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Papers in this area

24 featured work(s)

preprint2013arXiv

The Construction of Dual-trace Factor in Yang-Mills Theory

Recently, a BCJ dual of the color-ordered formula for Yang-Mills amplitude was proposed, where the dual-trace factor satisfies cyclic symmetry and KK-relation. In this paper, we present a systematic construction of the dual-trace factor based on its proposed relations to kinematic numerators in dual-DDM form. We show that the construction presented respects relabeling symmetry. In addition, we show that using relabeling symmetry as conditions, the same construction can be solved independently.

preprint2009arXiv

Thermal and quantum induced early superstring cosmology

In this work, we review the results of Refs [1]-[5] dedicated to the description of the early Universe cosmology induced by quantum and thermal effects in superstring theories. The present evolution of the Universe is described very accurately by the standard Lambda-CDM scenario, while very little is known about the early cosmological eras. String theory provides a consistent microscopic theory to account for such missing epochs. In our framework, the Universe is a torus filled with a gas of superstrings. We first show how to describe the thermodynamical properties of this system, namely energy density and pressure, by introducing temperature and supersymmetry breaking effects at a fundamental level by appropriate boundary conditions. We focus on the intermediate period of the history: After the very early "Hagedorn era" and before the late electroweak phase transition. We determine the back-reaction of the gas of strings on the initially static space-time, which then yields the induced cosmology. The consistency of our approach is guaranteed by checking the quasi-staticness of the evolution. It turns out that for arbitrary initial boundary conditions at the exit of the Hagedorn era, the quasi-static evolutions are universally attracted to radiation-dominated solutions. It is shown that at these attractor points, the temperature, the inverse scale factor of the Universe and the supersymmetry breaking scale evolve proportionally. There are two important effects which result from the underlying string description. First, initially small internal dimensions can be spontaneously decompactified during the attraction to a radiation dominated Universe. Second, the radii of internal dimensions can be stabilized.

preprint2015arXiv

An Introduction to Resurgence, Trans-Series and Alien Calculus

In these notes we give an overview of different topics in resurgence theory from a physics point of view, but with particular mathematical flavour. After a short review of the standard Borel method for the resummation of asymptotic series, we introduce the class of simple resurgent functions, explaining their importance in physical problems. We define the Stokes automorphism and the alien derivative and discuss these objects in concrete examples using the notion of trans-series expansion. With all the tools introduced, we see how resurgence and alien calculus allow us to extract non-perturbative physics from perturbation theory. To conclude, we apply Morse theory to a toy model path integral to understand why physical observables should be resurgent functions.

preprint2012arXiv

From multiferroics to cosmology: Scaling behaviour and beyond in the hexagonal manganites

We show that the improper ferroelectric phase transition in the multiferroic hexagonal manganites displays the same symmetry-breaking characteristics as those proposed in early-universe theories. We present an analysis of the Kibble-Zurek theory of topological defect formation applied to the hexagonal manganites, discuss the conditions determining the range of cooling rates in which Kibble-Zurek behavior is expected, and show that recent literature data are consistent with our predictions. We explore experimentally for the first time to our knowledge the cross-over out of the Kibble-Zurek regime and find a surprising "anti-Kibble-Zurek" behavior.

preprint2010arXiv

Metric-like Lagrangian Formulations for Higher-Spin Fields of Mixed Symmetry

We review the structure of local Lagrangians and field equations for free bosonic and fermionic gauge fields of mixed symmetry in flat space. These are first presented in a constrained setting extending the metric formulation of linearized gravity, and then the ($γ$-)trace constraints on fields and gauge parameters are eliminated via the introduction of auxiliary fields. We also display the emergence of Weyl-like symmetries in particular classes of models in low space-time dimensions.

preprint2008arXiv

Generalized Wavefunctions for Correlated Quantum Oscillators III: Chaos, Irreversibility

