Paulo Vargas Moniz

• PhD & Habilitation
• Professor (Full) at University of Beira Interior

We revisit the Fractional Holographic Dark Energy (FHDE) model to reconstruct it by means of dynamic candidates such as ($i$) Quintessence, ($ii$) K-essence, ($iii$) Dilaton, ($iv$) Yang-Mills condensate, ($v$) DBI-essence, and ($vi$) Tachyonic fields in a flat Friedmann-Robertson-Walker (FRW) Universe. In particular, the dark-energy possibilities...

The unification of quantum mechanics and general relativity has long been elusive. Only recently have empirical predictions of various possible theories of quantum gravity been put to test, where a clear signal of quantum properties of gravity is still missing. The dawn of multi-messenger high-energy astrophysics has been tremendously beneficial, a...

To deepen our understanding of Quantum Gravity and its connections with black holes and cosmology, building a common language and exchanging ideas across different approaches is crucial. The Nordita Program "Quantum Gravity: from gravitational effective field theories to ultraviolet complete approaches" created a platform for extensive discussions,...

Holographic dark energy theories present a fascinating interface to probe late-time cosmology, as guided by contemporary ideas about quantum gravity. In this work, we present a new holographic dark energy scenario designated “Fractional Holographic Dark Energy” (FHDE). This model extends the conventional framework of HDEs by incorporating specific...

Considering the Friedmann--Lema\^{i}tre--Robertson--Walker (FLRW) metric and the Einstein scalar field system as an underlying gravitational model to construct fractional cosmological models has interesting implications in both classical and quantum regimes. Regarding the former, we just review the most fundamental approach to establishing an exten...

Holographic dark energy theories present a fascinating interface to probe late-time cosmology, as guided by contemporary ideas about quantum gravity. In this work, we present a new holographic dark energy scenario designated Fractional Holographic Dark Energy (FHDE). This model extends the conventional framework of HDEs by incorporating specific fe...

Considering the Friedmann–Lemaître–Robertson–Walker (FLRW) metric and the Einstein scalar field system as an underlying gravitational model to construct fractional cosmological models has interesting implications in both classical and quantum regimes. Regarding the former, we just review the most fundamental approach to establishing an extended cos...

In this review, we focus on whether a canonical quantization of general relativity can produce testable predictions for cosmology. In particular, we examine how this approach can be used to model the evolution of primordial perturbations. This program of quantum geometrodynamics, first advocated by John Wheeler and Bryce DeWitt, has a straightforwa...

In Ref. [S. Jalalzadeh, Phys. Lett. B 829 (2022) 137058], Jalalzadeh established that the thermodynamical entropy of a quantum-deformed black hole with horizon area $A$ can be written as $S_q=\pi\sin\left(\frac{A}{8G\mathcal N} \right)/\sin\left(\frac{\pi}{2\mathcal N} \right)$, where $\mathcal N=L_q^2/L_\text{P}^2$, $L_\text{P}$ being the Planck l...

In this review, we focus on whether a canonical quantization of general relativity can produce testable predictions for cosmology. In particular, we examine how this approach can be used to model the evolution of primordial perturbations. This program of quantum geometrodynamics, first advocated by John Wheeler and Bryce DeWitt, has a straightforwa...

We propose a phenomenological model of two-zeros Majorana neutrino mass matrix based on the A4 symmetry, where the structure of mixing matrix is a unimodular second scheme of trimaximal TM2, and the charged lepton mass matrix is diagonal. We show that, among seven possible two-zero textures with A4 symmetry, only two textures, namely the texture wi...

The Wheeler–DeWitt equation for a flat and compact Friedmann–Lemaître–Robertson–Walker cosmology at the pre-inflation epoch is studied in the contexts of the standard and fractional quantum cosmology. Working within the semiclassical regime and applying the Wentzel-Kramers-Brillouin (WKB) approximation, we show that some fascinating consequences ar...

The fractional Wheeler--DeWitt equation for a flat and compact FLRW cosmology at the pre--inflation epoch is investigated. By applying the slow roll approximation to an arbitrary scalar field, the conventional de Sitter behavior of the inflationary universe for constant potential is transformed into power--law inflation. We propose that the non-loc...

