Screening Solutions in Modified Gravity Theories

TL;DR

This paper explores how the LISA Pathfinder mission could test chameleon screening mechanisms in modified gravity theories by detecting unique tidal stress signatures near gravitational saddle points.

Contribution

It proposes a novel method to test chameleon screening in the Solar System using gravitational saddle points and LISA Pathfinder data.

Findings

Distinctive tidal stress signatures identified for chameleon models

Potential for constraining modified gravity theories with upcoming missions

Illustration through a simple example of testing screening mechanisms

Abstract

In this work, we illustrate through a simple example the possibility of testing the chameleon screening mechanism in the Solar System using the forthcoming LISA Pathfinder mission around gravitational saddle points. We find distinctive tidal stress signatures for such models and consider the potential for constraints.