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We explore the potential implications of Kaluza-Klein (KK) gravity in unifying the dark sector of the Universe. Through dimensional reduction in KK gravity, the 5D spacetime framework can be reformulated in terms of a 4D spacetime metric, along with additional scalar and vector fields. From the 4D perspective, this suggests the existence of a tower of particle states, including KK gravitons with massive spin-0 and spin-1 states, in addition to the massless spin-2 gravitons of general relativity (GR). By assuming a minimal coupling between the self-interacting scalar field and the gauge field, a "mass" term emerges for the spin-1 gravitons. This, in turn, leads to long-range gravitational effects that could modify Newton's law of gravity through Yukawa-type corrections. We draw an analogy with superconductivity theory, where the condensation of a scalar field results in the emergence of massive spin-1 particles producing repulsive forces, along with an increase of the gravitational force due the correction to Newton's constant. Assuming an environment-dependent mass for the spin-1 graviton, near the galactic center the repulsive force from this spin-1 graviton is suppressed by an additional attractive component from Newton's constant corrections, resulting in a Newtonian-like, attraction-dominated effect. In the galaxy's outer regions, the repulsive force fades due to its short range, making dark matter appear only as an effective outcome of the dominant attractive corrections. This approach also explains dark matter's emergence as an apparent effects on cosmological scales while our model is equivalent to the scalar-vector-tensor gravity theory. Finally, we examine the impact of dark matter on the primordial gravitational wave (PGW) spectrum and show that it is sensitive to dark matter effects, providing an opportunity to test this theory through future GW observatories., Comment: 13 pages, 4 figures

We investigate the gravitational origin of the Tsallis entropy, characterized by the nonadditive index $\delta$. Utilizing Wald's formalism within the framework of $f(R)$ modified theories of gravity, we evaluate the entropy on the black hole horizon for constant curvature solutions to the spherically symmetric vacuum field equations. In so doing, we demonstrate that the Tsallis entropy can be effectively derived from a generalization of the Lagrangian $\mathcal{L}\propto R^{1+\epsilon}$, where $\epsilon=\delta-1$ quantifies small deviations from general relativity. In conclusion, we examine the physical implications of our findings in light of cosmological observations and elaborate on the possibility of solving the thermodynamic instability of Schwarzschild black holes., Comment: 8 pages. Accepted for publication in Physics Letters B

In this work, we examine the optical behaviors and thermodynamic phase structures using shadow analysis for four $\mathbb{S}\mathbb{T}\mathbb{U}$ black holes. The study is conducted for four cases of charge configurations on the parameter space $\mathcal{M}\left(q_1,q_2,q_3,q_4\right)$. As a matter of fact, both the electric charge as a parameter and the parameter space $\mathcal{M}\left(q_1,q_2,q_3,q_4\right)$ affect the geometry of the black hole shadow, particularly the size of the shadow. We also introduce a constraint on the charge of the black hole from the observational results of the M87$^\star$ {\color{black}and Sgr A$^\star$} shadow. Furthermore, we show that the electric charge and the parameter space $\mathcal{M}\left(q_1,q_2,q_3,q_4\right)$ have a non-trivial impact on the variation of the energy emission rate. Interestingly enough, we find novel scenarios in which the evaporation is slower, which causes the lifetime of the black holes to be considerably elongated. On the other side, the phase structure of four $\mathbb{S}\mathbb{T}\mathbb{U}$ black holes is explored for two cases of electric charge configuration. The findings show a perfect correlation between the shadow and event horizon radii. This correlation is, in fact, helpful in discovering the phase transition in terms of the shadow radius. In addition, the microstructure is being analyzed in terms of shadow analysis, providing similar behavior to the ordinary situation of the Ruppeiner formalism., Comment: 32 pages, 14 labeled figures, accepted for publication in Classical and Quantum Gravity

Kaniadakis ($\kappa$-deformed) statistics is being widely used for describing relativistic systems with non-extensive behavior and/or interactions. It is built upon a one-parameter generalization of the classical Boltzmann-Gibbs-Shannon entropy, possessing the latter as a particular sub-case. Recently, Kaniadakis model has been adapted to accommodate the complexities of systems under the influence of gravity. The ensuing framework exhibits a rich phenomenology that allows for a deeper understanding of the most extreme conditions of the Universe. Here we present the state-of-the-art of $\kappa$-statistics, discussing its virtues and drawbacks at different energy scales. Special focus is dedicated to gravitational and cosmological implications, including effects on the expanding Universe in dark energy scenarios. This review highlights the versatility of Kaniadakis paradigm, demonstrating its broad application across various fields and setting the stage for further advancements in statistical modeling and theoretical physics., Comment: Accepted for publication in EPJB, Topical Collection "New Trends in Statistical Physics of Complex Systems: Theoretical and Experimental Approaches"

Inspired by String T-duality and taking into account the zero-point length correction, $l_0$, to the gravitational potential, we construct modified Friedmann equations by applying the first law of thermodynamics on the apparent horizon of the Friedmann-Robertson-Walker (FRW) Universe. The cosmological viability of this extended scenario is investigated by studying influences on the evolution of the early Universe and performing the cosmographic analysis. Furthermore, we explore the inflationary paradigm under the slow-roll condition. By testing the model against observational data, the zero-point length is constrained around the Planck scale, in compliance with the original assumption from String T-duality. We also study the growth of density perturbations in the linear regime. It is shown that the zero-point length stands out as an alternative characterization for the broken-power-law spectrum, which provides a better fitting for the experimental measurements comparing to the simple power-law potential. Finally, we focus on implications for the primordial gravitational waves (PGWs) spectrum. Should the zero-point length be running over energy scales, as is the case for all parameters and coupling constants in quantum gravity under renormalization group considerations, deviations from General Relativity (GR) might be potentially tested through upcoming PGW observatories., Comment: 16 pages, 9 figures

