Can an Extra Degree of Freedom in Scalar-Tensor Non-Metricity Gravity Account for the Evolution of the Universe?

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Main Authors: Murtaza, Ghulam, De, Avik, Paliathanasis, Andronikos, Loo, Tee-How
Format: Preprint
Published: 2025
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author Murtaza, Ghulam
De, Avik
Paliathanasis, Andronikos
Loo, Tee-How
author_facet Murtaza, Ghulam
De, Avik
Paliathanasis, Andronikos
Loo, Tee-How
contents We investigate whether the extra scalar degree of freedom that arises in the second connection class of scalar-tensor non-metricity gravity can accurately replicate and potentially enrich the cosmic expansion history. Focusing on a spatially flat FLRW background, we introduce Hubble-normalized variables and recast the field equations into an autonomous dynamical system. Four representative scenarios are analyzed comprehensively. Phase-space research reveals a rich hierarchy of critical points: matter-dominated, stiff-fluid, and de Sitter solutions, together with asymptotic trajectories leading to Big-Crunch/Rip singularities and transient, unstable matter epochs. With suitable parameter choices, the standard $Λ$CDM sequence is reinstated; however, novel late-time and high-curvature regimes arise exclusively from the non-metricity sector. A systematic comparison of metric scalar-tensor and teleparallel scalar-torsion theories reveals unique stability characteristics and potential observational discriminants. Our findings indicate that the additional time-dependent function inherent to scalar-tensor non-metricity gravity can effectively explain the Universe's evolution while providing new phenomenology that can be tested by upcoming surveys.
format Preprint
id arxiv_https___arxiv_org_abs_2506_17099
institution arXiv
publishDate 2025
record_format arxiv
spellingShingle Can an Extra Degree of Freedom in Scalar-Tensor Non-Metricity Gravity Account for the Evolution of the Universe?
Murtaza, Ghulam
De, Avik
Paliathanasis, Andronikos
Loo, Tee-How
General Relativity and Quantum Cosmology
We investigate whether the extra scalar degree of freedom that arises in the second connection class of scalar-tensor non-metricity gravity can accurately replicate and potentially enrich the cosmic expansion history. Focusing on a spatially flat FLRW background, we introduce Hubble-normalized variables and recast the field equations into an autonomous dynamical system. Four representative scenarios are analyzed comprehensively. Phase-space research reveals a rich hierarchy of critical points: matter-dominated, stiff-fluid, and de Sitter solutions, together with asymptotic trajectories leading to Big-Crunch/Rip singularities and transient, unstable matter epochs. With suitable parameter choices, the standard $Λ$CDM sequence is reinstated; however, novel late-time and high-curvature regimes arise exclusively from the non-metricity sector. A systematic comparison of metric scalar-tensor and teleparallel scalar-torsion theories reveals unique stability characteristics and potential observational discriminants. Our findings indicate that the additional time-dependent function inherent to scalar-tensor non-metricity gravity can effectively explain the Universe's evolution while providing new phenomenology that can be tested by upcoming surveys.
title Can an Extra Degree of Freedom in Scalar-Tensor Non-Metricity Gravity Account for the Evolution of the Universe?
topic General Relativity and Quantum Cosmology
url https://arxiv.org/abs/2506.17099