Search Results (27)

Laboratory magnetoplasmas can become an intriguing experimental environment for fundamental studies relevant to nuclear astrophysics processes. Theoretical predictions indicate that the ionization state of isotopes within the plasma can significantly alter their lifetimes, potentially due to nuclear and atomic mechanisms such as bound-state β-decay. However, only limited experimental evidence on this phenomenon has been collected. PANDORA (Plasmas for Astrophysics, Nuclear Decay Observations, and Radiation for Archaeometry) is a novel facility which proposes to investigate nuclear decays in high-energy-density plasmas mimicking some properties of stellar nucleosynthesis sites (Big Bang Nucleosynthesis, s-process nucleosynthesis, role of CosmoChronometers, etc.). This paper focuses on the case of ⁷Be electron capture (EC) decay into ⁷Li, since its in-plasma decay rate has garnered considerable attention, particularly concerning the unresolved Cosmological Lithium Problem and solar neutrino physics. Numerical simulations were conducted to assess the feasibility of this possible lifetime measurement in the plasma of PANDORA. Both the ionization and atomic excitation of the ⁷Be isotopes in a He buffer Electron Cyclotron Resonance (ECR) plasma within PANDORA were explored via numerical modelling in a kind of “virtual experiment” providing the expected in-plasma EC decay rate. Since the decay of ⁷Be provides γ-rays at 477.6 keV from the ⁷Li excited state, Monte-Carlo GEANT4 simulations were performed to determine the γ-detection efficiency by the HPGe detectors array of the PANDORA setup. Finally, the sensitivity of the measurement was evaluated through a virtual experimental run, starting from the simulated plasma-dependent γ-rate maps. These results indicate that laboratory ECR plasmas in compact traps provide suitable environments for β-decay studies of ⁷Be, with the estimated duration of experimental runs required to reach 3σ significance level being few hours, which prospectively makes PANDORA a powerful tool to investigate the decay rate under different thermodynamic conditions and related charge state distributions. Full article

We discuss an extended model of FRW cosmology with additional chiral tensor particles. We discuss the influence of these particles on the expansion rate of the Universe, their direct interactions with the constituents of the early Universe plasma, we determine their cosmological place and derive updated cosmological constraints on their interaction strength. Full article

The cosmological lepton asymmetry, i.e., an excess of leptons over antileptons, is still only loosely constrained, and might be much larger than its tiny baryonic counterpart. If this is the case, charge neutrality requires the lepton asymmetries to be confined in the neutrino sector. We recall the observational effects of neutrino asymmetries on the abundance of light elements produced during Big Bang Nucleosynthesis and on the pattern of cosmic microwave background anisotropies. We point to the necessity of solving the neutrino transport equations, taking into account the effect of flavour oscillation, to derive general and robust constraints on lepton asymmetries. We review the current bounds and briefly discuss prospects for next-generation CMB experiments. Full article

We present a review of the Semi-Symmetric Metric Gravity (SSMG) theory, representing a geometric extension of standard general relativity, based on a connection introduced by Friedmann and Schouten in 1924. The semi-symmetric connection is a connection that generalizes the Levi-Civita one by allowing for the presence of a simple form of the torsion, described in terms of a torsion vector. The Einstein field equations are postulated to have the same form as in standard general relativity, thus relating the Einstein tensor constructed with the help of the semi-symmetric connection, with the energy–momentum tensor. The inclusion of the torsion contributions in the field equations has intriguing cosmological implications, particularly during the late-time evolution of the Universe. Presumably, these effects also dominate under high-energy conditions, and thus SSMG could potentially address unresolved issues in general relativity and cosmology, such as the initial singularity, inflation, or the ⁷Li problem of the Big-Bang Nucleosynthesis. The explicit presence of torsion in the field equations leads to the non-conservation of the energy–momentum tensor, which can be interpreted within the irreversible thermodynamics of open systems as describing particle creation processes. We also review in detail the cosmological applications of the theory, and investigate the statistical tests for several models, by constraining the model parameters via comparison with several observational datasets. Full article

