricci scalar as well as on the form of $\mathit{f(R)}$ gravity. Those solutions depend on a convolution function and are deviating from the Schwarzschild solution of the Einstein GR. These solutions are characterized by the gravitational mass of the system and the convolution function that in the asymptotic form gives extra terms that are responsible to make such BHs different from GR. Also, we show that these extra terms make the singularities of the invariants much weaker than those of the GR BH. We analyze such BHs using the trend of thermodynamics and show their consistency with the well known quantities in thermodynamics like the Hawking radiation, entropy and quasi-local energy. We also show that our BH solutions satisfy the first law of thermodynamics. Moreover, we study the stability analysis using the odd-type mode and shows that all the derived BHs are stable and have radial speed equal to one. Finally, using the geodesic deviations we derive the stability conditions of these BHs., Comment: 21 pages, 21 figures, will appear in Phys. Rev. D. arXiv admin note: text overlap with arXiv:2010.04701

Novel static black hole solutions with electric and magnetic charges are derived for the class of modified gravities: $f({\cal R})={\cal R}+2\beta\sqrt{{\cal R}}$, with or without a cosmological constant. The new black holes behave asymptotically as flat or (A)dS space-times with a dynamical value of the Ricci scalar given by $R=\frac{1}{r^2}$ and $R=\frac{8r^2\Lambda+1}{r^2}$, respectively. They are characterized by three parameters, namely their mass and electric and magnetic charges, and constitute black hole solutions different from those in Einstein's general relativity. Their singularities are studied by obtaining the Kretschmann scalar and Ricci tensor, which shows a dependence on the parameter $\beta$ that is not permitted to be zero. A conformal transformation is used to display the black holes in Einstein's frame and check if its physical behavior is changed w.r.t. the Jordan one. The thermal stability of the solutions is discussed by using thermodynamical quantities, in particular the entropy, the Hawking temperature, the quasi-local energy, and the Gibbs free energy. Also, the casual structure of the new black holes is studied, and a stability analysis is performed in both frames using the odd perturbations technique and the study of the geodesic deviation. It is concluded that, generically, there is coincidence of the physical properties of the novel black holes in both frames, although this turns not to be the case for the Hawking temperature., Comment: 27 pages, 18 figures, will appear in EPJC

In this work we study a modified version of $f(R)$ gravity in which higher order kinetic terms of a scalar field are added in the action of vacuum $f(R)$ gravity. This type of theory is a type of $k$-essence $f(R)$ gravity, and it belongs to the general class of $f(R,\phi ,X)$ theories of gravity, where $\phi$ is a scalar field and $X=\frac{1}{2}\partial^{\mu}\phi\partial_{\mu}\phi$. We focus on the inflationary phenomenology of the model, in the slow-roll approximation, and we investigate whether viable inflationary evolutions can be realized in the context of this theory. We use two approaches, firstly by imposing the slow-roll conditions and by using a non-viable vacuum $f(R)$ gravity. As we demonstrate, the spectral index of the primordial scalar perturbations and the tensor-to-scalar ratio of the resulting theory can be compatible with the latest observational data. In the second approach, we fix the functional form of the Hubble rate as a function of the $e$-foldings number, and we modify well-known vacuum $f(R)$ gravity reconstruction techniques, in order to find the $k$-essence $f(R)$ gravity which can realize the given Hubble rate. Accordingly, we calculate the slow-roll indices and the corresponding observational indices, and we also provide general formulas of these quantities in the slow-roll approximation. As we demonstrate, viability can be obtained in this case too, however the result is strongly model dependent. In addition, we discuss when ghosts can occur in the theory, and we investigate under which conditions ghosts can be avoided by using a particular class of models. Finally, we qualitatively discuss the existence of inflationary attractors for the non-slow-roll theory, and we provide hints towards finding general de Sitter attractors for the theory at hand., Comment: NPB Accepted

