Proca Stars in Higher-Derivative Gravity: Frozen Stars Emerge
Research Paper#Theoretical Physics, General Relativity, Compact Objects🔬 Research|Analyzed: Jan 3, 2026 17:10•
Published: Dec 31, 2025 03:22
•1 min read
•ArXivAnalysis
This paper explores the behavior of Proca stars (hypothetical compact objects) within a theoretical framework that includes an infinite series of corrections to Einstein's theory of gravity. The key finding is the emergence of 'frozen stars' – horizonless objects that avoid singularities and mimic extremal black holes – under specific conditions related to the coupling constant and the order of the curvature corrections. This is significant because it offers a potential alternative to black holes, addressing the singularity problem and providing a new perspective on compact objects.
Key Takeaways
- •Investigates Proca stars in a higher-derivative gravity framework.
- •Identifies 'frozen stars' as horizonless, singularity-free solutions.
- •Frozen stars mimic extremal black holes outside a critical radius.
- •The behavior depends on the coupling constant and the order of curvature corrections.
Reference / Citation
View Original"Frozen stars contain neither curvature singularities nor event horizons. These frozen stars develop a critical horizon at a finite radius r_c, where -g_{tt} and 1/g_{rr} approach zero. The frozen star is indistinguishable from that of an extremal black hole outside r_c, and its compactness can reach the extremal black hole value."