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We explore a model of interacting Early Dark Energy (EDE) in which a minimally coupled scalar field, representing the EDE, interacts with the radiation sector through an exponential coupling function in the radiation-dominated era. This framework can be inspired by modified theories of gravity, including $f(R)$ gravity, the Einstein frame representation of Brans-Dicke theory, and chameleon gravity. Our findings reveal that the traditional law of radiation conservation is altered to $\rho_{\gamma}\propto a^{-4+\epsilon}$, where the parameter $\epsilon$ measures the rate of energy transfer between radiation and EDE. Assuming a constant energy transfer, we show that the scalar field behaves as $\phi\propto\ln a$, indicating that $\phi$ diverges as $a$ approaches zero. Additionally, we demonstrate that the interacting scalar-photon system behaves similar to an effective cosmological constant in the early stages of evolution of the Universe. Moreover, by solving the conservation equation associated with the scalar field, we derive an analytical expression for the ratio $r=\rho_{\phi}/\rho_{\gamma}$. Our results indicate that $r$ diminishes as the Universe expands, which is essential for a successful EDE model. Our investigation into the parameter space confirms that the expected behavior of $r$ during recombination aligns with contemporary cosmological data. These insights underscore crucial aspects necessary for any feasible EDE model and present exciting possibilities for resolving the Hubble tension., Comment: 9 pages, 2 figures

We show that a generalisation of Brand-Dicke (BD) theory can provide a theoretical basis for dark energy at early times. This generalisation is based on introducing a potential for the BD scalar and allowing of the latter to interact with radiation in the radiation-dominated rea. We argue that the model we take up provides a strong theoretical basis for early dark energy (EDE) so that the scalar field can mimic a cosmological constant and quintessence behaviors under slow-roll and non-slow-roll conditions, respectively., Comment: To appear in Annals of Physics

We investigate a cosmological model in which dark energy, represented by a quintessential scalar field, is coupled to a dark-matter perfect fluid in the spatially flat Friedmann-Robertson-Walker Universe. This allows an energy exchange in the dark sector which could happen both at early times before recombination era or at late times. We use the coupling function $Q=\gamma\rho_{dm}\dot{\varphi}$ which is induced by conformal transforming scalar-tensor and $f(R)$ gravity theories to Einstein frame. It is argued that there is a connection between this coupling function and $Q\propto \rho_{dm}H$. A dynamical analysis is used to show that there are early- and late-time attracting solutions for which the system evolves for a wide range of initial conditions. These attractors generalize the scaling solutions which have been already found in the non-interacting case., Comment: 9 pages, 2 figures

We argue that most advances in science and technology during the past and the present centuries rely on modern physics concepts developed in the early $20$th century. The reliance is so profound that any improvement of literacy of science and technology falters in the absence of those concepts in physics education. Despite this important role, there are some remarks in literature concerning that modern topics have gone unnoticed in physics textbooks \cite{cht}. We discuss confirmation of this claim and also argue that physics education without reference to the difficulties of classical concepts and the need for paradigm change can lead to serious misconceptions and gives an incorrect image of science.

There are some theoretical arguments about possible variations of fundamental constants with cosmic time. We review the fact that all conversion factors depend on these quantities and consider how their variations may affect transformations of units. We deal with the relevance of the issue to the cosmological constant problem., Comment: To appear in Eur.J. Phys

We have investigated some cosmological consequences of variation of the fine structure constant, $\alpha$, in the context of the Bekenstein-Sandvik-Barrow-Magueijo (BSBM) model. In this context, such a variation is attributed to electric charge by letting the latter take on the value of a real scalar field, $\phi$, which varies generally in space and time. We consider the dynamics of $\phi$ in the case that it is allowed to have an exponential potential. We have found solutions for evolutions of $\phi$ and $\alpha$ in the radiation and the matter dominated eras. By employing observational bounds on the temporal variation of $\alpha$, we constrain the model parameters. We then investigate the impact of $\alpha$-variation on redshift dependence of CMB temperature. It is shown that there is a deviation from the standard evolution of the temperature which contains two different contributions, one is important at high redshift eras and the other is mostly effective at low redshift eras., Comment: To appear in EuroPhysics Letters

A spacetime interval connecting two neighbouring points can be measured in different unit systems. For instance, it can be measured in atomic unit defined in terms of fundamental constants existing in quantum theories. It is also possible to use a gravitational unit which is defined by using of properties of macroscopic objects. These two unit systems are usually regarded as indistinguishable up to a constant conversion factor. Here we consider the possibility that these two units are related by an epoch-dependent conversion factor. This is a dynamical changes of units. Regarding a conformal transformation as a local unit transformation, we use a gravitational model in which the gravitational and the matter sectors are given in different conformal frames (or unit systems). It is relevant to the cosmological constant problem, namely the huge discrepancy between the estimated and the observational values of the cosmological constant in particle physics and cosmology, respectively. We argue that the problem arises when one ignores evolution of the conversion factor relating the two units during expansion of the Universe. Connection of the model with violation of equivalence principle and possible variation of fundamental constants are also discussed.

