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At least 289 records · Page 16

Classification of (2 + 1) D invertible fermionic topological phases with symmetry

Here we provide a classification of invertible topological phases of interacting fermions with symmetry in two spatial dimensions for general fermionic symmetry groups G f and general values of the chiral central charge c - . Here G f is a central extension of a bosonic symmetry group G b by fermion parity, (-1) F , specified by a second cohomology class [ω 2 ]∈ $\mathscr{H}^2$(Gb,$\mathbb{Z}_2$). Our approach proceeds by gauging fermion parity and classifying the resulting G b symmetry-enriched topological orders while keeping track of certain additional data and constraints. We perform this analysis through two perspectives, using G-crossed braided tensor categories and Spin(2c - ) 1 Chern-Simons theory coupled to a background G gauge field. These results give a way to characterize and classify invertible fermionic topological phases in terms of a concrete set of data and consistency equations, which is more physically transparent and computationally simpler than the more abstract methods using cobordism theory and spectral sequences. Our results also generalize and provide a different approach to the recent classification of fermionic symmetry-protected topological phases by Wang and Gu, which have chiral central charge c - = 0. We show how the tenfold way classification of topological insulators and superconductors fits into our scheme, along with general nonperturbative constraints due to certain choices of c - and G f . Mathematically, our results also suggest an explicit general parametrization of deformation classes of (2 + 1)D invertible topological quantum field theories with G f symmetry.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Reviving QFT in ( 2 + 1 )-dimensional de Sitter spacetime

We consider a conformally coupled scalar quantum field theory (QFT) on ( 2 + 1 )-dimensional static Einstein universe R × S 2 and write down the free theory Hilbert space. We explain that this theory is secretly a QFT in ( 2 + 1 )-dimensional de Sitter space because all the quantum observables experience “quantum revivals,” which naturally restricts the timelike R to the appropriate de Sitter time range. Our construction circumvents the causal obstruction to formulating QFT in de Sitter due to event horizons. There are not any in static Einstein. The “unitary gauge” description of the theory is realized by the zonal harmonics P ℓ ( n ^ · n ^ ′ ) . We verify that interactions with conformally invariant external sources are mediated only by these modes. Hence these modes comprise the complete basis of the “bulk” theory. When the theory is cut off in the UV, the basis dimension scales as the Bekenstein-Hawking formula. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

D’Amico, Guido (ORCID:0000000281831214)↗

Probing Strong-Field QED with Doppler-Boosted Petawatt-Class Lasers

In this work, we propose a scheme to explore regimes of strong-field quantum electrodynamics (SF QED) otherwise unattainable with the currently available laser technology. The scheme relies on relativistic plasma mirrors curved by radiation pressure to boost the intensity of petawatt-class laser pulses by Doppler effect and focus them to extreme field intensities. We show that very clear SF QED signatures could be observed by placing a secondary target where the boosted beam is focused.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Holographic Space-Time and Quantum Information

The formalism of Holographic Space-time (HST) is a translation of the principles of Lorentzian geometry into the language of quantum information. Intervals along time-like trajectories, and their associated causal diamonds, completely characterize a Lorentzian geometry. The Bekenstein-Hawking-Gibbons-’t Hooft-Jacobson-Fischler-Susskind-Bousso Covariant Entropy Principle, equates the logarithm of the dimension of the Hilbert space associated with a diamond to one quarter of the area of the diamond’s holographic screen, measured in Planck units. The most convincing argument for this principle is Jacobson’s derivation of Einstein’s equations as the hydrodynamic expression of this entropy law. In that context, the null energy condition (NEC) is seen to be the analog of the local law of entropy increase. The quantum version of Einstein’s relativity principle is a set of constraints on the mutual quantum information shared by causal diamonds along different time-like trajectories. The implementation of this constraint for trajectories in relative motion is the greatest unsolved problem in HST. The other key feature of HST is its claim that, for non-negative cosmological constant or causal diamonds much smaller than the asymptotic radius of curvature for negative c.c., the degrees of freedom localized in the bulk of a diamond are constrained states of variables defined on the holographic screen. This principle gives a simple explanation of otherwise puzzling features of BH entropy formulae, and resolves the firewall problem for black holes in Minkowski space. It motivates a covariant version of the CKN [1] bound on the regime of validity of quantum field theory (QFT) and a detailed picture of the way in which QFT emerges as an approximation to the exact theory