In this work, we present a review of Energy-Momentum Squared Gravity (EMSG)—more specifically, $f(R,T_{\mu \nu }{T}^{\mu \nu })$ gravity, where R represents the Ricci scalar and $T_{\mu \nu }$ denotes the energy-momentum tensor. The inclusion of quadratic contributions from the energy-momentum components has intriguing cosmological implications, particularly during the Universe’s early epochs. These effects dominate under high-energy conditions, enabling EMSG to potentially address unresolved issues in General Relativity (GR), such as the initial singularity and aspects of big-bang nucleosynthesis in certain models. The theory’s explicit non-minimal coupling between matter and geometry leads to the non-conservation of the energy-momentum tensor, which prompts the investigation of cosmological scenarios through the framework of irreversible thermodynamics of open systems. By employing this formalism, we interpret the energy-balance equations within EMSG from a thermodynamic perspective, viewing them as descriptions of irreversible matter creation processes. Since EMSG converges to GR in a vacuum and differences emerge only in the presence of an energy-momentum distribution, these distinctions become significant in high-curvature regions. Therefore, deviations from GR are expected to be pronounced in the dense cores of compact objects. This review delves into these facets of EMSG, highlighting its potential to shed light on some of the fundamental questions in modern cosmology and gravitational theory. Full article

The stochastic signal observed by collaborations such as NANOGrav, PPTA, EPTA +InPTA, and CPTA may originate from gravitational waves induced by primordial curvature perturbations during inflation. This study investigates small-scale properties of inflation and reheating, assuming a log-normal form for the power spectrum of the primordial curvature and a reheating phase equation of state $w=1/9$. Inflation and reheating scenarios are thoroughly examined using Bayesian methods applied to the NANOGrav 15-year dataset. The analysis establishes constraints on the reheating temperature, suggesting $T_{\mathrm{rh}}\gtrsim 0.1\mathrm{Gev}$, consistent with Big Bang nucleosynthesis constraints. Additionally, the NANOGrav 15-year dataset requires the amplitude (A∼0.1) and width ($\mathsf{\Delta }\lesssim 0.001$) of the primordial curvature power spectrum to be within specific ranges. A notable turning point in the energy density of scalar-induced gravitational waves occurs due to a change in the equation of state w. This turning point signifies a transition from the reheating epoch to radiation domination. Further observations of scalar-induced gravitational waves could provide insights into the precise timing of this transition, enhancing our understanding of early Universe dynamics. Full article

This is a summary of the main results within the Scale-Invariant Vacuum (SIV) paradigm based on Weyl integrable geometry. We also review the mathematical framework and utilize alternative derivations of the key equations based on the reparametrization invariance as well. The main results discussed are related to the early universe; that is, applications to inflation, Big Bang Nucleosynthesis, and the growth of the density fluctuations within the SIV. Some of the key SIV results for the early universe are a natural exit from inflation within the SIV in a later time $t_{\mathrm{exit}}$ with value related to the parameters of the inflationary potential along with the possibility for the density fluctuations to grow sufficiently fast within the SIV without the need for dark matter to seed the growth of structure in the universe. In the late-time universe, the applications of the SIV paradigm are related to scale-invariant dynamics of galaxies, MOND, dark matter, and dwarf spheroidals, where one can find MOND to be a peculiar case of the SIV theory. Finally, within the recent time epoch, we highlight that some of the change in the length-of-the-day (LOD), about 0.92 cm/yr, can be accounted for by SIV effects in the Earth–Moon system. Full article

At least two relics of the Big Bang have survived: the cosmological microwave background (CMB) and the cosmological neutrino background (C$\nu$B). Being the second most abundant particle in the universe, the neutrino has a significant impact on its evolution from the Big Bang to the present day. Neutrinos affect the following cosmological processes: the expansion rate of the universe, its chemical and isotopic composition, the CMB anisotropy and the formation of the large-scale structure of the universe. Another relic neutrino background is theoretically predicted, it consists of non-equilibrium antineutrinos of Primordial Nucleosynthesis arising as a result of the decay of neutrons and tritium nuclei. Such antineutrinos are an indicator of the baryon asymmetry of the universe. In addition to experimentally detectable active neutrinos, the existence of sterile neutrinos is theoretically predicted to generate neutrino masses and explain their oscillations. Sterile neutrinos can also solve such cosmological problems as the baryonic asymmetry of the universe and the nature of dark matter. The recent results of several independent experiments point to the possibility of the existence of a light sterile neutrino. However, the existence of such a neutrino is inconsistent with the predictions of the Standard Cosmological Model. The inclusion of a non-zero lepton asymmetry of the universe and/or increasing the energy density of active neutrinos can eliminate these contradictions and reconcile the possible existence of sterile neutrinos with Primordial Nucleosynthesis, the CMB anisotropy, and also reduce the H₀-tension. In this brief review, we discuss the influence of the physical properties of active and sterile neutrinos on the evolution of the universe from the Big Bang to the present day. Full article

