55061398
LHC string phenomenology
We argue that it is possible to address the deeper LHC inverse problem, to gain insight into the underlying theory from LHC signatures of new physics. We propose a technique which may allow us to distinguish among, and favor or disfavor, various classes of underlying theoretical constructions using (assumed) new physics signals at the LHC. We think that this can be done with limited data (5–10 fb−1), and improved with more data. This is because of two reasons: (a) it is possible in many cases to reliably go from (semi)realistic microscopic string constructions to the space of experimental observables, say, LHC signatures, and (b) the patterns of signatures at the LHC are sensitive to the structure of the underlying theoretical constructions. We illustrate our approach by analyzing two promising classes of string compactifications along with six other string-motivated constructions. Even though these constructions are not complete, they illustrate the point we want to emphasize. We think that using this technique effectively over time can eventually help us to meaningfully connect experimental data to microscopic theory.
55263386
Higgs Mass Prediction for Realistic String/M Theory Vacua
Recently it has been recognized that in compactified $\mathrm{\text{string}}/M$ theories that satisfy cosmological constraints, it is possible to derive some robust and generic predictions for particle physics and cosmology with very mild assumptions. When the matter and gauge content below the compactification scale is that of the minimal supersymmetric standard model (MSSM), it is possible to make precise predictions. In this case, we predict that there will be a single standard model-like Higgs boson with a calculable mass $105\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{GeV}\ensuremath{\lesssim}{M}_{h}\ensuremath{\lesssim}129\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{GeV}$ depending on $\mathrm{tan}﻿\ensuremath{\beta}$ (the ratio of the Higgs vevs in the MSSM). For $\mathrm{tan}﻿\ensuremath{\beta}g7$, the prediction is $122\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{GeV}\ensuremath{\lesssim}{M}_{h}\ensuremath{\lesssim}129\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{GeV}$.
118061832
Search for the PN coefficients for the Energy flux through Gravitational Waves from Black-Hole Binaries using Markov Chain Monte Carlo
In this work, the focus is on the improvement of the existing post-Newtonian approximation for the gravitational flux from Super Massive Black Hole Binaries. In order to improve the existing templates for LISA, we need more accurate post-Newtonian expansions for the gravitational flux. Stochastic search techniques like the Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) have been used extensively for searching for sky parameters etc. The idea is to combine the two and approach the problem of finding post-Newtonian coefficients using MCMC. It has been shown that matching against a 5.5PN signal, with noise, the last coefficient can be found by MCMC very easily and displays fast convergence. Also the space for higher dimensional searches are explored.
15665522
The dust scattering model cannot explain the shallow X-ray decay in GRB afterglows
A dust scattering model was recently proposed to explain the shallow X-ray decay (plateau) observed prevalently in Gamma-Ray Burst (GRB) early afterglows. In this model, the plateau is the scattered prompt X-ray emission by the dust located close (about 10 to a few hundred pc) to the GRB site. In this paper, we carefully investigate the model and find that the scattered emission undergoes strong spectral softening with time, due to the model’s essential ingredient thatharderX-rayphotonshavesmallerscatteringanglethusarriveearlier,whilesofterphotons suffer larger angle scattering and arrive later. The model predicts a significant change, that is �β ∼ 2–3, in the X-ray spectral index from the beginning of the plateau towards the end of the plateau, while the observed data show close to zero softening during the plateau and the plateau-to-normal transition phase. The scattering model predicts a big difference between the harder X-ray light curve and the softer X-ray light curve, i.e. the plateau in harder X-rays ends much earlier than in softer X-rays. This feature is not seen in the data. The large scattering optical depths of the dust required by the model imply strong extinction in optical, AV 10, which contradicts current findings of AV = 0.1–0.7 from optical and X-ray afterglow observations. We conclude that the dust scattering model cannot explain the X-ray plateaus.
15932775
No universality for the electron power-law index ( p) in gamma-ray bursts and other relativistic sources
The gamma-ray burst (GRB) prompt emission is believed to be from highly relativistic electrons accelerated in relativistic shocks. From the GRB high-energy power-law spectral indices β observed by the Burst and Transient Source Experiment (BATSE) Large Area Detectors (LAD), we determine the spectral index, p, of the electrons' energy distribution. Both the theoretical calculations and numerical simulations of the particle acceleration in relativistic shocks show that p has a universal value ≈2.2-2.3. We show that the observed distribution of p during GRBs is not consistent with a δ-function distribution or a universal p value, with the width of the distribution ≥0.54. The distributions of p during X-ray afterglows are also investigated and found to be inconsistent with a δ-function distribution. The p distributions in blazars and pulsar wind nebulae are also broad, inconsistent with a δ-function distribution.
118614591
Possible potentials responsible for stable circular relativistic orbits
Bertrand's theorem in classical mechanics of the central force fields attracts us because of its predictive power. It categorically proves that there can only be two types of forces which can produce stable, circular orbits. In this paper an attempt has been made to generalize Bertrand's theorem to the central force problem of relativistic systems. The stability criterion for potentials which can produce stable, circular orbits in the relativistic central force problem has been deduced and a general solution of it is presented. It is seen that the inverse square law passes the relativistic test but the kind of force required for simple harmonic motion does not. Special relativistic effects do not allow stable, circular orbits in the presence of a force which is proportional to the negative of the displacement of the particle from the potential centre.
14397467
A unified picture for gamma‐ray burst prompt and X‐ray afterglow emissions
Also available at http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1745-3933.2006.00138.x. The definitive version is available at www.blackwell-synergy.com.