2009

Scalar field mass in generalized gravity

Faraoni, Valerio

Understand

The notions of mass and range of a Brans-Dicke-like scalar field in scalar-tensor and f(R) gravity are subject to an ambiguity that hides a potential trap.

  • We spell out this ambiguity and identify a physically meaningful and practical definition for these quantities.
  • This is relevant when giving a mass to this scalar in order to circumvent experimental limits on the PPN parameters coming from Solar System experiments.

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