Overwhelming astronomical evidence for dark matter and absence of any laboratory evidence for it despite many dedicated searches have fueled speculation that dark matter may reside in a parallel universe interacting with the familiar universe only via gravitational interactions as well as possibly via some ultra-weak forces. In this scenario, we postulate that the visible universe co-exists with a mirror world consisting of an identical duplicate of forces and matter of our world, obeying a mirror symmetry. This picture, motivated by particle physics considerations, not only provides a natural candidate for dark matter but also has the potential to explain the matter dark matter coincidence problem, i.e., why the dark matter content of the universe is only a few times the visible matter content. One requirement for mirror models is that the mirror world must be colder than our world to maintain the success of big bang nucleosynthesis. After a review of the basic features of the model, we present several new results: first is that the consistency between the coldness of the mirror world and the explanation of the matter dark matter coincidence implies an upper bound on the inflation reheat temperature of the universe to be around ${10}^{6.5}$ GeV. We also argue that the coldness implies the mirror world consists mainly of mirror Helium and very little mirror hydrogen, which is the exact opposite of what we see in the visible world. Full article

We propose a non-exotic electromagnetic solution (within the standard model of particle physics) to the cosmological ⁷Li problem based upon a narrow 2 MeV photo-emission line from the decay of light glueballs (LGBs). These LGBs form within color superconducting quark clusters (SQCs), which are tens of Fermi in size, in the radiation-dominated post-BBN epoch. The mono-chromatic line from the $LGB\to \gamma +\gamma$ decay reduces Big Bang nucleosynthesis (BBN) ⁷Be by $2/3$ without affecting other abundances or the cosmic microwave background (CMB) physics, provided the combined mass of the SQCs is greater than the total baryonic mass in the universe. Following the LGB emission, the in-SQC Quantum ChromoDynamics (QCD) vacuum becomes unstable and “leaks” (via quantum tunneling) into the external space-time (trivial) vacuum, inducing a decoupling of SQCs from hadrons. In seeking a solution to the ⁷Li problem, we uncovered a solution that also addresses the Dark Energy (DE) and dark matter (DM) problem, making these critical problems intertwined in our model. Being colorless, charge-neutral, optically thin, and transparent to hadrons, SQCs interact only gravitationally, making them a viable cold DM (CDM) candidate. The leakage (i.e., quantum tunneling) of the in-SQC QCD vacuum to the trivial vacuum offers an explanation of DE in our model and allows for a cosmology that evolves into a $\Lambda$CDM universe at a low redshift with a possible resolution of the Hubble tension. Our model distinguishes itself by proposing that the QCD vacuum within SQCs possesses the ability to tunnel into the exterior trivial vacuum, resulting in the generation of DE. This implies the possibility that DM and hadrons might represent distinct phases of quark matter within the framework of QCD, characterized by different vacuum properties. We discuss SQC formation in heavy-ion collision experiments at moderate temperatures and the possibility of detection of MeV photons from the $LGB\to \gamma +\gamma$ decay. Full article

We use Big Bang Nucleosynthesis (BBN) to probe Beyond Standard Model physics in the neutrino sector. Recently, the abundances of primordially produced light elements D and He-4 were determined from observations with better accuracy. The good agreement between the theoretically predicted abundances of primordially produced light elements and those derived from observations allows us to update the BBN constraints on Beyond Standard Model (BSM) physics. We provide numerical analysis of several BSM models of BBN and obtain precise cosmological constraints and indications for new neutrino physics. Namely, we derive more stringent BBN constraints on electron neutrino–sterile neutrino oscillations corresponding to $1\%$ uncertainty of the observational determination of the primordial He-4. The cosmological constraints are obtained both for the zero and non-zero cases of the initial population of the sterile neutrino state. Then, in a degenerate BBN model with neutrino ${\nu }_e\leftrightarrow {\nu }_s$ oscillations, we analyze the change in the cosmological constraints in case lepton asymmetry L is big enough to suppress oscillations. We obtain constraints on the lepton asymmetry L. We discuss a possible solution to the dark radiation problem in degenerate BBN models with ${\nu }_e\leftrightarrow {\nu }_s$ oscillations in case L is large enough to suppress neutrino oscillations during the BBN epoch. Interestingly, the required value of L for solving the DR problem is close to the value of L indicated by the EMPRESS experiment, and also it is close to the value of lepton asymmetry that is necessary to relax Hubble tension. Full article

By employing Tsallis’ extensive but non-additive $\delta$-entropy, we formulate the first two laws of thermodynamics for gravitating systems. By invoking Carathéodory’s principle, we pay particular attention to the integrating factor for the heat one-form. We show that the latter factorizes into the product of thermal and entropic parts, where the entropic part cannot be reduced to a constant, as is the case in conventional thermodynamics, due to the non-additive nature of $S_{\delta }$. The ensuing two laws of thermodynamics imply a Tsallis cosmology, which is then applied to a radiation-dominated universe to address the Big Bang nucleosynthesis and the relic abundance of cold dark matter particles. It is demonstrated that the Tsallis cosmology with the scaling exponent $\delta$∼1.499 (or equivalently, the anomalous dimension $\Delta$∼0.0013) consistently describes both the abundance of cold dark matter particles and the formation of primordial light elements, such as deuterium ${}^{2}H$ and helium ${}^{4}He$. Salient issues, including the zeroth law of thermodynamics for the $\delta$-entropy and the lithium ${}^{7}Li$ problem, are also briefly discussed. Full article

