Scalar-torsion theories of gravity. I. General formalism and conformal transformations

We discuss the most general class of teleparallel scalar-torsion theories of gravity in their covariant formulation. The only restrictions we impose are the invariance of the action under diffeommphisms and local Lorentz transformations, as well as vanishing direct coupling of the matter fields to the teleparallel spin connection. In this general setting we discuss the implications of local Lorentz invariance and diffeommphism invariance and derive the general structure of the field equations. Further, we show how different theories of this class are related to each other by conformal transformations of the tetrad and redefinitions of the scalar field. We finally show how the formalism can be generalized to an arbitrary number of scalar fields, and provide a few examples.