arXiv subjects

A. Alexandrov

Publications and source records attributed to A. Alexandrov.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

arXiv2018

Measurement of the cosmic ray muon flux seasonal variation with the OPERA detector

The OPERA experiment discovered muon neutrino into tau neutrino oscillations in appearance mode, detecting tau leptons by means of nuclear emulsion films. The apparatus was also endowed with electronic detectors with tracking capability, such as scintillator strips and resistive plate chambers. Because of its location, in the underground Gran Sasso laboratory, under 3800 m.w.e., the OPERA detector has also been used as an observatory for TeV muons produced by cosmic rays in the atmosphere. In this paper the measurement of the single muon flux modulation and of its correlation with the seasonal variation of the atmospheric temperature are reported.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2018

Weighted Hurwitz numbers and topological recursion: an overview

Multiparametric families of hypergeometric $τ$-functions of KP or Toda type serve as generating functions for weighted Hurwitz numbers, providing weighted enumerations of branched covers of the Riemann sphere. A graphical interpretation of the weighting is given in terms of constellations mapped onto the covering surface. The theory is placed within the framework of topological recursion, with the Baker function at ${\bf t} ={\bf 0}$ shown to satisfy the quantum spectral curve equation, whose classical limit is rational. A basis for the space of formal power series in the spectral variable is generated that is adapted to the Grassmannian element associated to the $τ$-function. Multicurrent correlators are defined in terms of the $τ$-function and shown to provide an alternative generating function for weighted Hurwitz numbers. Fermionic VEV representations are provided for the adapted bases, pair correlators and multicurrent correlators. Choosing the weight generating function as a polynomial, and restricting the number of nonzero "second" KP flow parameters in the Toda $τ$-function to be finite implies a finite rank covariant derivative equation with rational coefficients satisfied by a finite "window" of adapted basis elements. The pair correlator is shown to provide a Christoffel-Darboux type finite rank integrable kernel, and the WKB series coefficients of the associated adjoint system are computed recursively, leading to topological recursion relations for the generators of the weighted Hurwitz numbers.

math-ph↗

arXiv2018

Partition Functions of Matrix Models as the First Special Functions of String Theory I. Finite Size Hermitean 1-Matrix Model

Even though matrix model partition functions do not exhaust the entire set of tau-functions relevant for string theory, they seem to be elementary building blocks for many others and they seem to properly capture the fundamental symplicial nature of quantum gravity and string theory. We propose to consider matrix model partition functions as new special functions. This means they should be investigated and put into some standard form, with no reference to particular applications. At the same time, the tables and lists of properties should be full enough to avoid discoveries of unexpected peculiarities in new applications. This is a big job, and the present paper is just a step in this direction. Here we restrict our consideration to the finite-size Hermitean 1-matrix model and concentrate mostly on its phase/branch structure arising when the partition function is considered as a D-module. We discuss the role of the CIV-DV prepotential (as generating a possible basis in the linear space of solutions to the Virasoro constraints, but with a lack of understanding of why and how this basis is distinguished) and evaluate first few multiloop correlators, which generalize semicircular distribution to the case of multitrace and non-planar correlators.

hep-th↗

arXiv2018

Final results of the OPERA experiment on $ν_τ$ appearance in the CNGS beam

The OPERA experiment was designed to study $ν_μ\toν_τ$ oscillations in appearance mode in the CNGS neutrino beam. In this letter we report the final analysis of the full data sample collected between 2008 and 2012, corresponding to $17.97\cdot 10^{19}$ protons on target. Selection criteria looser than in previous analyses have produced ten $ν_τ$ candidate events, thus reducing the statistical uncertainty in the measurement of the oscillation parameters and of $ν_τ$ properties. A multivariate approach for event identification has been applied to the candidate events and the discovery of $ν_τ$ appearance is confirmed with an improved significance level of 6.1 $σ$. $Δm^2_{23}$ has been measured, in appearance mode, with an accuracy of 20%. The measurement of $ν_τ$ CC cross-section, for the first time with a negligible contamination from $\barν_τ$, and the first direct observation of the $ν_τ$ lepton number are also reported.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2017

