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We consider neutron star configurations in the scalar-tensor theory of gravity with the coupling between the kinetic term of a scalar field and the Einstein tensor (such the model is a subclass of Horndeski gravity). Neutron stars in this model were studied earlier for the special case with a vanishing “bare” cosmological constant, Λ0 = 0, and a vanishing standard kinetic term, α = 0. This special case is of interest because it admits so-called stealth configuration, i.e. vacuum configuration with nontrivial scalar field and the Schwarzschild metric. However, generally one has Λ0 ≠ 0 and α ≠ 0 and in this case a vacuum configuration is represented as an asymptotically anti-de Sitter (AdS) black hole solution with the nontrivial scalar field. We construct neutron star configurations in this general case and show that resulting diagrams describing the relation between mass and radius of the star essentially differ from those obtained in GR or the particular model with α = Λ0 = 0. Instead, the mass-radius diagrams are similar to those obtained for so-called bare strange stars when a star radius decreases monotonically with decreasing mass. We show also that neutron stars in the theory of gravity with nonminimal derivative coupling are more compact comparing to those in GR or the particular model with α = Λ0 = 0 and suggest a way to estimate possible values of the parameter of nonminimal coupling ℓ. At last, using the Regge-Wheeler method, we discuss briefly the stability of obtained neutron star configurations.

It was found recently that the anisotropies in the homogeneous Bianchi I cosmology considered within the context of a specific Horndeski theory are damped near the initial singularity instead of being amplified. In this work we extend the analysis of this phenomenon to cover the whole of the Horndeski family. We find that the phenomenon is absent in the K-essence and/or Kinetic Gravity Braiding theories, where the anisotropies grow as one approaches the singularity. The anisotropies are damped at early times only in more general Horndeski models whose Lagrangian includes terms quadratic and cubic in second derivatives of the scalar field. Such theories are often considered as being inconsistent with the observations because they predict a non-constant speed of gravitational waves. However, the predicted value of the speed at present can be close to the speed of light with any required precision, hence the theories actually agree with the present time observations. We consider two different examples of such theories, both characterized by a late self-acceleration and an early inflation driven by the non-minimal coupling. Their anisotropies show a maximum at intermediate times and approach zero at early and late times. The early inflationary stage exhibits an instability with respect to inhomogeneous perturbations, suggesting that the initial state of the universe should be inhomogeneous. However, more general Horndeski models may probably be stable., Comment: 21 pages, several figures

An interesting class of scalar-tensor models, denoted by kinetic gravity braiding (KGB), has recently been proposed. These models contain interactions of the second derivatives of the scalar field that do not lead to additional degrees of freedom and exhibit peculiar features, such as an essential mixing of the scalar $\phi$ and tensor kinetic $X$ terms. In this work, we consider the possibility that wormhole geometries are sustained by the KGB theory. More specifically, we present the full gravitational field equations in a static and spherically symmetric traversable wormhole background, and outline the general constraints at the wormhole throat, imposed by the flaring-out conditions. Furthermore, we present a plethora of analytical and numerical wormhole solutions by considering particular choices of the KGB factors. The analysis explicitly demonstrates that the KGB theory exhibits a rich structure of wormhole geometries, ranging from asymptotically flat solutions to asymptotically anti-de Sitter spacetimes., Comment: 10 pages, 4 figures. V2: 11 pages, section on tidal forces added. Matches published version

In this work, we consider the full Horndeski Lagrangian applied to wormhole geometries and present the full gravitational field equations. We analyse the general constraints imposed by the flaring-out conditions at the wormhole throat and consider a plethora of specific subclasses of the Horndeski Lagrangian, namely, quintessence/phantom fields, $k$-essence, scalar-tensor theories, covariant galileons, nonminimal kinetic coupling, kinetic gravity braiding, and the scalar-tensor representation of Gauss-Bonnet couplings, amongst others. The generic constraints analysed in this work serve as a consistency check of the main solutions obtained in the literature and draws out new avenues of research in considering applications of specific subclasses of the Horndeski theory to wormhole physics., Comment: 16 pages. V2: Discussion and references added; matches published version

