Junction Conditions in f(R) Theories of Gravity

TL;DR

This paper generalizes junction conditions in f(R) gravity theories using conformal equivalence with GR and explores new braneworld scenarios through a specific matter coupling.

Contribution

It extends Israel junction conditions to f(R) theories via direct integration and proposes a novel matter coupling for braneworld models.

Findings

Generalized junction conditions for f(R) gravity.

Introduction of a non-minimal matter coupling.

Potential for new braneworld scenarios.

Abstract

Taking advantage of the conformal equivalence of f(R) theories of gravity with General Relativity coupled to a scalar field we generalize the Israel junction conditions for this class of theories by direct integration of the field equations. We suggest a specific non-minimal coupling of matter to gravity which opens the possibility of a new class of braneworld scenarios.