As we proceed into ageing, some maturity and clarity (trustingly) sets in. Previous lines of research can be contemplated through richer and broader perspectives. This satisfaction notwithstanding, we also find (in a sort of life’s meaning paradox...) that ideas and routes to explore were not (properly) taken or, worse, came to be noticed (or remem...

We study the geodesic deviation (GD) equation in a generalized version of the Sáez-Ballester (SB) theory in arbitrary dimensions. We first establish a general formalism and then restrict to particular cases, where (i) the matter-energy distribution is that of a perfect fluid, and (ii) the spacetime geometry is described by a vanishing Weyl tensor....

The overall characteristics of the solar and atmospheric neutrino oscillations are approximately consistent with a tribimaximal form of the mixing matrix U of the lepton sector. Exact tribimaximal mixing leads to θ13=0. However, the results from the Daya Bay and RENO experiments have established, such that in comparison to the other neutrino mixing...

We present a brief description of noncompactified higher-dimensional theories from the perspective of general relativity. More concretely, the Space-Time-Matter theory, or Induced Matter theory, and the reduction procedure used to construct the modified Brans-Dicke theory and the modified S\'{a}ez-Ballester theory are briefly explained. Finally, we...

We present a brief description of noncompactified higher-dimensional theories from the perspective of general relativity. More concretely, the Space-Time-Matter theory, or Induced Matter theory, and the reduction procedure used to construct the modified Brans-Dicke theory and the modified S\'{a}ez-Ballester theory are briefly explained. Finally, we...

We employ Riesz’s fractional derivative into the Wheeler-DeWitt (WDW) equation for a closed de Sitter geometry and obtain the no-boundary and tunneling wave functions. From the corresponding probability distributions, the event horizon of the nucleated universe can be a fractal surface with dimensions between 2≤D<3. Concretely, the tunneling wave f...

Some time ago, when I first inquired as to ‘what quantum cosmology is about’, I did approach the hall with a combination of caution as well as eagerness [...]

We employ Riesz's fractional derivative into the Wheeler--DeWitt equation for a closed de Sitter geometry and obtain the no-boundary and tunneling wavefunctions. From the corresponding probability distributions, the event horizon of the nucleated universe can be a fractal surface with dimensions between $2\leq D<3$. Concretely, the tunneling wavefu...

In this brief review, we comment on the concept of shape invariant potentials, which is an essential feature in many settings of N=2 supersymmetric quantum mechanics. To motivate its application within supersymmetric quantum cosmology, we present a case study to illustrate the value of this promising tool. Concretely, we take a spatially flat FRW m...

In this brief review, we comment on the concept of shape invariant potentials, which is an essential feature in many settings of $N=2$ supersymmetric quantum mechanics. To motivate its application within supersymmetric quantum cosmology, we present a case study to illustrate the value of this promising tool. Concretely, we take a spatially flat FRW...

The overall characteristics of the solar and atmospheric neutrino oscillations are approximately consistent with a tribimaximal form of the mixing matrix $U$ of the lepton sector. Exact tribimaximal mixing leads to $\theta_{13}=0$. However, the results from the Daya Bay and RENO experiments have established, such that in comparison to the other neu...

An Oppenheimer-Snyder (OS)-type collapse is considered for a Dvali-Gabadadze-Porrati (DGP) brane, whereas a Gauss-Bonnet (GB) term is provided for the bulk. We study the combined effect of the DGP induced gravity plus the GB curvature, regarding any modification of the general relativistic OS dynamics. Our paper has a twofold objective. On the one...

Applying the $A_4$ symmetry in the scenario of unimodular second scheme of trimaximal $TM_2$ mixing matrix, where the charged lepton mass matrix is diagonal and the nature of neutrinos are Majorana, we investigate and analyze feasible two zeros neutrino mass matrices. Among the seven possible two-zero textures with $A_4$ symmetry, we have found tha...