Both the Barrow and Tsallis $\delta$ entropies are one-parameter generalizations of the black-hole entropy, with the same microcanonical functional form. The ensuing deformation is quantified by a dimensionless parameter $\Delta$, which in the case of Barrow entropy represents the anomalous dimension, while in Tsallis' case, it describes the deviation of the holographic scaling from extensivity. Here, we utilize the gravity-thermodynamics conjecture with the Barrow--Tsallis entropy to investigate the implications of the related modified Friedmann equations on the spectrum of primordial gravitational waves. We show that, with the experimental sensitivity of the next generation of gravitational wave detectors, such as the Big Bang Observer, it will be possible to discriminate deviations from the $\Lambda$CDM model up to $\Delta\lesssim\mathcal{O}(10^{-3})$., Comment: 9 pages, 2 figures

Time-energy uncertainty relation (TEUR) plays a fundamental role in quantum mechanics, as it allows to grasp peculiar aspects of a variety of phenomena based on very general principles and symmetries of the theory. Using the Mandelstam-Tamm method, TEUR has been recently derived for neutrino oscillations by connecting the uncertainty on neutrino energy with the characteristic time-scale of oscillations. Interestingly enough, the suggestive interpretation of neutrinos as unstable-like particles has proved to naturally emerge in this context. Further aspects have been later discussed in semiclassical gravity by computing corrections to the neutrino energy uncertainty in a generic stationary curved spacetime, and in quantum field theory, where the clock observable turns out to be identified with the non-conserved flavor charge operator. In the present work, we give an overview on the above achievements. In particular, we analyze the implications of TEUR and explore the impact of gravitational and non-relativistic effects on the standard condition for neutrino oscillations., Comment: 20 pages, published version

Kaniadakis $\kappa$-thermostatistics is by now recognized as an effective paradigm to describe relativistic complex systems obeying power-law tailed distributions, as opposed to the classical (exponential-type) decay. It is founded on a non-extensive one-parameter generalization of the Bekenstein-Hawking entropy, which, in the cosmological framework, gives rise to modified Friedmann equations on the basis of the gravity-thermodynamic conjecture. Assuming the entropy associated with the apparent horizon of the Friedmann-Robertson-Walker (FRW) Universe follows Kaniadakis prescription, in this work we analyze the observed discrepancy between the present bound on the Dark Matter relic abundance and the IceCube high-energy ($\sim 1\,\mathrm{PeV}$) neutrinos. We show that this tension can be alleviated in the minimal model of Dark Matter decay with Kaniadakis-governed Universe evolution, while still considering the 4-dimensional Yukawa coupling between Standard Model and Dark Matter particles. This argument phenomenologically supports the need for a Kaniadakis-like generalization of the Boltzmann-Gibbs-Shannon entropy in the relativistic realm, opening new potential scenarios in high-energy astroparticle physics., Comment: 10 pages, 1 figure (accepted for publication on Physics of the Dark Universe)

Boltzmann entropy-based thermodynamics of charged anti-de Sitter (AdS) black holes has been shown to exhibit physically interesting features, such as $P-V$ criticalities and van der Waals-like phase transitions. In this work we extend the study of these critical phenomena to Kaniadakis theory, which is a non-extensive generalization of the classical statistical mechanics incorporating relativity. By applying the typical framework of condensed-matter physics, we analyze the impact of Kaniadakis entropy onto the equation of state, the Gibbs free energy and the critical exponents of AdS black holes in the extended phase space. Additionally, we investigate the underlying micro-structure of black holes in Ruppeiner geometry, which reveals appreciable deviations of the nature of the particle interactions from the standard behavior. Our analysis opens up new perspectives on the understanding of black hole thermodynamics in a relativistic statistical framework, highlighting the role of non-extensive corrections in the AdS black holes/van der Waals fluids dual picture., Comment: 15 pages, 11 labelled figures, comments are welcome

We study coherent states associated to a generalized uncertainty principle (GUP). We separately analyze the cases of positive and negative deformation parameter $\beta$, showing that the ensuing probability distribution is a Tsallis distribution whose non-extensivity parameter $q$ is monotonically related to $\beta$. Moreover, for $\beta <0$ (corresponding to $q<1$), we reformulate the GUP in terms of a one-parameter class of Tsallis entropy-power based uncertainty relations, which are again saturated by the GUP coherent states. We argue that this combination of coherent states with Tsallis entropy offers a natural conceptual framework allowing to study quasi-classical regime of GUP in terms of non-extensive thermodynamics. We substantiate our claim by discussing generalization of Verlinde's entropic force and ensuing implications in the late-inflation epoch. Corresponding dependence of the $\beta$ parameter on cosmological time is derived for the reheating epoch. The obtained $\beta$ is consistent with values predicted by both string-theory models and the naturalness principle. Further salient issues, including derivation of new $\beta$-dependent expressions for the lowest possible value of the spin and Immirzi parameter in Loop Quantum Gravity, and connection of our proposal with the Magueijo--Smolin doubly special relativity are also discussed. This article provides a more extended and comprehensive treatment of our recent letter [Phys. Rev. D 105, L121501 (2022)]., Comment: 25 pages, 4 figures, accepted to Physical Review D

