Search results for " atom"
showing 10 items of 1526 documents
Generalized Ashtekar variables for Palatini f(R) models
2021
We consider special classes of Palatini f(R) theories, featured by additional Loop Quantum Gravity inspired terms, with the aim of identifying a set of modified Ashtekar canonical variables, which still preserve the SU(2) gauge structure of the standard theory. In particular, we allow for affine connection to be endowed with torsion, which turns out to depend on the additional scalar degree affecting Palatini f(R) gravity, and in this respect we successfully construct a novel Gauss constraint. We analyze the role of the additional scalar field, outlining as it acquires a dynamical character by virtue of a non vanishing Immirzi parameter, and we describe some possible effects on the area ope…
Finite Entanglement Entropy in Asymptotically Safe Quantum Gravity
2018
Entanglement entropies calculated in the framework of quantum field theory on classical, flat or curved, spacetimes are known to show an intriguing area law in four dimensions, but they are also notorious for their quadratic ultraviolet divergences. In this paper we demonstrate that the analogous entanglement entropies when computed within the Asymptotic Safety approach to background independent quantum gravity are perfectly free from such divergences. We argue that the divergences are an artifact due to the over-idealization of a rigid, classical spacetime geometry which is insensitive to the quantum dynamics.
Bootstrapping pentagon functions
2018
In PRL 116 (2016) no.6, 062001, the space of planar pentagon functions that describes all two-loop on-shell five-particle scattering amplitudes was introduced. In the present paper we present a natural extension of this space to non-planar pentagon functions. This provides the basis for our pentagon bootstrap program. We classify the relevant functions up to weight four, which is relevant for two-loop scattering amplitudes. We constrain the first entry of the symbol of the functions using information on branch cuts. Drawing on an analogy from the planar case, we introduce a conjectural second-entry condition on the symbol. We then show that the information on the function space, when comple…
Modular transformations of elliptic Feynman integrals
2021
We investigate the behaviour of elliptic Feynman integrals under modular transformations. This has a practical motivation: Through a suitable modular transformation we can achieve that the nome squared is a small quantity, leading to fast numerical evaluations. Contrary to the case of multiple polylogarithms, where it is sufficient to consider just variable transformations for the numerical evaluations of multiple polylogarithms, it is more natural in the elliptic case to consider a combination of a variable transformation (i.e. a modular transformation) together with a redefinition of the master integrals. Thus we combine a coordinate transformation on the base manifold with a basis transf…
Analytic continuation and numerical evaluation of the kite integral and the equal mass sunrise integral
2017
We study the analytic continuation of Feynman integrals from the kite family, expressed in terms of elliptic generalisations of (multiple) polylogarithms. Expressed in this way, the Feynman integrals are functions of two periods of an elliptic curve. We show that all what is required is just the analytic continuation of these two periods. We present an explicit formula for the two periods for all values of $t \in {\mathbb R}$. Furthermore, the nome $q$ of the elliptic curve satisfies over the complete range in $t$ the inequality $|q|\le 1$, where $|q|=1$ is attained only at the singular points $t\in\{m^2,9m^2,\infty\}$. This ensures the convergence of the $q$-series expansion of the $\mathr…
Variations on S-fold CFTs
2019
A local SL(2,Z) transformation on the Type IIB brane configuration gives rise to an interesting class of superconformal field theories, known as the S-fold CFTs. Previously it has been proposed that the corresponding quiver theory has a link involving the T(U(N)) theory. In this paper, we generalise the preceding result by studying quivers that contain a T(G) link, where G is self-dual under S-duality. In particular, the cases of G = SO(2N), USp'(2N) and G_2 are examined in detail. We propose the theories that arise from an appropriate insertion of an S-fold into a brane system, in the presence of an orientifold threeplane or an orientifold fiveplane. By analysing the moduli spaces, we test…
Entropy function from toric geometry
2021
It has recently been claimed that a Cardy-like limit of the superconformal index of 4d $\mathcal{N}=4$ SYM accounts for the entropy function, whose Legendre transform corresponds to the entropy of the holographic dual AdS$_5$ rotating black hole. Here we study this Cardy-like limit for $\mathcal{N}=1$ toric quiver gauge theories, observing that the corresponding entropy function can be interpreted in terms of the toric data. Furthermore, for some families of models, we compute the Legendre transform of the entropy function, comparing with similar results recently discussed in the literature.
On the chirality of the SM and the fermion content of GUTs
2015
The Standard Model (SM) is a chiral theory, where right- and left-handed fermion fields transform differently under the gauge group. Extra fermions, if they do exist, need to be heavy otherwise they would have already been observed. With no complex mechanisms at work, such as confining interactions or extra-dimensions, this can only be achieved if every extra right-handed fermion comes paired with a left-handed one transforming in the same way under the Standard Model gauge group, otherwise the new states would only get a mass after electroweak symmetry breaking, which would necessarily be small (similar to 100 GeV). Such a simple requirement severely constrains the fermion content of Grand…
Ghosts in metric-affine higher order curvature gravity
2019
We disprove the widespread belief that higher order curvature theories of gravity in the metric-affine formalism are generally ghost-free. This is clarified by considering a sub-class of theories constructed only with the Ricci tensor and showing that the non-projectively invariant sector propagates ghost-like degrees of freedom. We also explain how these pathologies can be avoided either by imposing a projective symmetry or additional constraints in the gravity sector. Our results put forward that higher order curvature gravity theories generally remain pathological in the metric-affine (and hybrid) formalisms and highlight the key importance of the projective symmetry and/or additional co…
Antideuterons as an indirect dark matter signature: design and preparation for a balloon-born GAPS experiment
2008
The General Antiparticle Spectrometer (GAPS) exploits low energy antideuterons produced in neutralino-neutralino annihilations as an indirect dark matter (DM) signature that is effectively free from background. When an antiparticle is captured by a target material, it forms an exotic atom in an excited state which quickly decays by emitting X-rays of precisely defined energy and a correlated pion signature from nuclear annihilation. We have successfully demonstrated the GAPS method in an accelerator environment and are currently planning a prototype flight from Japan for 2009. This will lead to a long duration balloon (LDB) mission that will complement existing and planned direct DM searche…