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At least 289 records · Page 16

Universality of Rényi Entropy in Conformal Field Theory

We use the thermal effective theory to prove that, for the vacuum state in any conformal field theory in 𝑑 dimensions, the 𝑛th Rényi entropy 𝑆$^{(𝑛)}_{𝐴}$ behaves as 𝑆$^{(𝑛)}_{𝐴}$ = [𝑓⁡/(2⁢𝜋⁢𝑛) 𝑑−1 ]⁢[Area⁡(∂𝐴)/(𝑑−2)⁢𝜀 𝑑−2 ]⁢(1+𝑂⁡(𝑛)) in the 𝑛 → 0 limit when the boundary of the entanglement domain 𝐴 is spherical with the UV cutoff 𝜀. The theory dependence is encapsulated in the cosmological constant 𝑓 in the thermal effective action. Using this result, we estimate the density of states for large eigenvalues of the modular Hamiltonian for the domain 𝐴. In two dimensions, we can use the hot spot idea, which describes the effective action in the high-temperature limit when the temperature is position-dependent, to derive more powerful formulas valid for arbitrary positive 𝑛. We discuss the difference between two and higher dimensions and clarify the applicability of the hot spot idea. We also use the thermal effective theory to derive an analog of the Cardy formula for boundary operators in higher dimensions.

Conformal field theory↗

Crossing symmetry, transcendentality and the Regge behaviour of 1d CFTs

We develop the technology for Polyakov-Mellin (PM) bootstrap in one- dimensional conformal field theories (CFT 1 ). By adding appropriate contact terms, we bootstrap various effective field theories in AdS 2 and analytically compute the CFT data to one loop. The computation can be extended to higher orders in perturbation theory, if we ignore mixing, for any external dimension. We develop PM bootstrap for O(N) theories and derive the necessary contact terms for such theories (which also involves a new higher gradient contact term absent for N = 1). We perform cross-checks which include considering the diagonal limit of the 2d Ising model in terms of the 1d PM blocks. As an independent check of the validity of the results obtained with PM bootstrap, we propose a suitable basis of transcendental functions, which allows to fix the four-point correlators of identical scalar primaries completely, up to a finite number of ambiguities related to the number of contact terms in the PM basis. We perform this analysis both at tree level (with and without exchanges) and at one loop. We also derive expressions for the corresponding CFT data in terms of harmonic sums. Finally, we consider the Regge limit of one-dimensional correlators and derive a precise connection between the latter and the large-twist limit of CFT data. Exploiting this result, we study the crossing equation in the three OPE limits and derive some universal constraints for the large-twist limit of CFT data in Regge-bounded theories with a finite number of exchanges.

1/N expansion↗

Noncommutative field theory of the Tkachenko mode: Symmetries and decay rate

We construct an effective field theory describing the collective Tkachenko oscillation mode of a vortex lattice in a two-dimensional rotating Bose-Einstein condensate in the long-wavelength regime. The theory has the form of a noncommutative field theory of a Nambu-Goldstone boson, which exhibits a noncommutative version of dipole symmetry. From the effective field theory, we show that, at zero temperature, the decay width Γ of the Tkachenko mode scales with its energy E as Γ ∼ E 3 in the low-energy limit. We also discuss the width of the Tkachenko mode at a small temperature. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Du, Yi-Hsien (ORCID:000000021670899X)↗

Composing effective prediction at five points

Color-kinematics duality in the adjoint has proven key to the relationship between gauge and gravity theory scattering amplitude predictions. In recent work, we demonstrated that at four-point tree-level, a small number of color-dual EFT building blocks could encode all higher-derivative single-trace massless corrections to gauge and gravity theories compatible with adjoint double-copy. One critical aspect was the trivialization of building higher-derivative color-weights — indeed, it is the mixing of kinematics with non-adjoint-type color-weights (like the permutation-invariant d 4 ) which permits description via adjoint double-copy. Here we find that such ideas clarify the predictions of local five-point higher-dimensional operators as well. We demonstrate how a single scalar building block can be combined with color structures to build higher-derivative color factors that generate, through double copy, the amplitudes associated with higher-derivative gauge-theory operators. These may then be suitably mapped, through another double-copy, to higher-derivative corrections in gravity.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Null states and time evolution in a toy model of black hole dynamics