tensor network↗

Inferring three-nucleon couplings from multi-messenger neutron-star observations

Understanding the interactions between nucleons in dense matter is an important challenge in theoretical physics. Effective field theories have emerged as the dominant approach to address this problem at low energies, with many successful applications to the structure of nuclei and the properties of dense nucleonic matter. However, how far into the interior of neutron stars these interactions can describe dense matter is an open question. Here, we develop a framework that enables the inference of three-nucleon couplings in dense matter directly from astrophysical neutron star observations. We apply this formalism to the LIGO/Virgo gravitational-wave event GW170817 and the X-ray measurements from NASA’s Neutron Star Interior Composition Explorer and establish direct constraints for the couplings that govern three-nucleon interactions in chiral effective field theory. Furthermore, we demonstrate how next-generation observations of a population of neutron star mergers can offer stringent constraints on three-nucleon couplings, potentially at a level comparable to those from laboratory data. Our work directly connects the microscopic couplings in quantum field theories to macroscopic observations of neutron stars, providing a way to test the consistency between low-energy couplings inferred from terrestrial and astrophysical data.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Learning the generating functional for variance reduction in lattice QCD

The generating functional in quantum field theory provides the natural framework for constructing correlation functions as derivatives with respect to source operators. We present a methodology that leverages machine-learned normalizing flows to reduce the variance of arbitrary $N$-point correlation functions of bosonic operators in lattice gauge field theory calculations by encoding a representation of the generating functional. We show that it is possible to systematically approach noiseless estimators of correlation functions in this framework. We demonstrate this methodology with applications to calculations of glueball correlation functions and Wilson loops in Quantum Chromodynamics and Yang-Mills theory. The results show up to three orders of magnitude variance reduction.

Abbott, Ryan [Columbia U.] (ORCID:0000000258778005↗

Probing celestial energy and charge correlations through real-time quantum simulations: Insights from the Schwinger model

Motivated by recent developments in the application of light-ray operators (LROs) in high energy physics, we propose a new strategy to study correlation functions of LROs through real-time quantum simulations. We argue that quantum simulators provide an ideal laboratory to explore the properties LROs in lower-dimensional quantum field theories. This is exemplified in the 1 + 1 -d Schwinger model, employing tensor network methods, focusing on the calculation of energy and charge correlators. Despite some challenges in extracting the necessary correlation functions from the lattice, the methodology used can be extended to real quantum devices. Published by the American Physical Society 2025

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

High-Energy Collision of Quarks and Mesons in the Schwinger Model: From Tensor Networks to Circuit QED

With the aim of studying nonperturbative out-of-equilibrium dynamics of high-energy particle collisions on quantum simulators, we investigate the scattering dynamics of lattice quantum electrodynamics in 1 + 1 dimensions. Working in the bosonized formulation of the model and in the thermodynamic limit, we use uniform-matrix-product-state tensor networks to construct multiparticle wave-packet states, evolve them in time, and detect outgoing particles post collision. This facilitates the numerical simulation of scattering experiments in both confined and deconfined regimes of the model at different energies, giving rise to rich phenomenology, including inelastic production of quark and meson states, meson disintegration, and dynamical string formation and breaking. We obtain elastic and inelastic scattering cross sections, together with time-resolved momentum and position distributions of the outgoing particles. Furthermore, we propose an analog circuit-QED implementation of the scattering process that is native to the platform, requires minimal ingredients and approximations, and enables practical schemes for particle wave-packet preparation and evolution. Furthermore, this study highlights the role of classical and quantum simulation in enhancing our understanding of scattering processes in quantum field theories in real time.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Fractional Statistics

