Chern–Simons modified general relativity

• DOI: 10.1016/j.physrep.2009.07.002
• Publication Date: 2009-07-30T10:52:26Z
• Authors: Stephon Alexander; Nicolás Yunes
• Keywords: High Energy Physics - Theory; High Energy Astrophysical Phenomena (astro-ph.HE); Cosmology and Nongalactic Astrophysics (astro-ph.CO); FOS: Physical sciences; General Relativity and Quantum Cosmology (gr-qc); 01 natural sciences; General Relativity and Quantum Cosmology; High Energy Physics - Theory (hep-th); 0103 physical sciences; Astrophysics - High Energy Astrophysical Phenomena; Astrophysics - Cosmology and Nongalactic Astrophysics

Chern-Simons modified gravity is an effective extension of general relativity that captures leading-order, gravitational parity violation. Such an effective theory is motivated by anomaly cancelation in particle physics and string theory. In this review, we begin by providing a pedagogical derivation of the three distinct ways such an extension arises: (1) in particle physics, (2) from string theory and (3) geometrically. We then review many exact and approximate, vacuum solutions of the modified theory, and discuss possible matter couplings. Following this, we review the myriad astrophysical, solar system, gravitational wave and cosmological probes that bound Chern-Simons modified gravity, including discussions of cosmic baryon asymmetry and inflation. The review closes with a discussion of possible future directions in which to test and study gravitational parity violation.<br/>104 pages, 2 figures, 186 references, Invited Review accepted for publication in Phys. Repts. This version corrects a minor typo in Eq. (174) of the published version<br/>