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Physics General Relativity and Quantum Cosmology

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Monday 14 September

General Relativity and Quantum Cosmology

Deterministic denoising of long-duration gravitational-wave signal candidates with $\alpha$-(de)blending

We present a deterministic machine-learning method for denoising candidate signals from all-sky searches for continuous gravitational waves from rotating neutron stars. Using the time-domain $F$-statistic search pipeline, we post-process the resulting $F(f,\dot{f})$ candidate patterns with iterative $\alpha$-(de)blending, a deterministic diffusion-type generative model implemented as a U-Net, well suited to the non-Gaussian, correlated noise of the $F$-statistic output. Two models, trained on data based on simulated 6- and 12-day time-domain segments with software-injected signals similar to the LVK hardware injections, are tested by comparing deblended images to the library of expected signal patterns via the Structural Similarity Index Measure. In general the method recovers the correct sky-position-dependent pattern for signal-to-noise ratios $\rho \gtrsim 4$, moderately below typical all-sky detection thresholds, with recovery depending strongly on pattern morphology, demonstrating that deterministic diffusion-based denoising may serve as a consistency/veto tool ahead of the semi-coherent coincidence stage. We also discuss limitations and possible improvements of the method.
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General Relativity and Quantum Cosmology

Testing the equivalence principle with lunar laser ranging residuals from different planetary and lunar ephemerides

Lunar laser ranging (LLR) provides a sensitive test of the equivalence principle (EP) through a possible synodic perturbation in the Earth–Moon distance. In this work, we develop an independent LLR data-reduction framework and investigate this signature in the post-fit O–C residuals obtained with the EPM21, INPOP21, and DE430 planetary and lunar ephemerides. The same observation model and parameter-adjustment procedure are applied to the three ephemerides, allowing their residual-based results to be compared within a consistent framework. To account for the nonuniform distribution of LLR observations over the synodic angle $D$, the residuals are fitted with cosine and sine harmonics up to the third order. Signal-injection tests are also performed to quantify the attenuation of a possible $\cos D$ signal during the parameter adjustment. After correcting for signal attenuation, solar radiation pressure, and the thermal response of the lunar retroreflectors, the preferred EPM21, INPOP21, and DE430 solutions yield $\Delta(m_g/m_i)_{\rm EM}=(0.900\pm3.183)\times10^{-14}$, $(0.496\pm3.624)\times10^{-14}$, and $(2.669\pm7.048)\times10^{-14}$, respectively. The EPM21 and INPOP21 results are based on observations from 1970 to 2024, whereas the DE430 solution was obtained using observations up to 2016. All three estimates are consistent with zero within their uncertainties. This work demonstrates that residual-based analysis can provide an independent and transparent EP test, while also offering guidance for assessing sampling and ephemeris-dependent effects in future high-precision LLR studies.
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All authors Jun Ke, Jie Luo, Qin Li, Yu-Jie Tan, Cheng-Gang Shao

General Relativity and Quantum Cosmology

Periodic Orbits of Van der Waals Black Holes

Black holes in asymptotically anti-de Sitter (AdS) spacetime whose extended-phase-space thermodynamics reproduces that of a van der Waals fluid exactly form a distinctive class, the van der Waals black holes (VBHs). The timelike geodesics of VBHs are solved, their periodic orbits are catalogued, and the gravitational waves emitted along them are computed, so as to trace how the thermodynamic pressure P and the molecular-volume parameter b shape the orbital dynamics. Integrating the geodesic equations numerically yields the energy, angular momentum and radius of the innermost stable circular orbit (ISCO) and maps out the family of bound orbits. To delimit the parameter window in which the effective potential stays well behaved, we introduce a critical angular momentum Ls. Within the orbit-classification scheme, we compute the energies corresponding to rational q for several parameter sets and display the resulting orbits. The waveforms produced along these orbits are generated within the "Kludge" formalism, which makes it possible to quantify the imprint of b on the wave amplitude and on the period. Both the orbital architecture and the gravitational-wave signature turn out to be strongly sensitive to b. The dynamical behavior of VBHs and Schwarzschild-AdS (SAdS) black holes differs markedly, providing a new perspective for probing black hole thermodynamics via gravitational wave observations.
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General Relativity and Quantum Cosmology · Cross-listed from hep-th

