Interpreting cosmological tensions from the effective field theory of torsional gravity

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates how a specific torsional gravity model within the effective field theory framework can simultaneously resolve the Hubble constant and matter fluctuation tensions in cosmology, providing a novel approach beyond standard models.

Contribution

It introduces a new torsional gravity model that can alleviate both cosmological tensions simultaneously, a first in the field.

Findings

The proposed model fits observational data effectively.

It alleviates both H_0 and σ_8 tensions.

It supports modified gravity as a viable explanation for cosmological tensions.

Abstract

Cosmological tensions can arise within $\Lambda$CDM scenario amongst different observational windows, which may indicate new physics beyond the standard paradigm if confirmed by measurements. In this article, we report how to alleviate both the $H_0$ and $\sigma_8$ tensions simultaneously within torsional gravity from the perspective of effective field theory (EFT). Following these observations, we construct concrete models of Lagrangians of torsional gravity. Specifically, we consider the parametrization $f(T)=-T-2\Lambda/M_P^2+\alpha T^\beta$, where two out of the three parameters are independent. This model can efficiently fit observations solving the two tensions. To our knowledge, this is the first time where a modified gravity theory can alleviate both $H_0$ and $\sigma_8$ tensions simultaneously, hence, offering an additional argument in favor of gravitational modification.