In this work we develop a theoretical framework for Gauss-Bonnet modified gravity theories, in which ghost modes can be eliminated at the equations of motion level. Particularly, after we present how the ghosts can occur at the level of equations of motion, we employ the Lagrange multipliers technique, and by means of constraints we are able to eliminate the ghost modes from Gauss-Bonnet theories of the form $f(\mathcal{G})$ and $F(R,\mathcal{G})$ types. Some cosmological realizations in the context of the ghost free $f(\mathcal{G})$ gravity are presented, by using the reconstruction technique we developed. Finally, we explore the modifications to the Newton law of gravity generated by the ghost-free $f(\mathcal{G})$ theory., Comment: PRD Accepted

We propose two new versions of ghost-free generalized $F(R)$ gravity with Lagrange multiplier constraint. The first version of such theory for a particular degenerate choice of the Lagrange multiplier, corresponds to mimetic $F(R)$ gravity. The second version of such theory is just the Jordan frame description of mimetic gravity with potential. As we demonstrate, it is possible to realize several cosmological scenarios in such theory. In particulary, de Sitter solutions may also be found., Comment: PLB Accepted

We systematically review some standard issues and also the latest developments of modified gravity in cosmology, emphasizing on inflation, bouncing cosmology and late-time acceleration era. Particularly, we present the formalism of standard modified gravity theory representatives, like $F(R)$, $F(\mathcal{G})$ and $F(T)$ gravity theories, but also several alternative theoretical proposals which appeared in the literature during the last decade. We emphasize on the formalism developed for these theories and we explain how these theories can be considered as viable descriptions for our Universe. Using these theories, we present how a viable inflationary era can be produced in the context of these theories, with the viability being justified if compatibility with the latest observational data is achieved. Also we demonstrate how bouncing cosmologies can actually be described by these theories. Moreover, we systematically discuss several qualitative features of the dark energy era by using the modified gravity formalism, and also we critically discuss how a unified description of inflation with dark energy era can be described by solely using the modified gravity framework. Finally, we also discuss some astrophysical solutions in the context of modified gravity, and several qualitative features of these solutions. The aim of this review is to gather the different modified gravity techniques and form a virtual modified gravity "toolbox", which will contain all the necessary information on inflation, dark energy and bouncing cosmologies in the context of the various forms of modified gravity., Comment: Updated version, minor typos and corrected

We propose the study of constant-roll inflation in $F(R)$ gravity. We use two different approaches, one that relates an $F(R)$ gravity to well known scalar models of constant-roll and a second that examines directly the constant-roll condition in $F(R)$ gravity. With regards to the first approach, by using well known techniques, we find the $F(R)$ gravity which realizes a given constant-roll evolution in the scalar-tensor theory. We also perform a conformal transformation in the resulting $F(R)$ gravity and we find the Einstein frame counterpart theory. As we demonstrate, the resulting scalar potential is different in comparison to the original scalar constant-roll case, and the same applies for the corresponding observational indices. Moreover, we discuss how cosmological evolutions that can realize constant-roll to constant-roll eras transitions in the scalar-tensor description, can be realized by vacuum $F(R)$ gravity. With regards to the second approach, we examine directly the effects of the constant-roll condition on the inflationary dynamics of vacuum $F(R)$ gravity. We present in detail the formalism of constant-roll $F(R)$ gravity inflationary dynamics and we discuss how the inflationary indices become in this case. We use two well known $F(R)$ gravities in order to illustrate our findings, the $R^2$ model and a power-law $F(R)$ gravity in vacuum. As we demonstrate, in both cases the parameter space is enlarged in comparison to the slow-roll counterparts of the models, and in effect, the models can also be compatible with the observational data. Finally, we briefly address the graceful exit issue., Comment: CQG accepted