We study the geodesic deviation (GD) equation in a generalized version of the S\'{a}ez-Ballester (SB) theory in arbitrary dimensions. We first establish a general formalism and then restrict to particular cases, where (i) the matter-energy distribution is that of a perfect fluid, and (ii) the spacetime geometry is described by a vanishing Weyl tens...

The exploration of the universe has recently entered a new era thanks to the multi-messenger paradigm, characterized by a continuous increase in the quantity and quality of experimental data that is obtained by the detection of the various cosmic messengers (photons, neutrinos, cosmic rays and gravitational waves) from numerous origins. They give u...

An Oppenheimer-Snyder (OS) type collapse is considered for a Dvali, Gabadadze, and Porrati (DGP) brane, whereas a Gauss-Bonnet (GB) term is provided for the bulk. We study the combined effect of the DGP induced gravity plus the GB curvature, regarding any modification of the general relativistic OS dynamics. Our paper has a twofold objective. On th...

We investigate the holographic bound utilizing a homogeneous, isotropic, and non-relativistic neutral hydrogen gas present in the de Sitter space. Concretely, we propose to employ de Sitter holography intertwined with quantum deformation of the hydrogen atom using the framework of quantum groups. Particularly, the $\mathcal U_q(so(4))$ quantum alge...

The exploration of the universe has recently entered a new era thanks to the multi-messenger paradigm, characterized by a continuous increase in the quantity and quality of experimental data that is obtained by the detection of the various cosmic messengers (photons, neutrinos, cosmic rays and gravitational waves) from numerous origins. They give u...

We investigate the holographic bound utilizing a homogeneous, isotropic, and non-relativistic neutral hydrogen gas present in the de Sitter space. Concretely, we propose to employ de Sitter holography intertwined with quantum deformation of the hydrogen atom using the framework of quantum groups. Particularly, the $\mathcal U_q(so(4))$ quantum alge...

We propose a polymer quantization scheme to derive the effective propagation of gravitational waves on a classical Friedmann-Lemaitre-Robertson-Walker (FLRW) spacetime. These waves, which may originate from a high energy source, are a consequence of the dynamics of the gravitational field in a linearized low-energy regime. A novel method of derivin...

This paper investigates whether the framework of fractional quantum mechanics can broaden our perspective of black hole thermodynamics. Concretely, we employ a {\it space-fractional} derivative \cite{Rie} as our main tool. Moreover, we restrict our analysis to the case of a Schwarzschild configuration. From a subsequently modified Wheeler-DeWitt eq...

This paper investigates whether the framework of fractional quantum mechanics can broaden our perspective of black hole thermodynamics. Concretely, we employ a space-fractional derivative (Riesz in Acta Math 81:1, 1949) as our main tool. Moreover, we restrict our analysis to the case of a Schwarzschild configuration. From a subsequently modified Wh...

General Relativity and the $\Lambda$CDM framework are currently the standard lore and constitute the concordance paradigm. Nevertheless, long-standing open theoretical issues, as well as possible new observational ones arising from the explosive development of cosmology the last two decades, offer the motivation and lead a large amount of research...

General Relativity and the ΛCDM framework are currently the standard lore and constitute the concordance paradigm. Nevertheless, long-standing open theoretical issues, as well as possible new observational ones arising from the explosive development of cosmology the last two decades, offer the motivation and lead a large amount of research to be de...

The linearized Einstein field equations provide a low-energy wave equation for the propagation of gravitational fields which may originate from a high-energy source. Motivated by loop quantum gravity, we propose the polymer quantization scheme to derive the effective propagation of such waves on a classical Friedmann-Lemaître-Robertson-Walker space...

The Dvali-Gabadadze-Porrati (DGP) braneworld model is employed to study the gravitational collapse of dust, with a Gauss-Bonnet (GB) term present in the five-dimensional bulk. We find that, within the normal (nonself-accelerating) DGP branch and due to the curvature effects from the GB component on the brane, the black hole singularity acquires mod...

We start by presenting a brief summary of fractional quantum mechanics, as means to convey a motivation towards fractional quantum cosmology. Subsequently, such application is made concrete with the assistance of a case study. Specifically, we investigate and then discuss a model of stiff matter in a spatially flat homogeneous and isotropic univers...