Kaniadakis entropy is a one-parameter deformation of the classical Boltzmann-Gibbs-Shannon entropy, arising from a self-consistent relativistic statistical theory. Assuming a Kaniadakis-type generalization of the entropy associated with the apparent horizon of Friedmann-Robertson-Walker (FRW) Universe and using the gravity-thermodynamics conjecture, a new cosmological scenario is obtained based on the modified Friedmann equations. By employing such modified equations, we analyze the slow-roll inflation, driven by a scalar field with power-law potential, at the early stages of the Universe. We explore the phenomenological consistency of this model by computation of the scalar spectral index and tensor-to-scalar ratio. Comparison with the latest Planck data allows us to constrain Kaniadakis parameter to $\kappa\lesssim\mathcal{O}(10^{-12}\div10^{-11})$, which is discussed in relation to other observational bounds in the past literature. We also disclose the effects of Kaniadakis correction term on the growth of perturbations at the early stages of the Universe by employing the spherically symmetric collapse formalism in the linear regime of density perturbations. We find out that the profile of density contrast is non-trivially affected in this scenario. Interestingly enough, we observe that increasing Kaniadakis parameter $\kappa$ corresponds to a faster growth of perturbations in a Universe governed by the corrected Friedmann equations. Finally, we comment on the consistency of the primordial power spectrum for scalar perturbations with the best data-fit provided by Planck., Comment: Discussion added on the primordial power spectrum for scalar perturbations

We analyze the dynamics of neutrino Gaussian wave-packets, the damping of flavor oscillations and decoherence effects within the framework of extended theories of gravity. In particular, we show that, when the underlying description of the gravitational interaction admits a violation of the strong equivalence principle, the parameter quantifying such a violation modulates the wave-packet spreading, giving rise to potentially measurable effects in future neutrino experiments.

According to a number of arguments in quantum gravity, both model-dependent and model-independent, Heisenberg's uncertainty principle is modified when approaching the Planck scale. This deformation is attributed to the existence of a minimal length. The ensuing models have found entry into the literature under the term Generalized Uncertainty Principle (GUP). In this work, we discuss several conceptual shortcomings of the underlying framework and critically review recent developments in the field. In particular, we touch upon the issues of relativistic and field theoretical generalizations, the classical limit and the application to composite systems. Furthermore, we comment on subtleties involving the use of heuristic arguments instead of explicit calculations. Finally, we present an extensive list of constraints on the model parameter $\beta$, classifying them on the basis of the degree of rigour in their derivation and reconsidering the ones subject to problems associated with composites., Comment: 38 pages. Accepted for publication in Classical and Quantum Gravity, "Special Issue: Focus on Quantum Gravity Phenomenology in the Multi-Messenger Era: Challenges and Perspectives"

We analyze geometrothermodynamics of charged anti-de Sitter (AdS) black holes with a global monopole in the framework of Tsallis statistics. The latter arises from a non-additive generalization of Boltzmann-Gibbs entropy, which is still recovered as a particular sub-case. We examine the effects of Tsallis entropy on small-large black holes phase-transitions and critical exponents, comparing the results with the liquid-gas change of phase occurring in van der Waals fluids. We also discuss some physical constraints on Tsallis parameter and the impact on sparsity of BH radiation. Thermodynamic curvature behavior is then explored from a geometric perspective within Ruppeiner formalism on the $S-P$ coordinate space. Similar considerations are extended to charged $(2+1)$-dimensional Banados-Teitelboim-Zanelli (BTZ) black holes by computing the entropy-pressure and entropy volume corrected curvatures. Our analysis shows that Tsallis prescription has non-trivial implications on black hole geometrothermodynamics, emphasizing the role of non-additive entropy on the correspondence between black holes and van der Waals systems., Comment: 17 pages, 14 captioned figures

We study the inflationary era of the Universe in a modified cosmological scenario based on the gravity-thermodynamics conjecture with Barrow entropy instead of the usual Bekenstein-Hawking one. The former arises from the effort to account for quantum gravitational effects on the horizon surface of black holes and, in a broader sense, of the Universe. First, we extract modified Friedmann equations from the first law of thermodynamics applied to the apparent horizon of a Friedmann- Robertson-Walker Universe in (n + 1)-dimensions. Assuming a power-law behavior for the scalar inflaton field, we then investigate how the inflationary dynamics is affected in Barrow cosmological setup. We find that the inflationary era may phenomenologically consist of the slow-roll phase, while Barrow entropy is incompatible with kinetic inflation. By demanding observationally consistency of the scalar spectral index and tensor-to-scalar ratio with recent Planck data, we finally constrain Barrow exponent to $\Delta\lesssim10^{-4}$., Comment: 10 pages, 2 labeled figures