In this paper, we demonstrate that a unified description of early and late-time acceleration is possible in the context of mimetic $F(R)$ gravity. We study the inflationary era in detail and demonstrate that it can be realized even in mimetic $F(R)$ gravity where traditional $F(R)$ gravity fails to describe the inflation. By using standard methods we calculated the spectral index of primordial curvature perturbations and the scalar-to-tensor ratio. We use two $F(R)$ gravity models and as it turns out, for both the models under study the observational indices are compatible with both the latest Planck and the BICEP2/Keck array data. Finally, the graceful exit from inflation is guaranteed by the existence of growing curvature perturbations when the slow-roll era ends., Comment: PRD Accepted

We propose a covariant ghost-free unimodular $F(R)$ gravity theory, which contains a three-form field and study its structure using the analogy of the proposed theory with a quantum system which describes a charged particle in uniform magnetic field. Newton's law in non-covariant unimodular $F(R)$ gravity as well as in unimodular Einstein gravity is derived and it is shown to be just the same as in General Relativity. The derivation of Newton's law in covariant unimodular $F(R)$ gravity shows that it is modified precisely in the same way as in the ordinary $F(R)$ theory. We also demonstrate that the cosmology of a Friedmann-Robertson-Walker background, is equivalent in the non-covariant and covariant formulations of unimodular $F(R)$ theory.

We combine the unimodular gravity and mimetic gravity theories into a unified theoretical framework, which is proposed to provide a suggestive proposal for a framework that may assist in the discussion and solution search of the cosmological constant problem and of the dark matter issue. After providing the formulation of the unimodular mimetic gravity and investigating all the new features that the vacuum unimodular gravity implies, by using the underlying reconstruction method, we realize some well known cosmological evolutions, with some of these being exotic for the ordinary Einstein-Hilbert gravity. Specifically we provide the vacuum unimodular mimetic gravity description of the de Sitter cosmology and of the perfect fluid with constant equation of state cosmology. As we demonstrate, these cosmologies can be realized by vacuum mimetic unimodular gravity, without the existence of any matter fluid source. Moreover, we investigate how cosmologically viable cosmologies, which are compatible with the recent observational data, can be realized by the vacuum unimodular mimetic gravity. Since in some cases, the graceful exit from inflation problem might exist, we provide a qualitative description of the mechanism that can potentially generate the graceful exit from inflation in these theories, by searching for the unstable de Sitter solutions in the context of unimodular mimetic theories of gravity., Comment: CQG accepted

In this paper we investigate how to realize various quite well known cosmological bouncing models in the context of the recently developed unimodular $F(R)$ gravity. Particularly, we shall study the matter bounce scenario, the singular bounce, the superbounce and a symmetric bounce scenario. We present the behavior of the Hubble radius for each of the bouncing models we shall take into account and we investigate which era of the bouncing model is responsible for the cosmological perturbations. As we shall demonstrate, the various bouncing models do not behave in the same way, so the cosmological perturbations for each model may correspond to a different era, in comparison to other models. Also we present which unimodular $F(R)$ gravity realizes each model. We also show that Newton's law is not modified in the unimodular $F(R)$ gravity, which also is proven to be a ghost-free theory, and in addition we discuss the matter stability issue. Finally, we demonstrate how it is possible to solve a cosmological constant problem in the context of unimodular $F(R)$ gravity., Comment: PRD version

We extend the formalism of the Einstein-Hilbert unimodular gravity in the context of modified $F(R)$ gravity. After appropriately modifying the Friedmann-Robertson-Walker metric in a way that it becomes compatible to the unimodular condition of having a constant metric determinant, we derive the equations of motion of the unimodular $F(R)$ gravity by using the metric formalism of modified gravity with Lagrange multiplier constraint. The resulting equations are studied in frames of reconstruction method, which enables us to realize various cosmological scenarios, which was impossible to realize in the standard Einstein-Hilbert unimodular gravity. Several unimodular $F(R)$ inflationary scenarios are presented, and in some cases, concordance with Planck and BICEP2 observational data can be achieved., Comment: JCAP version