We start by presenting a brief summary of fractional quantum mechanics, as means to convey a motivation towards fractional quantum cosmology. Subsequently, such application is made concrete with the assistance of a case study. Specifically, we investigate and then discuss a model of stiff matter in a spatially flat homogeneous and isotropic univers...

With a focus on modified gravity this book presents a review of the recent developments in the fields of gravity and cosmology, presenting the state of the art, high-lighting the open problems, and outlining the directions of future research. General Relativity and the ΛCDM framework are currently the standard lore and constitute the concordance pa...

The linearized Einstein field equations provide a low energy wave equation for propagation of gravitational fields which may be originated from a high energy source. Motivated by loop quantum gravity (LQG), we propose the polymer quantization scheme to derive the effective propagation of such waves on a classical FLRW spacetime. To overcome the cha...

The Dvali-Gabadadze-Porrati (DGP) brane-world model is employed to study the gravitational collapse of dust, with a Gauss-Bonnet (GB) term present in the five-dimensional bulk. We find that, within the normal (non self-accelerating) DGP branch and due to the curvature effects from the GB component on the brane, the black hole singularity acquires m...

The aim of this book is to convey a broad perspective of what quantum cosmology is and how it can be a relevant field of research in the 21st century. A series of challenges (or research directions to follow) are provided, in the form of chapters, as the means of forwarding some of the main elements of quantum cosmology. This is therefore a more ‘p...

Fractional calculus is a couple of centuries old, but its development has been less embraced and it was only within the last century that a program of applications for physics started. Regarding quantum physics, it has been only in the previous decade or so that the corresponding literature resulted in a set of defying papers. In such a context, th...

Fractional calculus is a couple of centuries old, but its development has been less embraced and it was only within the last century that a program of applications for physics started. Regarding quantum physics, it has been only in the previous decade or so that the corresponding literature resulted in a set of defying papers. In such a context, th...

We establish an extended version of the modified Sáez–Ballester (SB) scalar–tensor theory in arbitrary dimensions whose energy momentum tensor as well as potential are pure geometrical quantities. This scenario emerges by means of two scalar fields (one is present in the SB theory and the other is associated with the extra dimension) which widens t...

We establish an extended version of the modified S\'{a}ez-Ballester (SB) scalar-tensor theory in arbitrary dimensions whose energy momentum tensor as well as potential are pure geometrical quantities. This scenario emerges by means of two scalar fields (one is present in the SB theory and the other is associated with the extra dimension) which wide...

In this paper, we generalize Coleman–Weinberg (CW) inflation in grand unified theories (GUTs) such as \(\text {SU}(5)\) and \(\text {SO}(10)\) by means of considering two complex singlet fields with conformal invariance. In this framework, inflation emerges from a spontaneously broken conformal symmetry. The GUT symmetry implies a potential with a...

In this paper, new exact solutions for locally rotational symmetric (LRS) space-times are obtained within the modified Brans-Dicke theory (MBDT) (Rasouli et al 2014 Class. Quantum Grav. 31 115002). Specifically, extended five-dimensional (5D) versions of Kantowski-Sachs, LRS Bianchi type I and Bianchi type III are investigated in the context of the...

In this paper, by establishing a Brans–Dicke (BD) cosmology by means of a deformed phase space, in the absence of any scalar potential, cosmological constant and ordinary matter, we show that it is feasible to overcome obstacles reported in the corresponding commutative (non-deformed) frameworks. More concretely, by applying the Hamiltonian formali...

In this paper, we generalize Coleman-Weinberg (CW) inflation in grand unified theories (GUTs) such as $\text{SU}(5)$ and $\text{SO}(10)$ by means of considering a two complex singlet fields with conformal invariance. In this framework, inflation is a result of spontaneously broken conformal symmetry in addition to the GUT symmetry. The latter impli...

