https://doi.org/10.1140/epjc/s10052-026-15781-2
Regular Article - Theoretical Physics
The standard siren tests of viable f(R) cosmologies
1
School of Electronic Science and Engineering, Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications, 400065, Chongqing, China
2
Zhijin No.9 Senior High School, 552100, Guizhou, China
a
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Received:
4
February
2026
Accepted:
30
April
2026
Published online:
4
June
2026
Abstract
We constrain the Hu–Sawicki and Starobinsky f(R) gravity models utilizing current electromagnetic (PantheonPlus + cosmic chronometers [PP+CC], Planck, and DESI2) datasets and simulate standard siren (SS) catalogs based on the resulting best-fit parameters. We demonstrate that the simulated SS data provide complementary sensitivity to the modified gravitational wave propagation friction term, thereby enhancing the discriminating power between f(R) gravity and the 
CDM model. However, we note that standard sirens do not offer a viable resolution to the Hubble tension in this analysis, as the inferred constraints are predominantly driven by the fiducial cosmologies adopted in the simulations. Regarding the specific models, we find that for the Hu–Sawicki scenario, several data combinations favor 
, implying potential theoretical instabilities. And, for the Starobinsky model, while electromagnetic-only constraints are nearly symmetric between the two parameter branches (
and 
), the inclusion of SS constraints introduces mild asymmetries, revealing the sensitivity of SS observables to the curvature dependence of the theory. Future truly independent standard siren observations would be crucial for a definitive assessment of f(R) gravity as an alternative to CDM.
© The Author(s) 2026
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