We deal with a dynamical mechanism in which a large cosmological constant, as suggested by inflationary scenarios, decays due to expansion of the universe. This mechanism has its origin in the gravitational coupling of the vacuum density. We assume that the vacuum couples anomalously to gravity that is the metric tensor that appears the gravitational part is not the same as that appears the matter part as suggested by weak equivalence principle. Instead, the two metric tensors are taken to be conformally related. We show that this provides a dynamical mechanism which works during expansion of the universe. We also consider some observational consequences of such a gravitational model., Comment: 7 pages, no figure. To appear in IJMPD

In construction of an inflationary model, one usually assumes that the matter sector of the gravitational action is minimally coupled to the background. It means that the matter (inflaton) part of the action is coupled with the same metric of the gravitational part. We elaborate on this assumption and investigate some of the consequences. We assume that the gravitational and the inflaton sectors belong to different units (or conformal frames). We show that this coupling can convert a single-field inflationary model into a two-field one with a mixed kinetic term. The energy-momentum tensor of the inflaton is therefore non-conserved due to the interaction with the conformal factor. This allows an energy exchange between the two fields and provides us with a mechanism for reduction of a large effective cosmological constant during inflation.

We consider a generalized Brans-Dicke model in which the scalar field has a self-interacting potential function. The scalar field is also allowed to couple non-minimally with the matter part. We assume that it has a chameleon behavior in the sense that it acquires a density-dependent effective mass. We consider two different types of matter systems which couple with the chameleon, dust and vacuum. In the first case, we find a set of exact solutions when the potential has an exponential form. In the second case, we find a power-law exact solution for the scale factor. In this case, we will show that the vacuum density decays during expansion due to coupling with the chameleon., Comment: 9 pages, 1 figures

In a homogenous and isotropic cosmology, we introduce general exact solutions for some modified gravity models. In particular, we introduce exact solutions for power-law $f(R)$ gravity and Brans-Dicke theory in Einstein and Jordan conformal frames. In the Brans-Dicke case, the solutions are presented for both single and double exponential potentials in Einstein frame which correspond to power-law potentials in Jordan frame. Our analysis for extracting general exact solutions can also be generalized to those scalar-tensor theories in which the scalar field has an exponential coupling to Ricci scalar., Comment: 13 pages, 3 figures

We consider a generalized Brans-Dicke model in which the scalar field has a potential function and is also allowed to couple non-minimally with the matter sector. This anomalous gravitational coupling can in principle avoid the model to pass local gravity experiments. One then usually assumes that the scalar field has a chameleon behavior in the sense that it acquires a density-dependent effective mass. While it can take a small effective mass in cosmological (low-density environment) scale, it has a sufficiently heavy mass in Solar System (large-density environment) and then hides gravity tests. We will argue that such a chameleon behavior can not be generally realized and depends significantly on the forms attributed to the potential and the coupling functions., Comment: 9 pages, no figure. To appear in Astrophysics and Space Science. arXiv admin note: text overlap with arXiv:0907.3838, arXiv:1005.5670, arXiv:1212.2709

We consider a non-minimal coupling of a perfect fluid matter system with geometry, which the coupling function is taken to be an arbitrary function of the Ricci scalar. Due to such a coupling, the matter stress tensor is no longer conserved and there is an energy transfer between the two components. By solving the conservation equation and applying the second law of thermodynamics, we show that direction of the energy transfer depends on the equation of state of the matter fluid. In particular, a phantom fluid should loose energy with expansion of the universe. This energy reduction can avoid the universe to end with a cosmic doomsday., Comment: 8 pages, no figures. arXiv admin note: substantial text overlap with arXiv:1205.0328

We consider a generalized Brans-Dicke model in which the scalar field has a potential function and is also allowed to couple non-minimally with the matter sector. We assume a power law form for the potential and the coupling functions as the inputs of the model and show that acceleration of the universe can be realized for a constrained range of exponent of the potential function. We also argue that this accelerating phase is consistent with a large and positive Brans-Dicke parameter. In our analysis, the potential plays a more important role with respect to the coupling function in dynamics of the universe as the latter does not contribute to any of the relations characterizing evolution of scale factor of the universe and the scalar field. However, we will show that the coupling function is closely related to magnitude and direction of the energy transfer between matter and the scale field. We use this fact and some thermodynamic aspects of the model to put some constraints on the coupling function. In particular, we argue that the second law of thermodynamics constrains direction of the overall energy transfer., Comment: 9 pages, no figure