Abstract Spacetime wormholes can provide non-perturbative contributions to the gravitational path integral that make the actual number of statese S in a gravitational system much smaller than the number of states$$ {e}^{S_{\textrm{p}}} $$ e S p predicted by perturbative semiclassical effective field theory. The effects on the physics of the system are naturally profound in contexts in which the perturbative description actively involvesN=O(e S ) of the possible$$ {e}^{S_{\textrm{p}}} $$ e S p perturbative states; e.g., in late stages of black hole evaporation. Such contexts are typically associated with the existence of non-trivial quantum extremal surfaces. However, by forcing a simple topological gravity model to evolve in time, we find that such effects can also have large impact forN≪e S (in which case no quantum extremal surfaces can arise). In particular, even for smallN, the insertion of generic operators into the path integral can cause the non-perturbative time evolution to differ dramatically from perturbative expectations. On the other hand, this discrepancy is small for the special case where the inserted operators are non-trivial only in a subspace of dimensionD≪e S . We thus study this latter case in detail. We also discuss potential implications for more realistic gravitational systems.

Physics↗

Holographic entanglement from the UV to the IR

In AdS/CFT, observables on the boundary are invariant under renormalization group (RG) flow in the bulk. In this paper, we study holographic entanglement entropy under bulk RG flow and find that it is indeed invariant. We focus on tree-level RG flow, where massive fields in a UV theory are integrated out to give the IR theory. We explicitly show that in several simple examples, holographic entanglement entropy calculated in the UV theory agrees with that calculated in the IR theory. Moreover, we give an argument for this agreement to hold for general tree-level RG flow. Along the way, we generalize the replica method of calculating holographic entanglement entropy to bulk theories that include matter fields with nonzero spin.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Goldstone bosons on celestial sphere and conformal soft theorems

In this paper, we study celestial amplitudes of Goldstone bosons and conformal soft theorems. Motivated by the success of soft bootstrap in momentum space and the important role of the soft limit behavior of tree-level amplitudes, our goal is to extend some of the methods to the celestial sphere. The crucial ingredient of the calculation is the Mellin transformation, which transforms four-dimensional scattering amplitudes to correlation functions of primary operators in the celestial CFT. The soft behavior of the amplitude is then translated to the singularities of the correlator. Only for amplitudes in “UV completed theories” (with sufficiently good high energy behavior) the Mellin integration can be properly performed. In all other cases, the celestial amplitude is only defined in a distributional sense with delta functions. We provide many examples of celestial amplitudes in UV-completed models, including linear sigma models and Z-theory, which is a certain completion of the SU(N) non-linear sigma model. We also comment on the BCFW-like and soft recursion relations for celestial amplitudes and the extension of soft bootstrap ideas.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Full Modeling and parameter compression methods in configuration space for DESI 2024 and beyond

In the contemporary era of high-precision spectroscopic surveys, led by projects like DESI, there is an increasing demand for optimizing the extraction of cosmological information from clustering data. This work conducts a thorough comparison of various methodologies for modeling the full shape of the two-point statistics in configuration space. We investigate the performance of both direct fits (Full Modeling) and the parameter compression approaches (ShapeFit and Standard). We utilize the ABACUS-SUMMIT simulations, tailored to exceed DESI's precision requirements. Particularly, we fit the two-point statistics of three distinct tracers (LRG, ELG, and QSO), by employing a Gaussian Streaming Model in tandem with Convolution Lagrangian Perturbation Theory and Effective Field Theory. We explore methodological setup variations, including the range of scales, the set of galaxy bias parameters, the inclusion of the hexadecapole, as well as model extensions encompassing varying ns and allowing for w 0 w a CDM dark energy model. Throughout these varied explorations, while precision levels fluctuate and certain configurations exhibit tighter parameter constraints, our pipeline consistently recovers the parameter values of the mocks within 1σ in all cases for a 1-year DESI volume. Additionally, we compare the performance of configuration space analysis with its Fourier space counterpart using three models: PyBird, FOLPS and velocileptors, presented in companion papers. We find good agreement with the results from all these models.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