In this paper, new solutions for locally rotational symmetric (LRS) space-times are obtained, by means of a specific twofold procedure and within a particular setting. More concretely, at the one hand the background geometry is realized as an extended version of either the Kantowski-Sachs (KS), LRS Bianchi type I (BT1) and Bianchi type III (BT3). N...

In this paper, by establishing a Brans-Dicke (BD) cosmology by means of a deformed phase space, in the absence of any scalar potential, cosmological constant and ordinary matter, we show that it is feasible to overcome obstacles reported in the corresponding commutative (non-deformed) frameworks. More concretely, by applying the Hamiltonian formali...

We consider a noncommutative (NC) inflationary model with a homogeneous scalar field minimally coupled to gravity. The particular NC inflationary setting produces entirely new consequences. We first analyze the free field case and subsequently examine the situation where the scalar field is subjected to a polynomial and exponential potentials. We p...

We consider a noncommutative (NC) inflationary model with a homogeneous scalar field minimally coupled to gravity. The particular NC inflationary setting produces entirely new consequences. We first analyze the free field case and subsequently examine the situation where the scalar field is subjected to a polynomial and exponential potentials. We p...

In this paper, we bring together the five-dimensional Saez-Ballester~(SB) scalar-tensor theory [1] and the induced-matter-theory~(IMT) setting [2], to obtain a modified SB theory (MSBT) in four dimensions. Specifically, by using an intrinsic dimensional reduction procedure into the SB field equations in five-dimensions, a MSBT is obtained onto a hy...

In this paper, we bring together the five-dimensional Saez-Ballester~(SB) scalar-tensor theory [1] and the induced-matter-theory~(IMT) setting [2], to obtain a modified SB theory (MSBT) in four dimensions. Specifically, by using an intrinsic dimensional reduction procedure into the SB field equations in five-dimensions, a MSBT is obtained onto a hy...

The dilaton is a possible inflaton candidate following recent CMB data allowing a nonminimal coupling to the Ricci curvature scalar in the early Universe. In this paper, we introduce an approach that has seldom been used in the literature, namely dilaton inflation with non-local features. More concretely, employing non-local features expressed in [...

We endorse the context that the cosmological constant problem is a quantum cosmology issue. Therefore, in this paper we investigate the $q$-deformed Wheeler-DeWitt equation of a spatially closed homogeneous and isotropic Universe in the presence of a conformally coupled scalar field. Specifically, the quantum deformed Universe is a quantized minisu...

We endorse the context that the cosmological constant problem is a quantum cosmology issue. Therefore, in this paper we investigate the $q$-deformed Wheeler-DeWitt equation of a spatially closed homogeneous and isotropic Universe in the presence of a conformally coupled scalar field. Specifically, the quantum deformed Universe is a quantized minisu...

By assuming the spatially flat~FLRW line-element and employing the Hamiltonian formalism, a noncommutative (NC) setting of the Brans-Dicke (BD) theory is introduced. We investigate gravity-driven acceleration and kinetic inflation in this NC BD cosmology. Despite to the commutative case, in which both the scale factor and BD scalar field are obtain...

By assuming the spatially flat~FLRW line-element and employing the Hamiltonian formalism, a noncommutative (NC) setting of the Brans-Dicke (BD) theory is introduced. We investigate gravity-driven acceleration and kinetic inflation in this NC BD cosmology. Despite to the commutative case, in which both the scale factor and BD scalar field are obtain...

We apply the complex de Broglie–Bohm formulation of quantum mechanics in Chou and Wyatt (Phys Rev A 76: 012115, 2007), Gozzi (Phys Lett B 165: 351, 1985), Bhalla et al. (Am J Phys 65: 1187, 1997) to a spatially closed homogeneous and isotropic early universe whose matter contents are radiation and dust perfect fluids. We then show that an expanding...

We apply the complex de Broglie-Bohm formulation of quantum mechanics [1] to a spatially closed homogeneous and isotropic early Universe whose matter content are radiation and dust perfect fluids. We then show that an expanding classical Universe can emerge from an oscillating (with complex scale factor) quantum Universe without singularity. Furthe...