The possibility to have singular accelerated evolution in the context of $F(R)$ bimetric gravity is investigated. Particularly, we study two singular models of cosmological evolution, one of which is a singular modified version of the Starobinsky $R^2$ inflation model. As we demonstrate, for both models in some cases, the slow-roll parameters become singular at the Type IV singularity, a fact that we interpret as a dynamical instability of the theory under study. This dynamically instability may be an indicator of graceful exit from inflation and we thoroughly discuss this scenario and the interpretation of the singular slow-roll parameters. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that for some versions of $F(R)$ bigravity, singular inflation is realized in consistent way so that inflationary indices are compatible with Planck data. Moreover, we study the late-time behavior of the two singular models and we show that the unified description of early and late-time acceleration can be achieved in the context of bimetric $F(R)$ gravity.

We study models with a generalized inhomogeneous equation of state fluids, in the context of singular inflation, focusing to so-called Type IV singular evolution. In the simplest case, this cosmological fluid is described by an equation of state with constant $w$, and therefore a direct modification of this constant $w$ fluid, is achieved by using a generalized form of an equation of state. We investigate from which models with generalized phenomenological equation of state, a Type IV singular inflation can be generated and what the phenomenological implications of this singularity would be. We support our results with illustrative examples and we also study the impact of the Type IV singularities on the slow-roll parameters and on the observational inflationary indices, showing the consistency with Planck mission results. The unification of singular inflation with singular dark energy era for specific generalized fluids is also proposed., Comment: LaTeX 13 pages

We provide a detailed quantitative description of singular inflation. Its close analogy with finite-time future singularity which is associated to dark energy era is described. Calling and classifying the singularities of such inflation as finite-time cosmological singularities we investigate their occurrence, with special emphasis on the Type IV singularity. The study is performed in the context of a general non-canonical scalar-tensor theory. In addition, the impact of finite time singularities on the slow-roll parameters is also investigated. Particularly, we study three cases, in which the singularity occurs during the inflationary era, at the end, and also we study the case that the singularity occurs much more later than inflation ends. Using the obtained slow-roll parameters, for each case, we calculate explicitly the spectral index of primordial curvature perturbations $n_s$, the associated running of the spectral index $a_s$ and of the scalar-to-tensor ratio $r$ and compare the resulting values to the Planck and BICEP2 data. As we demonstrate, in some cases corresponding to the Type IV singularity, there might be the possibility of agreement with the observational data, when the singularity occurs at the end, or after inflation. However, absolute concordance of all observational indices is not achieved. On the contrary, if the singularity occurs during the inflationary era, this is catastrophic for the theory, since the observational indices become divergent. We also show how a Type IV singularity may be consistently accommodated in the Universe's late time evolution., Comment: Version accepted by PRD

In this paper we investigate the case of non-minimal coupling in the (extended) nonlinear massive gravity theories. We first consider massive gravity in the Brans-Dicke background such that the graviton mass is replaced by $A^2(\sigma)m$ where $\sigma$ is the Brans-Dicke field and $A(\sigma)$ is conformal coupling and show that there is no viable thermal history of the universe in this case. We then invoke a cubic galileon term as nonlinear completion of the $\sigma$ Lagrangian and show that there is a stable de Sitter solution in this case. However, the de Sitter is blocked by the matter phase which is also a simultaneous attractor of the dynamics. The de Sitter phase can, however, be realized by invoking unnatural fine tunings. We next investigate cosmology of quasi-dilaton nonlinear massive gravity with non-minimal coupling. As a generic feature of the non-minimal coupling, we show that the model exhibits a transient phantom phase which is otherwise impossible. While performing the observational data analysis on the models, we find that a small value of coupling constant is allowed for quasi-dilaton nonlinear massive gravity. For both the cases under consideration, it is observed that we have an effective pressure of matter which comes from the constraint equation. For mass-varying nonlinear massive gravity in the Brans-Dicke background, the effective pressure of matter is non zero which affects the evolution of the Hubble parameter thereby spoiling consistency of the model with data. As for, quasi-dilaton nonlinear massive gravity, the effective pressure of matter can be kept around zero by controlling the coupling constant, the model is shown to be fit well with observations., Comment: 21 pages, 13 figures, 6 tables, minor clarifications added, references updated, to appear in PRD