Quantum geometry of gravitons

We uncover the quantum geometric structure of graviton Wigner functions and stress-energy tensors via quantum field theory in curved spacetime, revealing the phase-space geometry of spacetime and relativistic quantum-state manifolds. We show that the polarization mode expansion of the underlying graviton field operator is fully captured by quantum geometry, as encoded in the spinor-helicity formalism, thereby establishing the geometric framework from the outset. Applying this to a weak gravitational background, we demonstrate the roles of the quantum metric and connection in describing graviton transport beyond the chiral vortical effect. We also clarify the role of the quantum metric in normalizing the perfect-fluid graviton stress tensor within this approach. This work paves the path for explorations of multistate Hilbert-space geometry in high-energy and gravitational physics. In addition, this framework naturally encompasses lower-spin excitations, allowing for a unified quantum geometric treatment of bosonic and fermionic many-body systems in condensed matter and particle physics.
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General Relativity and Quantum Cosmology

Charged Black Hole Solution in Hoyle Narlikar Gravity and its Thermodynamic Properties

In this paper, we derive a new class of analytic black hole solutions within the framework of Hoyle–Narlikar gravity, where the black hole is surrounded by an electric charge acting as the source. After obtaining the corresponding metric, we investigate the thermodynamic properties of the resulting black hole solutions, including the Hawking temperature and entropy. Subsequently, we compute the specific heat and Gibbs free energy in order to analyse the thermodynamic stability of the black hole in Hoyle–Narlikar gravity. An interesting result of our analysis is that the black hole becomes thermodynamically stable for large values of the horizon radius within this framework.
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General Relativity and Quantum Cosmology

Thermodynamic stability of the new black hole solution in $f(R,G,T)$ gravity

In this literature, we derive an approximate black hole metric within the \( f(R, G, T) \) gravity framework, where the black hole is surrounded by an anisotropic fluid as the matter source. This approach allows us to study the influence of anisotropic pressures on the black hole structure. We then investigate the thermodynamic properties of the approximate solution, considering various types of matter fields. We analyze the thermodynamic quantities such as Wald's entropy, Hawking temperature, and specific heat for each case. After examining the specific heat, we find that the black holes are thermodynamically stable, with positive specific heat values indicating stability. This result suggests that the black holes under these conditions do not undergo thermal instability, ensuring their long-term viability.
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General Relativity and Quantum Cosmology

Dynamical Structure of Einasto Dark Matter Wormholes: Thin-Shell Stability and Particle Transitions

In this manuscript, we develop topologically charged static and spherically symmetric wormhole (WH) configurations in Einstein gravity by employing the Einasto dark matter profile to construct an analytic shape function. The resulting spacetime satisfies the fundamental traversability conditions, while the matter sector exhibits localized violations of energy conditions near the throat, indicating confined exotic matter content. We analyze equilibrium through the TOV framework, revealing a non-equilibrium force competition in which hydrostatic and anisotropic contributions self-organize to sustain static configurations within specific parameter domains. Stability is examined via the anisotropy parameter and further extended to linearized radial perturbations of the surrounding shell, uncovering parameter-dependent stability windows that characterize the system's nonlinear response. A detailed dynamical analysis shows that the monopole charge parameter significantly restructures the effective potential landscape, modifying curvature and inducing qualitative transitions in particle motion. The coupled interplay between monopole charge, angular momentum, and particle energy governs a nonlinear transition from tightly wound quasi-bound states to unbounded scattering trajectories. This transition reflects an emergent dynamical phase structure in the WH spacetime. Furthermore, the complexity factor exhibits strong localization near the throat and vanishes asymptotically, indicating that structural complexity is confined to the inner nonlinear regime, whereas a volume integral quantifier is employed to estimate the total exotic matter content required to sustain the configuration.
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All authors M. Yousaf, Faisal Javed, Gulzoda Rakhimova, Farkhod Botirov, Farruh Atamurotov

General Relativity and Quantum Cosmology

Inspiral waveforms of charged compact binaries and observational constraints

Electric charges carried by compact objects can affect binary dynamics and imprint characteristic signatures on gravitational-wave signals. We derive next-to-leading-order post-Newtonian frequency-domain waveforms for charged compact binaries in both the gravitational-quadrupole and electric-dipole dominated regimes, including electromagnetic corrections beyond leading-order electric-dipole radiation that reduce the degeneracy between the component charge-to-mass ratios. Using gravitational wave events from GWTC-5.0, we place constraints on the charge-to-mass ratio and mass of each component of the binary system.
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All authors Zi-Han Zhang, Wen-Hong Ruan, Tan Liu, Zong-Kuan Guo