In this third of a series of four articles, we continue the study of the representations of the hamiltonian dynamical transformations of systems of correlated quantized oscillators. By our use of generalized wave function solutions to Schr{ö}dinger's equation (belonging to a rigged Hilbert space), and by considering the algebra of observables as a whole, the presence of Devaney chaos, hyperbolic quasi-invariant measures, complex torus actions, ergodicity and entropy generation associated to the non-invertible decay of Gamow vectors and their associated to Breit-Wigner resonances is shown. A weak (local) form of the second law of thermodynamics is demonstrated through the decay of resonances. Both correlation formation and decorrelation are associated with irreversibility and may be associated with entropy growth, which is due to the dynamical time evolution of resonances. Hilbert space is the manifold of stationary states. There is a fractal structure associated with dynamical time evolution of resonances in the space of generalized states, and the exponential decay of resonances may be identified with quasi-trapping. Equilibrium states may be regarded as strange attractors with respect to the dynamical time evolution of resonances.

preprint2015arXiv

Topologically Stratified Energy Minimizers in a Product Abelian Field Theory

We study a recently developed product Abelian gauge field theory by Tong and Wong hosting magnetic impurities. We first obtain a necessary and sufficient condition for the existence of a unique solution realizing such impurities in the form of multiple vortices. We next reformulate the theory into an extended model that allows the coexistence of vortices and anti-vortices. The two Abelian gauge fields in the model induce two species of magnetic vortex-lines resulting from $N_s$ vortices and $P_s$ anti-vortices ($s=1,2$) realized as the zeros and poles of two complex-valued Higgs fields, respectively. An existence theorem is established for the governing equations over a compact Riemann surface $S$ which states that a solution with prescribed $N_1, N_2$ vortices and $P_1,P_2$ anti-vortices of two designated species exists if and only if the inequalities \[ \left|N_1+N_2-(P_1+P_2)\right|<\frac{|S|}π,\quad \left|N_1+2N_2-(P_1+2P_2)\right|<\frac{|S|}π, \] hold simultaneously, which give bounds for the `differences&#39; of the vortex and anti-vortex numbers in terms of the total surface area of $S$. The minimum energy of these solutions is shown to assume the explicit value \[ E= 4π(N_1+N_2+P_1+P_2), \] given in terms of several topological invariants, measuring the total tension of the vortex-lines.

preprint2011arXiv

N=2 Dualities and Z Extremization in Three Dimensions

We use localization techniques to study duality in N = 2 supersymmetric gauge theories in three dimensions. Specifically, we consider a duality due to Aharony involving unitary and symplectic gauge groups, which is similar to Seiberg duality in four dimensions, as well as related dualities involving Chern-Simons terms. These theories have the possibility of non-trivial anomalous dimensions for the chiral multiplets and were previously difficult to examine. We use a matrix model to compute the partition functions on both sides of the duality, deformed by real mass and FI terms, and find that they agree. The results provide strong evidence for the validity of the proposed dualities. We also comment on a recent proposal for recovering the exact IR conformal dimensions in such theories using localization.

preprint2016arXiv

The Corolla Polynomial for spontaneously broken Gauge Theories

In [1, 2, 3] the Corolla Polynomial $ \mathcal C (Γ) \in \mathbb C [a_{h_1}, \ldots, a_{h_{\left \vert Γ^{[1/2]} \right \vert}}] $ was introduced as a graph polynomial in half-edge variables $ \left \{ a_h \right \} _{h \in Γ^{[1/2]}} $ over a 3-regular scalar quantum field theory (QFT) Feynman graph $ Γ$. It allows for a covariant quantization of pure Yang-Mills theory without the need for introducing ghost fields, clarifies the relation between quantum gauge theory and scalar QFT with cubic interaction and translates back the problem of renormalizing quantum gauge theory to the problem of renormalizing scalar QFT with cubic interaction (which is super renormalizable in 4 dimensions of spacetime). Furthermore, it is, as we believe, useful for computer calculations. In [4] on which this paper is based the formulation of [1, 2, 3] gets slightly altered in a fashion specialized in the case of the Feynman gauge. It is then formulated as a graph polynomial $ \mathcal C ( Γ) \in \mathbb C [a_{h_{1 \pm}}, \ldots, a_{h_{\left \vert Γ^{[1/2]} \right \vert} \vphantom{h}_\pm}, b_{h_1}, \ldots, b_{h_{\left \vert Γ^{[1/2]} \right \vert}}] $ in three different types of half-edge variables $ \left \{ a_{h_+} , a_{h_-} , b_h \right \} _{h \in Γ^{[1/2]}} $. This formulation is also suitable for the generalization to the case of spontaneously broken gauge theories (in particular all bosons from the Standard Model), as was first worked out in [4] and gets reviewed here.

