Generically, non-linear bimetric theories of gravity suffer from the same Boulware-Deser ghost instability as non-linear theories of massive gravity. However, recently proposed theories of massive gravity have been shown to be ghost-free. These theories are formulated with respect to a flat, non-dynamical reference metric. In this work we show that it is possible to give dynamics to the reference metric in such a way that the consistency of the theory is maintained. The result is a non-linear bimetric theory of a massless spin-2 field interacting with a massive spin-2 field that is free of the Boulware-Deser ghost. To our knowledge, this is the first construction of such a ghost-free bimetric theory.

Bimetric gravity from ghost-free massive gravity

Theories of massive gravity inevitably include an auxiliary reference metric. Generically, they also contain an inconsistency known as the Boulware-Deser ghost. Recently, a family of non-linear massive gravity actions, formulated with a flat reference metric, were proposed and shown to be ghost free at the complete non-linear level. In this paper we consider these non-linear massive gravity actions but now formulated with a general reference metric. We extend the proof of the absence of the Boulware-Deser ghost to this case. The analysis is carried out in the ADM formalism at the complete non-linear level. We show that in these models there always exists a Hamiltonian constraint which, with an associated secondary constraint, eliminates the ghost. This result considerably extends the range of known consistent non-linear massive gravity theories. In addition, these theories can also be used to describe a massive spin-2 field in an arbitrary, fixed gravitational background. We also discuss the positivity of the Hamiltonian.

Ghost-free massive gravity with a general reference metric

In massive gravity and in bimetric theories of gravity, two constraints are needed to eliminate the two phase-space degrees of freedom of the Boulware-Deser ghost. For recently proposed non-linear theories, a Hamiltonian constraint has been shown to exist and an associated secondary constraint was argued to arise as well. In this paper we explicitly demonstrate the existence of the secondary constraint. Thus the Boulware-Deser ghost is completely absent from these non-linear massive gravity theories and from the corresponding bimetric theories. Equivalently, this proves the existence of classically ghost-free theories of massive spin-2 fields, in both fixed and dynamical gravitational backgrounds.

Confirmation of the Secondary Constraint and Absence of Ghost in Massive Gravity and Bimetric Gravity

We introduce the Vainshtein mechanism which plays a crucial role in massive gravities, as well as in related theories such as Galileons and their extensions. This mechanism, also known as k-mouflage, allows to hide via nonlinear effects—typically for source distances smaller than a so-called Vainshtein radius which depends on the source and on the theory considered—some degrees of freedom whose effects are then only left important at large distances, e.g. for cosmology. It is introduced here in nonlinear Fierz–Pauli theories (massive gravities), including the dRGT theories, in their decoupling limits, as well as in other models such as the DGP model or generalized Galileons. This presentation is self-contained, and before discussing the Vainshtein mechanism we introduce some useful results and concepts concerning massive gravity, such as the vDVZ discontinuity, the decoupling limits or the Boulware–Deser ghost.

An introduction to the Vainshtein mechanism

We compute the low energy effective field theory (EFT) expansion for single-field inflationary models that descend from a parent theory containing multiple other scalar fields. By assuming that all other degrees of freedom in the parent theory are sufficiently massive relative to the inflaton, it is possible to derive an EFT valid to arbitrary order in perturbations, provided certain generalized adiabaticity conditions are respected. These conditions permit a consistent low energy EFT description even when the inflaton deviates off its adiabatic minimum along its slowly rolling trajectory. By generalizing the formalism that identifies the adiabatic mode with the Goldstone boson of this spontaneously broken time translational symmetry prior to the integration of the heavy fields, we show that this invariance of the parent theory dictates the entire non-perturbative structure of the descendent EFT. The couplings of this theory can be written entirely in terms of the reduced speed of sound of adiabatic perturbations. The resulting operator expansion is distinguishable from that of other scenarios, such as standard single inflation or DBI inflation. In particular, we re-derive how certain operators can become transiently strongly coupled along the inflaton trajectory, consistent with slow-roll and the validity of the EFT expansion, imprinting features in the primordial power spectrum, and we deduce the relevant cubic operators that imply distinct signatures in the primordial bispectrum which may soon be constrained by observations. We dedicate this paper to the memory of our dear colleague and friend, Sjoerd Hardeman. His ideas, insights and diligence permeates every aspect of this work.

