General analysis of Noether symmetries in Horndeski gravity

Abstract

AbstractWe explore Noether symmetries of Horndeski gravity, extending the classification of general scalar–tensor theories. Starting from the minimally coupled scalar field and the first-generation scalar–tensor gravity, the discussion is generalised to kinetic gravity braiding and Horndeski gravity. We highlight the main findings by focusing on the non-minimally coupled Gauss–Bonnet term and the extended cuscuton model. Finally, we discuss how the presence of matter can influence Noether symmetries. It turns out that the selected Horndeski functions are unchanged with respect to the vacuum case.