Study of Curvature-Matter Coupling in Modified Gravity

Abstract: Over the past century, General Relativity (GR) has been a cornerstone of gravitational theory. However, recent cosmological observations, such as the accelerated expansion of the Universe, challenge its completeness and the standard $\Lambda$CDM model. This has motivated the development of alternative approaches, including dynamical dark energy and modifications to gravity. This thesis investigates the $f(R, L_m)$ gravity framework, which extends $f(R)$ gravity by introducing curvature-matter coupling, to address unresolved issues in modern cosmology. Chapter 1 reviews the foundations of cosmology, GR, and $\Lambda$CDM, discussing their challenges and introducing modified gravity theories. Chapter 2 studies cosmic expansion in a specific non-linear $f(R, L_m)$ model, analyzing its dynamics using updated $H(z)$ and Pantheon datasets and demonstrating a deceleration-to-acceleration transition. Chapter 3 introduces a model-independent Hubble parameter parametrization and explores cosmological variables using MCMC and combined data. Chapter 4 incorporates bulk viscosity into $f(R, L_m)$ models to explain late-time acceleration and applies Om diagnostics and energy conditions. Chapter 5 examines non-singular matter bounce cosmologies, analyzing bouncing dynamics and the evolution of cosmographic parameters. Chapter 6 addresses gravitational baryogenesis and shows how $f(R, L_m)$ gravity supports the observed baryon-to-entropy ratio. Chapter 7 summarizes the results and suggests directions for future work.