Scalar Coherence Theory (SCT): From Coherent Structure Formation to Black Hole Collapse — A Derived-Coupling Scalar–Tensor Framework with Multi-Survey Observational Validation

Scalar Coherence Theory (SCT) is a phenomenological scalar–tensor framework in which galactic gravitational anomalies emerge from gradients of a vacuum-equilibrium coherence field Q generated by baryonic matter-energy organization. In the updated formulation, the coupling parameter Alpha is no longer treated as a free galaxy-by-galaxy parameter. Instead, Alpha is derived directly from the coherence field, reducing parameter arbitrariness and improving theoretical closure. The framework introduces a continuous transition sequence extending from coherent structure-building regimes to collapse-dominated inverse-Q regimes associated with structural degradation and black hole formation. Observational validation was performed using the Unified Galaxy HI Rotation Curve Corpus v7.0, including SPARC, THINGS, LITTLE THINGS, and WALLABY surveys (438 galaxies in total). Global results show: • Mean R² improvement from 0.618 to 0.721.• Mean ΔR² = +0.103.• Positive improvement in approximately 74% of galaxies.• Improved coupling stability relative to the previous free-Alpha formulation. The present work is strictly phenomenological. No claims regarding dark matter replacement, modified gravity, or cosmology are made. Independent validation through weak-lensing observations, direct comparisons with established halo models, and cosmological tests remains necessary. This work presents SCT as a testable observational framework describing transitions between coherent structure formation and collapse-dominated regimes.