preprint2015arXiv

Axisymmetric multiwormholes revisited

The construction of stationary axisymmetric multiwormhole solutions to gravitating field theories admitting toroidal reductions to three-dimensional gravitating sigma models is reviewed. We show that, as in the multi-black hole case, strut singularities always appear in this construction, except for very special configurations with an odd number of centers. We also review the analytical continuation of the multicenter solution across the $n$ cuts associated with the wormhole mouths. The resulting Riemann manifold has $2^n$ sheets interconnected by $2^{n-1}n$ wormholes. We find that the maximally extended multicenter solution can never be asymptotically locally flat in all the Riemann sheets.

preprint2016arXiv

Superconformal index with surface defects for class ${\cal S}_k$

We study surface defects in 4d $\mathcal{N}=1$ $SU(N)$ superconformal gauge theories of class $\mathcal{S}_k$ obtained from the 6d (1,0) theories of type $A_{N-1}$, which are worldvolume theories on $N$ M5-branes at $\mathbb{C}^2/\mathbb{Z}_k$ singularities, compactified on Riemann surfaces with punctures. First we apply a method based on Riemann surface description and obtain the superconformal index of the theories in the presence of surface defects labelled by arbitrary symmetric representations of $su(N)$. Then we propose another description for the same surface defects, which involves 4d-2d coupled systems, by identifying which 2d $\mathcal{N}=(0,2)$ theories should be coupled. We compute the index of the 4d-2d systems and reproduce the results obtained from the first method. Finally we study the 2d TQFT structure of the index for class $\mathcal{S}_{k}$ theories by obtaining several eigenfunctions and eigenvalues of the difference operators that capture the surface defects and checking their relation.

preprint2014arXiv

Lectures on non-perturbative effects in large N gauge theories, matrix models and strings

In these lectures I present a review of non-perturbative instanton effects in quantum theories, with a focus on large N gauge theories and matrix models. I first consider the structure of these effects in the case of ordinary differential equations, which provide a model for more complicated theories, and I introduce in a pedagogical way some technology from resurgent analysis, like trans-series and the resurgent version of the Stokes phenomenon. After reviewing instanton effects in quantum mechanics and quantum field theory, I address general aspects of large N instantons and then present a detailed review of non-perturbative effects in matrix models. Finally, I also consider two applications of these techniques in string theory

preprint2006arXiv

Rota-Baxter Algebras in Renormalization of Perturbative Quantum Field Theory

Recently, the theory of renormalization in perturbative quantum field theory underwent some exciting new developments. Kreimer discovered an organization of Feynman graphs into combinatorial Hopf algebras. The process of renormalization is captured by a factorization theorem for regularized Hopf algebra characters. In this context the notion of Rota-Baxter algebras enters the scene. We review several aspects of Rota-Baxter algebras as they appear in other sectors also relevant to perturbative renormalization, for instance multiple-zeta-values and matrix differential equations.

preprint2016arXiv

Hydrodynamics of local excitations after an interaction quench in 1D cold atomic gases

