Generalized Proca Theories in Gravitational Physics
Summary
Generalized Proca theories constitute an extension of Einstein’s gravity by introducing a massive vector field endowed with carefully chosen derivative self-interactions. These interactions are constructed so that only the three transverse polarizations of the Proca field propagate, while higher-order equations of motion and the ensuing Ostrogradsky instabilities are avoided. In parallel with scalar-tensor Horndeski models, generalized Proca theories allow for second-order field equations on arbitrary backgrounds, offering a versatile framework to address cosmic acceleration, dark energy phenomenology and modifications of gravitational dynamics on large scales. Their applications range from novel cosmological solutions with de Sitter attractors to black-hole and soliton configurations, and they accommodate screening mechanisms that ensure consistency with solar-system tests. The vector sector can also naturally interact with matter and radiation, yielding distinctive signatures in both astrophysical and laboratory settings.
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Generalized Proca Theories in Gravitational Physics publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in generalized proca theories in gravitational physics across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Generalized Proca theory: The most general Lorentz-invariant action for a massive vector field with derivative self-interactions that propagate three physical polarizations and yield second-order field equations.
Ostrogradsky ghost: A pathological instability arising from higher-order time derivatives in the equations of motion that leads to an unbounded Hamiltonian.
Vainshtein screening: A non-linear mechanism through which modifications of gravity are suppressed near massive bodies, restoring agreement with General Relativity in high-density regions.
Galileon interaction: A derivative self-interaction characterised by a symmetry under constant and linear shifts of the field that ensures second-order equations of motion.
Stückelberg field: An auxiliary scalar field introduced to restore gauge invariance by compensating the longitudinal mode of a massive vector field.
References
- Unveiling the effects of coupling extended Proca-Nuevo gravity on cosmic expansion with recent observations. Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society (2024).
- To Half-Be or Not To Be?. Journal of High Energy Physics (2023).
- Reviving Horndeski after GW170817 by Kaluza-Klein compactifications. Physics Letters B (2024).
- Derivative self-interactions for a massive vector field. Physics Letters B (2016).
- Generalized Proca action for an Abelian vector field. Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics (2016).
- Generalization of the Proca Action. Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics (2014).
- Cosmic acceleration from Abelian symmetry breaking. Journal of High Energy Physics (2014).
- Black holes and solitons in an extended Proca theory. Journal of High Energy Physics (2017).
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