We consider modified theories of gravity with a direct coupling between matter and geometry, denoted by an arbitrary function in terms of the Ricci scalar. Due to such a coupling, the matter stress tensor is no longer conserved and there is an energy transfer between the two components. By solving the conservation equation, we argue that the matter system should gain energy in this interaction, as demanded by the second law of thermodynamics. In a cosmological setting, we show that although this kind of interaction may account for cosmic acceleration, this latter together with direction of the energy transfer constrain the coupling function., Comment: 13 Pages, Two figures, Accepted for publication in Physical Review D

We consider Brans-Dicke theory with a self-interacting potential in Einstein conformal frame. We introduce a class of solutions in which an accelerating expansion is possible in a spatially flat universe for positive and large values of the Brans-Dicke parameter consistent with local gravity experiments. In this Einstein frame formulation, the theory appears as an interacting quintessence model in which the interaction term is given by the conformal transformation. In such an interacting model, we shall show that the solutions lead simultaneously to a constant ratio of energy densities of matter and the scalar field., Comment: 11 pages, 3 figures, To appear in Astrophysics and Space Science

The $f(R)$ gravity models formulated in Einstein conformal frame are equivalent to Einstein gravity together with a minimally coupled scalar field. The scalar field couples with the matter sector and the coupling term is given by the conformal factor. We apply the holographic principle to such an interacting model in spatially flat and curved universes. We show that the model leads to a constant ratio of energy densities of dark matter to dark energy in a spatially flat universe. In a spatially curved universe, the ratio is not a constant and the evolution seems to be model-dependent. However, we argue that any cosmologically viable $f(R)$ model can lead to a nearly constant ratio of energy densities and therefore alleviate the coincidence problem., Comment: 9 pages, To appear in Gravitation and Cosmology

We study capability of $f(R)$ gravity models to allow crossing the phantom boundary in both Jordan and Einstein conformal frames. In Einstein frame, these models are equivalent to Einstein gravity together with a scalar field minimally coupled to gravity. This scalar degree of freedom appears as a quintessence field with a coupling with the matter sector. We investigate evolution of the equation of sate parameter for some cosmologically viable $f(R)$ gravity models in both conformal frames. This investigation (beyond mere theoretical arguments) acts as an operational tool to distinguish physical status of the two conformal frames. It shows that the two conformal frames have not the same physical status., Comment: 13 Pages, 4 figs., To appear in Gravitation and Cosmology

It is well-known that $f(R)$ gravity models formulated in Einstein conformal frame are equivalent to Einstein gravity together with a minimally coupled scalar field. In this case, the scalar field couples with the matter sector and the coupling term is given by the conformal factor. We apply the holographic principle to such interacting models. In a spatially flat universe, we show that the Einstein frame representation of $f(R)$ models leads to a constant ratio of energy densities of dark matter to dark energy., Comment: 10 pages, no figures

We consider Brans-Dicke theory with a self-interacting potential in Einstein conformal frame. We show that an accelerating expansion is possible in a spatially flat universe for large values of the Brans-Dicke parameter consistent with local gravity experiments., Comment: 10 Pages, 3 figures, To appear in General Relativity and Gravitation

The $f(R)$ gravity models formulated in Einstein conformal frame are equivalent to Einstein gravity together with a minimally coupled scalar field. The scalar field couples with the matter sector and the coupling term is given by the conformal factor. We use this interacting model to derive a necessary condition for alleviating the coincidence problem., Comment: 10 pages, 2 figures. To appear in Physical Review D

There is a conformal equivalence between power law $f(R)$ theories and scalar field theories in which the scalar degree of freedom evolves under the action of an exponential potential function. In the scalar field representation there is a strong coupling of the scalar field with the matter sector due to the conformal transformation. We use chameleon mechanism to implement constraints on the potential function of the scalar field in order that the resulting model be in accord with Solar System experiments. Investigation of these constraints reveals that there may be no possibility to distinguish between a power law $f(R)$ function and the usual Einstein-Hilbert Lagrangian density., Comment: 11 Pages, no figure. To appear in Gravitation and Cosmology

The $f(R)$ gravity models formulated in Einstein conformal frame are equivalent to Einstein gravity together with a minimally coupled scalar field. We shall explore phantom behavior of $f(R)$ models in this frame and compare the results with those of the usual notion of phantom scalar field., Comment: 13 Pages, 9 figures. To appear in Physics Letters B

It is well-known that $f(R)$ theories in Einstein frame is conformally equivalent to quintessence models in which the scalar field minimally couples with gravity. If there exists a matter system in Jordan frame, then it interacts with the scalar field in Einstein frame due to the conformal transformations. This interaction, in general, may lead to changes of fundamental constants. Here we will consider possible time variation of fine structure constant in a general $f(R)$ theory. We will use observational bounds on these variations and argue that it provides a criterion for constraining $f(R)$ models., Comment: 10 pages, 6 figures. To appear in Physics Letters B.