We discuss the hydrodynamic approach to the study of the time evolution -induced by a quench- of local excitations in one dimension. We focus on interaction quenches: the considered protocol consists in creating a stable localized excitation propagating through the system, and then operating a sudden change of the interaction between the particles. To highlight the effect of the quench, we take the initial excitation to be a soliton. The quench splits the excitation into two packets moving in opposite directions, whose characteristics can be expressed in a universal way. Our treatment allows to describe the internal dynamics of these two packets in terms of the different velocities of their components. We confirm our analytical predictions through numerical simulations performed with the Gross-Pitaevskii equation and with the Calogero model (as an example of long range interactions and solvable with a parabolic confinement). Through the Calogero model we also discuss the effect of an external trapping on the protocol. The hydrodynamic approach shows that there is a difference between the bulk velocities of the propagating packets and the velocities of their peaks: it is possible to discriminate the two quantities, as we show through the comparison between numerical simulations and analytical estimates. In the realizations of the discussed quench protocol in a cold atom experiment, these different velocities are accessible through different measurement procedures.

preprint2016arXiv

Curvature-Restored Gauge Invariance and Ultraviolet Naturalness

It is shown that, $(a Λ^2 + b |H|^2)R$ in a spacetime of curvature $R$ is a natural ultraviolet $(U\!V)$ completion of $(a Λ^4 + b Λ^2 |H|^2)$ in the flat-spacetime Standard Model $(S\!M)$ with Higgs field $H$, $U\!V$ scale $Λ$ and loop factors $a$, $b$. This curvature completion rests on the fact that a $Λ$-mass gauge theory in flat spacetime turns, on the cut-view $R = 4 Λ^2$, into a massless gauge theory in curved spacetime. It provides a symmetry reason for curved spacetime, wherein gravity and matter are both low-energy effective phenomena. Gravity arises correctly if new physics exists with at least 63 more bosons than fermions, with no need to interact with the $S\!M$ and with dark matter as a natural harbinger. It can source various cosmological, astrophysical and collider phenomena depending on its spectrum and couplings to the $S\!M$.

preprint2006arXiv

$ϕ^4$ model on a circle

The four dimensional critical scalar theory at equilibrium with a thermal bath at temperature $T$ is considered. The thermal equilibrium state is labeled by $n$ the winding number of the vacua around the compact imaginary-time direction which compactification radius is 1/T. The effective action for zero modes is a three dimensional $ϕ^4$ scalar theory in which the mass of the the scalar field is proportional to $n/T$ resembling the Kaluza-Klein dimensional reduction. Similar results are obtained for the theory at zero temperature but in a one-dimensional potential well. Since parity is violated by the vacua with odd vacuum number $n$, in such cases there is also a cubic term in the effective potential. The $ϕ^3$-term contribution to the vacuum shift at one-loop is of the same order of the contribution from the $ϕ^4$-term in terms of the coupling constant of the four dimensional theory but becomes negligible as $n$ tends to infinity. Finally, the relation between the scalar classical vacua and the corresponding SU(2) instantons on $S^1\times{\mathbb R}^3$ in the &#39;t Hooft ansatz is studied.

preprint2010arXiv

Tests of Seiberg-like Duality in Three Dimensions

We use localization techniques to study several duality proposals for supersymmetric gauge theories in three dimensions reminiscent of Seiberg duality. We compare the partition functions of dual theories deformed by real mass terms and FI parameters. We find that Seiberg-like duality for N=3 Chern-Simons gauge theories proposed by Giveon and Kutasov holds on the level of partition functions and is closely related to level-rank duality in pure Chern-Simons theory. We also clarify the relationship between the Giveon-Kutasov duality and a duality in theories of fractional M2 branes and propose a generalization of the latter. Our analysis also confirms previously known results concerning decoupled free sectors in N=4 gauge theories realized by monopole operators.

preprint2015arXiv

Stretched String with Self-Interaction at High Resolution: Spatial Sizes and Saturation

