Publications (42)13.75 Total impact
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Article: Cosmic opacity: cosmological-model-independent tests and their impacts on cosmic acceleration
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ABSTRACT: With assumptions that the violation of the distance-duality (DD) relation entirely arises from non-conservation of the photon number and the absorption is frequency independent in the observed frequency range, we perform cosmological-model-independent tests for the cosmic opacity. The observational data include the largest Union2.1 SN Ia sample, which is taken for observed $D_\mathrm{L}$, and galaxy cluster samples compiled by De Filippis {\it et al.} and Bonamente {\it et al.}, which are responsible for providing observed $D_\mathrm{A}$. Two parameterizations, $\tau(z)=2\epsilon z$ and $\tau(z)=(1+z)^{2\epsilon}-1$ are adopted for the optical depth associated to the cosmic absorption. We find that, an almost transparent universe is favored by Filippis {\it et al.} sample but it is only marginally accommodated by Bonomente {\it et al.} samples at 95.4% confidence level (C. L.) (even at 99.7% C. L. when the $r<100 \mathrm{kpc}$-cut spherical $\beta$ model is considered). Taking the possible cosmic absorption (in 68.3% C. L. range) constrained from the model-independent tests into consideration, we correct the distance modulus of SNe Ia and then use them to study their cosmological implications. The constraints on the $\Lambda$CDM show that a decelerating expanding universe with $\Omega_\Lambda=0$ is only allowed at 99.7% C. L. by observations when the Bonamente {\it et al.} sample is considered. Therefore, our analysis suggests that an accelerated cosmic expansion is still needed to account for the dimming of SNe and the standard cosmological scenario remains to be supported by current observations.04/2013; -
Article: Oscillating universe in massive gravity
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ABSTRACT: Massive gravity is a modified theory of general relativity. In this paper, we study, using a method in which the scale factor changes as a particle in a ``potential", all possible cosmic evolutions in a ghost-free massive gravity. We find that there exists, in certain circumstances, an oscillating universe or a bouncing one. If the universe starts at the oscillating region, it may undergo a number of oscillations before it quantum mechanically tunnels to the bounce point and then expand forever. But going back to the singularity from the oscillating region is physically not allowed. So, the big bang singularity can be successfully resolved. At the same time, we also find that there exists a stable Einstein static state in some cases. However, the universe can not stay at this stable state past-eternally since it is allowed to quantum mechanically tunnel to a big-bang-to-big-crunch region and end with a big crunch. Thus, a stable Einstein static state universe can not be used to avoid the big bang singularity in massive gravity.02/2013; -
Article: Re-examining the role of curvature in the slowing down acceleration scenario
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ABSTRACT: By incorporating the curvature $\Omega_k$ as a free parameter, it has been found that the tension between the high redshift CMB shift parameter $R(z^{\ast})$ data and the low redshift SNIa and BAO data from the combination of SDSS and 2dFGRS can be ameliorated, and both SNIa+BAO and SNIa+BAO+CMB favor that the decelerating parameter $q(z)$ shows a rapid variation in sign at small redshift. In this paper, with the MCMC method, we re-examine the evolutionary behavior of $q(z)$ using the latest observational data including the Union2 SNIa, BAO, and CMB data ($R(z^{\ast})$, $l_{A}(z^{\ast})$, $z^{\ast}$) from WMAP7. For BAO data, four different data sets obtained from the 6dFGS, the combination of SDSS and 2dFGRS, the WiggleZ dark energy survey and the BOSS, are used. Except for the spatially flat case constrained by SNIa+ the WiggleZ BAO data, both SNIa and other BAO+SNIa favor that the present cosmic acceleration is slowing down irrespective of whether the spatial curvature is included or not. However, once the WMAP7 CMB data is included, observations favor strongly the $\Lambda$CDM model, a spatially flat universe, and a speeding-up of the cosmic acceleration. Therefore, the inclusion of spatial curvature seems to has no effect on alleviating the tension between SNIa+BAO and CMB in clear contrast to the previous work in the literature.01/2013; -
Article: A new extended quintessence
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ABSTRACT: Extended quintessence is obtained by coupling a normal scalar field to the Ricci scalar defined in the metric formalism. In this paper, we propose a new extended quintessence dark energy by introducing a non-minimal coupling between the quintessence and gravity, but with the Ricci scalar given from the Palatini formalism rather than the metric one. We find that the equation of state of the new extended quintessence can cross the phantom divide line, and moreover, it oscillates around the -1 line. We also show that the universe driven by the new extended quintessence will enter a dark energy dominated de Sitter phase in the future.01/2013; -
Article: Is the Cosmic Transparency Spatially Homogeneous?
