New energy definition for higher-curvature gravities

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Deser S., Tekin B.

PHYSICAL REVIEW D, vol.75, no.8, 2007 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 75 Issue: 8
  • Publication Date: 2007
  • Doi Number: 10.1103/physrevd.75.084032
  • Journal Name: PHYSICAL REVIEW D
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Middle East Technical University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

We propose a novel but natural definition of conserved quantities for gravity models of quadratic and higher order in curvature. Based on the spatial asymptotics of curvature rather than of metric, it avoids the more egregious problems-such as zero-energy '' theorems '' and failure in flat backgrounds-in this fourth-derivative realm. In D > 4, the present expression indeed correctly discriminates between second-derivative Gauss-Bonnet and generic, fourth-derivative actions.