The quantum-mechanical description of assemblies of particles whose motion is confined to two (or one) spatial dimensions offers many possibilities that are distinct from bosons and fermions. We call such particles anyons. The simplest anyons are parameterized by an angular phase parameter θ. θ = 0, π correspond to bosons and fermions, respectively; at intermediate values, we say that we have fractional statistics. In two dimensions, θ describes the phase acquired by the wave function as two anyons wind around one another counterclockwise. It generates a shift in the allowed values for the relative angular momentum. Composites of localized electric charge and magnetic flux associated with an abelian U(1) gauge group realize this behavior. More complex charge-flux constructions can involve nonabelian and product groups acting on a spectrum of allowed charges and fluxes, giving rise to nonabelian and mutual statistics. Interchanges of nonabelian anyons implement unitary transformations of the wave function within an emergent space of internal states. Anyons of all kinds are described by quantum field theories that include Chern–Simons terms. The crossings of one-dimensional anyons on a ring are unidirectional, such that a fractional phase θ acquired upon interchange gives rise to fractional shifts in the relative momenta between the anyons. The quasiparticle excitations of fractional quantum Hall states have long been predicted to include anyons. Recently, the anyon behavior predicted for quasiparticles in the ν = 1/3 fractional quantum Hall state has been observed in both scattering and interferometric experiments. Excitations within designed systems, notably including superconducting circuits, can exhibit anyon behavior. Such systems are being developed for possible use in quantum information processing.

Physics↗

Contact in the Unitary Fermi Gas across the Superfluid Phase Transition

A quantity known as the contact is a fundamental thermodynamic property of quantum many-body systems with short-range interactions. Determination of the temperature dependence of the contact for the unitary Fermi gas of infinite scattering length has been a major challenge, with different calculations yielding qualitatively different results. Here we use finite-temperature auxiliary-field quantum Monte Carlo (AFMC) methods on the lattice within the canonical ensemble to calculate the temperature dependence of the contact for the homogeneous spin-balanced unitary Fermi gas. We extrapolate to the continuum limit for 40, 66, and 114 particles, eliminating systematic errors due to finite-range effects. We observe a dramatic decrease in the contact as the superfluid critical temperature is approached from below, followed by a gradual weak decrease as the temperature increases in the normal phase. Our theoretical results are in excellent agreement with the most recent precision ultracold atomic gas experiments. Here, we also present results for the energy as a function of temperature in the continuum limit.

74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS↗

Efficiently evaluating loop integrals in the EFTofLSS using QFT integrals with massive propagators

We develop a new way to analytically calculate loop integrals in the Effective Field Theory of Large Scale-Structure. Previous available methods show severe limitations beyond the one-loop power spectrum due to analytical challenges and computational and memory costs. Our new method is based on fitting the linear power spectrum with cosmology-independent functions that resemble integer powers of quantum field theory massive propagators with complex masses. A remarkably small number of them is sufficient to reach enough accuracy. Similarly to former approaches, the cosmology dependence is encoded in the coordinate vector of the expansion of the linear power spectrum in our basis. We first produce cosmology-independent tensors where each entry is the loop integral evaluated on a given combination of basis vectors. For each cosmology, the evaluation of a loop integral amounts to contracting this tensor with the coordinate vector of the linear power spectrum. The 3-dimensional loop integrals for our basis functions can be evaluated using techniques familiar to particle physics, such as recursion relations and Feynman parametrization. We apply our formalism to evaluate the one-loop bispectrum of galaxies in redshift space. The final analytical expressions are quite simple and can be evaluated with little computational and memory cost. We show that the same expressions resolve the integration of all one-loop N-point function in the EFTofLSS. This method, which is originally presented here, has already been applied in the first one-loop bispectrum analysis of the BOSS data to constraint ΛCDM parameters and primordial non-Gaussianities [1, 2].