We consider symmetron model in a generalized background with a hope to make it compatible with dark energy. We observe a "no go" theorem at least in case of a conformal coupling. Being convinced of symmetron incapability to be dark energy, we try to retain its role for spontaneous symmetry breaking and assign the role of dark energy either to standard quintessence or $F(R)$ theory which are switched on by symmetron field in the symmetry broken phase. The scenario reduces to standard Einstein gravity in the high density region. After the phase transition generated by symmetron field, either the $F(R)$ gravity or the standard quintessence are induced in the low density region. we demonstrate that local gravity constraints and other requirements are satisfied although the model could generate the late-time acceleration of Universe., Comment: LaTeX 11 pages, first sections shortened, conclusions unchanged, to appear in JCAP

A variety of conditions is considered under which the cosmic dark fluid may be able to develop a future Big Rip or Little Rip singularity. Both one-component and two-component models are considered. In the last-mentioned case we present a way in which the fluid can be decomposed into two components, one non-turbulent (ideal) and one turbulent part, obeying two different equations of state. For the non-turbulent part, the thermodynamical parameter, commonly called w, is assumed to be less than -1 throughout. For the turbulent part, it turns out that it is sufficient that w{turb} lies in the quintessence region in order to lead to a singularity. Both Big Rip and Little Rip behaviour for dark energy are found. In the one-component case, we examine how the universe may develop from a viscous era with constant bulk viscosity into a turbulent era, the turbulence in effect protecting the universe from encountering the singularity at all. The equivalent description of the same cosmology in terms of inhomogeneous (imperfect) fluid is also presented.

Multiple $\Lambda$CDM cosmology is studied in a way that is formally a classical analog of the Casimir effect. Such cosmology corresponds to a time-dependent dark fluid model or, alternatively, to its scalar field presentation, and it motivated by the string landscape picture. The future evolution of the several dark energy models constructed within the scheme is carefully investigated. It turns out to be almost always possible to choose the parameters in the models so that they match the most recent and accurate astronomical values. To this end, several universes are presented which mimick (multiple) $\Lambda$CDM cosmology but exhibit Little Rip, asymptotically de Sitter, or Type I, II, III, and IV finite-time singularity behavior in the far future, with disintegration of all bound objects in the cases of Big Rip, Little Rip and Pseudo-Rip cosmologies., Comment: LaTeX 11 pages, 10 figures

Dark energy of phantom or quintessence nature with an equation of state parameter $w$ almost equal to -1 often leads the universe evolution to a finite-time future singularity. An elegant solution to this problem has been recently proposed \cite{frampton11} under the form of the so-called Little Rip cosmology which appears to be a realistic alternative to the $\Lambda$CDM model. A viscous Little Rip cosmology is here proposed. Whereas generically bulk viscosity tends to promote the Big Rip, we find that there are a number of situations where this is not the case and where the formalism nicely adjusts itself to the Little Rip scenario. We prove, in particular, that a viscous fluid (or, equivalently, one with an inhomogeneous (imperfect) equation of state) is perfectly able to produce a Little Rip cosmology as a purely viscosity effect. The possibility of its induction as a combined result of viscosity and a general (power-like) equation of state is also investigated in detail. To finish, a physical, inertial force interpretation of the dissolution of bound structures in the Little Rip cosmology is presented., Comment: 10 pages, version to appear in PRD

A theory of exponential modified gravity which explains both early-time inflation and late-time acceleration, in a unified way, is proposed. The theory successfully passes the local tests and fulfills the cosmological bounds and, remarkably, the corresponding inflationary era is proven to be unstable. Numerical investigation of its late-time evolution leads to the conclusion that the corresponding dark energy epoch is not distinguishable from the one for the $\Lambda$CDM model. Several versions of this exponential gravity, sharing similar properties, are formulated. It is also shown that this theory is non-singular, being protected against the formation of finite-time future singularities. As a result, the corresponding future universe evolution asymptotically tends, in a smooth way, to de Sitter space, which turns out to be the final attractor of the system., Comment: 22 pages, 10 figures, version to appear in PRD