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ABSTRACT: We study the constraints on the cosmic opacity using the latest BAO and Union2 SNIa data in this paper and find that the best fit values seem to indicate that an opaque universe is preferred in redshift regions $0.20-0.35$, $0.35-0.44$ and $0.60-0.73$, whereas, a transparent universe is favored in redshift regions $0.106-0.20$, $0.44-0.57$and $0.57-0.60$. However, our result is still consistent with a transparent universe at the 1$\sigma$ confidence level, even though the best-fit cosmic opacity oscillates between zero and some nonzero values as the redshift varies.10/2012; -
Article: Unifying dark energy and dark matter with the modified Ricci model
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ABSTRACT: In this paper, two modified Ricci models are considered as the candidates of unified dark matter–dark energy. In model one, the energy density is given by rMR=3Mpl(aH2+b[(H)\dot])\rho_{\mathrm{MR}}=3M_{\mathrm{pl}}(\alpha H^{2}+\beta\dot{H}), whereas, in model two, by rMR=3Mpl(\fraca6 R+g[(H)\ddot]H-1)\rho_{\mathrm{MR}}=3M_{\mathrm{pl}}(\frac{\alpha}{6} R+\gamma\ddot{H}H^{-1}). We find that they can explain both dark matter and dark energy successfully. A constant equation of state of dark energy is obtained in model one, which means that it gives the same background evolution as the wCDM model, while model two can give an evolutionary equation of state of dark energy with the phantom divide line crossing in the near past.European Physical Journal C 05/2012; 71(3):1-4. · 3.63 Impact Factor -
Article: Observations favor the crossing of phantom divide lines
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ABSTRACT: Using three different parameterized dark energy models, we reconstruct the properties of dark energy from the latest 397 Sne Ia, CMB and BAO with the present matter density, Ω m0, given prior. We find that, when Ω m0 is not small, for example, Ω m0 = 0.28 or 0.32, an evolving dark energy with a crossing of phantom divide line is favored and this conclusion seems to be model independent. We also find that the evolving properties of dark energy become more and more evident with the increase of Ω m0 given prior. Keywordscosmology-auelerating expansion-dark energyScience China: Physics, Mechanics and Astronomy 04/2012; 53(3):562-566. · 0.78 Impact Factor -
Article: The growth of matter perturbations in the f(T) gravity
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ABSTRACT: In this paper, we study the growth index of matter density perturbations for the power law model in $f(T)$ gravity. Using the parametrization $\gamma(z)=\gamma_0+\gamma_1 {z\over 1+z}$ for the growth index, which approximates the real evolution of $\gamma(z)$ very well, and the observational data of the growth factor, we find that, at $1\sigma$ confidence level, the power law model in $f(T)$ gravity is consistent with the observations, since the obtained theoretical values of $\gamma_0$ and $\gamma_1$ are in the allowed region.04/2012; -
Article: G\"odel-type universes in f(T) gravity
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ABSTRACT: The issue of causality in $f(T)$ gravity is investigated by examining the possibility of existence of the closed timelike curves in the G\"{o}del-type metric. By assuming a perfect fluid as the matter source, we find that the fluid must have an equation of state parameter greater than minus one in order to allow the G\"{o}del solutions to exist, and furthermore the critical radius $r_c$, beyond which the causality is broken down, is finite and it depends on both matter and gravity. Remarkably, for certain $f(T)$ models, the perfect fluid that allows the G\"{o}del-type solutions can even be normal matter, such as pressureless matter or radiation. However, if the matter source is a special scalar field rather than a perfect fluid, then $r_c\rightarrow\infty$ and the causality violation is thus avoided.03/2012; -
Article: Oscillating universe in the DGP braneworld
