On the phase transition mechanism of spontaneous scalarization
arXiv:2503.11385 · doi:10.1103/qh47-qv76
Abstract
In certain modified gravity theories that include additional scalar degrees of freedom, compact objects such as black holes and neutron stars may undergo a process known as spontaneous scalarization, in which the scalar field is suddenly activated beyond a certain critical point. Since its discovery, it has been clear that this effect can be understood in many cases as a continuous phase transition, well described by the phenomenological Landau model. Recently, it has been pointed out that spontaneous scalarization can also manifest as a first-order phase transition. In this paper, we take a closer look at the nature of spontaneous scalarization as a phase transition, analyzing in detail cases where it occurs as either a second- or first-order transition, as well as a more unconventional scenario characterized by a negative scalar susceptibility. Critical exponents are explicitly computed, and implications for dynamical scalarization are discussed. Moreover, the dynamics of a first-order phase transition is probed through fully nonlinear numerical simulations.
arXiv comment13 pages, 11 figures. Results from numerical simulations are included in this version
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