Constraining the noncommutative spectral action via astrophysical observations

Area of Science:

• Theoretical Physics
• Quantum Gravity
• Particle Physics

Background:

• The noncommutative spectral action provides a framework for unifying particle physics and gravity.
• It extends commutative spaces using spectral triples on almost commutative spaces.

Purpose of the Study:

• To constrain the gravitational sector of the noncommutative spectral action.
• To test for deviations from general relativity using astrophysical observations.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing pulsar timing observations.
• Comparing observational data with predictions from a modified Einstein-Hilbert gravity theory.

Main Results:

• Established weak bounds on the coupling constants of the modified gravitational theory.
• Demonstrated that current pulsar timing data shows no significant deviation from general relativity.

Conclusions:

• The noncommutative spectral action's gravitational sector is constrained, though current bounds are weak.
• Future pulsar timing observations hold potential for more stringent tests of this theory and general relativity.