Black holes and solitons in generalized scalar-tensor gravity models

Abstract

This project deals with the construction of black hole and soliton solutionsin extended scalar-tensor gravity models. While General Relativity remains the best theory we have for the gravitational interaction today, a number of questions arises with respect to observational data as well as general theoretical aspects. In recent years, scalar-tensor gravity models have been suggested to give answers to a number of these problems and typically contain non-minimal couplings between the metric tensor (and quantities derived from it) as well as a scalar field. While these models have been discussed extensively with respect to their phenomenology, little is known about actual solutions to the corresponding equations of motion. These have - in general - to be solved numerically. The aim of this project is to investigate the existence of black hole as well as solitonic, i.e. star-like solutions to the models currently discussed. This project is timely as it allows to test scalar-tensor gravity models that are relevant not only for black hole physics, but also for the primordial universe. Furthermore, once the solutions are known, predictions for observational data such as gravitational waves as well as future measurements of the polarization of the Cosmic Microwave background can be made. (AU)