Gravitational wave astronomy: the definitive test for the "Einstein frame versus Jordan frame" controversy

TL;DR

Gravitational wave astronomy could provide a definitive observational test to distinguish between the Einstein and Jordan frames by analyzing the scalar component of GWs and their effects on test masses.

Contribution

This paper proposes that GW observations can conclusively resolve the longstanding Einstein versus Jordan frame controversy in gravitational physics.

Findings

Scalar GWs produce different test mass motions in the two frames

Detection of scalar GWs can discriminate between Einstein and Jordan frames

GW astronomy has the potential to settle fundamental debates in gravitation

Abstract

The potential realization of a gravitational wave (GW) astronomy in next years is a great challenge for the scientific community. By giving a significant amount of new information, GWs will be a cornerstone for a better understanding of the universe and of the gravitational physics. In this paper the author shows that the GW astronomy will permit to solve a captivating issue of gravitation as it will be the definitive test for the famous "Einstein frame versus Jordan frame" controversy. In fact, we show that the motion of the test masses, i.e. the beam splitter and the mirror in the case of an interferometer, which is due to the scalar component of a GW, is different in the two frames. Thus, if a consistent GW astronomy will be realized, an eventual detection of signals of scalar GWs will permit to discriminate among the two frames. In this way, a direct evidence from observations will solve in an ultimate way the famous and long history of the "Einstein frame versus Jordan frame" controversy.