Gravitational wave astronomy: the definitive test for the "Einstein frame versus Jordan frame" controversy

Abstract

The potential realization of a gravitational wave (GW) astronomy in next years is a great challenge for the scientific community. By giving a significant amount of new information, GWs will be a cornerstone for a better understanding of the universe and of the gravitational physics. In this paper the author shows that the GW astronomy will permit to solve a captivating issue of gravitation as it will be the definitive test for the famous "Einstein frame versus Jordan frame" controversy. In fact, we show that the motion of the test masses, i.e. the beam splitter and the mirror in the case of an interferometer, which is due to the scalar component of a GW, is different in the two frames. Thus, if a consistent GW astronomy will be realized, an eventual detection of signals of scalar GWs will permit to discriminate among the two frames. In this way, a direct evidence from observations will solve in an ultimate way the famous and long history of the "Einstein frame versus Jordan frame" controversy.

Corrected latest typos. This definitive version matches the version to be published in Astroparticle Physics 34 (2011) 412-419, 22 pages

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• Frame-invariant approach to higher-dimensional scalar-tensor gravity
• Cosmological Solutions of a Nonlocal Model with a Perfect Fluid
• The commutator algebra of covariant derivative as general framework for extended gravity. The Rastall theory case and the role of the torsion
• Invariant slow-roll parameters in scalar-tensor theories
• Asymptotically Lifshitz black hole solutions in F(R) gravity
• Non-minimally Coupled Cosmological Models with the Higgs-like Potentials and Negative Cosmological Constant
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