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Constraining F(R) Gravity As A Scalar-Tensor Theory, Thomas Faulkner, Max Tegmark, Emory F. Bunn, Yi Mao
Constraining F(R) Gravity As A Scalar-Tensor Theory, Thomas Faulkner, Max Tegmark, Emory F. Bunn, Yi Mao
Physics Faculty Publications
We search for viable f(R) theories of gravity, making use of the equivalence between such theories and scalar-tensor gravity. We find that models can be made consistent with solar system constraints either by giving the scalar a high mass or by exploiting the so-called chameleon effect. However, in both cases, it appears likely that any late-time cosmic acceleration will be observationally indistinguishable from acceleration caused by a cosmological constant. We also explore further observational constraints from, e.g., big bang nucleosynthesis and inflation.