High-resolution tracking in a GEM-Emulsion detector

SHiP (Search for Hidden Particles) is a beam dump experiment proposed at the CERN SPS aiming at the observation of long lived particles very weakly coupled with ordinary matter mostly produced in the decay of charmed hadrons. The beam dump facility of SHiP is also a copious factory of neutrinos of all three kinds and therefore a dedicated neutrino detector is foreseen in the SHiP apparatus. The neutrino detector exploits the Emulsion Cloud Chamber technique with a modular structure, alternating walls of target units and planes of electronic detectors providing the time stamp to the event. GEM detectors are one of the possible choices for this task. This paper reports the results of the first exposure to a muon beam at CERN of a new hybrid chamber, obtained by coupling a GEM chamber and an emulsion detector. Thanks to the micrometric accuracy of the emulsion detector, the position resolution of the GEM chamber as a function of the particle inclination was evaluated in two configurations, with and without the magnetic field

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2017

Fermionic approach to weighted Hurwitz numbers and topological recursion

A fermionic representation is given for all the quantities entering in the generating function approach to weighted Hurwitz numbers and topological recursion. This includes: KP and 2D Toda $τ$-functions of hypergeometric type, which serve as generating functions for weighted single and double Hurwitz numbers; the Baker function, which is expanded in an adapted basis obtained by applying the same dressing transformation to all vacuum basis elements; the multipair correlators and the multicurrent correlators. Multiplicative and differential recursion relations are deduced for the adapted bases and their duals, and a Christoffel-Darboux type formula is derived for the pair correlator. The quantum and classical spectral curves linking this theory with the topological recursion programme are derived, as well as the generalized cut and join equations. The results are detailed for four special cases: the simple single and double Hurwitz numbers, the weakly monotone case, corresponding to signed enumeration of coverings, the strongly monotone case, corresponding to Belyi curves and the simplest version of quantum weighted Hurwitz numbers.

math-ph↗

arXiv2017

The active muon shield in the SHiP experiment

The SHiP experiment is designed to search for very weakly interacting particles beyond the Standard Model which are produced in a 400 GeV/c proton beam dump at the CERN SPS. An essential task for the experiment is to keep the Standard Model background level to less than 0.1 event after $2\times 10^{20}$ protons on target. In the beam dump, around $10^{11}$ muons will be produced per second. The muon rate in the spectrometer has to be reduced by at least four orders of magnitude to avoid muon-induced combinatorial background. A novel active muon shield is used to magnetically deflect the muons out of the acceptance of the spectrometer. This paper describes the basic principle of such a shield, its optimization and its performance.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2016

Intrinsic neutron background of nuclear emulsions for directional Dark Matter searches

Recent developments of the nuclear emulsion technology led to the production of films with nanometric silver halide grains suitable to track low energy nuclear recoils with submicrometric length. This improvement opens the way to a directional Dark Matter detection, thus providing an innovative and complementary approach to the on-going WIMP searches. An important background source for these searches is represented by neutron-induced nuclear recoils that can mimic the WIMP signal. In this paper we provide an estimation of the contribution to this background from the intrinsic radioactive contamination of nuclear emulsions. We also report the induced background as a function of the read-out threshold, by using a GEANT4 simulation of the nuclear emulsion, showing that it amounts to about 0.06 neutrons per year per kilogram, fully compatible with the design of a 10 kg$\times$year exposure.

astro-ph.IM↗

arXiv2016

Ramifications of Hurwitz theory, KP integrability and quantum curves

In this paper we revisit several recent results on monotone and strictly monotone Hurwitz numbers, providing new proofs. In particular, we use various versions of these numbers to discuss methods of derivation of quantum spectral curves from the point of view of KP integrability and derive new examples of quantum curves for the families of double Hurwitz numbers.

math-ph↗

arXiv2015

Enumerative geometry, tau-functions and Heisenberg-Virasoro algebra

In this paper we establish relations between three enumerative geometry tau-functions, namely the Kontsevich-Witten, Hurwitz and Hodge tau-functions. The relations allow us to describe the tau-functions in terms of matrix integrals, Virasoro constraints and Kac-Schwarz operators. All constructed operators belong to the algebra (or group) of symmetries of the KP hierarchy.