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Riemann-Hilbert correspondence and blown up surface defects

The relationship of two dimensional quantum field theory and isomonodromic deformations of Fuchsian systems has a long history. Recently four-dimensional N = 2 gauge theories joined the party in a multitude of roles. In this paper we study the vacuum expectation values of intersecting half-BPS surface defects in SU(2) theory with N f = 4 fundamental hypermultiplets. We show they form a horizontal section of a Fuchsian system on a sphere with 5 regular singularities, calculate the monodromy, and define the associated isomonodromic tau-function. Using the blowup formula in the presence of half-BPS surface defects, initiated in the companion paper, we obtain the GIL formula, establishing an unexpected relation of the topological string/free fermion regime of supersymmetric gauge theory to classical integrability.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Non-standard axion electrodynamics and the dual Witten effect

Standard axion electrodynamics has two closely related features. First, the coupling of a massless axion field to photons is quantized, in units proportional to the electric gauge coupling squared. Second, the equations of motion tell us that a time-dependent axion field in a background magnetic field sources an effective electric current, but a time-dependent axion field in a background electric field has no effect. These properties, which manifestly violate electric-magnetic duality, play a crucial role in experimental searches for axions. Recently, electric-magnetic duality has been used to motivate the possible existence of non-standard axion couplings, which can both violate the usual quantization rule and exchange the roles of electric and magnetic fields in axion electrodynamics. We show that these non-standard couplings can be derived from SL(2,Z) duality, but that they come at a substantial cost: in non-standard axion electrodynamics, all electrically charged particles become dyons when the axion traverses its field range, in a dual form of the standard Witten effect monodromy. This implies that there are dyons near the weak scale, leads to a large axion mass induced by Standard Model fermion loops, and dramatically alters Higgs physics. We conclude that non-standard axion electrodynamics, although interesting to consider in abstract quantum field theory, is not phenomenologically viable.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Disentangling the physics of the attractive Hubbard model as a fully interacting model of fermions via the accessible and symmetry-resolved entanglement entropies

The complicated ways in which electrons interact in many-body systems such as molecules and materials have long been viewed through the lens of local electron correlation and associated correlation functions. However, quantum information science has demonstrated that more global diagnostics of quantum states like the entanglement entropy can provide a complementary and clarifying lens on electronic behavior. One particularly useful measure that can be used to distinguish between quantum and classical sources of entanglement is the accessible entanglement, the entanglement available as a quantum resource for systems subject to conservation laws, such as fixed particle number, due to superselection rules. In this work, we introduce an algorithm and demonstrate how to compute accessible and symmetry-resolved entanglements for interacting fermion systems. This is accomplished by combining an incremental version of the swap algorithm with a recursive auxiliary field quantum Monte Carlo algorithm recently developed by the authors. We apply these tools to study the pairing and charge density waves exhibited in the paradigmatic attractive Hubbard model via entanglement. We find that the particle and spin symmetry-resolved entanglements and their related full probability distribution functions show very clear—and unique—signatures of the underlying electronic behavior even when those features are less pronounced in conventional correlation functions. Altogether, this work provides a systematic means of characterizing the entanglement within quantum systems that can grant a deeper understanding of the complicated electronic behavior that underlies quantum phase transitions and crossovers in many-body systems.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Quantum dynamics of the temporary capture of light atoms by superfluid helium nanodroplets at very low collision energies (≈1–13 meV): the case of the hydrogen atom and its isotopes

The capture dynamics of a H atom and isotopic variants [D, T and Q (hypothetical isotope of mass equal to four times the mass of H)] by a superfluid helium nanodroplet (HeND) has been investigated theoretically. The HeND (T = 0.37 K) is ( 4 He) N=400 and a mean field quantum hybrid approach [TDDFT (helium) + quantum wave packet (H, D, T or Q)] at zero angular momentum, is used to explore a rather wide range of very low initial kinetic energies (E k,0 ≈ 10–150 K). The analysis of the capture mechanism shows the existence of a dynamical barrier and a dynamical minimum that play key roles to understand the time evolution of the capture, especially the former property. In general, the H atom shows a different behavior from the other isotopes, with the behavior of T and Q being very similar to each other and the D atom behaving inbetween H and T. Besides, it is worth noting that, in principle, at the very low initial kinetic energies considered only “short” and “long” lived atom⋯HeND collision complexes are formed, i.e., in the atom-helium nanodroplet collision only the temporary capture of the atom takes place. The different behaviors observed have been interpreted considering the faster motion of the H atom when colliding with ( 4 He) N=400 and the more quantum character of the H behavior both due to its significantly lower mass. As far as we know, this is the first quantum dynamics study carried out on the collision of light atoms with HeNDs at very low energies.