The SAGEX review on scattering amplitudes Chapter 2: An invitation to color-kinematics duality and the double copy

Abstract Advances in scattering amplitudes have exposed previously-hidden color-kinematics and double-copy structures in theories ranging from gauge and gravity theories to effective field theories such as chiral perturbation theory and the Born–Infeld model. These novel structures both simplify higher-order calculations and pose tantalizing questions related to a unified framework underlying relativistic quantum theories. This introductory mini-review article invites further exploration of these topics. After a brief introduction to color-kinematics duality and the double copy as they emerge at tree and loop-level in gauge and gravity theories, we present two distinct examples: (1) an introduction to the web of double-copy-constructible theories, and (2) a discussion of the application of the double copy to calculation relevant to gravitational-wave physics.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Towards grounding nuclear physics in QCD

Exascale computing could soon enable a predictive theory of nuclear structure and reactions rooted in the Standard Model, with quantifiable and systematically improvable uncertainties. Such a predictive theory will help exploit experiments that use nucleons and nuclei as laboratories for testing the Standard Model and its limitations. Examples include direct dark matter detection, neutrinoless double beta decay, and searches for permanent electric dipole moments of the neutron and atoms. It will also help connect QCD to the properties of cold neutron stars and hot supernova cores. We discuss how a quantitative bridge between QCD and the properties of nuclei and nuclear matter will require a synthesis of lattice QCD (especially as applied to two- and three- nucleon interactions), effective field theory, and ab initio methods for solving the nuclear many-body problem. While there are significant challenges that must be addressed in developing this triad of theoretical tools, the rapid advance of computing is accelerating progress. In particular, we focus this review on the anticipated advances from lattice QCD and how these advances will impact few-body effective theories of nuclear physics by providing critical input, such as constraints on unknown low-energy constants of the effective (field) theories. We also review particular challenges that must be overcome for the successful application of lattice QCD for low-energy nuclear physics. We describe progress in developing few-body effective (field) theories of nuclear physics, with an emphasis on HOBET, a non-relativistic effective theory of nuclear physics, which is less common in the literature. We use the examples of neutrinoless double beta decay and the nuclear-matter equation of state to illustrate how the coupling of lattice QCD to effective theory might impact our understanding of symmetries and exotic astrophysical environments.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Implications of the weak gravity conjecture for tidal Love numbers of black holes

The weak gravity conjecture indicates that extremal black holes in the low-energy effective field theory should be able to decay. This criterion gives rise to nontrivial constraints on the coefficients of higher-order derivative corrections to gravity. In this paper, we investigate the tidal deformability of neutral black holes due to higher-order derivative corrections. As a proof of concept, we consider a correction of cubic order in the Riemann curvature tensor. The tidal Love numbers of neutral black holes receive leading-order corrections from higher-order derivative terms, since black holes in pure General Relativity have vanishing tidal Love number. We conclude that the interplay between the tidal deformability of black holes and the weak gravity conjecture provides useful information about the effective field theory.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Transverse momentum broadening of a jet in quark-gluon plasma: an open quantum system EFT

We utilize the technology of open quantum systems in conjunction with the recently developed effective field theory for forward scattering to address the question of massless jet propagation through a weakly-coupled quark-gluon plasma in thermal equilibrium. We discuss various possible hierarchies of scales that may appear in this problem, by comparing thermal scales of the plasma with relevant scales in the effective field theory. Starting from the Lindblad equation, we derive and solve a master equation for the trans- verse momentum distribution of a massless quark jet, at leading orders both in the strong coupling and in the power counting of the effective field theory. Markovian approximation is justified in the weak coupling limit. Using the solution to the master equation, we study the transverse momentum broadening of a jet as a function of the plasma temperature and the time of propagation. We discuss the physical origin of infrared sensitivity that arises in the solution and a way to handle it in the effective field theory formulation. We suspect that the final measurement constraint can only cut-off leading infrared singularities and the solution to the Markovian master equation resums a logarithmic series. This work is a stepping stone towards understanding jet quenching and jet substructure observables on both light and heavy quark jets as probes of the quark-gluon plasma.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Improved nuclear-structure corrections to the hyperfine splitting of electronic and muonic deuterium

