Modified Gravity Theories and Black Hole Solutions

Summary

Modified gravity theories extend Einstein’s general relativity by introducing additional degrees of freedom or higher-order curvature terms, with the dual aim of accounting for dark energy, dark matter phenomena and quantum corrections to classical spacetime. Among the most studied frameworks is f(R) gravity, where the gravitational action depends on a nonlinear function of the Ricci scalar, and scalar-tensor models that couple a dynamical scalar field to curvature. These modifications yield field equations of higher order and admit novel black hole solutions that often evade classical singularities or violate standard energy conditions less severely. Typical outcomes include regular “black-bounce” spacetimes that interpolate between black holes and wormholes, charged configurations with asymptotically flat or (anti-)de Sitter behaviour, and higher-dimensional horizons with constant electromagnetic charges. Investigations of thermodynamics, causal structure and linear stability in these settings reveal new phase transitions, modified Hawking temperatures and distinctive quasinormal mode spectra. Such developments hold promise for confronting observations of black hole shadows, gravitational waves and accretion signatures with extensions of general relativity.

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Modified Gravity Theories and Black Hole Solutions publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in modified gravity theories and black hole solutions across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

f(R) gravity: A class of theories in which the gravitational action is a function f of the Ricci scalar R, leading to higher‐order field equations.

Black-bounce solution: A regular spacetime metric interpolating between a black hole and a wormhole, avoiding central singularities.

Quasinormal modes (QNMs): Characteristic damped oscillations produced by perturbations of black hole spacetimes, encoding stability and causal structure.

Ricci scalar: A scalar curvature invariant obtained by contracting the Ricci tensor, serving as a key ingredient in modified gravity Lagrangians.

References

  1. Generalized models for black-bounce solutions in f(R) gravity. European Physical Journal C (2023).
  2. Spherically symmetric black holes with electric and magnetic charge in extended gravity: physical properties, causal structure, and stability analysis in Einstein’s and Jordan’s frames. European Physical Journal C (2020).
  3. Horizon thermodynamics in f(R) theory. European Physical Journal C (2018).
  4. Higher Dimensional Charged Black Hole Solutions in f(R) Gravitational Theories. Advances in High Energy Physics (2017).
  5. Quasinormal modes and their anomalous behavior for black holes in f(R) gravity. European Physical Journal C (2021).

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