General Relativity and Quantum Cosmology

Interior gravitational perturbations to naked singularities of a scalar field

For the $k$-self-similar naked singularity solutions of Einstein–scalar field equations constructed by Christodoulou, we construct a family of interior gravitational perturbations leading to trapped surface formation that remain large but finite at the threshold Hölder regularity, while converging to zero in all regularities below the threshold. This extends the interior spherically symmetric result below the threshold in \cite{Li25} to non-spherically symmetric setting. We further construct a genuinely localized family of perturbations whose angular support shrinks to a single point, with smooth convergence to zero away from that point. This exploits the additional angular freedom available beyond spherical symmetry. Moreover, when measured instead in Sobolev regularity, such genuinely localized family of perturbations still converges to zero in all regularities below the same threshold.
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General Relativity and Quantum Cosmology

Quasinormal modes of Reissner-Nordström black hole from bound state spectrum

We apply a newly proposed bound state method to revisit the computation of gravitational and electromagnetic quasinormal modes (QNMs) for Reissner-Nordström black holes (RNBHs). It is found that the method yields QNM frequencies of high accuracy for low-lying modes with overtones $n\leq3$. The accuracy degrades for higher overtones, however, a homotopy deformation to the potential enables us to compute more high overtone modes reliably. It is known that the continued fraction method for computing QNMs of extremal RNBHs differs significantly from that used for nonextremal ones. In contrast, the bound state method demonstrates advantage of simplicity: one only need to account for the definition of tortoise coordinate in the extremal case, and the rest of the computational procedure remains exactly the same as that for the nonextremal case.
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Sunday 13 September

General Relativity and Quantum Cosmology

Gravitating sources with zero energy density in cosmology

A cosmological source can have identically zero comoving energy density and still gravitate through its pressure. This differs from an energy density passing through zero at an isolated time. Maintaining zero density with nonzero pressure requires energy exchange in a nonstatic FLRW universe. We construct proportional-pressure and constant-pressure backgrounds, including steady-state, bouncing, recollapsing, and $\Lambda$CDM expansion histories, and relate them to creation pressure, bulk viscosity, and time-dependent vacuum descriptions. Scalar fields can realize zero density along a trajectory; imposing it as an identity on a timelike $P(X,\phi)$ domain selects $P=A(\phi)\sqrt{X}$, locally a signed potential-free cuscuton for nonzero $A$. We formulate linear perturbations without dividing by the vanishing background density. For a nondegenerate $P(X,\phi)$ scalar with a timelike field gradient, zero density and negative pressure cannot coexist with positive kinetic and gradient coefficients when the interaction leaves its principal kinetic structure unchanged. Two models couple the scalar to number-conserving dust through a field-dependent mass. The proportional-pressure trajectory is a homogeneous saddle and has no growing power-law dust mode on its accelerating branch in the matter-sourced quasistatic subhorizon approximation. A distinct constant-pressure model reproduces the $\Lambda$CDM expansion history, but in the same approximation the dust mode that initially grows during matter domination reaches a maximum at low redshift and then decays. These restrictions apply to the stated scalar class and models. Exact Bianchi I solutions demonstrate separately conserved zero-density sources supported by anisotropic stress. An inverse-pressure construction distinguishes the density of an interacting constituent from an inferred dark-energy density that may cross zero.
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All authors Özgür Akarsu, Cihad K{\i}br{\i}s, Burcu Öztürk, N. Merve Uzun

General Relativity and Quantum Cosmology

Horizon Response to Orbital Redistribution in Self Consistent Einstein–Vlasov Black Hole Environments

We study whether orbital redistribution in a self consistent spherical Einstein–Vlasov environment can change the asymptotic normalization of a black hole horizon while the horizon mass, particle rest mass and ADM mass are all held fixed. The matter variable is the occupation of regular bound orbital actions, so the stress tensor, orbital energies and gravitational field are determined by the same distribution. Linearization of the spherical mass constraint gives a kinetic variation law in which orbital energy is conjugate to occupation and the inner lapse ratio multiplies the horizon mass variation. On a locally regular equilibrium branch, mixed variations imply an integrated reciprocity relation between the central mass derivative of orbital energy and the directional response of the horizon normalization. We construct finite mass populations and trace constant mass redistribution curves. For the reference rest mass ratio $0.30$, the calculated endpoint surface gravity shifts are approximately $+15.37$ and $-15.33$ parts per million. The constrained response cancels at simultaneous dilute and Newtonian order, is nonzero for exact Schwarzschild orbits, and is further modified by self gravity. Independent balance, integral, derivative and refinement tests resolve the response well below its reported magnitude.
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All authors Anirudh Pradhan, K. Ghaderi, M. Zeyauddin, Ajit Kumar