We consider anisotropic cosmologies in a particular shift-symmetric Horndeski theory containing the $G^{\mu\nu}\partial_\mu\phi \partial_\nu\phi$ coupling, where $G^{\mu\nu}$ is the Einstein tensor. This theory admits stable in the future self-accelerating cosmologies whose tensor perturbations propagate with the velocity very close to the speed of light such that the theory agrees with the gravity wave observations. Surprisingly, we find that the anisotropies within the Bianchi I homogeneous spacetime model are screened at early time by the scalar charge, whereas at late times they are damped in the usual way. Therefore, contrary to what one would normally expect, the early state of the universe in the theory cannot be anisotropic and (locally) homogeneous in the absence of spatial curvature. The early universe cannot be isotropic either, because it should then be unstable with respect to inhomogeneous perturbations. As a result, the early universe should be inhomogeneous. At the same time, we find that in the spatially curved Bianchi IX case the anisotropies can be strong at early times even in the presence of a scalar charge., Comment: 18 pages, 2 figures, matches the published version

The basic idea behind the evolutionary development of the early universe is that the hot stage was preceded by the inflationary stage. In most modern concepts of the inflationary regime, it is assumed that a specific scalar field (inflaton) is present which expands space at enormous rates, while the temperature falls rapidly, real particles almost vanish, and the universe is filled by a vacuum with the equation of state P = – ɛ. In the first part of this article, the cosmological scalar of the modified Jordan-Brans-Dicke (JBD) theory is chosen to be the inflaton. Problems in the “Einstein” and proper representations of the JBD theory are considered.

The problem of stationary gravitational fields is still far from solved, since there is no exact general solution of the Einstein equations for stationary gravitational fields. This paper examines an approach to this problem employing isotropic coordinates which, in particular, make it possible to understand which simplifications yield the Kerr solution.

Adopting Noether point symmetries, we classify and integrate dynamical systems coming from Horndeski cosmologies. The method is particularly effective both to select the form of Horndeski models and to derive exact cosmological solutions. Starting from the Lagrangians selected by the Noether symmetries, it is possible to derive several modified theories of gravity like $f(R)$ gravity, Brans-Dicke gravity, string inspired gravity and so on. In any case, exact solutions are found out., 23 pages, to be published in Eur. Phys. J. C

We consider cosmological dynamics in the theory of gravity with the scalar field possessing the nonminimal kinetic coupling to curvature given as $\eta G^{\mu\nu}\phi_{,\mu}\phi_{,\nu}$, where $\eta$ is an arbitrary coupling parameter, and the scalar potential $V(\phi)$ which assumed to be as general as possible. With an appropriate dimensionless parametrization we represent the field equations as an autonomous dynamical system which contains ultimately only one arbitrary function $\chi (x)= 8 \pi \vert \eta \vert V(x/\sqrt{8 \pi})$ with $x=\sqrt{8 \pi}\phi$. Then, assuming the rather general properties of $\chi(x)$, we analyze stationary points and their stability, as well as all possible asymptotical regimes of the dynamical system. It has been shown that for a broad class of $\chi(x)$ there exist attractors representing three accelerated regimes of the Universe evolution, including de Sitter expansion (or late-time inflation), the Little Rip scenario, and the Big Rip scenario. As the specific examples, we consider a power-law potential $V(\phi)=M^4(\phi/\phi_0)^\sigma$, Higgs-like potential $V(\phi)=\frac{\lambda}{4}(\phi^2-\phi_0^2)^2$, and exponential potential $V(\phi)=M^4 e^{-\phi/\phi_0}$., Comment: 31 pages, 5 figures, 3 tables. New section "Slow-roll regime" added, references added, sentences polished. Version accepted for publication in JCAP

