118280255
FINITE SO(4) -STATE SUM MODEL OF EUCLIDEAN GR
202708693
Characteristic Formulation of the Eikonal Equation
A method of solving the eikonal equation, in either flat or curved spacetimes, with arbitrary Cauchy data, is extended to the case of data given on a characteristic surface. We find a beautiful relationship between the Cauchy and characteristic data for the same solution, namely they are related by a Legendre transformation. From the resulting solutions, we study and describe their associated wave-front singularities.
14983134
Spin foam diagrammatics and topological invariance
We provide a simple proof of the topological invariance of the Turaev–Viro model (corresponding to simplicial 3D pure Euclidean gravity with cosmological constant) by means of a novel diagrammatic formulation of the state sum models for quantum BF theories. Moreover, we prove the invariance under more general conditions allowing the state sum to be defined on arbitrary cellular decompositions of the underlying manifold. Invariance is governed by a set of identities corresponding to local gluing and rearrangement of cells in the complex. Due to the fully algebraic nature of these identities our results extend to a vast class of quantum groups. The techniques introduced here could be relevant for investigating the scaling properties of non-topological state sums, proposed as models of quantum gravity in 4D, under refinement of the cellular decomposition.
16607831
Multiple-event probability in general-relativistic quantum mechanics. II. A discrete model
We introduce a simple quantum mechanical model in which time and space are discrete and periodic. These features avoid the complications related to continuous-spectrum operators and infinite-norm states. The model provides a tool for discussing the probabilistic interpretation of generally covariant quantum systems, without the confusion generated by spurious infinities. We use the model to illustrate the formalism of general-relativistic quantum mechanics, and to test the definition of multiple-event probability introduced in a companion paper [Phys. Rev. D 75, 084033 (2007)]. We consider a version of the model with unitary time evolution and a version without unitary time evolution.
18617564
Iterative approach to gravitational lensing theory
We develop an iterative approach to gravitational lensing theory based on approximate solutions of the null geodesic equations. The approach can be employed in any space-time which is ``close'' to a space-time in which the null geodesic equations can be completely integrated, such as Minkowski space-time, Robertson-Walker cosmologies, or Schwarzschild-Kerr geometries. To illustrate the method, we construct the iterative gravitational lens equations and time of arrival equation for a single Schwarzschild lens. This example motivates a discussion of the relationship between the iterative approach, the standard thin lens formulation, and an exact formulation of gravitational lensing.
732756
On the quantum origin of the seeds of cosmic structure
The current understanding of the quantum origin of cosmic structure is discussed critically. We point out that in the existing treatments a transition from a symmetric quantum state to an (essentially classical) non-symmetric state is implicitly assumed, but not specified or analysed in any detail. In facing this issue, we are led to conclude that new physics is required to explain the apparent predictive power of the usual schemes. Furthermore, we show that the novel way of looking at the relevant issues opens new windows from where relevant information might be extracted regarding cosmological issues and perhaps even clues about aspects of quantum gravity.
59475602
Chemical potentials in three-dimensional higher spin anti-de Sitter gravity
A bstractWe indicate how to introduce chemical potentials for higher spin charges in higher spin anti-de Sitter gravity in a manner that manifestly preserves the original asymptotic W-symmetry. This is done by switching on a non-vanishing component of the connection along the temporal (thermal) circles. We first recall the procedure in the pure gravity case (no higher spin) where the only “chemical potentials” are the temperature and the chemical potential associated with the angular momentum. We then generalize to the higher spin case. We find that there is no tension with the WN or W∞ asymptotic algebra, which is obviously unchanged by the introduction of the chemical potentials. Our argument is not perturbative in the chemical potentials.
14344708
Neutrino pair synchrotron radiation from relativistic electrons in strong magnetic fields
The emissivity for the neutrino pair synchrotron radiation in strong magnetic fields has been calculated both analytically and numerically for high densities and moderate temperatures, as can be found in neutron stars. Under these conditions, the electrons are relativistic and degenerate. We give here our results in terms of an universal function of a single variable. For two different regimes of the electron gas we present a simplified calculation and compare our results to those of Kaminker et al. Agreement is found for the classical region, where many Landau levels contribute to the emissivity , but some differences arise in the quantum regime. One finds that the emissivity for neutrino pair synchrotron radiation is competitive, and can be dominant, with other neutrino processes for magnetic fields of the order $B \sim 10^{14} - 10^{15} G $.This indicates the relevance of this process for some astrophysical scenarios, such as neutron stars and supernovae.
115931245
Rare Decays with Missing Energy at SuperB
The study of rare B-decays at SuperB provides unique opportunities to understand the Standard Model and to constrain new physics. It is discussed the new physics potential of the B -> K\nu\nu and B -> K^*\nu\nu system from the proposed SuperB experiment with 75ab-1 of data (5 nominal years of data taking).
14718218
Nucleon–nucleon effective potential in dense matter including rho-meson exchange
Abstract We obtain the RPA summed one-meson exchange potential between nucleons in symmetric nuclear matter at zero temperature, from a model which includes ρ , σ , ω and π mesons. The behavior of rho mesons inside the medium is first discussed using different schemes to extract a finite contribution from the vacuum polarization. These schemes give qualitatively different results for the in-medium rho mass. The results are discussed in connection with the nonrenormalizability of the model. We next study the modified potential as density increases. In the intermediate-distance range, it is qualitatively modified by matter and vacuum effects. In the long-distance range ( r >2 fm), one observes the presence of oscillations, which are not present in free space. Features on this distance range are insensitive to the renormalization scheme.
119849324
Plasma effects on neutrino-antineutrino synchrotron radiation in dense matter
Abstract We consider plasma effects on ν ν synchroton radiation from ultrarelativistic, degenerate electrons in neutron stars with strong magnetic fields. Under typical conditions for such stars, a semiclassical calculation can be performed, in which electrons are considered to move along classical paths. We show that collective effects in the plasma lead to an essential enhancement (about three times) of the vector weak-current contributions to neutrino pair emissivity.