General Relativity and Quantum Cosmology

Bounds on Black Bounces from Phenomenological Imprints

In this work, we derive phenomenological constraints on a symmetric black-bounce geometry supported by an anisotropic fluid. We investigate the effects of the bounce parameter and the matter parameter on classical and strong-field observables, considering the perihelion advance, light deflection, Shapiro time delay, and black-hole shadow. In the weak-field regime, we obtain analytical corrections to the corresponding general-relativistic predictions and use Solar-System measurements to constrain the parameter space. We find that the matter parameter is generally constrained more strongly than the minimum-radius scale, reflecting the suppressed dependence of weak-field observables on the bounce parameter. In the strong-field regime, we show that the asymptotic shadow radius depends directly on the matter parameter, whereas the bounce parameter enters through the existence condition of the outer unstable photon orbit rather than through an independent correction to the shadow size. These results highlight the distinct roles played by the matter and bounce parameters in weak- and strong-field observables and provide complementary constraints on the parameter space of the symmetric black-bounce geometry.
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General Relativity and Quantum Cosmology

Full set of scenarios of high energy collision in the Schwarzschild background and kinematic censorship

We consider collisions between particles moving freely in the Schwarzschild background. We suggest classification of scenarios that lead to unbounded energy output in the center of mass frame. Although this is forbidden in the exterior of a black hole, the phenomenon becomes possible with account of white hole region and mirror universe in the complete space-time diagram. Also, we scrutinize collisions in the vicinity of the bifurcation point and reveal the role of resting observers in the inner region beyond the horizon. In some scenarios $E_{c.m.}$ not only diverges but becomes seemingly infinite that is, as a matter of fact, impossible according to the principle of so-called kinematic censorship. We resolve a corresponding paradox and argue, why this principle remains valid.
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All authors A. V. Toporensky, P. Gusin, A. Radosz, O. B. Zaslavskii

General Relativity and Quantum Cosmology

Self-Gravitation of Mode Quanta in a Causal Resonator: One-Loop Finiteness in Linearized Quantum Gravity and the Emergence of the Dark-Energy Scale

Perturbative quantum gravity is ultraviolet divergent and, as shown by 't Hooft and Veltman, non-renormalizable. A recent object-relative, Lorentz-invariant weighting of internal electromagnetic modes renders selected one-loop contributions of quantum electrodynamics finite without counterterms. Here that weighting is derived rather than postulated: causality defines a mode resonator bounded by the Hubble radius and re-defined in every inertial frame, and the self-gravitation of each mode quantum deforms its spectrum. Applied to linearized gravity, the graviton self-coupling reaches order unity at the Planck wave number, so that the mode content available to a loop is suppressed beyond it. Any suppression exceeding a threshold fixed by the diagram renders the one-loop integrals finite; no cutoff is imposed and no mode structure above the Planck scale need be derived. For pure gravity the same power counting extends to every loop order, and the leading suppression already meets the resulting condition for every topology with more than one vertex; a single class of single-vertex insertions is excluded. The Bianchi identity takes the role of the Ward identity at one loop, and the transformation between the resonators of two inertial frames is unitary. The same finite mode content yields a vacuum energy density of order H^2/G, of the observed sign and magnitude, from the Planck and causal infrared wave numbers alone. A contribution tracking the instantaneous expansion rate is an exact rescaling of the gravitational constant and is excluded by primordial nucleosynthesis, so the mode basis must be frozen in any inertial system; referring it to the stationary de Sitter horizon fixes the remaining coefficient to the geometric value 6/pi and makes a value for the energy density of gravitational vacuum fluctuations possible which can be interpreted as origin of the dark-energy effect.
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General Relativity and Quantum Cosmology · Cross-listed from hep-th

Emergent Einstein-Cartan gravity from a spinor loop

In Einstein-Cartan spinor gravity under the irreversible vierbein postulate, only the spinor among the first-order variables has a kinetic term of its own at tree level. Any nonzero background vierbein breaks the local-Lorentz (LL) symmetry spontaneously. Our previous work showed that the spinor loop generates the kinetic and mass terms of the LL gauge field, manifesting LL as a hidden local symmetry. Here we show that the spinor loop also generates the vierbein two-point function, while respecting the background gauge invariance and satisfying the Ward-Takahashi identities of the true gauge invariance, for both the general-coordinate and LL symmetries. The scheme-independent logarithmic divergence assembles the familiar induced-gravity ingredients: a cosmological constant, an Einstein-Hilbert and a Weyl-squared term for the metric sector, and a mass and a higher-derivative kinetic term for the totally antisymmetric torsion. In the vierbein sector, this torsion is carried by the derivative of the antisymmetric part of the linear vierbein fluctuation. This part is the would-be Nambu-Goldstone boson of the spontaneously broken LL symmetry, and its couplings in the minimally coupled action are all fixed by general-coordinate and LL gauge invariance. The five induced terms form a single effective action, manifestly invariant under both symmetries, completing the vierbein sector of the hidden-local-Lorentz emergent-gravity scenario.
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All authors Yadikaer Maitiniyazi, Shinya Matsuzaki, Kin-ya Oda, Yoshiki Uchida, Masatoshi Yamada