We present a systematic analysis of homogeneous and isotropic cosmologies in a particular Horndeski model with Galileon shift symmetry, containing also a $\Lambda$-term and a matter. The model, sometimes called Fab Five, admits a rich spectrum of solutions. Some of them describe the standard late time cosmological dynamic dominated by the $\Lambda$-term and matter, while at the early times the universe expands with a constant Hubble rate determined by the value of the scalar kinetic coupling. For other solutions the $\Lambda$-term and matter are screened at all times but there are nevertheless the early and late accelerating phases. The model also admits bounces, as well as peculiar solutions describing "the emergence of time". Most of these solutions contain ghosts in the scalar and tensor sectors. However, a careful analysis reveals three different branches of ghost-free solutions, all showing a late time acceleration phase. We analyze the dynamical stability of these solutions and find that all of them are stable in the future, since all their perturbations stay bounded at late times. However, they all turn out to be unstable in the past, as their perturbations grow violently when one approaches the initial spacetime singularity. We therefore conclude that the model has no viable solutions describing the whole of the cosmological history, although it may describe the current acceleration phase. We also check that the flat space solution is ghost-free in the model, but it may acquire ghost in more general versions of the Horndeski theory., Comment: matches the published version

We construct a model of a rotating wormhole made by cutting and pasting two Kerr spacetimes. As a result, we obtain a rotating thin-shell wormhole with exotic matter at the throat. Two candidates for the exotic matter are considered: (i) a perfect fluid; (ii) an anisotropic fluid. We show that a perfect fluid is unable to support a rotating thin-shall wormhole. On the contrary, the anisotropic fluid with the negative energy density can be a source for such a geometry., 8 pages, 3 figures, accepted for publication in Gravitation and Cosmology

We consider the Casimir effect for a static, spherically symmetric wormhole surrounded by two perfectly conducting spheres. We construct an expression for zero-point energy in this model. It is shown that the sign of the Casimir force depends on the nonminimal coupling constant ξ.

We discuss a solution describing a rotating wormhole in general relativity with a scalar field source having negative kinetic energy. To solve the problem, we use the assumption of slow rotation. The role of a small dimensionless parameter is played the ratio of the linear velocity of rotation of the wormhole throat and the velocity of light. The rotating wormhole solution is constructed in the first-order approximation with respect to the small parameter. We analyze the solution obtained and study test particle motion and light propagation in the spacetime of a rotating wormhole.

In 1921 Bach and Weyl derived the method of superposition to construct new axially symmetric vacuum solutions of General Relativity. In this paper we extend the Bach-Weyl approach to non-vacuum configurations with massless scalar fields. Considering a phantom scalar field with the negative kinetic energy, we construct a multi-wormhole solution describing an axially symmetric superposition of $N$ wormholes. The solution found is static, everywhere regular and has no event horizons. These features drastically tell the multi-wormhole configuration from other axially symmetric vacuum solutions which inevitably contain gravitationally inert singular structures, such as `struts' and `membranes', that keep the two bodies apart making a stable configuration. However, the multi-wormholes are static without any singular struts. Instead, the stationarity of the multi-wormhole configuration is provided by the phantom scalar field with the negative kinetic energy. Anther unusual property is that the multi-wormhole spacetime has a complicated topological structure. Namely, in the spacetime there exist $2^N$ asymptotically flat regions connected by throats., 11 pages, 13 figures

