Parametrized post-Newtonian limit of general teleparallel gravity theories

Abstract

We derive the post-Newtonian limit of a general class of teleparallel gravity theories, whose action is given by a free function of three scalar quantities obtained from the torsion of the teleparallel connection. This class of theories is chosen to be sufficiently generic in order to include the $f(T)$ class of theories as well as new general relativity as subclasses. To derive its post-Newtonian limit, we first impose the Weitzenb\"ock gauge, and then introduce a post-Newtonian approximation of the tetrad field around a Minkowski background solution. Our results show that the class of theories we consider is fully conservative, with only the parameters $\ensuremath{\beta}$ and $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ potentially deviating from their general relativity values. In particular, we find that the post-Newtonian limit of any $f(T)$ theory is identical to that of general relativity, so that these theories cannot be distinguished by measurements of the post-Newtonian parameters alone.