We reconstruct Barrow Holographic Dark Energy (BHDE) within the framework of Saez-Ballester Scalar Tensor Theory. As a specific background, we consider a homogeneous and anisotropic Kantowski-Sachs Universe filled up with BHDE and dark matter. By assuming the Hubble radius as an IR cutoff, we investigate both the cases of non-interacting and interacting dark energy scenarios. We analyze the evolutionary behavior of various model parameters, such as skewness parameter, Equation-of-State parameter, deceleration parameter, jerk parameter and squared sound speed. We also draw the trajectories of $\omega_D-\omega'_D$ phase plane and examine statefinder diagnosis. Observational consistency is discussed by inferring the current value of Hubble's parameter through the best fit curve of data points from Differential Age (DA) and Baryon Acoustic Oscillations (BAO) and commenting on cosmological perturbations and growth rate of matter fluctuations in BHDE. We show that our model satisfactorily retraces the history of the Universe, thus providing a potential candidate explanation for dark energy. Comparison with other reconstructions of BHDE is finally analyzed., Comment: 17 pages, 13 labeled figures, 3 tabs (accepted for publication in Physics of the Dark Universe)

Flavor/mass dichotomy} for mixed fields is one of the most controversial issues in Quantum Field Theory. In this work we approach the problem by considering mixing of neutrinos and computing the transition amplitude for the paradigmatic neutron $\beta$-decay $n\,\rightarrow\, p \,+\,e^ \,+\,\bar\nu$. Calculations are developed by utilizing the following different representations of neutrino states: \emph{i}) Pontecorvo states, \emph{ii}) mass states and \emph{iii}) exact QFT flavor states, which are defined as eigenstates of the flavor charge. As a guiding principle, we invoke the conservation of lepton charge in the interaction vertex, which is fundamentally inbuilt into the Standard Model at tree level. In the short-time limit, we show that the only fully consistent scenario is that based on QFT states, whereas the other two frameworks contradict the underlying theory. This result provides a crucial step towards understanding the r\^ole of neutrino mixing in weak decays and contributes to elucidate the flavor/mass controversy in QFT., Comment: 16 pages, accepted for publication in EPJ Plus

We construct a generalized interacting model of Barrow Holographic Dark Energy (BHDE) with infrared cutoff being given by the Hubble horizon. We analyze the cosmological evolution of a flat Friedmann-Lema\^itre-Robertson-Walker Universe filled by pressureless dark matter, BHDE and radiation fluid. The interaction between the dark sectors of the cosmos is assumed of non-gravitational origin and satisfying the second law of thermodynamics and Le Chatelier-Braun principle. We study the behavior of various model parameters, such as the BHDE density parameter, the equation of state parameter, the deceleration parameter, the jerk parameter and the square of sound speed. We show that our model satisfactorily retraces the thermal history of the Universe and is consistent with current observations for certain values of parameters, providing an eligible candidate to describe dark energy. We finally explore the thermodynamics of our framework, with special focus on the validity of the generalized second law., Comment: 16 pages, 21 captioned figures, 1 table (This is an extension of arXiv:2210.06320)

We study the cosmological evolution of a nonflat Friedmann-Robertson-Walker Universe filled by pressureless dark matter and Barrow Holographic Dark Energy (BHDE). The latter is a dark energy model based on the holographic principle with Barrow entropy instead of the standard Bekenstein-Hawking one. By assuming the apparent horizon of the Universe as IR cutoff, we explore both the cases where a mutual interaction between the dark components of the cosmos is absent/present. We analyze the behavior of various model parameters, such as the BHDE density parameter, the equation of state parameter, the deceleration parameter, the jerk parameter and the square of sound speed. We also comment on the observational consistency of our predictions, showing that the interacting model turns out to be favored by recent experimental constraints from Planck+WP+BAO, SNIa+CMB+LSS and Union2 SNIa joint analysis over the non-interacting one. The thermal stability of our framework is finally discussed by demanding the positivity of the heat capacities and compressibilities of the cosmic fluid., Comment: 14 pages, 18 captioned figures, 2 Tables (accepted for publication in Physical Review D)

In this work, we consider the implications of a phenomenological model of quantum gravitational effects related to a minimal length, implemented via the Generalized Uncertainty Principle. Such effects are applied to the Bekenstein-Hawking entropy to derive a modified law of gravity through Verlinde's conjecture. Implications on galactic scales, and in particular on the shape of rotational curves, are investigated, exploring the possibility to mimic dark matter-like effects via a minimal length., Comment: 8 pages, 1 figure

We consider a correspondence between the tachyon dark energy model and Barrow holographic dark energy (BHDE). The latter is a modified scenario based on the application of the holographic principle with Barrow entropy instead of the usual Bekenstein-Hawking one. We reconstruct the dynamics of the tachyon scalar field $T$ in a curved Friedmann-Robertson-Walker Universe both in the presence and absence of interactions between dark energy and matter. As a result, we show that the tachyon field exhibits a non-trivial dynamics. In a flat Universe, $\dot T^2$ must always be vanishing, independently of the existence of interaction. This implies $\omega_D=-1$ for the equation-of-state parameter, which in turn can be used for modeling the cosmological constant behavior. On the other hand, for a non-flat Universe and various values of Barrow parameter, we find that $\dot T^2$ decreases monotonically for increasing $\cos(R_h/a)$ and $\cosh(R_h/a)$, where $R_h$ and $a$ are the future event horizon and the scale factor, respectively. Specifically, $\dot T^2\ge0$ for a closed Universe, while $\dot T^2<0$ for an open one, which is physically not allowed. We finally comment on the inflation mechanism and Trans-Planckian Censorship Conjecture in BHDE and discuss observational consistency of our model., Comment: 16 pages, 5 figures (substantial changes to v2, including Fig.3, Fig.4 and Fig.5), accepted for publication on Symmetry, Special Issue "Noether Symmetries in Gravitation and Cosmology"

