Palatini frames in scalar–tensor theories of gravity

A new systematic approach extending the notion of frames to the Palatini scalar–tensor theories of gravity in various dimensions n>2\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$$n>2$$\end{document} is proposed. We impose frame transformation induced by the group action which includes almost-geodesic and conformal transformations. We characterize theories invariant with respect to these transformations dividing them up into solution-equivalent subclasses (group orbits). To this end, invariant characteristics have been introduced. The formalism provides new frames incorporating non-metricity that lead to re-definition of Jordan frames. The case of Palatini F(R)-gravity is considered in more detail.