Modified theories of gravity with non-minimal curvature-matter coupling

TL;DR

This paper explores a generalized class of modified gravity theories with non-minimal curvature-matter coupling, analyzing their physical viability through energy conditions and stability criteria.

Contribution

It introduces a new class of $f(R)$ gravity models with non-minimal coupling and investigates their physical consistency and stability conditions.

Findings

The model exhibits unique features in energy exchange between matter and curvature.

Energy conditions impose constraints on the model parameters.

Stability analysis via Dolgov-Kawasaki criterion identifies viable parameter ranges.

Abstract

In this contribution one examines the generalization of the $f(R)$ theories of gravity where one introduces a non-minimal coupling between curvature and matter. This model has new and interesting features. %, specially concerning the energy exchange between the matter fields and the curvature. However, as any modified gravity theories, these may give origin to anomalies which might turn the theory physically meaningless. In this respect, one undertakes a study on the energy conditions and the Dolgov-Kawasaki criterion specific of this new model.