We study Lorentzian wormholes in the ghost-free bigravity theory described by two metrics, g and f. Wormholes can exist if only the null energy condition is violated, which happens naturally in the bigravity theory since the graviton energy-momentum tensors do not apriori fulfill any energy conditions. As a result, the field equations admit solutions describing wormholes whose throat size is typically of the order of the inverse graviton mass. Hence, they are as large as the universe, so that in principle we might all live in a giant wormhole. The wormholes can be of two different types that we call W1 and W2. The W1 wormholes interpolate between the AdS spaces and have Killing horizons shielding the throat. The Fierz-Pauli graviton mass for these solutions becomes imaginary in the AdS zone, hence the gravitons behave as tachyons, but since the Breitenlohner-Freedman bound is fulfilled, there should be no tachyon instability. For the W2 wormholes the g-geometry is globally regular and in the far field zone it becomes the AdS up to subleading terms, its throat can be traversed by timelike geodesics, while the f-geometry has a completely different structure and is not geodesically complete. There is no evidence of tachyons for these solutions, although a detailed stability analysis remains an open issue. It is possible that the solutions may admit a holographic interpretation., Comment: 26 pages, 6 figures, section 8.2 describing the W1b wormhole geometry is considerably modified

We consider the Casimir effect for quantized massive scalar field with non-conformal coupling $\xi$ in a spacetime of wormhole whose throat is rounded by a spherical shell. In the framework of zeta-regularization approach we calculate a zero point energy of scalar field. We found that depending on values of coupling $\xi$, a mass of field $m$, and/or the throat's radius $a$ the Casimir force may be both attractive and repulsive, and even equals to zero., Comment: 2 figures, 10 pages, added 2 references

We investigate the cosmological evolution of mimetic matter model with arbitrary scalar potential. The cosmological reconstruction, which is the way to construct a model for arbitrary evolutions of the scale factor, is explicitly done for different choices of potential. The cases that mimetic matter model shows the evolution as Cold Dark Matter(CDM), wCDM model, dark matter and dark energy with dynamical $Om(z)$, where $Om(z) \equiv [ (H(z)/H_0)^2-1 ]/[(1+z)^3 -1],$ or phantom dark energy with phantom-non-phantom crossing are presented in detail. The cosmological perturbations for such evolution are studied in mimetic matter model. For instance, the evolution behavior of the matter density contrast which is different from usual one, i.e. $\ddot \delta + 2 H \dot \delta - \kappa ^2 \rho \delta /2 = 0$ is investigated. The possibility of peculiar evolution of $\delta$ in the model under consideration is shown. Special attention is paid to the behavior of matter density contrast near to future singularity where decay of perturbations may occur much earlier the singularity., Comment: 20 pages, 7 figures, version to appear in PRD

We consider cosmological dynamics in the theory of gravity with the scalar field possessing the nonminimal kinetic coupling to curvature given as $\kappa G^{\mu\nu}\phi_{,\mu}\phi_{,\nu}$, and the Higgs-like potential $V(\phi)=\frac{\lambda}{4}(\phi^2-\phi_0^2)^2$. Using the dynamical system method, we analyze stationary points, their stability, and all possible asymptotical regimes of the model under consideration. We show that the Higgs field with the kinetic coupling provides an existence of accelerated regimes of the Universe evolution. There are three possible cosmological scenarios with acceleration: (i) {\em The late-time inflation} when the Hubble parameter tends to the constant value, $H(t)\to H_\infty=(\frac23 \pi G\lambda\phi_0^4)^{1/2}$ as $t\to\infty$, while the scalar field tends to zero, $\phi(t)\to 0$, so that the Higgs potential reaches its local maximum $V(0)=\frac14 \lambda\phi_0^4$. (ii) {\em The Big Rip} when $H(t)\sim(t_*-t)^{-1}\to\infty$ and $\phi(t)\sim(t_*-t)^{-2}\to\infty$ as $t\to t_*$. (iii) {\em The Little Rip} when $H(t)\sim t^{1/2}\to\infty$ and $\phi(t)\sim t^{1/4}\to\infty$ as $t\to\infty$. Also, we derive modified slow-roll conditions for the Higgs field and demonstrate that they lead to the Little Rip scenario., Comment: 29 pages, 11 figures, discussions and references added, to be published on JCAP

We use the substitution m2 → M2(x) = m2 + ξR(x) to construct a new form of the proper-time expansion of the Feynman propagator and the corresponding form of the renormalization counterterms < ϕ2>DS and < Tμν > DS for the scalar field.