We study FRW cosmology for a non-linear modified F(R) Horava-Lifshitz gravity which has a viable convenient counterpart. A unified description of early-time inflation and late-time acceleration is possible in this theory, but the cosmological dynamic details are generically different from the ones of the convenient viable F(R) model. Remarkably, for some specific choice of parameters they do coincide. The emergence of finite-time future singularities is investigated in detail. It is shown that these singularities can be cured by adding an extra, higher-derivative term, which turns out to be qualitatively different when compared with the corresponding one of the convenient F(R) theory., Comment: LaTeX 12 pages, typos are corrected

The one-loop effective action for non-minimal scalar modified gravity on de Sitter background with a constant scalar field is found. The corresponding induced cosmological constant is evaluated. It is shown that quantum effects in non-minimal modified gravity may induce an early-time de Sitter universe even in the situation when such solution does not occur on the classical level. Classical reconstruction of the theory is presented in such a way that the resulting theory has a cosmological solution unifying early-time inflation with late-time acceleration., Comment: Latex file, 14 pages, no figures

The future finite-time singularities emerging in alternative gravity dark energy models are classified and studied in Jordan and Einstein frames. It is shown that such singularity may occur even in flat spacetime for the specific choice of the effective potential. The conditions for the avoidance of finite-time singularities are presented and discussed. The problem is reduced to the study of a scalar field evolving on an effective potential by using the conformal transformations. Some viable modified gravity models are analyzed in detail and the way to cure singularity is considered by introducing the higher-order curvature corrections. These results maybe relevant for the resolution of the conjectured problem in the relativistic star formation in such modified gravity where finite-time singularity is also manifested., Comment: 21 pages, 12 figures, published version in PRD

We analyze seven different viable $f(R)$-gravities towards the Solar System tests and stochastic gravitational waves background. The aim is to achieve experimental bounds for the theory at local and cosmological scales in order to select models capable of addressing the accelerating cosmological expansion without cosmological constant but evading the weak field constraints. Beside large scale structure and galactic dynamics, these bounds can be considered complimentary in order to select self-consistent theories of gravity working at the infrared limit. It is demonstrated that seven viable $f(R)$-gravities under consideration not only satisfy the local tests, but additionally, pass the above PPN-and stochastic gravitational waves bounds for large classes of parameters., Comment: 23 pages, 8 figures

We study the $f(R)$ theory of gravity using metric approach. In particular we investigate the recently proposed model by Hu-Sawicki, Appleby $-$ Battye and Starobinsky. In this model, the cosmological constant is zero in flat space time. The model passes both the Solar system and the laboratory tests. But the model parameters need to be fine tuned to avoid the finite time singularity recently pointed in the literature. We check the concordance of this model with the $H(z)$ and baryon acoustic oscillation data. We find that the model resembles the $\Lambda$CDM at high redshift. However, for some parameter values there are variations in the expansion history of the universe at low redshift., Comment: 16 pages and 9 figures, typos corrected, few references and minor clarifications added, revised version to appera in PRD

In this paper we have investigated the cosmological dynamics of non-locally corrected gravity involving a function of the inverse d'Alembertian of the Ricci scalar, $f(\Box^{-1} R))$. Casting the dynamical equations into local form, we derive the fixed points of the dynamics and demonstrate the existence and stability of a one parameter family of dark energy solutions for a simple choice, $f(\Box^{-1} R)\sim \exp(\alpha \Box^{-1} R)$. The effective EoS parameter is given by, $w_{\rm eff}=({\alpha-1})/({3\alpha-1})$ and the stability of the solutions is guaranteed provided that $1/3<\alpha<2/3$. For $1/3<\alpha<1/2$ and $1/2<\alpha<2/3$, the underlying system exhibits phantom and non-phantom behavior respectively; the de Sitter solution corresponds to $\alpha=1/2$. For a wide range of initial conditions, the system mimics dust like behavior before reaching the stable fixed point. The late time phantom phase is achieved without involving negative kinetic energy fields. A brief discussion on the entropy of de Sitter space in non-local model is included., Comment: 5 pages and 2 figures, typos corrected, final version to appear in Phys. Lett. B

