Spontaneous scalarization of regular Hayward black holes in Einstein-nonlinear electromagnetic-scalar gravity

Abstract Regular Hayward black holes provide a useful arena for examining scalarization in theories with nonminimally coupled matter sectors. In the framework of Einstein-nonlinear electromagnetic-scalar gravity, we identify the tachyonic threshold that signals the bifurcation from the bald Hayward background and then obtain scalarized charged black holes for both quadratic $(1-\alpha\varphi^2)$ and exponential $(e^{-\alpha \varphi^2})$ couplings. These configurations form a discrete set of branches classified by the number of nodes in the scalar field. The branch with $n=0$ is the fundamental one, whereas solutions with $n\geq 1$ are excited branches. By studying radial perturbations, we find that the fundamental branch is stable for both coupling choices, which makes it the most relevant branch for future phenomenological and observational studies.