We consider static spherically symmetric solutions in the scalar-tensor theory of gravity with a scalar field possessing the nonminimal kinetic coupling to the curvature. The lagrangian of the theory contains the term $(\varepsilon g^{\mu\nu}+\eta G^{\mu \nu})\phi_{,\mu}\phi_{,\nu}$ and represents a particular case of the general Horndeski lagrangian, which leads to second-order equations of motion. We use the Rinaldi approach to construct analytical solutions describing wormholes with nonminimal kinetic coupling. It is shown that wormholes exist only if $\varepsilon=-1$ (phantom case) and $\eta>0$. The wormhole throat connects two anti-de Sitter spacetimes. The wormhole metric has a coordinate singularity at the throat. However, since all curvature invariants are regular, there is no curvature singularity there., Comment: 7 pages, 3 figures, to be submitted to PRD

We consider cosmological dynamics in the theory of gravity with the scalar field possessing a nonminimal kinetic coupling to gravity, $\kappa G_{\mu\nu}\phi^{\mu}\phi^{\nu}$, and the power-law potential $V(\phi)=V_0\phi^N$. Using the dynamical system method, we analyze all possible asymptotical regimes of the model under investigation and show that for sloping potentials with $02. Using a numerical analysis, we also construct exact cosmological solutions and find initial conditions leading to the initial kinetic coupling inflation followed either by a "graceful" oscillatory exit or by the secondary inflation., Comment: 10 pages, 6 figures, submitted to PRD

We consider the structure and physical properties of specific classes of neutron, quark and "exoti"' stars in Eddington-inspired Born-Infeld (EiBI) gravity. The latter reduces to standard general relativity in vacuum, but presents a different behavior of the gravitational field in the presence of matter. The equilibrium equations for a spherically symmetric configuration (mass continuity and Tolman-Oppenheimer-Volkoff) are derived, and their solutions are obtained numerically for different equations of state of neutron and quark matter. More specifically, stellar models, described by the stiff fluid, radiation-like, polytropic and the bag model quark equations of state are explicitly constructed in both general relativity and EiBI gravity, thus allowing a comparison between the predictions of these two gravitational models. As a general result it turns out that for all the considered equations of state, EiBI gravity stars are more massive than their general relativistic counterparts. Furthermore, an exact solution of the spherically symmetric field equations in EiBI gravity, describing an "exotic" star, with decreasing pressure but increasing energy density, is also obtained. As a possible astrophysical application of the obtained results we suggest that stellar mass black holes, with masses in the range of $3.8M_{\odot}$ and $6M_{\odot}$, respectively, could be in fact EiBI neutron or quark stars., Comment: 12 pages, 8 figures

Eddington-inspired Born-Infeld gravity (EiBI) gravity is a recently proposed modified theory of gravity, based on the classic work of Eddington and on Born-Infeld nonlinear electrodynamics. In this paper, we consider the possibility that wormhole geometries are sustained in EiBI gravity. We present the gravitational field equations for an anisotropic stress-energy tensor and consider the generic conditions, for the auxiliary metric, at the wormhole throat. In addition to this, we obtain an exact solution for an asymptotically flat wormhole., 4 pages

A fundamental ingredient in wormhole physics is the flaring-out condition at the throat which, in classical general relativity, entails the violation of the null energy condition. In this work, we present the most general conditions in the context of modified gravity, in which the matter threading the wormhole throat satisfies all of the energy conditions, and it is the higher order curvature terms, which may be interpreted as a gravitational fluid, that support these nonstandard wormhole geometries. Thus, we explicitly show that wormhole geometries can be theoretically constructed without the presence of exotic matter, but are sustained in the context of modified gravity., 4 pages. V2: Slight change in title, discussion on the stability and references added; version to appear in PRD. V3: reference added