A general approach to viable modified $f(R)$ gravity is developed in both the Jordan and the Einstein frames. A class of exponential, realistic modified gravities is introduced and investigated with care. Special focus is made on step-class models, most promising from the phenomenological viewpoint and which provide a natural way to classify all viable modified gravities. One- and two-steps models are explicitly considered, but the analysis is extensible to $N$-step models. Both inflation in the early universe and the onset of recent accelerated expansion arise in these models in a natural, unified way. Moreover, it is demonstrated that models in this category easily pass all local tests, including stability of spherical body solution, non-violation of Newton's law, and generation of a very heavy positive mass for the additional scalar degree of freedom., Comment: 15 pages, 2 figures, version to appear in Physical Review D

We investigate the possibility of a dark energy universe emerging from an action with higher-order string loop corrections to Einstein gravity in the presence of a massless dilaton. These curvature corrections (up to $R^4$ order) are different depending upon the type of (super)string model which is considered. We find in fact that Type II, heterotic, and bosonic strings respond differently to dark energy. A dark energy solution is shown to exist in the case of the bosonic string, while the other two theories do not lead to realistic dark energy universes. Detailed analysis of the dynamical stability of the de-Sitter solution is presented for the case of a bosonic string. A general prescription for the construction of a de-Sitter solution for the low-energy (super)string effective action is also indicated. Beyond the low-energy (super)string effective action, when the higher-curvature correction coefficients depend on the dilaton, the reconstruction of the theory from the universe expansion history is done with a corresponding prescription for the scalar potentials., Comment: 15 pages, 7 eps figures, minor corrections, published version

It is shown that phantom scalar models can be mapped into a mathematically equivalent, modified $F(R)$ gravity, which turns out to be complex, in general. Only for even scalar potentials is the ensuing modified gravity real. It is also demonstrated that, even in this case, modified gravity becomes complex at the region where the original phantom dark energy theory develops a Big Rip singularity. A number of explicit examples are presented which show that these two theories are not completely equivalent, from the physical viewpoint. This basically owes to the fact that the physical metric in both theories differ in a time-dependent conformal factor. As a result, an FRW accelerating solution, or FRW instanton, in the scalar-tensor theory may look as a deccelerating FRW solution, or a non-instantonic one, in the corresponding modified gravity theory., Comment: LaTeX file, 9 pages. Some references are added. The version to appear in Physcs Letters B

We show that f(R)-gravity can, in general, give rise to cosmological viable models compatible with a matter-dominated epoch evolving into a late accelerated phase. We discuss the various representations of f(R)-gravity as an ideal fluid or a scalar-tensor gravity theory, taking into account conformal transformations. We point out that mathematical equivalence does not correspond, in several cases, to the physical equivalence of Jordan frame and Einstein frame. Finally, we show that wide classes of f(R)-gravity models, including matter and accelerated phases, can be phenomenologically reconstructed by means of observational data. In principle, any popular quintessence models could be "reframed" as an f(R)-gravity model., Comment: 11 pages, 1 figure

We review various modified gravities considered as gravitational alternative for dark energy. Specifically, we consider the versions of $f(R)$, $f(G)$ or $f(R,G)$ gravity, model with non-linear gravitational coupling or string-inspired model with Gauss-Bonnet-dilaton coupling in the late universe where they lead to cosmic speed-up. It is shown that some of such theories may pass the Solar System tests. On the same time, it is demonstrated that they have quite rich cosmological structure: they may naturally describe the effective (cosmological constant, quintessence or phantom) late-time era with a possible transition from decceleration to acceleration thanks to gravitational terms which increase with scalar curvature decrease. The possibility to explain the coincidence problem as the manifestation of the universe expansion in such models is mentioned. The late (phantom or quintessence) universe filled with dark fluid with inhomogeneous equation of state (where inhomogeneous terms are originated from the modified gravity) is also described., Comment: LaTeX file, 21 pages, references are added, lectures for 42 Karpacz Winter School on Theor Physics