We introduce a dynamical model to reduce a large cosmological constant to a sufficiently small value. The basic ingredient in this model is a distinction which has been made between the two unit systems used in cosmology and particle physics. We have used a conformal invariant gravitational model to define a particular conformal frame in terms of large scale properties of the universe. It is then argued that the contributions of mass scales in particle physics to the vacuum energy density should be considered in a different conformal frame. In this manner, a decaying mechanism is presented in which the conformal factor appears as a dynamical field and plays a key role to relax a large effective cosmological constant. Moreover, we argue that this model also provides a possible explanation for the coincidence problem., Comment: To appear in GRG

Recently, a model $f(R)$ theory is proposed \cite{recent} which is cosmologically viable and distinguishable from $\Lambda$CDM. We use chameleon mechanism to investigate viability of the model in terms of Solar System experiments., Comment: 10 pages, no figure, Accepted for publication in Physics Letters B

We propose a scalar-tensor representation of $f(R)$ theories with use of conformal transformations. In this representation, the model takes the form of the Brans-Dicke model with a potential function and a non-zero kinetic term for the scalar field. We show that due to interaction of the scalar field with matter systems, the corresponding matter stress tensor is not conserved and test particles experience an anomalous acceleration., Comment: 7 pages, no figures, To appear in Physica Scripta

We study the holographic dark energy model in a generalized scalar tensor theory. In a universe filled with cold dark matter and dark energy, the effect of potential of the scalar field is investigated in the equation of state parameter. We show that for a various types of potentials, the equation of state parameter is negative and transition from deceleration to acceleration expansion of the universe is possible., Comment: 11 pages, no figure. To appear in General Relativity and Gravitation

We establish a connection between the trace anomaly and a thermal radiation in the context of the standard cosmology. This is done by solving the covariant conservation equation of the stress tensor associated with a conformally invariant quantum scalar field. The solution corresponds to a thermal radiation with a temperature which is given in terms of a cut-off time excluding the spacetime regions very close to the initial singularity. We discuss the interrelation between this result and the result obtained in a two-dimensional schwarzschild spacetime., Comment: 8 pages, no figures

We investigate a conformal invariant gravitational model which is taken to hold at pre-inflationary era. The conformal invariance allows to make a dynamical distinction between the two unit systems (or conformal frames) usually used in cosmology and elementary particle physics. In this model we argue that when the universe suffers phase transitions, the resulting mass scales introduced by particle physics should have variable contributions to vacuum energy density. These variations are controlled by the conformal factor that appears as a dynamical field. We then deal with the cosmological consequences of this model. In particular, we shall show that there is an inflationary phase at early times. At late times, on the other hand, it provides a mechanism which makes a large effective cosmological constant relax to a sufficiently small value consistent with observations. Moreover, we shall show that the conformal factor acts as a quintessence field that leads the universe to accelerate at late times., Comment: 11 pages, no figures

We investigate spontaneous symmetry breaking in a conformally invariant gravitational model. In particular, we use a conformally invariant scalar tensor theory as the vacuum sector of a gravitational model to examine the idea that gravitational coupling may be the result of a spontaneous symmetry breaking. In this model matter is taken to be coupled with a metric which is different but conformally related to the metric appearing explicitly in the vacuum sector. We show that after the spontaneous symmetry breaking the resulting theory is consistent with Mach's principle in the sense that inertial masses of particles have variable configurations in a cosmological context. Moreover, our analysis allows to construct a mechanism in which the resulting large vacuum energy density relaxes during evolution of the universe., Comment: 9 pages, no figures

We study a gravitational model whose vacuum sector is invariant under conformal transformations. In this model we investigate the anomalous gravitational coupling of the large-scale matter. In this kind of coupling the large-sale matter is taken to couple to a metric which is different but conformally related to the metric appearing explicitly in the vacuum sector. The effect of the conformal symmetry breaking of the large-scale matter would lead in general to a variable strength of the anomalous gravitational coupling. This feature is used to derive a relativistic particle concept which shares the essential dynamical characteristics of the particle concept used in the causal interpretation of quantum mechanics with respect to the form of the Hamilton-Jacobi equation. The basic aspect of this result is that it relates the variable strength of the anomalous gravitational coupling of the large-scale matter to the appearance of a term similar to a quantum potential term. Some of the general characteristics of the corresponding pilot wave are discussed., Comment: 8 pages, no figure