The $\omega\to\infty$ limit of Brans-Dicke gravity revisited

TL;DR

This paper revisits the limit of Brans-Dicke gravity as the parameter omega approaches infinity, clarifying misconceptions using a conformal transformation approach without relying on conformal invariance.

Contribution

It demonstrates that the conformal invariance often assumed in this context is spurious and provides a clearer understanding of the omega to infinity limit in Brans-Dicke theory.

Findings

The conformal invariance property is shown to be spurious.

A new perspective on the omega to infinity limit is provided.

Clarification of misconceptions in previous analyses.

Abstract

The $\omega\to\infty$ limit of Brans-Dicke theory is studied with the help of the conformal transformation approach without resorting, however, to the conformal invariance property of this formalism, that is shown to be spurious.