Noether current of the surface term of Einstein-Hilbert action, Virasoro algebra, and entropy (Q903804)

Summary: A derivation of Noether current from the surface term of Einstein-Hilbert action is given. We show that the corresponding charge, calculated on the horizon, is related to the Bekenstein-Hawking entropy. Also using the charge, the same entropy is found based on the Virasoro algebra and Cardy formula approach. In this approach, the relevant diffeomorphisms are found by imposing a very simple physical argument: \textit{diffeomorphisms keep the horizon structure invariant}. This complements similar earlier results [the author and \textit{T. Padmanabhan}, ``Noether current from the surface term of gravitational action, Virasoro algebra, and horizon entropy'', Phys. Rev. D 86, No. 10, Article ID 101501 (2012; \url{doi:10.1103/PhysRevD.86.101501})] obtained from York-Gibbons-Hawking surface term. Finally, we discuss the technical simplicities and improvements over the earlier attempts and also various important physical implications.