We offer a survey of the matter-antimatter evolution within the primordial Universe. While the origin of the tiny matter-antimatter asymmetry has remained one of the big questions in modern cosmology, antimatter itself has played a large role for much of the Universe’s early history. In our study of the evolution of the Universe we adopt the position of the standard model Lambda-CDM Universe implementing the known baryonic asymmetry. We present the composition of the Universe across its temperature history while emphasizing the epochs where antimatter content is essential to our understanding. Special topics we address include the heavy quarks in quark-gluon plasma (QGP), the creation of matter from QGP, the free-streaming of the neutrinos, the vanishing of the muons, the magnetism in the electron-positron cosmos, and a better understanding of the environment of the Big Bang Nucleosynthesis (BBN) producing the light elements. We suggest but do not explore further that the methods used in exploring the early Universe may also provide new insights in the study of exotic stellar cores, magnetars, as well as gamma-ray burst (GRB) events. We describe future investigations required in pushing known physics to its extremes in the unique laboratory of the matter-antimatter early Universe. Full article

We explore the effect of neutron lifetime and its uncertainty on standard big bang nucleosynthesis (BBN). BBN describes the cosmic production of the light nuclides, ${}^1\mathrm{H}$, D, ${}^3\mathrm{H}$+${}^3\mathrm{He}$, ${}^4\mathrm{He}$, and ${}^7\mathrm{Li}$+${}^7\mathrm{Be}$, in the first minutes of cosmic time. The neutron mean life ${\tau }_n$ has two roles in modern BBN calculations: (1) it normalizes the matrix element for weak $n\leftrightarrow p$ interconversions, and (2) it sets the rate of free neutron decay after the weak interactions freeze-out. We review the history of the interplay between ${\tau }_n$ measurements and BBN, and present a study of the sensitivity of the light element abundances to the modern neutron lifetime measurements. We find that ${\tau }_n$ uncertainties dominate the predicted ${}^4\mathrm{He}$ error budget, but these theory errors remain smaller than the uncertainties in ${}^4\mathrm{He}$ observations, even with the dispersion in recent neutron lifetime measurements. For the other light element predictions, ${\tau }_n$ contributes negligibly to their error budget. Turning the problem around, we combine present BBN and cosmic microwave background (CMB) determinations of the cosmic baryon density to predict a “cosmologically preferred” mean life of ${\tau }_n\left(\mathrm{BBN}+\mathrm{CMB}\right)=870\pm 16\mathrm{s}$, which is consistent with experimental mean life determinations. We show that if future astronomical and cosmological helium observations can reach an uncertainty of ${\sigma }_{\mathrm{obs}}\left(Y_p\right)=0.001$ in the ${}^4\mathrm{He}$ mass fraction $Y_p$, this could begin to discriminate between the mean life determinations. Full article

From the linear perturbations of Nash–Greene fluctuations of a background metric, we obtain profiles of Hubble function evolution $H\left(z\right)$ and $f{\sigma }_8\left(z\right)$ measurements as compared with the $\mathrm{\Lambda }$CDM results at intermediate redshifts $0.1<z<1$. For parameter estimation, we use joint data from Planck Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) likelihoods of CMB temperature and polarization angular power spectra, Barionic Acoustic Oscillations (BAO) and local measurements of Hubble constant $H_0$ from the Hubble Space Telescope (HST). We analyze the stability of the effective Newtonian constant $G_{eff}$ and its agreement with Big Bang Nucleosynthesis (BBN) constraints. We show that our results are highly compatible with the $\mathrm{\Lambda }$CDM paradigm, rather extending the perspective for further studies on redshift-space galaxy clustering data. Moreover, we obtain the CMB TT angular spectra with the Integrated Sachs–Wolfe (ISW) effect, which is weakened on low-l scales. The resulting linear matter power spectrum $P\left(k\right)$ profile is also compatible with $\mathrm{\Lambda }$CDM results but somewhat degenerate with an early dark energy (DE) contribution. Finally, posing a dilemma to the solution of Hubble tension, our results indicate a low Hubble expansion rate suggesting possible anomalies in Planck data in consonance with the recent South Pole Telescope (SPT-3G) data. Full article