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Effective theories of single field inflation when heavy fields matter

The partial Hamiltonian analysis of the actions presented in the paper by M. Chaichian, M. Oksanen, A. Tureanu (Eur. Phys. J. C 71, 1657 (2011)) is incorrect; the true algebra of constraints differs from what they claim for their choice of momentum constraint. Our blind acceptance of the correctness of their constraint algebra led us to conclude, wrongly, that a few of the models presented by the authors (sharing the same constraint algebra) are not invariant under spatial diffeomorphism. We “proved” this by using Noether’s second theorem (see first version of the paper), but we then found a mistake in our calculations. The differential identity of spatial diffeomorphism is intact, therefore, their actions are invariant; but in this case, the spatial diffeomorphism gauge symmetry cannot be compatible with their algebra. We now explicitly demonstrate that the actual algebra of constraints is different, and briefly describe how it affects the generator and gauge transformations of the fields.

Comment on `Arnowitt--Deser--Misner representation and Hamiltonian analysis of covariant renormalizable gravity' by M. Chaichian, M. Oksanen, A. Tureanu

We reassess the conclusion by Klusoyn (J. High Energy Phys. 1007 (2010) 038) that the Hamiltonian formulation of the healthy extended Hoyrava-Lifshitz gravity does not present any problem.

Remarks on 'Note about Hamiltonian formalism of healthy extended Horava-Lifshitz gravity' by J. Kluson

We argue that the conclusion, `we cannot consider the Dirac approach as fundamental and undoubted', made in the paper by Shestakova (Class. Quantum Grav. 28 055009, 2011), is based upon an incomplete and flawed analysis of the simple model presented in section 3 of the article. We re-examine the analysis of this model and find that it does not support the author's conclusion. For the theory of gravity neither the equivalence of the effective action nor its Hamiltonian formulation is given by the author, therefore, we only provide a brief commentary.

Comment on `Hamiltonian formulation for the theory of gravity and canonical transformations in extended phase space' by T P Shestakova

We argue that there is nothing puzzling in the fact that the Hamiltonian formulation of a covariant theory, General Relativity, after a non-covariant change of field variables is not canonically related to the formulation based on the original variable, the metric tensor. Were such a puzzle to be "solved" it would lead to the conclusion that a covariant theory can be converted into a non-covariant one in many different ways and without consequence. The non-canonicity of transformations from covariant to non-covariant variables shows the need to work in the original variables so as to be able to restore the covariant gauge transformations in the Hamiltonian approach. Any modification of Dirac's procedure for the constrained Hamiltonian with the aim to prove the legitimacy of non-covariant changes of field variables, or rejection of Dirac's procedure as "not fundamental and undoubted" because it does not allow such changes (as recently suggested by Shestakova [CGQ, 28 (2011) 055009]), is equivalent to the rejection of the covariance of General Relativity, and to surrender to such temptation is truly puzzling.

Lagrangian symmetries of the ADM action. Do we need a solution to the "non-canonicity puzzle"?

We argue that the field-parametrization dependence of Dirac's procedure, for Hamiltonians with first-class constraints not only preserves covariance in covariant theories, but in non-covariant gauge theories it allows one to find the natural field parametrization in which the Hamiltonian formulation automatically leads to the simplest gauge symmetry.

P.G. Komorowski

Papers

Comment on `Arnowitt--Deser--Misner representation and Hamiltonian analysis of covariant renormalizable gravity' by M. Chaichian, M. Oksanen, A. Tureanu

Remarks on 'Note about Hamiltonian formalism of healthy extended Horava-Lifshitz gravity' by J. Kluson

Comment on `Hamiltonian formulation for the theory of gravity and canonical transformations in extended phase space' by T P Shestakova

Lagrangian symmetries of the ADM action. Do we need a solution to the "non-canonicity puzzle"?

Field-parametrization dependence of Dirac's method for constrained Hamiltonians with first-class constraints: failure or triumph? Non-covariant models