We model the (holographic) QCD Pomeron as a long and stretched (fixed impact parameter) transverse quantum string in flat $D_\perp=3$ dimensions. After discretizing the string in $N$ string bits, we analyze its length, mass and spatial distribution for large $N$ or low-x ($x=1/N$), and away from its Hagedorn point. The string bit distribution shows sizable asymmetries in the transverse plane that may translate to azimuthal asymmetries in primordial particle production in the Pomeron kinematics, and the flow moments in minimum bias $pp$ and $pA$ events. At moderately low-x and relatively small string self-interactions $g_s\approx α_s$ (the gauge coupling), a pre-saturation phase is identified whereby the string transverse area undergoes a sharp transition from a large diffusive growth to a small fixed size area set by few string lengths $l_s$. For lower values of $x$ the transverse string bit density is shown to increase as $1/x$ before saturating at the Bekenstein bound of one bit per Planck area with the Planck length $l_P/l_s\approx α_s^{2/3}$. We argue that the effects of the AdS$_5$ curvature on the interacting string maybe estimated using an effective transverse dimension between the interacting string bits. The result is a smoother transition with a transverse string bit density increasing as $1/x^{0.31}$.

preprint2017arXiv

Variations of BPS structure and a large rank limit

We study a class of flat bundles, of finite rank $N$, which arise naturally from the Donaldson-Thomas theory of a Calabi-Yau threefold $X$ via the notion of a variation of BPS structure. We prove that in a large $N$ limit their flat sections converge to the solutions to certain infinite dimensional Riemann-Hilbert problems recently found by Bridgeland. In particular this implies an expression for the positive degree, genus $0$ Gopakumar-Vafa contribution to the Gromov-Witten partition function of $X$ in terms of solutions to confluent hypergeometric differential equations.

preprint2018arXiv

Entanglement entropy on a fuzzy sphere with a UV cutoff

We introduce a UV cutoff into free scalar field theory on the noncommutative (fuzzy) two-sphere. Due to the IR-UV connection, varying the UV cutoff allows us to control the effective nonlocality scale of the theory. In the resulting fuzzy geometry, we establish which degrees of freedom lie within a specific geometric subregion and compute the associated vacuum entanglement entropy. Entanglement entropy for regions smaller than the effective nonlocality scale is extensive, while entanglement entropy for regions larger than the effective nonlocality scale follows the area law. This reproduces features previously obtained in the strong coupling regime through holography. We also show that mutual information is unaffected by the UV cutoff.

preprint2018arXiv

Fermion condensation and super pivotal categories

We study fermionic topological phases using the technique of fermion condensation. We give a prescription for performing fermion condensation in bosonic topological phases which contain a fermion. Our approach to fermion condensation can roughly be understood as coupling the parent bosonic topological phase to a phase of physical fermions, and condensing pairs of physical and emergent fermions. There are two distinct types of objects in fermionic theories, which we call &#34;m-type&#34; and &#34;q-type&#34; particles. The endomorphism algebras of q-type particles are complex Clifford algebras, and they have no analogues in bosonic theories. We construct a fermionic generalization of the tube category, which allows us to compute the quasiparticle excitations in fermionic topological phases. We then prove a series of results relating data in condensed theories to data in their parent theories; for example, if $\mathcal{C}$ is a modular tensor category containing a fermion, then the tube category of the condensed theory satisfies $\textbf{Tube}(\mathcal{C}/ψ) \cong \mathcal{C} \times (\mathcal{C}/ψ)$. We also study how modular transformations, fusion rules, and coherence relations are modified in the fermionic setting, prove a fermionic version of the Verlinde dimension formula, construct a commuting projector lattice Hamiltonian for fermionic theories, and write down a fermionic version of the Turaev-Viro-Barrett-Westbury state sum. A large portion of this work is devoted to three detailed examples of performing fermion condensation to produce fermionic topological phases: we condense fermions in the Ising theory, the $SO(3)_6$ theory, and the $\frac{1}{2}\text{E}_6$ theory, and compute the quasiparticle excitation spectrum in each of these examples.

preprint2018arXiv

New Restrictions on the Topology of Extreme Black Holes

We provide bounds on the first Betti number and structure results for the fundamental group of horizon cross-sections for extreme stationary vacuum black holes in arbitrary dimension, without additional symmetry hypotheses. This is achieved by exploiting a correspondence between the associated near-horizon geometries and the mathematical notion of $m$-quasi Einstein metrics, in addition to generalizations of the classical splitting theorem from Riemannian geometry. Consequences are analyzed and refined classifications are given for the possible topologies of these black holes.

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