We calculate the nuclear-structure correction to the hyperfine splitting in both electronic and muonic deuterium using interactions from chiral effective field theory. We explore the sensitivity to different parameterizations of the nucleon-nucleon force, study the convergence pattern in the order-by-order chiral expansion, and estimate remaining uncertainties. Our results are consistent with earlier calculations from pionless effective field theory, offering new insights for a robust uncertainty quantification. Thanks to the order-of-magnitude reduction in uncertainty achieved with chiral effective field theory, the two-photon exchange contribution in electronic deuterium agrees with experimental extractions within 0.5σ, in contrast to the 2.6σ discrepancy observed in muonic deuterium. This study lays the groundwork for extending TPE calculations to HFS in heavier atomic systems.

Chiral effective field theory↗

Microscopic constraints for the equation of state and structure of neutron stars: A Bayesian model mixing framework

Bayesian model mixing (BMM) is a statistical technique that can combine constraints from different regions of an input space in a principled way. Here we extend our BMM framework for the equation of state (EOS) of strongly interacting matter from symmetric nuclear matter to asymmetric matter, specifically focusing on zero-temperature, charge-neutral, 𝛽-equilibrated matter. We use Gaussian processes (GPs) to infer constraints on the neutron-star matter EOS at intermediate densities from two different microscopic theories: chiral effective-field theory (𝜒⁢EFT) at baryon densities around nuclear saturation, 𝑛 𝐵 ∼ 𝑛 0 , and perturbative QCD at asymptotically high baryon densities, 𝑛 𝐵 ⩾ 20⁢𝑛 0 . The uncertainties of the 𝜒⁢EFT and pQCD EOSs are obtained using the BUQEYE truncation error model. We demonstrate the flexibility of our framework through the use of two categories of GP kernels: conventional stationary kernels and a nonstationary changepoint kernel. We use the latter to explore potential constraints on the dense matter EOS by including exogenous data representing theory predictions and heavy-ion collision measurements at densities ⩾ 2⁢𝑛 0 . We also use our EOSs to obtain neutron-star mass-radius relations and their uncertainties. Finally, our framework, whose implementation will be available through a GitHub repository, provides a prior distribution for the EOS that can be used in large-scale neutron-star inference frameworks.

Bayesian methods↗

The proton radius (puzzle?) and its relatives

We review determinations of the electric proton charge radius from a diverse set of low-energy observables. We explore under which conditions it can be related to Wilson coefficients of appropriate effective field theories. This discussion is generalized to other low-energy constants. This provides us with a unified framework to deal with a set of low-energy constants of the proton associated with its electromagnetic interactions. Unambiguous definitions of these objects are given, as well as their relation with expectation values of QCD operators. We show that the proton radius obtained from spectroscopy and lepton–proton scattering (when both the lepton and proton move with nonrelativistic velocities) is related to the same object of the underlying field theory with O ( α ) precision. The model dependence of these analyses is discussed. The prospects of constructing effective field theories valid for the kinematic configuration of present, or near-future, lepton–proton scattering experiments are explored.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Relations between anomalous dimensions in the Regge limit

We extend the recent formalism developed for computing rapidity anomalous dimension of form factors using unitarity to the problem of high-energy near forward scattering. By combining the factorization of 2 → 2 scattering in the effective field theory (EFT) for Glauber operators with definite signature amplitudes, we derive an expression that relates anomalous dimensions (including Regge trajectories) to cut amplitudes, leading to significant computational simplifications. We demonstrate this explicitly by computing the one and two-loop Regge trajectories. Our formalism can also be used to bootstrap anomalous dimensions of operators not related by symmetries. As an example, we show that the full anomalous dimensions (including both the Regge pole and cut pieces) of the two Glauber exchange anti-symmetric octet operator, can be determined from the anomalous dimension of the single Glauber exchange operator. Many other such relations exist between other color channels at each order in α.

Effective Field Theories↗