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ABSTRACT: With a method in which the Friedmann equation is written in a form such that evolution of the scale factor can be treated as that of a particle in a "potential", we classify all possible cosmic evolutions in the DGP braneworld scenario with the dark radiation term retained. By assuming that the energy component is pressureless matter, radiation or vacuum energy, respectively, we find that in the matter or vacuum energy dominated case, the scale factor has a minimum value $a_0$. In the matter dominated case, the big bang singularity can be avoided in some special circumstances, and there may exist an oscillating universe or a bouncing one. If the cosmic scale factor is in the oscillating region initially, the universe may undergo an oscillation. After a number of oscillations, it may evolve to the bounce point through quantum tunneling and then expand. However, if the universe contracts initially from an infinite scale, it can turn around and then expand forever. In the vacuum energy dominated case, there exists a stable Einstein static state to avoid the big bang singularity. However, in certain circumstances in the matter or vacuum energy dominated case, a new kind of singularity may occur at $a_0$ as a result of the discontinuity of the scale factor. In the radiation dominated case, the universe may originate from the big bang singularity, but a bouncing universe which avoids this singularity is also possible.02/2012; -
Article: Testing nonstandard cosmological models with SNLS3 supernova data and other cosmological probes
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ABSTRACT: We investigate the implications for some nonstandard cosmological models using data from the first three years of the Supernova Legacy Survey (SNLS3), assuming a spatially flat universe. A comparison between the constraints from the SNLS3 and those from other SN Ia samples, such as the ESSENCE, Union2, SDSS-II and Constitution samples, is given and the effects of different light-curve fitters are considered. We find that SN Ia with SALT2 or SALT or SIFTO can give consistent results and the tensions between different data sets and different light-curve fitters are obvious for fewer-free-parameters models. At the same time, we also study the constraints from the SNLS3 along with data from the cosmic microwave background and the baryonic acoustic oscillations (CMB/BAO), and the latest Hubble parameter versus redshift (H(z)). Using model selection criteria such as $\chi^2$/dof, GoF, AIC and BIC, we find that, among all the cosmological models considered here ($\Lambda$CDM, constant $w$, varying $w$, DGP, modified polytropic Cardassian, and the generalized Chaplygin gas), the flat DGP is favored by the SNLS3 alone. However, when additional CMB/BAO or H(z) constraints are included, this is no longer the case, and the flat $\Lambda$CDM becomes preferred.09/2011; -
Article: The stability of the Einstein static state in $f(T)$ gravity
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ABSTRACT: The stability of the Einstein static universe against the homogeneous scalar perturbations in $f(T)$ gravity is analyzed. Both the spatial closed and open universes are considered. We find that the stable Einstein static solutions exist in both cases. Considering a concrete $f(T)$ model and assuming that the cosmic energy has a constant equation of state $w$, we obtain that, in the closed case, $w<1/3$ is required. Thus, $f(T)$ theory gives a larger region of $w$ than that in general relativity ($-1<w<-1/3$) to have the stable Einstein static solution. For the open universe, $f(T)$ theory allows the stable Einstein static solution, although this kind of solution is forbidden in general relativity. Thus, a modification of gravity can play a crucial role in stabilizing the Einstein static solution.08/2011; -
Article: Cosmological-model-independent tests for the distance-duality relation from Galaxy Clusters and Type Ia Supernova
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ABSTRACT: We perform a cosmological-model-independent test for the distance-duality (DD) relation $\eta(z)=D_L(z)(1+z)^{-2}/D_A(z)$, where $D_L$ and $D_A$ are the luminosity distance and angular diameter distance respectively, with a combination of observational data for $D_L$ taken from the latest Union2 SNe Ia and that for $D_A$ provided by two galaxy clusters samples compiled by De Filippis {\it et al.} and Bonamente {\it et al.}. Two parameterizations for $\eta(z)$, i.e., $\eta(z)=1+\eta_0z$ and $\eta(z)=1+\eta_0z/(1+z)$, are used. We find that the DD relation can be accommodated at $1\sigma$ confidence level (CL) for the De Filippis {\it et al.} sample and at $3\sigma$ CL for the Bonamente {\it et al.} sample. We also examine the DD relation by postulating two more general parameterizations: $\eta(z)=\eta_0+\eta_1z$ and $\eta(z)=\eta_0+\eta_1z/(1+z)$, and find that the DD relation is compatible with the results from the De Filippis {\it et al.} and the Bonamente {\it et al.} samples at $1\sigma$ and $2\sigma$ CLs, respectively. Thus, we conclude that the DD relation is compatible with present observations.01/2011; -
Article: Is the present cosmic expansion decelerating?
