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Formation of Primordial Black Holes as Dark Matter Candidates in a Two-Field Induced Gravity Inflationary Model


Core Concepts
This research paper proposes a two-field induced gravity inflationary model that, through conformal transformation, becomes a chiral cosmological model capable of producing primordial black holes (PBHs) with masses aligning with those considered potential dark matter candidates.
Abstract
  • Bibliographic Information: Pozdeeva, E.O., & Vernov, S.Y. (2024). Primordial Black Holes in Induced Gravity Inflationary Models with Two Scalar Fields. SPACE, TIME AND FUNDAMENTAL INTERACTIONS, 1(46), 90–94. https://doi.org/arXiv:2401.12040

  • Research Objective: This study aims to present a two-field inflationary model with an induced gravity term that allows for the formation of primordial black holes (PBHs) as a potential explanation for dark matter.

  • Methodology: The authors utilize a conformal transformation to convert the induced gravity model into a chiral cosmological model (CCM) with two scalar fields. Numerical calculations are employed to analyze the behavior of these scalar fields during inflation and determine the resulting inflationary parameters. The mass of potential PBHs formed in this model is estimated using established formulas relating the duration of inflationary stages to PBH mass.

  • Key Findings: The proposed model successfully generates inflationary parameters consistent with recent observational data. The model demonstrates the formation of PBHs during a specific stage of inflation characterized by the violation of slow-roll conditions. The calculated mass range of these PBHs falls within the range considered plausible for dark matter candidates.

  • Main Conclusions: The two-field induced gravity inflationary model presented provides a viable mechanism for PBH formation. The model's ability to produce PBHs with masses aligning with potential dark matter candidates strengthens the link between early universe physics and the present-day composition of the universe.

  • Significance: This research contributes to the ongoing investigation into the nature of dark matter and the potential role of PBHs in the universe's evolution. The model's connection to modified gravity theories further encourages exploration at the intersection of cosmology and particle physics.

  • Limitations and Future Research: The authors acknowledge the simplified nature of the chosen potential function and suggest further development of the model by incorporating more realistic potentials motivated by particle physics. Investigating the processes during and after inflation in both the Jordan and Einstein frames is proposed as an avenue for future research.

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Stats
ns = 0.9622 r = 0.0266 As = 2.10 ⋅ 10−9 10−17 MJ ⩽MPBH ⩽10−12MJ
Quotes
"The possibility that a significant fraction or even the totality of the dark matter is not a new form of matter but consists of primordial black holes (PBHs) is actively discussed." "In this paper, we propose a two-field inflationary model with the induced gravity term. Using conformal transformation of the metric, we get a chiral cosmological model [24–29] (CCM) with two scalar fields." "The estimation of PBH masses shows that PBHs can be considered as dark matter candidates."

Deeper Inquiries

How might future advancements in observational cosmology further constrain or support the existence of PBHs within the proposed mass range for dark matter?

Several observational advancements hold the potential to either strengthen or challenge the hypothesis of PBHs as a significant constituent of dark matter within the specified mass range: Improved Gravitational Wave Astronomy: Future gravitational wave detectors, such as the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) and the Einstein Telescope, will possess enhanced sensitivity compared to current instruments. This heightened sensitivity will enable the detection of gravitational wave signals originating from PBH mergers occurring in the early Universe. The frequency characteristics and merger rates of these signals can provide crucial insights into the abundance and mass distribution of PBHs, potentially confirming their existence within the desired mass range for dark matter. Microlensing Surveys: Ongoing and upcoming microlensing surveys, including those conducted by the Rubin Observatory Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST), will meticulously observe vast numbers of stars. The transient brightening of these stars due to the gravitational lensing effect of intervening PBHs can be used to constrain the PBH population. By analyzing the duration and frequency of these microlensing events, astronomers can infer the abundance and mass of PBHs, providing further constraints on their viability as dark matter candidates. Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) Observations: Future CMB experiments, aiming for higher sensitivity and resolution, can probe the imprints left by PBHs on the CMB. The gravitational effects of PBHs during the early Universe would have influenced the growth of structure and the evolution of the CMB anisotropies. Precise measurements of these anisotropies can be used to constrain the abundance and mass of PBHs, offering valuable insights into their potential role as dark matter. Spectral Distortions in the CMB: PBHs can leave distinct spectral distortions in the CMB through processes like accretion and Hawking radiation. Future experiments designed to detect these subtle distortions with high precision can provide valuable information about the properties and abundance of PBHs, further constraining their contribution to the dark matter content of the Universe.

Could alternative dark matter candidates, such as weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPs), be incorporated into this model alongside PBHs?

Yes, it is possible to conceive of cosmological scenarios where PBHs coexist with other dark matter candidates, such as WIMPs, within a unified framework. Multi-component Dark Matter: The observed dark matter could be composed of multiple constituents, each with its own origin and properties. In this context, PBHs could constitute a fraction of the total dark matter abundance, while WIMPs or other hypothetical particles account for the remaining portion. Such a scenario would require specific mechanisms for the production of both PBHs and WIMPs in the early Universe, potentially involving extensions to the standard model of particle physics. Interplay Between PBHs and WIMPs: The presence of both PBHs and WIMPs in the early Universe could lead to intriguing interactions and observational signatures. For instance, WIMPs could be gravitationally captured by PBHs, forming dense halos around them. These halos could enhance the annihilation rate of WIMPs, potentially producing observable signals in the form of gamma rays or other cosmic rays. Combined Constraints from Observations: The existence of both PBHs and WIMPs would impose combined constraints on their respective properties and abundances. Observations related to gravitational waves, microlensing, the CMB, and direct detection experiments would need to be reconciled within a consistent framework that accommodates both types of dark matter candidates.

If PBHs do constitute a significant portion of dark matter, what implications would this have for our understanding of galaxy formation and evolution?

If PBHs comprise a substantial fraction of dark matter, it would profoundly impact our comprehension of galaxy formation and evolution: Early Seeding of Structures: The presence of PBHs in the early Universe would provide additional seeds for structure formation. Their gravitational pull could accelerate the accretion of matter, leading to the earlier formation of galaxies and galaxy clusters compared to scenarios dominated by WIMP-like dark matter. Influence on Galaxy Morphology: The distribution and clustering properties of PBHs would influence the morphology and dynamics of galaxies. For instance, a higher concentration of PBHs in galactic centers could lead to the formation of more compact and massive bulges. Impact on Star Formation: PBHs could influence star formation rates within galaxies. Their gravitational interactions with gas clouds could trigger or suppress star formation, potentially leading to variations in the star formation histories of galaxies. Black Hole Growth and AGN Activity: PBHs could serve as seeds for the growth of supermassive black holes found at the centers of galaxies. Accretion onto these PBHs could power active galactic nuclei (AGNs), influencing the evolution of their host galaxies. Constraints from Galaxy Dynamics: The observed dynamics of stars and gas within galaxies impose constraints on the distribution and properties of dark matter. If PBHs constitute a significant portion of dark matter, their presence would need to be consistent with these dynamical constraints.
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