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No-Go Theorems for Generalized Chameleon Field Theories

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arxiv 1208.4612 v1 pith:UQZKWYJ2 submitted 2012-08-22 astro-ph.CO gr-qchep-th

classification astro-ph.COgr-qchep-th
keywords scalarchameleontheorieschameleon-likecosmicdensityeffectfield
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The chameleon, or generalizations thereof, is a light scalar that couple to matter with gravitational strength, but whose manifestation depends on the ambient matter density. A key feature is that the screening mechanism suppressing its effects in high-density environments is determined by the local scalar field value. Under very general conditions, we prove two theorems limiting its cosmological impact: i) the Compton wavelength of such a scalar can be at most Mpc at present cosmic density, which restricts its impact to non-linear scales; ii) the conformal factor relating Einstein- and Jordan-frame scale factors is essentially constant over the last Hubble time, which precludes the possibility of self-acceleration. These results imply that chameleon-like scalar fields have a negligible effect on the linear-scale growth history; theories that invoke a chameleon-like scalar to explain cosmic acceleration rely on a form of dark energy rather than a genuine modified gravity effect. Our analysis applies to a broad class of chameleon, symmetron and dilaton theories.

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