# Probing observational bounds on scalar-tensor theories from standard sirens

## TL;DR

This paper demonstrates how future gravitational wave observations from the Einstein telescope can tightly constrain scalar-tensor theories and $f(R)$ gravity models, improving our understanding of cosmic acceleration.

## Contribution

It introduces a simulated catalog of standard sirens for the Einstein telescope and uses it to set new bounds on scalar-tensor theories and $f(R)$ gravity, highlighting the potential of future GW data.

## Key findings

- New bounds on the running of the Planck mass.
- Potential to test $f(R)$ gravity deviations up to 95% confidence.
- Future GW observations can significantly constrain modified gravity theories.

## Abstract

Standard sirens are the gravitational wave (GW) analog of the astronomical standard candles, and can provide powerful information about the dynamics of the Universe. In this work, we simulate a catalog with 1000 standard siren events from binary neutron star mergers, within the sensitivity predicted for the third generation of the ground GW detector called Einstein telescope. After correctly modifying the propagation of GWs as input to generate the catalog, we apply our mock data set on scalar-tensor theories where the speed of GW propagation is equal to the speed of light. As a first application, we find new observational bounds on the running of the Planck mass, when considering appropriate values within the stability condition of the theory, and we discuss some consequences on the amplitude of the running of the Planck mass. In the second part, we combine our simulated standard sirens catalog with other geometric cosmological tests (Supernovae Ia and cosmic chronometers measurements) to constrain the Hu-Sawicki $f(R)$ gravity model. We thus find new and non-null deviations from the standard $\Lambda$CDM model, showing that in the future the $f(R)$ gravity can be tested up to 95\% confidence level. The results obtained here show that the statistical accuracy achievable by future ground based GW observations, mainly with the ET detector (and planed detectors with a similar sensitivity), can provide strong observational bounds on modified gravity theories.