Gauge invariant formulation of gravitational waves in metric $f(R)$ gravity

Abstract: We analyze the gravitational waves propagation in metric $f(R)$ theories of gravity. In particular, adopting a gauge invariant formalism we clearly determine the exact propagating degrees of freedom. Then, investigating their effects on test masses via geodesic deviation equation, we show that the additional dynamical degree contained in such extended formulations is actually responsible for two distinguished polarizations, corresponding to a breathing and a longitudinal mode, respectively.