Non-extensive Tsallis thermostatistics is a widespread paradigm to describe large-scale gravitational systems. In this work we use Tsallis Cosmology to study thermodynamic gravity and derive modified Friedmann equations. We show that corrections induced by non-extensivity affect the Hubble function evolution during the radiation-dominated epoch. In turn, this leads to non-trivial modifications of the mass density and pressure content of the Universe, which provide a viable mechanism allowing for baryogenesis, even in the presence of the standard interaction between the Ricci scalar and baryon current. By demanding consistency with current observational bounds on baryogenesis, we constrain Tsallis $\delta$ parameter to be $|\delta-1| \simeq 10^{-3}$. Based on the recently established connection between Tsallis thermostatistics and the quantum gravitational generalization of the uncertainty principle at Planck scale (GUP), we finally show that this bound is in agreement with the estimation of the GUP parameter predicted by many quantum gravity models., Comment: 9 pages, 1 figure, 1 table

We investigate the generation of baryon asymmetry from the corrections brought about in the Friedman equations due to Barrow entropy. In particular, by applying the gravity-thermodynamics conjecture one obtains extra terms in the Friedmann equations that change the Hubble function evolution during the radiation-dominated epoch. Hence, even in the case of standard coupling between the Ricci scalar and baryon current they can lead to a non-zero baryon asymmetry. In order to match observations we find that the Barrow exponent should lie in the interval $0.005 \lesssim \Delta \lesssim 0.008$, which corresponds to a slight deviation from the standard Bekenstein-Hawking entropy. The upper bound is tighter than the one of other observational constraints, however the interesting feature is that in the present analysis we obtain a non-zero lower bound. Nevertheless this lower bound would disappear if the baryon asymmetry in Barrow-modified cosmology is generated by other mechanisms, not related to the Barrow modification., Comment: 6 pages, 1 figure

The generalized uncertainty principle (GUP) is a phenomenological model whose purpose is to account for a minimal length scale (e.g., Planck scale or characteristic inverse-mass scale in effective quantum description) in quantum systems. In this Letter, we study possible observational effects of GUP systems in their decoherence domain. We first derive coherent states associated to GUP and unveil that in the momentum representation they coincide with Tsallis' probability amplitudes, whose non-extensivity parameter $q$ monotonically increases with the GUP deformation parameter $\beta$. Secondly, for $\beta < 0$ (i.e., $q < 1$), we show that, due to Bekner-Babenko inequality, the GUP is fully equivalent to information-theoretic uncertainty relations based on Tsallis-entropy-power. Finally, we invoke the Maximal Entropy principle known from estimation theory to reveal connection between the quasi-classical (decoherence) limit of GUP-related quantum theory and non-extensive thermostatistics of Tsallis. This might provide an exciting paradigm in a range of fields from quantum theory to analog gravity. For instance, in some quantum gravity theories, such as conformal gravity, aforementioned quasi-classical regime has relevant observational consequences. We discuss some of the implications., Comment: Manuscript: 6 pages, Supplemental Material: 14 pages

We summarize the discussions at a virtual Community Workshop on Cold Atoms in Space concerning the status of cold atom technologies, the prospective scientific and societal opportunities offered by their deployment in space, and the developments needed before cold atoms could be operated in space. The cold atom technologies discussed include atomic clocks, quantum gravimeters and accelerometers, and atom interferometers. Prospective applications include metrology, geodesy and measurement of terrestrial mass change due to, e.g., climate change, and fundamental science experiments such as tests of the equivalence principle, searches for dark matter, measurements of gravitational waves and tests of quantum mechanics. We review the current status of cold atom technologies and outline the requirements for their space qualification, including the development paths and the corresponding technical milestones, and identifying possible pathfinder missions to pave the way for missions to exploit the full potential of cold atoms in space. Finally, we present a first draft of a possible road-map for achieving these goals, that we propose for discussion by the interested cold atom, Earth Observation, fundamental physics and other prospective scientific user communities, together with ESA and national space and research funding agencies., Comment: Summary of the Community Workshop on Cold Atoms in Space and corresponding Road-map: https://indico.cern.ch/event/1064855/

The Generalized Uncertainty Principle (GUP) naturally emerges in several quantum gravity models, predicting the existence of a minimal length at Planck scale. Here, we consider the quadratic GUP as a semiclassical approach to thermodynamic gravity and constrain the deformation parameter by using observational bounds from Big Bang Nucleosynthesis and primordial abundances of the light elements 4He,D,7Li. We show that our result fits with most of existing bounds on \beta derived from other cosmological studies., Comment: 8 pages, 2 tables

The Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle (HUP) limits the accuracy in the simultaneous measurements of the position and momentum variables of any quantum system. This is known to be true in the context of non-relativistic quantum mechanics. Based on a semiclassical geometric approach, here we propose an effective generalization of this principle, which is well-suited to be extended to general relativity scenarios as well. We apply our formalism to Schwarzschild and de Sitter space-time, showing that the ensuing uncertainty relations can be mapped into well-known deformations of the HUP. We also infer the form of the perturbed metric that mimics the emergence of a discrete spacetime structure at Planck scale, consistently with the predictions of the Generalized Uncertainty Principle. Finally, we discuss our results in connection with other approaches recently appeared in the literature., Comment: 9 Pages, 1 Figure