General Relativity and Quantum Cosmology · Cross-listed from hep-th

Attraction and repulsion along extremal Einstein–two-Maxwell–dilaton branches

We study extremal mass branches in four-dimensional Einstein gravity coupled to one dilaton and two Maxwell fields with opposite-sign dilaton couplings. For generic couplings the extremal mass is governed by a nonlinear first-order equation with no known closed-form solution. We prove that this equation has a unique positive $C^2$ solution on the full real charge-ratio line and that the solution is real analytic, so positivity on the entire positive charge cone selects a unique global mass branch. Along this branch, any two nonproportional positive charge vectors attract for $ab>-1$, have vanishing leading force at $ab=-1$, and repel for $ab<-1$. The same transition fixes the transverse convexity of the extremal mass surface and the sign of the mass difference under arbitrary finite positive-charge partitions. The sign theorem extends to higher dimensions through the known dimensional rescaling. A radial reconstruction then shows that every point of the mass branch defines an asymptotically flat exterior with a finite-area inner endpoint, while smooth or analytic horizon extension is a separate condition that restricts the couplings and scalar flow.
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General Relativity and Quantum Cosmology

Localization of Vector and Fermion Fields on a Thick Brane with a Lump-type Scalar Background

We study a thick braneworld model in asymptotically anti-de Sitter spacetime, supported by a non-topological lump-type scalar field. Unlike in boson stars, which are also non-topological solutions, the complex scalar field in our setup must have zero oscillation frequency. Consequently, the background scalar field is static and real, which breaks the global $U(1)$ symmetry. This is similar to spontaneous symmetry breaking, but it is not the same. We then investigate the localization of vector and fermion fields within this framework. By introducing a specific non-minimal coupling, we demonstrate that the zero modes of both fields can be successfully localized. Notably, this mechanism allows for the simultaneous localization of both left- and right-handed fermion zero modes.
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General Relativity and Quantum Cosmology

Perturbations and quasinormal modes of black holes in general relativity coupled to nonlinear electrodynamics

We investigate the quasinormal spectra and time-domain evolution of scalar, electromagnetic, and gravitational perturbations of the Einstein-Bronnikov black hole in Einstein gravity coupled to nonlinear electrodynamics. The effective potentials associated with all perturbation sectors are shown to form positive potential barriers that vanish at the event horizon and spatial infinity. Their height increases with the magnetic charge, while the scalar perturbation possesses the largest potential barrier. Unlike the Reissner-Nordström black hole, axial and polar electromagnetic perturbations are characterized by distinct effective potentials, demonstrating the breaking of isospectrality due to nonlinear electrodynamics. Quasinormal frequencies are computed using the sixth-order WKB approximation and the asymptotic iteration method, yielding excellent agreement for both fundamental and higher overtone modes. The oscillation frequencies increase monotonically with the magnetic charge, whereas the damping rates exhibit only moderate variations, confirming the linear stability of the Einstein-Bronnikov black hole under all perturbations considered. Time-domain profiles display exponentially damped ringdown signals consistent with the frequency-domain analysis. These results demonstrate that nonlinear electrodynamics leaves measurable imprints on black hole perturbations and may provide observational signatures for testing regular black hole geometries through future gravitational wave observations.
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All authors Uktamjon Uktamov, Bakhtiyor Narzilloev, Ibrar Hussain, Bobomurat Ahmedov, Chengxun Yuan

General Relativity and Quantum Cosmology · Cross-listed from hep-th

Holographic Casimir Effect for Mixed Boundary Conditions and non-CFTs

This paper investigates the holographic Casimir effect in AdS/BCFT with a brane-localized scalar field. The scalar field takes different values at the strip's two boundaries, leading to mixed boundary conditions. The massive brane-localized scalar field typically breaks the boundary conformal symmetries, allowing us to study the holographic Casimir effect in non-CFTs. In two-dimensional spacetime, we apply the holographic g-theorem to prove the holographic bound on the Casimir effect for general brane-localized matter fields. In higher dimensions, we find that the brane-localized scalar field reduces the Casimir amplitude when the mass squared \(m^2=0\), but can increase it when \(m^2 < 0\). Additionally, there is a no-hair theorem for the cases where \(m^2>0\). These findings indicate that relevant boundary deformations can enhance the Casimir effect. As a byproduct, we obtain a gravitational dual of the repulsive Casimir force under mixed boundary conditions and argue that it aligns with the cosmic censorship conjecture.
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General Relativity and Quantum Cosmology