In this paper, the problem of the self-adjointness for the case of a quantum minisuperspace Hamiltonian retrieved from a Brans-Dicke (BD) action is investigated. Our matter content is presented in terms of a perfect fluid, onto which the Schutz's formalism will be applied. We use the von Neumann theorem and the similarity with the Laplacian operato...

In this paper, the problem of the self-adjointness for the case of a quantum minisuperspace Hamiltonian retrieved from a Brans-Dicke (BD) action is investigated. Our matter content is presented in terms of a perfect fluid, onto which the Schutz's formalism will be applied. We use the von Neumann theorem and the similarity with the Laplacian operato...

We study the collapse process of a homogeneous perfect fluid (in FLRW background) with a barotropic equation of state in Brans-Dicke (BD) theory in the presence of phase space deformation effects. Such a deformation is introduced as a particular type of non-commutativity between phase space coordinates. For the commutative case, it has been shown i...

We study the collapse process of a homogeneous perfect fluid (in FLRW background) with a barotropic equation of state in Brans-Dicke (BD) theory in the presence of phase space deformation effects. Such a deformation is introduced as a particular type of non-commutativity between phase space coordinates. For the commutative case, it has been shown i...

In this work, we present a method for implementing the $\delta N$ formalism to study the primordial non-Gaussianity produced in multiple three-form field inflation. Using a dual description relating three-form fields to non-canonical scalar fields, and employing existing results, we produce expressions for the bispectrum of the curvature perturbati...

In this work, we present a method for implementing the $\delta N$ formalism to study the primordial non-Gaussianity produced in multiple three-form field inflation. Using a dual description relating three-form fields to noncanonical scalar fields, and employing existing results, we produce expressions for the bispectrum of the curvature perturbatio...

We analyze from a classical and quantum point of view the behavior of the universe close to a little rip, which can be interpreted as a big rip sent towards the infinite future. Like a big rip singularity, a little rip implies the destruction of all bounded structure in the Universe and is thus an event where quantum effects could be important. We...

We analyze from a classical and quantum point of view the behavior of the universe close to a little rip, which can be interpreted as a big rip sent towards the infinite future. Like a big rip singularity, a little rip implies the destruction of all bounded structure in the Universe and is thus an event where quantum effects could be important. We...

In the framework of string field theory (SFT) a setting where the closed string dilaton is coupled to the open string tachyon at the final stage of an unstable brane or brane-anti-brane pair decay is considered. We show that this configuration can lead to viable inflation by means of the dilaton becoming a non-local (infinite-derivative) inflaton....

In this paper we consider the α−attractor model and study inflation under a non-slow-roll dynamics. More precisely, we follow the approach recently proposed by Gong and Sasaki \cite{Gong:2015ypa} by means of assuming N=N(ϕ). Within this framework we obtain a family of functions describing the local shape of the potential during inflation. We study...

In this work we consider a DBI Galileon (DBIG) inflationary model and constrain its parameter space with the Planck 2015 and BICEP2/Keck array and Planck (BKP) joint analysis data by means of a potential independent analysis. We focus our attention on inflationary solutions characterized by a constant or varying sound speed as well as warp factor....

In this paper we consider a DBI Galileon (DBIG) inflationary model where interesting solutions arise when we constrain its parameter space using Planck 2015 and BICEP2/Keck array and Planck (BKP) joint analysis. In particular, we perform a potential independent analysis by only using the background equations. We focus our attention on inflationary...

We review pedagogically some of the basic essentials regarding recent results intertwining boundary conditions, the algebra of constraints and hidden symmetries in quantum cosmology. They were extensively published in Refs. [S. Jalalzadeh, S. M. M. Rasouli and P. V. Moniz, Phys. Rev. D 90 (2014) 023541, S. Jalalzadeh and P. V. Moniz, Phys. Rev. D 8...

In this paper, we obtain exact cosmological vacuum solutions for an extended FLRW homogeneous and isotropic Brans-Dicke (BD) universe in five dimensions for all values of the curvature index. Then, by employing the equations associated with a modified Brans-Dicke theory (MBDT) [1], we construct the physics on a four-dimensional hypersurface. We sho...

