k-Mouflage gravity

TL;DR

This paper introduces a broad class of scalar-tensor gravity theories where gravity's strength varies with distance, being screened at small scales and enhanced at large, with potential cosmological implications.

Contribution

It proposes a new framework for scalar-tensor theories with a Vainshtein screening mechanism and adjustable crossover scales for cosmological relevance.

Findings

Scalar-tensor theories with distance-dependent gravity strength.

Screening mechanism analogous to Vainshtein at small scales.

Parameter choices allow cosmological crossover distances.

Abstract

We introduce a large class of scalar-tensor theories where gravity becomes stronger at large distances via the exchange of a scalar that mixes with the graviton. At small distances, i.e. large curvature, the scalar is screened via an analog of the Vainshtein mechanism of massive gravity. The crossover distance between the two regimes can be made cosmological by an appropriate choice of the parameters.