Parameter Estimation of Ringdown Quasinormal Modes with Autoencoder

Ringdown gravitational waves from binary black hole mergers can be modeled as superpositions of quasinormal modes (QNMs), whose frequencies and excitation factors encode properties of the remnant Kerr black hole. Reliable extraction of multiple QNM components is challenging because of mode overlap and noise. We develop an autoencoder-based framework for multi-component QNM analysis, in which the latent space is trained to represent the physical parameters of individual modes, enabling waveform denoising and parameter estimation within a common framework. Using controlled model waveforms constructed as finite sums of Kerr QNMs with recently established high-precision frequencies and excitation factors, including their nontrivial spin dependence near resonant excitation, we assess the method across partitioned spin intervals. The model achieves good in-domain waveform reconstruction and parameter recovery for the two longest-lived components of eight-component input waveforms, while its performance degrades when the validation spins lie far outside the training range. In a selected spin interval, the framework also recovers the 32 parameters of an eight-component waveform with good overall agreement. These results demonstrate the feasibility of physics-informed autoencoder-based inference for a prescribed multi-component ringdown waveform family and motivate further tests with progressively more realistic signals.
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General Relativity and Quantum Cosmology

Simulation of PBH formation in a matter-dominated universe

We investigate primordial black hole (PBH) formation during an early matter-dominated era using fully nonlinear numerical relativity. The initial condition is set by a functional form of the curvature perturbation including ellipticity, which makes the configuration triaxial. Two kinds of matter descriptions are considered: dust fluid and collisionless particles. In the dust fluid description, numerical computation crashes associated with the appearance of a singularity at which the fluid density diverges, unless the singularity is hidden well inside the apparent horizon. We found that, for the dust fluid description, to observe the horizon formation before calculations crash, the initial amplitude must be larger than the previous analytic estimation by a factor of 2. On the other hand, with the particle system description, calculations do not crash, and we may observe black hole formation after subsequent evolution of the system. Then the threshold of black hole formation is significantly smaller than the previous analytic estimation by an order of magnitude.
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All authors Chul-Moon Yoo, Albert Escrivà, Tomohiro Harada, Kazunori Kohri

General Relativity and Quantum Cosmology

From massless wormholes to massive black bounces: Shadows and multiple light rings

We develop a general framework for constructing massive black bounce geometries from massless wormhole seeds by introducing a position-dependent mass function while preserving the underlying areal-radius profile. We apply this procedure to the generalized Ellis-Bronnikov wormhole and obtain a new family of generalized Bardeen-like black bounce space-times, which continuously interpolates between traversable wormholes and regular black holes. We investigate the motion of massive particles and photons and show that, in contrast with the simpler orbital structure of the massless generalized Ellis-Bronnikov geometry, the generalized Bardeen-like space-time can exhibit multiple circular orbits and a rich light ring structure, including configurations with two unstable circular photon orbits separated by a stable one. We determine the corresponding photon sphere and shadow radii and compare our predictions with Event Horizon Telescope observations of Sgr A*, deriving observational constraints on the parameter space of the model. We further investigate the optical appearance produced by a geometrically and optically thin accretion disk through ray tracing. Multiple light rings generate characteristic nested structures in the high-resolution intensity profiles, whose relative brightness is strongly affected by the mass deformation and gravitational redshift. However, after modeling the finite angular resolution of the EHT with a Gaussian beam convolution, these fine structures are largely washed out, revealing a strong observational degeneracy between these exotic compact objects and standard black hole geometries at current EHT resolution.
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All authors G. Alencar, Kirill A. Bronnikov, T. M. Crispim, Diego Sáez-Chillón Gómez, Marcos V. de S. Silva

Saturday 12 September

General Relativity and Quantum Cosmology

Signature Failure and Minimum Spatial Quanta: Shear-Induced Quantum Boundaries for Gravitational Path Integrals