Dark energy dynamics of the universe can be achieved by equivalent mathematical descriptions taking into account generalized fluid equations of state in General Relativity, scalar-tensor theories or modified F(R) gravity in Einstein or Jordan frames. The corresponding technique transforming equation of state description to scalar-tensor or modified gravity is explicitly presented. We show that such equivalent pictures can be discriminated by matching solutions with data capable of selecting the true physical frame., Comment: LaTeX file, 10 pages, 3 figures, the fit of two equivalent models with observational data is added, new references

We investigate the effects of viscosity terms depending on the Hubble parameter and its derivatives in the dark energy equation of state. Such terms are possible if dark energy is a fictitious fluid originating from corrections to the Einstein general relativity as is the case for some braneworld inspired models or fourth order gravity. We consider two classes of models whose singularities in the early and late time universe have been studied by testing the models against the dimensionless coordinate distance to Type Ia Supernovae and radio-galaxies also including priors on the shift and the acoustic peak parameters. It turns out that both models are able to explain the observed cosmic speed up without the need of phantom (w < -1) dark energy., Comment: 16 pages, 4 figures

Phantom cosmology allows to account for dynamics and matter content of the universe tracing back the evolution to the inflationary epoch, considering the transition to the non-phantom standard cosmology (radiation/matter dominated eras) and recovering the today observed dark energy epoch. We develop the unified phantom cosmology where the same scalar plays the role of early time (phantom) inflaton and late-time Dark Energy. The recent transition from decelerating to accelerating phase is described too by the same scalar field. The (dark) matter may be embedded in this scheme, giving the natural solution of the coincidence problem. It is explained how the proposed unified phantom cosmology can be fitted against the observations which opens the way to define all the important parameters of the model., Comment: LaTeX file, 9 pages, no figure, version to appear in PLB

The functional formulation and one-loop effective action for scalar self-interacting theory non-linearly coupled with some power of the curvature are studied. After the explicit one-loop renormalization at weak curvature, we investigated numerically the phase structure for such unusual phi^4 theory. It is demonstrated the possibility of curvature-induced phase transitions for positive values of the curvature power, while for negative values the radiative symmetry breaking does not take place. The dynamical mechanism for the explanation of the current smallness of the cosmological constant is presented for several models from the class of theories under consideration., Comment: 25 pages, 20 eps figures, use iopart.cls; minor corrections, references added, to appear in JCAP

We investigate the charged Schwarzschild-Anti-deSitter (SAdS) BH thermodynamics in 5d Einstein-Gauss-Bonnet gravity with electromagnetic field. The Hawking-Page phase transitions between SAdS BH and pure AdS space are studied. The corresponding phase diagrams (with critical line defined by GB term coefficient and electric charge) are drawn. The possibility to account for higher derivative Maxwell terms is mentioned. In frames of proposed dS/CFT correspondence it is demonstrated that brane gravity maybe localized similarly to AdS/CFT. SdS BH thermodynamics in 5d Einstein and Einstein-Gauss-Bonnet gravity is considered. The corresponding (complicated) surface counterterms are found and used to get the conserved BH mass, free energy and entropy. The interesting feature of of higher derivative gravity is the possibility for negative (or zero) SdS (or SAdS) BH entropy which depends on the parameters of higher derivative terms. We speculate that the appearence of negative entropy may indicate a new type instability where a transition between SdS (SAdS) BH with negative entropy to SAdS (SdS) BH with positive entropy would occur., Comment: 46 pages, Latex file, misprints corrected, reference added, discussion is enlarged