Modified gravity with ln \(R\) terms and cosmic acceleration (Q702882)

In this paper the authors demonstrated that modified gravity with \(\ln R\) or \(R^{-n}(\ln R)^n\) terms may be responsible for the current acceleration of the universe. Hence, like the simplest \(1/R\) modified gravity this provides the gravitational alternative for dark energy. Moreover, the presence of higher derivative terms like \(R^2\) (which may be responsible for early time inflation) helps to pass the existing arguments (instabilities, solar system tests) against such modification of the Einstein gravity. The theory may also have the well-acceptable Newtonian limit. Thus, modified gravity with \(R^2\) terms seems to be a viable classical theory.