We investigate whether quantum metric fluctuations can destroy the differentiable Lorentzian support required for spacetime. We conjecture that non-Lorentzian metric elements are absent from the physical manifold and restrict admissible histories to a single continuing, causally connected four-dimensional geometry. To explore this proposal, we extrapolate the Gaussian transverse-traceless graviton vacuum to an additive metric ensemble with physical Fourier cutoff $k_{\max}=1/q$. A lattice model with local repair and selection of periodically winding differentiable-state components gives a minimum surviving scale $q_{\min}\simeq1.9\,\ell_{\rm P}$ over the simulated duration. We then examine two complementary curvature-induced deformations. For the Schwarzschild electric Weyl field, the smallest boundary radius at the center of a black hole, occurring when $q\simeq2.5\,\ell_{\rm P}$, is $r_{\rm qb}\simeq2.62\,C_W^{1/3}(r_g\ell_{\rm P}^2)^{1/3} \simeq1.91\times10^{-22}\, C_W^{1/3}\left(\rm M/\rm M_\odot\right)^{1/3}\mathrm{m}$, where $r_g=GM/c^2$ and $C_W$ parameterizes the finite-$q$ Weyl response. For homogeneous radiation, a supplementary Gaussian four-metric ensemble subject to linearized de Donder conditions gives $\rho_{\rm qb}/\rho_{\rm P}\simeq1.31\times10^{-2}/C_R$ at $q=2.5\,\ell_{\rm P}$, where $C_R$ is the corresponding Ricci-response coefficient. The local homogeneous criterion is unchanged under reversal of the expansion rate. These model-dependent thresholds motivate a possible replacement of classical singular continuations by finite-curvature quantum boundaries.
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General Relativity and Quantum Cosmology

Traversable Hyperbolic Wormholes with a Casimir-Memory Source: Complexity and Shell-Free Matching

Hyperbolically symmetric wormholes provide a setting in which negative energy densities arise from the throat geometry and finite matter configurations can be matched to the hyperbolic Schwarzschild vacuum. We construct such configurations from a matter-first perspective using an effective Casimir source corrected by a gravitational-memory contribution, $\rho(r)=-\alpha/r^4+\eta/r^7$. The $r^{-7}$ term is motivated by the persistent shift of the Casimir vacuum energy after a transient gravitational perturbation, while its promotion to a radial source is treated phenomenologically. The density determines the shape function, and the temporal geometry is fixed through complexity-based conditions. Full vanishing complexity, $Y_{TF}=0$, is first imposed and then relaxed through a one-parameter deformation, $Y_{TF}=(p-3)r_0/(2r^3)$. Decomposing the complexity factor into local and throat contributions shows that local vanishing complexity occurs at $p=\beta'(r_0)$. At this value, besides the constant-redshift solution of the finite-$r$-derivative branch, a second lapse branch is regular in radial distance. We show that pressure-free Darmois matching in the finite-$r$-derivative family requires $p<\beta'(r_0)$, enforcing tangential null and strong-energy-condition violations at the throat throughout the matching domain. The density remains negative in the matter-supported region, implying weak- and dominant-energy-condition violations independently of the lapse branch. The memory parameter modifies the flare-out domain, redshift profile, and matching data, while finite pressure-free junctions permit smooth matching to the hyperbolic Schwarzschild vacuum without thin shells. The construction combines a memory-corrected Casimir source with a unified complexity framework in which the temporal sectors emerge as related branches of the same radial geometry.
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All authors Celio R. Muniz, Roberto Avalos, Jonathan A. Rebouças, Francisco Bento Lustosa, Francisco Tiago Barboza Sampaio

General Relativity and Quantum Cosmology · Cross-listed from hep-th

Modular flow and the area operator

In the context of the AdS/CFT correspondence, the Jafferis-Lewkowycz-Maldacena-Suh (JLMS) formula relates the boundary modular Hamiltonian to the HRT area operator and the corresponding bulk modular Hamiltonian. In standard discussions of a holographic code built from perturbative excitations on a fixed classical background, the $A/4G$ term dominates over the bulk modular Hamiltonian in the limit $G \to 0$. However, this setup is insufficient to describe the action of boundary modular flows that change the classical background. In contrast, our recent discussion of `large' codes provides a useful framework to obtain a JLMS formula that relates bulk and boundary modular flows acting on appropriate states in the code. Here, one sees that the bulk modular Hamiltonian is not in fact subdominant when the modular flow defined by one state acts on another state peaked around a sufficiently different classical background. Instead, the bulk modular Hamiltonian can be of order $1/G$ and can dominate over the $A/4G$ term. Nevertheless, we show that if the two states have the same classical background except for data conjugate to the HRT area then, under mild assumptions and over a large range of flow parameters, the modular-flowed state is described by a classical background given by the HRT-area flow alone.
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General Relativity and Quantum Cosmology