We investigate cosmological scenarios in the theory of gravity with the scalar field possessing a non-minimal kinetic coupling to the curvature. It is shown that the kinetic coupling provides an essentially new inflationary mechanism. Namely, at early cosmological times the domination of coupling terms in the field equations guarantees the quasi-De Sitter behavior of the scale factor: $a(t)\propto e^{H_{\kappa} t}$ with $H_\kappa=1/\sqrt{9\kappa}$, where $\kappa\simeq 10^{-74}$ sec$^2$ is the coupling parameter. The primary inflationary epoch driven by non-minimal kinetic coupling comes to the end at $t_f \simeq 10^{-35}$ sec. Later on, the matter terms are dominating, and the universe enters into the matter-dominated epoch which lasts approximately $0.5H_0^{-1}\sim 0.5\times10^{18}$ sec. Then, the cosmological term comes into play, and the universe enters into the secondary inflationary epoch with $a(t)\propto e^{H_{\Lambda} t}$, where $H_\Lambda=\sqrt{\Lambda/3}$. Note that the present value of the acceleration parameter $q=\ddot a a/\dot a^2$ is estimated as $q_0\simeq0.25$, that is the universe is at the beginning of the epoch of accelerated expansion. Thus, the cosmological model non-minimal kinetic coupling represents the realistic cosmological scenario which successfully describes basic cosmological epochs and provide the natural mechanism of epoch change without any fine-tuned potential., Comment: 11 pages, 10 figures, submitted to PRD

We construct a new static spherically symmetric configuration composed of interior and exterior Brans-Dicke vacua matched at a thin matter shell. Both vacua correspond to the same Brans-Dicke coupling parameter $\omega$, however they are described by the Brans class I solution with different sets of parameters of integration. In particular, the exterior vacuum solution has $C_{ext}(\omega)\equiv 0$. In this case the Brans class I solution for any $\omega$ reduces to the Schwarzschild one being consistent with restrictions on the post-Newtonian parameters following from recent Cassini data. The interior region possesses a strong gravitational field, and so the interior vacuum solution has $C_{int}(\omega)=-1/(\omega+2)$. In this case the Brans class I solution describes a wormhole spacetime provided $\omega$ lies in the narrow interval $-2-\frac{\sqrt{3}}{3}, Comment: 14 pages, 3 figures

We consider static spherically symmetric wormhole configurations in a gravitational theory of a scalar field with a potential $V(\phi)$ and nonminimal derivative coupling to the curvature describing by the term $(\epsilon g_{\mu\nu} + \kappa G_{\mu\nu}) \phi^{,\mu}\phi^{,\nu}$ in the action. We show that the flare-out conditions providing the geometry of a wormhole throat could fulfilled both if $\epsilon=-1$ (phantom scalar) and $\epsilon=+1$ (ordinary scalar). Supposing additionally a traversability, we construct numerical solutions describing traversable wormholes in the model with arbitrary $\kappa$, $\epsilon=-1$ and $V(\phi)=0$ (no potential). The traversability assumes that the wormhole possesses two asymptotically flat regions with corresponding Schwarzschild masses. We find that asymptotical masses of a wormhole with nonminimal derivative coupling could be positive and/or negative depending on $\kappa$. In particular, both masses are positive only provided $\kappa, Comment: 17 pages, 8 figures

The vacuum average value of the stress-energy tensor of a massive scalar field with nonminimal coupling $\ensuremath{\xi}$ to the curvature on the short-throat flat-space wormhole background is calculated. The final analysis is made numerically. It was shown that the energy-momentum tensor does not violate the null energy condition near the throat. Therefore, the vacuum polarization cannot self-consistently support the wormhole.

