Ghost-free, gauge invariant SVT generalizations of Horndeski theory

Abstract

We analyze the generalizations of Kaluza--Klein compactifications of 5D Horndeski theory. They are Scalar--Vector--Tensor (SVT) theories with higher derivatives in the action, but with second order equations of motion. The vector field is invariant under a U(1) gauge transformation and the Scalar--Tensor sector corresponds to Horndeski theory. A subclass of these SVT theories is such that the Horndeski functions $G_4(\pi,X)$ and $G_5(\pi)$ remain free, while the speed of the tensor and vector modes is exactly the same. We show a subclass where the vector sector retains freedom through new functions of $\pi,\, X$ while the speed of the vector modes still tracks the speed of the tensor modes.