In this paper, we obtain exact cosmological vacuum solutions for an extended FLRW homogenous and isotropic Brans-Dicke (BD) universe in five dimensions for all values of the curvature index. Then, by employing the equations associated to a modified Brans-Dicke theory (MBDT) [1], we construct the physics on a four-dimensional hypersurface. We show t...

We study inflation in the $\alpha-$attractor model under a non-slow-roll dynamics with an ansatz proposed by Gong \& Sasaki \cite{Gong:2015ypa} of assuming $N=N\left(\phi\right)$. Under this approach, we construct a class of local shapes of inflaton potential that are different from the T-models. We find this type of inflationary scenario predicts...

We explore the implications of hidden symmetries present in a particular quantum cosmological setting, extending the results reported in \cite{10,11}. In more detail, our case study is constituted by a spatially closed Friedmann-Lema\^{\i}tre-Robertson-Walker universe, in the presence of a conformally coupled scalar field. The $su(1,1)$ hidden symm...

In this paper we consider the $\alpha-$attractor model and study inflation under a generalization of slow-roll dynamics. We follow the recently proposed Gong \& Sasaki approach \cite{Gong:2015ypa} of assuming $N=N\left(\phi\right)$. We relax the requirement of inflaton potential flatness and consider a sufficiently steep one to support 60-efoldings...

We consider a spherically symmetric gravitational collapse with a tachyon field coupled with a barotropic fluid, as matter source. The tachyonic potential is assumed to be of an inverse square form. By employing the holonomy correction imported from loop quantum gravity, we study the dynamics of the collapse within a semiclassical description. We f...

We discuss the issue of unitarity in particular quantum cosmological models with scalar field. The time variable is recovered, in this context, by using the Schutz's formalism for a radiative fluid. Two cases are considered: a phantom scalar field and an ordinary scalar field. For the first case, it is shown that the evolution is unitary provided a...

A framework associating quantum cosmological boundary conditions to minisuperspace hidden symmetries has been introduced in \cite{7}. The scope of the application was, notwithstanding the novelty, restrictive because it lacked a discussion involving realistic matter fields. Therefore, in the herein letter, we extend the framework scope to encompass...

We consider the gravitational collapse of a spherically symmetric homogeneous matter distribution consisting of a Weyssenhoff fluid in the presence of a negative cosmological constant. Our aim is to investigate the effects of torsion and spin averaged terms on the final outcome of the collapse. For a specific interior space-time setup, namely the h...

In this paper, we introduce a noncommutative version of the Brans-Dicke (BD) theory and obtain the Hamiltonian equations of motion for a spatially flat Friedmann--Lema\^{\i}tre--Robertson--Walker universe filled with a perfect fluid. We focus on the case where the scalar potential as well as the ordinary matter sector are absent. Then, we investiga...

Some of the basics of supersymmetric quantum cosmology are briefly reviewed, pointing to promising lines of research to explore.

A setting constituted by $\mathbb{N}$ 3-form fields, without any direct interaction between them, minimally coupled to gravity, is introduced in this paper as a framework to study the early evolution of the universe. We focus particularly on the two 3-forms case. An inflationary scenario is found, emerging from the coupling to gravity. More concret...

Within an algebraic framework, used to construct the induced-matter-theory (IMT) setting, in (D + 1)-dimensional Brans–Dicke (BD) scenario, we obtain a modified BD theory (MBDT) in D dimensions. Being more specific, from the (D + 1)-dimensional field equations, a D-dimensional BD theory, bearing new features, is extracted by means of a suitable dim...

We study the effects of a generalized uncertainty principle on the classical and quantum cosmology of a closed Friedmann Universe whose matter content is either a dust or a radiation fluid. More concretely, assuming the existence of a minimal length, we show that the entropy will constitute a Dirac observable. In addition, 't Hooft conjecture on th...

We study the reduced phase space quantization of a closed Friedmann Universe, where matter content is constituted by two (no-interacting) fluids, namely dust (or cold dark matter) and radiation. It is shown that, for this particular model, specific boundary conditions can be related to the algebra of Dirac observables.