Nature of phase transitions and metastability in scalar-tensor theories
arXiv:2502.01781 · doi:10.1103/14xz-d7xf
Abstract
Compact stars above a critical stellar mass develop large scalar fields in some scalar-tensor theories. This scenario, called spontaneous scalarization, has been an intense topic of study since it passes weak-field gravity tests naturally while providing clear observables in the strong-field regime. The underlying mechanism for the onset of scalarization is often depicted as a second-order phase transition. Here, we show that a first-order phase transition is in fact the most common mechanism. This means metastability and transitions between locally stable compact object configurations are much more likely than previously believed, opening vast new avenues for observational prospects.
arXiv comment5+3 pages. Added discussion on the extraction of Landau ansatz parameters. Version published in PRL
References in corpus (28)
- A Massive Pulsar in a Compact Relativistic Binary
- GWTC-3: Compact Binary Coalescences Observed by LIGO and Virgo During the Second Part of the Third Observing Run
- Tests of general relativity with GW150914
- Black holes, gravitational waves and fundamental physics: a roadmap
- Tests of General Relativity with GW170817
- Spontaneous scalarization of black holes and compact stars from a Gauss-Bonnet coupling
- Tensor-scalar gravity and binary-pulsar experiments
- New Gauss-Bonnet black holes with curvature induced scalarization in the extended scalar-tensor theories
- Measuring the neutron star equation of state with gravitational wave observations
- Spontaneous scalarisation of charged black holes
- New Horizons for Fundamental Physics with LISA
- Strong-field Gravity Tests with the Double Pulsar
- Gravitational radiation from compact binary systems in the massive Brans-Dicke theory of gravity
- Spin-induced scalarized black holes
- Spin-induced black hole scalarization in Einstein-scalar-Gauss-Bonnet theory
- Spontaneous Scalarization with Massive Fields
- Neutron stars in scalar-tensor theories of gravity and catastrophe theory
- Spontaneous scalarization
- Eccentric black hole-neutron star mergers: effects of black hole spin and equation of state
- Eccentric Black Hole-Neutron Star Mergers
- Spontaneous scalarization in generalised scalar-tensor theory
- Closing a spontaneous-scalarization window with binary pulsars
- New class of quasinormal modes of neutron stars in scalar-tensor gravity
- Long-lived inverse chirp signals from core collapse in massive scalar-tensor gravity
- Spontaneous nonlinear scalarization of Kerr black holes
- Theory-agnostic framework for dynamical scalarization of compact binaries
- Gravitational waves from accretion-induced descalarization in massive scalar-tensor theory
- Subtleties in constraining gravity theories with mass-radius data