Hamiltonian perturbation theory in f(R) gravity

Abstract

Hamiltonian perturbation theory is used to analyse the stability of f(R) models. The Hamiltonian equations for the metric and its momentum conjugate are written for f(R) Lagrangian in the presence of perfect fluid matter. The perturbations examined are perpendicular to R. As perturbations are added to the metric and momentum conjugate to the induced metric instabilities are found, depending on the form of f(R). Thus the examination of these instabilities is a way to rule out certain f(R) models.