We investigate cosmological scenarios with a non-minimal derivative coupling between the scalar field and the curvature, examining both the quintessence and the phantom cases in zero and constant potentials. In general, we find that the universe transits from one de Sitter solution to another, determined by the coupling parameter. Furthermore, according to the parameter choices and without the need for matter, we can obtain a Big Bang, an expanding universe with no beginning, a cosmological turnaround, an eternally contracting universe, a Big Crunch, a Big Rip avoidance and a cosmological bounce. This variety of behaviors reveals the capabilities of the present scenario., 8 pages, 8 figures

We construct examples of static, spherically symmetric wormhole solutions in general relativity with a minimally coupled scalar field $\phi$ whose kinetic energy is negative in a restricted region of space near the throat (of arbitrary size) and positive far from it. Thus in such configurations a "ghost" is trapped in the strong-field region, which may in principle explain why no ghosts are observed under usual conditions. Some properties of general wormhole models with the $\phi$ field are revealed: it is shown that (i) trapped-ghost wormholes are only possible with nonzero potentials $V(\phi)$; (ii) in twice asymptotically flat wormholes, a nontrivial potential $V(\phi)$ has an alternate sign, and (iii) a twice asymptotically flat wormhole which is mirror-symmetric with respect to its throat has necessarily a zero Schwarzschild mass at both asymptotics., Comment: 4.2 pages, 4 figures. Version to appear in CQG

We discuss a solution describing a rotating wormhole in the theory of gravity with a scalar field with negative kinetic energy. To solve the problem we use the assumption about slow rotation. The role of a small dimensionless parameter plays the ratio of the linear velocity of rotation of the wormhole's throat and the velocity of light. The rotating wormhole solution is constructed in the framework of the first order approximation with respect to the small parameter. We analyze the obtained solution and study the motion of test particles and the propagation of light in the spacetime of rotating wormhole.

We have considered the selfconsistent theory of gravity with quantum fields in the framework of the Killing ansatz, giving the approximate vacuum expectation value of the renormalized stress-energy tensor T µν in static spacetimes which was obtained by Frolov and Zelnikov (Phys.Rev. D 35, 3031 (1987)).

We consider a gravitational theory of a scalar field $\phi$ with nonminimal derivative coupling to curvature. The coupling terms have the form $\kappa_1 R\phi_{,\mu}\phi^{,\mu}$ and $\kappa_2 R_{\mu\nu}\phi^{,\mu}\phi^{,\nu}$ where $\kappa_1$ and $\kappa_2$ are coupling parameters with dimensions of length-squared. In general, field equations of the theory contain third derivatives of $g_{\mu\nu}$ and $\phi$. However, in the case $-2\kappa_1=\kappa_2\equiv\kappa$ the derivative coupling term reads $\kappa G_{\mu\nu}\phi^{,mu}\phi^{,\nu}$ and the order of corresponding field equations is reduced up to second one. Assuming $-2\kappa_1=\kappa_2$, we study the spatially-flat Friedman-Robertson-Walker model with a scale factor $a(t)$ and find new exact cosmological solutions. It is shown that properties of the model at early stages crucially depends on the sign of $\kappa$. For negative $\kappa$ the model has an initial cosmological singularity, i.e. $a(t)\sim (t-t_i)^{2/3}$ in the limit $t\to t_i$; and for positive $\kappa$ the universe at early stages has the quasi-de Sitter behavior, i.e. $a(t)\sim e^{Ht}$ in the limit $t\to-\infty$, where $H=(3\sqrt{\kappa})^{-1}$. The corresponding scalar field $\phi$ is exponentially growing at $t\to-\infty$, i.e. $\phi(t)\sim e^{-t/\sqrt{\kappa}}$. At late stages the universe evolution does not depend on $\kappa$ at all; namely, for any $\kappa$ one has $a(t)\sim t^{1/3}$ at $t\to\infty$. Summarizing, we conclude that a cosmological model with nonminimal derivative coupling of the form $\kappa G_{\mu\nu}\phi^{,mu}\phi^{,\nu}$ is able to explain in a unique manner both a quasi-de Sitter phase and an exit from it without any fine-tuned potential., Comment: 7 pages, 2 figures. Accepted to PRD

