Can the Chameleon mechanism explain cosmic acceleration while satisfying Solar System constraints ?

TL;DR

This paper investigates whether the chameleon mechanism can explain cosmic acceleration while remaining consistent with Solar System tests, using cosmological and Solar System data to constrain its viability.

Contribution

It provides combined cosmological and Solar System constraints on the chameleon mechanism within massive tensor-scalar theories of gravity.

Findings

Constraints on the chameleon mechanism from Supernovae Ia data

Solar System constraints using PPN formalism

Assessment of the mechanism's ability to reconcile cosmic acceleration with local gravity tests

Abstract

The chameleon mechanism appearing in massive tensor-scalar theory of gravity can effectively reduce the nonminimal coupling between the scalar field and matter. This mechanism is invoked to reconcile cosmological data requiring introduction of Dark Energy with small-scale stringent constraints on General Relativity. In this communication, we present constraints on this mechanism obtained by a cosmological analysis (based on Supernovae Ia data) and by a Solar System analysis (based on PPN formalism).