We analyze gravity effects on neutrino wave packet decoherence. As a specific example, we consider the gravitational field of a spinning spherical body described by the Lense-Thirring metric. By working in the weak-field limit and employing Gaussian wave packets, we show that the characteristic coherence length of neutrino oscillation processes is nontrivially affected, the corrections being dependent on the mass and angular velocity of the gravity source. Possible experimental implications are finally discussed., Comment: 12 pages, 2 figures

Several models of quantum gravity predict the emergence of a minimal length at Planck scale. This is commonly taken into consideration by modifying the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle into the Generalized Uncertainty Principle. In this work, we study the implications of a polynomial Generalized Uncertainty Principle on the harmonic oscillator. We revisit both the analytic and algebraic methods, deriving the exact form of the generalized Heisenberg algebra in terms of the new position and momentum operators. We show that the energy spectrum and eigenfunctions are affected in a non-trivial way. Furthermore, a new set of ladder operators is derived which factorize the Hamiltonian exactly. The above formalism is finally exploited to construct a quantum field theoretic toy model based on the Generalized Uncertainty Principle., Comment: 23 pages, 1 figure, 2 appendices

Flavor mixing of quantum fields was found to be responsible for the breakdown of the thermal Unruh effect. Recently, this result was revisited in the context of nonextensive Tsallis thermostatistics, showing that the emergent vacuum condensate can still be featured as a thermal-like bath, provided that the underlying statistics is assumed to obey Tsallis prescription. This was analyzed explicitly for bosons. Here we extend this study to Dirac fermions and in particular to neutrinos. Working in the relativistic approximation, we provide an effective description of the modified Unruh spectrum in terms of the q-generalized Tsallis statistics, the q-entropic index being dependent on the mixing parameters sin {\theta} and \Delta m. As opposed to bosons, we find q > 1, which is indicative of the subadditivity regime of Tsallis entropy. An intuitive understanding of this result is discussed in relation to the nontrivial entangled structure exhibited by the quantum vacuum for mixed fields, combined with the Pauli exclusion principle., Comment: 20 pages, 2 figures

It was shown that the particle distribution detected by a uniformly accelerated observer in the inertial vacuum (Unruh effect) deviates from the pure Planckian spectrum when considering the superposition of fields with different masses. Here we elaborate on the statistical origin of this phenomenon. In a suitable regime, we provide an effective description of the emergent distribution in terms of the nonextensive q-generalized statistics based on Tsallis entropy. This picture allows us to establish a nontrivial relation between the q-entropic index and the characteristic mixing parameters sin{\theta} and \Delta m. In particular, we infer that q < 1, indicating the superadditive feature of Tsallis entropy in this framework. We discuss our result in connection with the entangled condensate structure acquired by the quantum vacuum for mixed fields., Comment: 15 pages, 2 figures

Mixing transformations in quantum field theory are non-trivial, since they are intimately related to the unitary inequivalence between Fock spaces for fields with definite mass and fields with definite flavor. Considering the superposition of two neutral scalar (spin-0) bosonic fields, we investigate some features of the emerging condensate structure of the flavor vacuum. In particular, we quantify the flavor vacuum entanglement in terms of the von Neumann entanglement entropy of the reduced state. Furthermore, in a suitable limit, we show that the flavor vacuum has a structure akin to the thermal vacuum of Thermo Field Dynamics, with a temperature dependent on both the mixing angle and the particle mass difference., Comment: 12 pages, 2 figures

We investigate how pure-state Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen correlations in the internal degrees of freedom of massive particles are affected by a curved spacetime background described by extended theories of gravity. We consider models for which the corrections to the Einstein-Hilbert action are quadratic in the curvature invariants and we focus on the weak-field limit. We quantify nonlocal quantum correlations by means of the violation of the Clauser-Horne-Shimony-Holt inequality, and show how a curved background suppresses the violation by a leading term due to general relativity and a further contribution due to the corrections to Einstein gravity. Our results can be generalized to massless particles such as photon pairs and can thus be suitably exploited to devise precise experimental tests of extended models of gravity.

The non zero value of Planck constant $h$ underlies the emergence of several inequalities that must be satisfied in the quantum realm, the most prominent one being Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle. Among these inequalities, Bekenstein bound provides a universal limit on the entropy that can be contained in a localized quantum system of given size and total energy. In this Letter, we explore how Bekenstein bound is affected when Heisenberg uncertainty relation is deformed so as to accommodate gravitational effects close to Planck scale (Generalized Uncertainty Principle). By resorting to general thermodynamic arguments, and in regimes where the equipartition theorem still holds, we derive in this way a "generalized Bekenstein bound". Physical implications of this result are discussed for both cases of positive and negative values of the deformation parameter., Comment: 7 pages, 1 figure, version published on Phys.Lett.B (derivation improved)

In this manuscript, we survey the main characteristics that provide neutrinos with the capability of being the perfect candidate to test gravity. A number of potentially resourceful scenarios is analyzed, with particular emphasis on how the versatility of neutrinos lends itself to understand the multifaceted nature of the gravitational interaction, both at classical and quantum scales. As a common thread running through the two different regimes, we consider the fundamental principles underpinning General Relativity and its possible quantum extensions. Finally, we discuss some open problems and future perspectives.

