Speaker
Robert Benkel
(University of Nottingham)
Description
A linear coupling between a scalar field and the Gauss–Bonnet invariant is the only known interaction term between a scalar and the metric that: respects shift symmetry; does not lead to higher order equations; inevitably introduces black hole hair in asymptotically flat, 4-dimensional spacetimes. I will consider a scalar-tensor theory of gravity that includes such a coupling and present results of numerical simulations of hair formation in a static, spherically symmetric background. I will also show that backgrounds describing stellar collapse yield similar field configurations. I will then discuss the physical implications of these results and possible extensions of our work to rotating spacetimes.
Primary authors
Helvi Witek
Robert Benkel
(University of Nottingham)
Thomas Sotiriou