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ABSTRACT: We probe the recent cosmic expansion by directly reconstructing the deceleration parameter $q(z)$ at recent times with a linear expansion at $z=0$ using the low redshift SNIa and BAO data. Our results show that the observations seem to favor a slowing down of the present cosmic acceleration. Using only very low redshift SNIa data, for example, those within $z<0.1$ or $0.2$, we find that our Universe may have already entered a decelerating expansion era since a positive $q(0)$ seems to be favored. This result is further supported by a different approach which aims to reconstruct $q(z)$ in the whole redshift region. So, the accelerating cosmic expansion may be just a transient phenomenon. Comment: 8 pages, 2 figures12/2010; -
Article: The growth factor of matter perturbations in an f(R) gravity
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ABSTRACT: The growth of matter perturbations in the $f(R)$ model proposed by Starobinsky is studied in this paper. Three different parametric forms of the growth index are considered respectively and constraints on the model are obtained at both the $1\sigma$ and $2\sigma$ confidence levels, by using the current observational data for the growth factor. It is found, for all the three parametric forms of the growth index examined, that the Starobinsky model is consistent with the observations only at the $2\sigma$ confidence level.12/2010; -
Article: Examining the cosmic acceleration with the latest Union2 supernova data
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ABSTRACT: In this Letter, by reconstructing the $Om$ diagnostic and the deceleration parameter $q$ from the latest Union2 Type Ia supernova sample with and without the systematic error along with the baryon acoustic oscillation (BAO) and the cosmic microwave background (CMB), we study the cosmic expanding history, using the Chevallier-Polarski-Linder (CPL) parametrization. We obtain that Union2+BAO favor an expansion with a decreasing of the acceleration at $z<0.3$. However, once the CMB data is added in the analysis, the cosmic acceleration is found to be still increasing, indicating a tension between low redshift data and high redshift one. In order to reduce this tension significantly, two different methods are considered and thus two different subsamples of Union2 are selected. We then find that two different subsamples+BAO+CMB give completely different results on the cosmic expanding history when the systematic error is ignored, with one suggesting a decreasing cosmic acceleration, the other just the opposite, although both of them alone with BAO support that the cosmic acceleration is slowing down. However, once the systematic error is considered, two different subsamples of Union2 along with BAO and CMB all favor an increasing of the present cosmic acceleration. Therefore a clear-cut answer on whether the cosmic acceleration is slowing down calls for more consistent data and more reliable methods to analyze them.11/2010; -
Article: Probing the course of cosmic expansion with a combination of observational data
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ABSTRACT: We study the cosmic expansion history by reconstructing the deceleration parameter $q(z)$ from the SDSS-II type Ia supernova sample (SNIa) with two different light curve fits (MLCS2k2 and SALT-II), the baryon acoustic oscillation (BAO) distance ratio, the cosmic microwave background (CMB) shift parameter, and the lookback time-redshift (LT) from the age of old passive galaxies. Three parametrization forms for the equation of state of dark energy (CPL, JBP, and UIS) are considered. Our results show that, for the CPL and the UIS forms, MLCS2k2 SDSS-II SNIa+BAO+CMB and MLCS2k2 SDSS-II SNIa+BAO+CMB+LT favor a currently slowing-down cosmic acceleration, but this does not occur for all other cases, where an increasing cosmic acceleration is still favored. Thus, the reconstructed evolutionary behaviors of dark energy and the course of the cosmic acceleration are highly dependent both on the light curve fitting method for the SNIa and the parametrization form for the equation of state of dark energy.11/2010; -
Article: $f(T)$ models with phantom divide line crossing
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ABSTRACT: In this paper, we propose two new models in $f(T)$ gravity to realize the crossing of the phantom divide line for the effective equation of state, and we then study the observational constraints on the model parameters. The best fit results suggest that the observations favor a crossing of the phantom divide line.08/2010; -
Article: The dynamical behavior of $f(T)$ theory
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ABSTRACT: Recently, a new model obtained from generalizing teleparallel gravity, named $f(T)$ theory, is proposed to explain the present cosmic accelerating expansion with no need of dark energy. In this paper, we analyze the dynamical property of this theory. For a concrete power law model, we obtain that the dynamical system has a stable de Sitter phase along with an unstable radiation dominated phase and an unstable matter dominated one. We show that the Universe can evolve from a radiation dominated era to a matter dominated one, and finally enter an exponential expansion phase. Comment: 10 pages, 1 figure; accepted by PLB07/2010; -
Article: The stability of Einstein static universe in the DGP braneworld
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ABSTRACT: The stability of an Einstein static universe in the DGP braneworld scenario is studied in this paper. Two separate branches denoted by $\epsilon=\pm1$ of the DGP model are analyzed. Assuming the existence of a perfect fluid with a constant equation of state, $w$, in the universe, we find that, for the branch with $\epsilon=1$, there is no a stable Einstein static solution, while, for the case with $\epsilon=-1$, the Einstein static universe exists and it is stable when $-1<w<-1/3$. Thus, the universe can stay at this stable state past-eternally and may undergo a series of infinite, non-singular oscillations. Therefore, the big bang singularity problem in the standard cosmological model can be resolved. Comment: 10 pages, 2 figures, to appear in PLB05/2010;
Top co-authors
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2012
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Wuhan Textile University
Wuhan, Hubei, China
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2007–2012
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Hunan University
Changsha, Hunan, China
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