The (inverse) beta-decay of uniformly accelerated protons (p -> n + e+ + ne) has been recently analyzed in the context of two-flavor neutrino mixing and oscillations. It has been shown that the decay rates as measured by an inertial and comoving observer are in agreement, provided that: i) the thermal nature of the accelerated vacuum (Unruh effect) is taken into account; ii) the asymptotic behavior of neutrinos is described through flavor (rather than mass) eigenstates; iii) the Unruh radiation is made up of oscillating neutrinos. Here we extend the above considerations to a more realistic scenario including three generations of Dirac neutrinos. By following the outlined recipe, we find that the equality between the two rates still holds true, confirming that mixing is perfectly consistent with the General Covariance of Quantum Field Theory. Notably, we prove that the analysis of CP violation in neutrino oscillations provides a further solid argument for flavor states as fundamental representation of asymptotic neutrino states. Our approach is finally discussed in comparison with the other treatments appeared in literature., Comment: 12 pages, 5 figures, accepted for publication on EPJC

We study quantum corrections at the horizon scale of a black hole induced by a Generalized Uncertainty Principle (GUP) with a quadratic term in the momentum. The interplay between quantum mechanics and gravity manifests itself into a non-zero uncertainty in the location of the black hole radius, which turns out to be larger than the usual Schwarzschild radius. We interpret such an effect as a correction which makes the horizon disappear, as it happens in other models of quantum black holes already considered in literature. We name this kind of horizonless compact objects $GUP stars$. We also investigate some phenomenological aspects in the astrophysical context of binary systems and gravitational wave emission by discussing Love numbers, quasi-normal modes and echoes, and studying their behavior as functions of the GUP deformation parameter. Finally, we preliminarily explore the possibility to constrain such a parameter with future astrophysical experiments., Comment: 8 pages. V2: minor changes, results unchanged, version accepted for publication in EPJC

We propose a heuristic derivation of Casimir effect in the context of minimal length theories based on a Generalized Uncertainty Principle (GUP). By considering a GUP with only a quadratic term in the momentum, we compute corrections to the standard formula of Casimir energy for the parallel-plate geometry, the sphere and the cylindrical shell. For the first configuration, we show that our result is consistent with the one obtained via more rigorous calculations in Quantum Field Theory. Experimental developments are finally discussed., Comment: 12 pages, 5 figures, to appear in IJMPD

The search for a relation among GR, QFT and TFT is the toughest challenge of theoretical physics since Hawking's discovery. The emergence of a temperature in spacetimes with an event horizon has unveiled the existence of a fertile territory, where gravity, thermal and quantum effects are non-trivially connected. Although black holes are the best arena to explore this interplay, evidences for their existence are lacking, suggesting to address less exotic contexts. In this sense, a promising stage is the QFT in curved space: specifically, the Unruh effect (UE) provides the first step toward unifying the quantum and gravity worlds via the EP. Waiting for a successful theory of quantum gravity, a careful investigation of UE, and, in particular, of any deviations of Unruh spectrum from its thermal behavior, may thus offer a window to new physics in the limbo between GR and QFT. Here we study the connection between geometric features of spacetime and ensuing thermal quantum phenomena from a non-traditional perspective, based on the analysis of perturbative effects that affect the standard scenarios. As a test bench, we consider the UE. After a discussion on the origin of UE, we examine to what extent its distinctive profile is spoilt i) for mixed neutrinos; ii) in presence of a minimal length arising from gravity at Planck scale. On one side, we show that the UE loses its thermality. Implications of this are analyzed in the context of the inverse beta-decay, also in view of the debate on a possible violation of the General Covariance of QFT. On the other, we focus on the effects induced by deformations of HUP, exploring the possibility to constrain the GUP-parameter via UE. The question is addressed of whether these unrelated frameworks have common roots. Along this line, we provide a unifying perspective of these effects, which still relies on a geometric interpretation of their origin., Comment: PhD thesis, 212 pages, 8 figures. arXiv admin note: text overlap with arXiv:gr-qc/9908024, arXiv:0711.2268, arXiv:0712.4085 by other authors

We propose in this White Paper a concept for a space experiment using cold atoms to search for ultra-light dark matter, and to detect gravitational waves in the frequency range between the most sensitive ranges of LISA and the terrestrial LIGO/Virgo/KAGRA/INDIGO experiments. This interdisciplinary experiment, called Atomic Experiment for Dark Matter and Gravity Exploration (AEDGE), will also complement other planned searches for dark matter, and exploit synergies with other gravitational wave detectors. We give examples of the extended range of sensitivity to ultra-light dark matter offered by AEDGE, and how its gravitational-wave measurements could explore the assembly of super-massive black holes, first-order phase transitions in the early universe and cosmic strings. AEDGE will be based upon technologies now being developed for terrestrial experiments using cold atoms, and will benefit from the space experience obtained with, e.g., LISA and cold atom experiments in microgravity. This paper is based on a submission (v1) in response to the Call for White Papers for the Voyage 2050 long-term plan in the ESA Science Programme. ESA limited the number of White Paper authors to 30. However, in this version (v2) we have welcomed as supporting authors participants in the Workshop on Atomic Experiments for Dark Matter and Gravity Exploration held at CERN: ({\tt https://indico.cern.ch/event/830432/}), as well as other interested scientists, and have incorporated additional material., Comment: V2 -- added support authors

We study neutrino oscillations within the framework of extended theories of gravity. Based on the covariant reformulation of Pontecorvo formalism, we evaluate the oscillation probability of neutrinos propagating in static spacetimes described by gravitational actions quadratic in the curvature invariants. Calculations are carried out in the two-flavor approximation, for oscillations both in vacuum and matter. It is shown that the neutrino phase is sensitive to the violation of the strong equivalence principle. By way of illustration, we specialize our analysis to various extended models of gravity in order both to quantify such a violation and to understand how the characteristic free parameters of these models affect the neutrino phase. The possibility to fix new bounds on these parameters and to constrain extended theories of gravity is finally discussed.