Sternberg, Michael [Argonne National Laboratory (A↗

Solidity without inhomogeneity: perfectly homogeneous, weakly coupled, UV-complete solids

Solid-like behavior at low energies and long distances is usually associated with the spontaneous breaking of spatial translations at microscopic scales, as in the case of a lattice of atoms. We exhibit three quantum field theories that are renormalizable, Poincaré invariant, and weakly coupled, and that admit states that on the one hand are perfectly homogeneous down to arbitrarily short scales, and on the other hand have the same infrared dynamics as isotropic solids. All three examples presented here lead to the same peculiar solid at low energies, featuring very constrained interactions and transverse phonons that always propagate at the speed of light. In particular, they violate the well known c$^2_L$>$\frac{4}{3}$c$^2_T$ bound, thus showing that it is possible to have a healthy renormalizable theory that at low energies exhibits a negative bulk modulus (we discuss how the associated instabilities are absent in the presence of suitable boundary conditions). We do not know whether such peculiarities are unavoidable features of large scale solid-like behavior in the absence of short scale inhomogeneities, or whether they simply reflect the limits of our imagination.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

The O(N) S-matrix monolith

We consider the scattering matrices of massive quantum field theories with no bound states and a global O(N) symmetry in two spacetime dimensions. In particular we explore the space of two-to-two S-matrices of particles of mass m transforming in the vector representation as restricted by the general conditions of unitarity, crossing, analyticity and O(N) symmetry. We found a rich structure in that space by using convex maximization and in particular its convex dual minimization problem. At the boundary of the allowed space special geometric points such as vertices were found to correspond to integrable models. The dual convex minimization problem provides a novel and useful approach to the problem allowing, for example, to prove that generically the S-matrices so obtained saturate unitarity and, insome cases, that they are at vertices of the allowed space.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

tapir: A tool for topologies, amplitudes, partial fraction decomposition and input for reductions

The demand for precision predictions in the field of high energy physics has dramatically increased over recent years. Experiments conducted at the LHC, as well as precision measurements at the intensity frontier such as Belle II require equally precise theoretical predictions to make full use of the acquired data. To match the experimental precision, second-, third- and, for certain quantities, even higher-order calculations in perturbative quantum field theory are required. To facilitate such calculations, computer software automating as many steps as possible is required. Yet, each calculation poses different challenges and thus, a high level of configurability is required. In this context we present tapir: a tool for identification, manipulation and minimization of Feynman integral families. It is designed to integrate in toolchains based on the computer algebra system FORM, the use of which is common practice in the field. tapir can be used to reduce the complexity of multi-loop problems with cut-filters, topology mapping, partial fraction decomposition and alike. Program Title:tapir CPC Library link to program files:https://doi.org/10.17632/ptc9t46xyn.1 Developer's repository link:https://gitlab.com/tapir-devs/tapir Licensing provisions: GPLv3 Programming language:python 3, C++ Nature of problem: Multi-loop computations require the automatization of a large number of different tasks related to Feynman integral topologies. Among them are the identification and minimization of integral topologies, partial fraction decomposition of topologies in the case of linearly dependent propagators as well as mapping scalar products of loop momenta to scalar functions. Solution method: The minimization of topologies is performed by comparison of their respective Nickel indices [1], even further minimization utilizes Pak's algorithm [2]. To efficiently map scalar products of loop momenta to scalar functions FORM [3] code is generated. Additional comments including restrictions and unusual features: Minimization based on Pak's algorithm slows down for many lines and scales. A coarser minimization using the Nickel indices, however, is still possible. [1]B. Nickel, D. Meiron, G.A.J. Baker, Compilation of 2-pt and 4-pt graphs for continuous spin model, Report, University of Guelph, 1977.[2]A. Pak, J. Phys. Conf. Ser. 368 (2012) 012049, https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/368/1/012049, arXiv:1111.0868.[3]B. Ruijl, T. Ueda, J. Vermaseren, FORM version 4.2, arXiv:1707.06453, 7 2017.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