Quantum black hole ringdown

The ringdown of a black hole following a merger is a potential candidate for revealing the signatures of quantum gravity in the emerging gravitational waves. In quantum theory, black holes are expected to have a discrete area and energy spectrum, which conflicts with the classical notion of an horizon that absorbs all infalling perturbations. We propose that the quantum black hole dissipates the energy it cannot absorb by emitting “soft” gravitons that carry away the energy difference between the energy of the infalling perturbation and the quantum transition energy. We find that the ringdown spectrum is consequently enriched with low-frequency components, and that there exists a weak low-frequency flux that persists for a timescale much longer than the ringdown itself.
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General Relativity and Quantum Cosmology · Cross-listed from astro-ph.IM

A compact time-domain reduced order quadrature for gravitational wave inspirals with non-stationary noise

We develop the first time-domain reduced order quadrature for gravitational waves in the early inspiral period, motivated by the need for dataset compression in the presence of gaps, uneven sampling, and dense covariance matrices. A single reduced basis with 1290 elements can represent inspirals from supermassive black hole binary sources with chirp masses between $10^7-10^{10}$ $M_\odot$, but in the presence of non-stationary noise $\sim 1290^2$ reduced order quadrature weights must be stored. We are able to reduce the stored weights by a factor of two by partitioning our parameter space by GW frequency, with relative waveform/likelihood accuracies remaining below $10^{-5}$/$10^{-3}$ after partition. Finally, we point out that heterodyning can be combined with reduced order methods with no loss in accuracy. Our reduced order quadrature makes inspiral searches in the time domain feasible for both pulsar timing arrays and relative stellar astrometry.
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General Relativity and Quantum Cosmology

Black Hole Solutions with Scalar Fields and Anisotropic Matter in Non-Minimal $Y(R)F^2$ Gravity

We investigate exact spherically symmetric and static black hole solutions in a non-minimally coupled Einstein–Maxwell theory of the $Y(R)F^2$ type, extended by a minimally coupled real scalar field and an anisotropic matter distribution. The Maxwell field is coupled to the spacetime curvature through an arbitrary function of the Ricci scalar, while the scalar field is described by a kinetic term and a scalar potential. We obtain exact solutions for power-law and logarithmic forms of the non-minimal coupling function and analyze the corresponding spacetime geometries. In particular, we identify a special $\beta=-1/3$ case for which the general power-law solution becomes singular and derive a new logarithmic metric by solving the field equations independently. The resulting configurations are asymptotically flat and exhibit modified gravitational properties associated with the interplay between the scalar field, anisotropic matter, and non-minimal electromagnetic coupling. We further show that the magnetic solutions admit electrically charged counterparts through an electromagnetic duality transformation, under which the metric and scalar sector remain invariant while the non-minimal coupling function is inverted. The obtained solutions provide a useful framework for investigating black hole horizons, thermodynamic properties, geodesic motion, and astrophysical phenomena such as galactic rotation curves in curvature-dependent electromagnetic theories.
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General Relativity and Quantum Cosmology

On the Classical, Penrose, and Reverse Isoperimetric Inequalities in Black Holes: Insights From AdS to Flat Riemannian Backgrounds

A collection of evidence is presented showing that the conjectured reverse isoperimetric inequality (RII) for asymptotically anti-de Sitter (AdS) as well as de Sitter (dS) black holes, ${\cal R}_\text{RII} \ge 1$, is of fundamental importance and its violation (${\cal R}_\text{RII} < 1$) gives rise to either thermodynamic instabilities, or physically unreasonable solutions, or naked singularities. We show that AdS black holes violating reverse isoperimetric inequality, known as superentropic black holes, satisfy neither mechanical stability requirement of ${\kappa _T} \geqslant {\kappa _S} \geqslant 0$ nor thermal stability requirement of ${C_P} \geqslant {C_V} \geqslant 0$. This property makes them thermodynamically unstable for the whole range of parameter space and explains all the diverse behaviors so far reported. We conjecture this statement holds for all superentropic black holes. We confirm that there is no counterexample to the thermodynamic instability conjecture of superentropic black holes and extend this to dS space by presenting the first example of superentropicity in dS space. By bringing evidence, we then propose two other conjectures: 1) there is no asymptotically flat limit of superentropic black holes, and 2) there exist two stronger versions of Penrose isoperimetric inequality (PII) for asymptotically flat black holes; the first is the asymptotically flat limit of the RII and the second is a new inequality in terms of the ADM mass and the thermodynamics volume, that we call thermo-volumetric inequality, obtained via insights from the $\Lambda \to 0$ limit of extended black hole thermodynamics in AdS. We show that the Penrose isoperimetric inequality (PII) is weaker than the reverse isoperimetric inequality (RII), as demonstrated explicitly for $D=4,5$ and for all black hole families we have examined.
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