We derive the Mandelstam-Tamm time-energy uncertainty relation for neutrino oscillations in a generic stationary curved spacetime. In particular, by resorting to Stodolsky covariant formula of the quantum mechanical phase, we estimate gravity effects on the neutrino energy uncertainty. Deviations from the standard Minkowski result are explicitly evaluated in Schwarzschild, Lense-Thirring and Rindler (uniformly accelerated) geometries. Finally, we discuss how spacetime could affect the characteristic neutrino oscillation length in connection with the recent view of flavor neutrinos as unstable particles., Comment: 13 pages

The study of the decay of an accelerated proton recently provided a theoretical proof of the Unruh effect. On the basis of general covariance of Quantum Field Theory, indeed, it was found that the decay rates in the inertial and comoving frames do coincide only when the thermal nature of the accelerated vacuum is taken into account. Such an analysis was then extended to the case with neutrino mixing. In this Letter, we show that, by further embedding neutrino oscillations in the above framework, general covariance necessarily entails the use of flavor neutrinos as asymptotic states, as well as the occurrence of neutrino oscillations in the Unruh thermal bath.

We show that the implications of the generalized uncertainty principle (GUP) in the black hole physics are consistent with the predictions of the corpuscular theory of gravity, in which a black hole is conceived as a Bose-Einstein condensate of weakly interacting gravitons stuck at the critical point of a quantum phase transition. In particular, we prove that the GUP-induced shift of the Hawking temperature can be reinterpreted in terms of non-thermal corrections to the spectrum of the black hole radiation, in accordance with the corpuscular gravity picture. By comparing the two scenarios, we are able to estimate the GUP deformation parameter $\beta$, which turns out to be of the order of unity, in agreement with the expectations of some models of string theory. We also comment on the sign of $\beta$, exploring the possibility of having a negative deformation parameter when a corpuscular quantum description of the gravitational interaction is assumed to be valid., Comment: 8 pages

We exhibit a theoretical calculation of the parameter \beta appearing in the generalized uncertainty principle (GUP) with only a quadratic term in the momentum. A specific numerical value is obtained by comparing the GUP-deformed Unruh temperature with the one predicted within the framework of Caianiello's theory of maximal acceleration. The physical meaning of this result is discussed in connection with constraints on \beta previously fixed via both theoretical and experimental approaches., Comment: 6

After a short introduction to the generalized uncertainty principle (GUP), we discuss heuristic derivations of the Casimir effect, first from the usual Heisenberg uncertainty principle (HUP), and then from GUP. Results are compared with those obtained from more standard calculations in Quantum Field Theory (QFT)., Comment: 6 pages, 1 figure

We discuss neutrino oscillations in vacuum from the point of view of a uniformly accelerated observer. A covariant definition of quantum phase is introduced with the aim of generalizing the standard expression of the oscillation amplitude to the accelerating frame. By way of illustration, we address a simplified two-flavor model with relativistic neutrinos, showing that inertial effects on the usual Pontecorvo formula are intimately related to the energy redshift. Phenomenological aspects are preliminarily analyzed in the context of atmospheric neutrinos. Finally, we discuss a gedanken experiment in order to investigate our formalism in regime of extreme acceleration., Comment: 9 pages, 1 figure

We analyze the Casimir effect for a flavor doublet of mixed scalar fields con- fined inside a one-dimensional finite region. In the framework of the unitary inequivalence between mass and flavor representations in quantum field theory, we employ two alternative approaches to derive the Casimir force: in the first case, the zero-point energy is evaluated for the vacuum of fields with definite mass, then similar calculations are performed for the vacuum of fields with defi- nite flavor. We find that signatures of mixing only appear in the latter context, showing the result to be independent of the mixing parameters in the former., Comment: 11 pages

In this paper we study a unified formalism for Thermal Quantum Field Theories, i.e., for the Matsubara approach, Thermo Field Dynamics and the Path Ordered Method. To do so, we employ a mechanism akin to the Hawking effect which explores a relationship between the concept of temperature and spacetimes endowed with event-horizons. In particular, we consider an eight dimensional static spacetime, the so-called eta-xi spacetime, which we show to form an appropriate geometric background for generic Thermal Quantum Field Theories. Within this framework, the different formalisms of Thermal Field Theory are unified in a very natural way via various analytical continuations and the set of time-paths used in the Path Ordered Method is interpreted in geometric terms. We also explain reported inconsistencies inherent in the Thermo Field Dynamics through the appearance of horizons (and ensuing loss of information) in the eta-xi spacetime., Comment: 19 pages, 3 figures. arXiv admin note: text overlap with arXiv:gr-qc/9908024

The inverse beta decay of accelerated protons has been analyzed both in the laboratory frame (where the proton is accelerated) and in the comoving frame (where the proton is at rest and interacts with the Fulling-Davies-Unruh thermal bath of electrons and neutrinos). The equality between the two rates has been exhibited as an evidence of the necessity of Fulling-Davies-Unruh effect for the consistency of Quantum Field Theory formalism. Recently, it has been argued that neutrino mixing can spoil such a result, potentially opening new scenarios in neutrino physics. In the present paper, we analyze in detail this problem and we find that, assuming flavor neutrinos to be fundamental and working within a certain approximation, the agreement can be restored., Comment: 11 pages