# Gravity theory with a dark extra dimension

## TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel gravity theory with a zero-length extra dimension that avoids Kaluza-Klein modes, predicts a nonpropagating vector-tensor multiplet, and could potentially explain dark matter phenomena such as flat galactic rotation curves.

## Contribution

It presents a new vacuum gravity model with an extra dimension of zero proper length, free of Kaluza-Klein modes, featuring a unique vector-tensor multiplet that may replace dark matter.

## Key findings

- Predicts asymptotically flat galactic rotation curves.
- Features a nonpropagating vector-tensor multiplet.
- Proposes a geometric alternative to dark matter.

## Abstract

We set up a vacuum theory of gravity with an extra dimension of vanishing proper length. The most general solution to the field equations are presented. This formulation is free of Kaluza-Klein modes and does not allow the propagation of gravitons along the invisible fifth direction. Apart from a vacuum energy and radiation, the associated emergent theory exhibits a nonpropagating vector-tensor multiplet which has no analogue in standard Einstein gravity. It is naturally inert, obeys a bounded equation of state and has coupling properties radically different from ordinary matter. Based on these distinctive features, we propose that this geometric multiplet could supercede the hypothetical ``dark matter''. As further evidence in support of this possibility, we show that the galactic rotation curves are predicted to be asymptotically flat.