Hamiltonian analysis of $n$-dimensional Palatini gravity with matter

Abstract

We consider the Palatini formalism of gravity with cosmological constant $Λ$ coupled to a scalar field $ϕ$ in $n$-dimensions. The $n$-dimensional Einstein equations with $Λ$ can be derived by the variation of the coupled Palatini action provided $n>2$. The Hamiltonian analysis of the coupled action is carried out by a $1+(n-1)$ decomposition of the spacetime. It turns out that both Palatini action and Hilbert action lead to the same geometric dynamics in the presence of $Λ$ and $ϕ$. While, the $n$-dimensional Palatini action could not give a connection dynamics formalism directly.

7 pages, accepted for pubilcation in Mod. Phys. Lett. A