Constructing degenerate higher-order theories

Scalar-tensor theories serve models for inflation and dark energy. Many efforts have been made recently for constructing the most general scalar-tensor theories with higher-order derivatives in their Lagrangian. Since higher-derivative theories are typically associated with Ostrogradsky ghost which causes unbounded Hamiltonian, it is important to clarify how to evade it. In this talk, I will explain construction of healthy degenerate theories with higher-order derivatives which circumvent Ostrogradsky ghost.  The method also allows us to construct ghost-free theories with derivatives higher than second order in Lagrangian.

Dates: 

Mardi, 12 juin, 2018 - 14:00

Salle / Local: 

483 A - Malevitch

Nom/Prénom // Last name/First name: 

Hayato Motohashi

Affiliation: 

Yukawa Institute for Theoretical Physics, Kyoto University

Equipe(s) organisatrice(s) / Organizing team(s): 

  • Théorie