We consider the question whether a wormhole can be converted into a non-extremal quasi-black black hole by continuous change of parameters. In other words, we ask whether "black" wormholes can exist as end points of families of static wormhole geometries. The answer is negative since the corresponding limit is shown to be singular. Similar conclusions are valid also for other types of black hole mimickers such as gravastars and quasi-black holes without wormhole behavior. Our treatment is model-independent and applies to any static geometries without requirement of special symmetries. We also find an asymptotic expression for the Kretschmann scalar for wormholes on the threshold of horizon formation that can be used as an the bound on proximity of the configuration to the would-be horizon. The derived bound is very weak for astrophysical black holes but becomes relevant for microscopic ones. We point out complementarity between ability of wormholes to mimic black holes and their ability to be traversable "in practice"., 9 pages. To appear in PRD

We consider static, spherically symmetric solutions of general relativity with a nonlinear sigma model (NSM) as a source, i.e., a set of scalar fields $\Phi = (\Phi^1,...,\Phi^n)$ (so-called chiral fields) parametrizing a target space with a metric $h_{ab}(\Phi)$. For NSM with zero potential $V(\Phi)$, it is shown that the space-time geometry is the same as with a single scalar field but depends on $h_{ab}$. If the matrix $h_{ab}$ is positive-definite, we obtain the Fisher metric, originally found for a canonical scalar field with positive kinetic energy; otherwise we obtain metrics corresponding to a phantom scalar field, including singular and nonsingular horizons (of infinite area) and wormholes. In particular, the Schwarzschild metric can correspond to a nontrivial chiral field configuration, which in this case has zero stress-energy. Some explicit examples of chiral field configurations are considered. Some qualitative properties of NSM configurations with nonzero potentials are pointed out., Comment: 5 two-column pages, to appear in Grav. Cosmol

We discuss rotating wormholes in general relativity with a scalar field with negative kinetic energy. To solve the problem, we use the assumption about slow rotation. The role of a small dimensionless parameter plays the ratio of the linear velocity of rotation of the wormhole's throat and the velocity of light. We construct the rotating wormhole solution in the second order approximation with respect to the small parameter. The analysis shows that the asymptotical mass of the rotating wormhole is greater than that of the non-rotating one, and the NEC violation in the rotating wormhole spacetime is weaker than that in the non-rotating one., Comment: 12 pages, 9 figures, appeared in PRD

We discuss exact solutions of three-parameter non-minimal Einstein-Yang-Mills model, which describe the wormholes of a new type. These wormholes are considered to be supported by SU(2)-symmetric Yang-Mills field, non-minimally coupled to gravity, the Wu-Yang ansatz for the gauge field being used. We distinguish between regular solutions, describing traversable non-minimal Wu-Yang wormholes, and black wormholes possessing one or two event horizons. The relation between the asymptotic mass of the regular traversable Wu-Yang wormhole and its throat radius is analysed., 9 pages, 2 figures, typos corrected, 2 references added

We construct exact nonstatic nonhomogeneous spherically symmetric solutions in the theory of gravity with a scalar field possessing the exponential potential. The solution of particular interest corresponds to the scalar field with negative kinetic energy, i.e. a ghost, and represents two asymptotically homogeneous spatially flat universes connected by a throat. We interpret this solution as a wormhole in cosmological setting. Both the universes and the wormhole throat are simultaneously expanding with acceleration. The character of expansion qualitatively depends on the wormhole's mass $m$. For $m=0$ the expansion goes exponentially, so that the corresponding spacetime configuration represents two de Sitter universes joining by the throat. For $m>0$ the expansion has the power character, so that one has the inflating wormhole connecting two homogeneous spatially flat universes expanding according to the power law into the final singularity. The stability analysis of the non-static wormholes reveals their instability against linear spherically symmetric perturbations., REVTeX4, 11 pages, submitted to PRD

This article presents the base-line design and implementation of the ATLAS Trigger and Data Acquisition system, in particular the Data Flow and High Level Trigger components. The status of the installation and commissioning of the system is also presented.