hep-th↗

arXiv2015

Open intersection numbers, matrix models and MKP hierarchy

In this paper we conjecture that the generating function of the intersection numbers on the moduli spaces of Riemann surfaces with boundary, constructed recently by R. Pandharipande, J. Solomon and R. Tessler and extended by A. Buryak, is a tau-function of the KP integrable hierarchy. Moreover, it is given by a simple modification of the Kontsevich matrix integral so that the generating functions of open and closed intersection numbers are described by the MKP integrable hierarchy. Virasoro constraints for the open intersection numbers naturally follow from the matrix integral representation.

math-ph↗

arXiv2014

On KP-integrable Hurwitz functions

There is now a renewed interest to the Hurwitz tau-function, counting the isomorphism classes of Belyi pairs, arising in the study of equilateral triangulations and Grothiendicks's dessins d'enfant. It is distinguished by belonging to a particular family of Hurwitz tau-functions, possessing conventional Toda/KP integrability properties. We explain how the variety of recent observations about this function fits into the general theory of matrix model tau-functions. All such quantities possess a number of different descriptions, related in a standard way: these include Toda/KP integrability, several kinds of W-representations (we describe four), two kinds of integral (multi-matrix model) descriptions (of Hermitian and Kontsevich types), Virasoro constraints, character expansion, embedding into generic set of Hurwitz tau-functions and relation to knot theory. When approached in this way, the family of models in the literature has a natural extension, and additional integrability with respect to associated new time-variables. Another member of this extended family is the Itsykson-Zuber integral.

hep-th↗

arXiv2013

From Hurwitz numbers to Kontsevich-Witten tau-function: a connection by Virasoro operators

In this letter,we present our conjecture on the connection between the Kontsevich--Witten and the Hurwitz tau-functions. The conjectural formula connects these two tau-functions by means of the $GL(\infty)$ group element. An important feature of this group element is its simplicity: this is a group element of the Virasoro subalgebra of $gl(\infty)$. If proved, this conjecture would allow to derive the Virasoro constraints for the Hurwitz tau-function, which remain unknown in spite of existence of several matrix model representations, as well as to give an integrable operator description of the Kontsevich--Witten tau-function.

hep-th↗

arXiv2012

Intrabeam stripping in H- Linacs

A beam loss in the superconducting part of the SNS linac has been observed during its commissioning and operation. Although the loss does not prevent the SNS high power operation, it results in an almost uniform irradiation of linac components and increased radiation levels in the tunnel. Multi-particle tracking could neither account for the magnitude of the observed loss nor its dependence on machine parameters. It was recently found that the loss is consistent with the intrabeam particle collisions resulting in stripping of H- ions. The paper describes experimental observations and corresponding analytical estimates of the intrabeam stripping.

physics.acc-ph↗

arXiv2012

Determination of a time-shift in the OPERA set-up using high energy horizontal muons in the LVD and OPERA detectors

The purpose of this work is to report the measurement of a time-shift in the OPERA set-up in a totally independent way from Time Of Flight (TOF) measurements of CNGS neutrino events. The LVD and OPERA experiments are both installed in the same laboratory: LNGS. The relative position of the two detectors, separated by an average distance of ~ 160 m, allows the use of very high energy horizontal muons to cross-calibrate the timing systems of the two detectors, using a TOF technique which is totally independent from TOF of CNGS neutrino events. Indeed, the OPERA-LVD direction lies along the so-called "Teramo anomaly", a region in the Gran Sasso massif where LVD has established, many years ago, the existence of an anomaly in the mountain structure, which exhibits a low m. w. e. thickness for horizontal directions. The "abundant" high-energy horizontal muons (nearly 100 per year) going through LVD and OPERA exist because of this anomaly in the mountain orography. The total live time of the data in coincidence correspond to 1200 days from mid 2007 until March 2012. The time coincidence study of LVD and OPERA detectors is based on 306 cosmic horizontal muon events and shows the existence of a negative time shift in the OPERA set-up of the order of deltaT(AB) = - (73 \pm 9) ns when two calendar periods, A and B, are compared. This result shows a systematic effect in the OPERA timing system from August 2008 until December 2011. The size of the effect is comparable with the neutrino velocity excess recently measured by OPERA. It is probably interesting not to forget that with the MRPC technology developed by the ALICE Bologna group the TOF world record accuracy of 20 ps was reached. That technology can be implemented at LNGS for a high precision determination of TOF with the CNGS neutrino beams of an order of magnitude smaller than the value of the OPERA systematic effect.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2011

Integrability of Hurwitz Partition Functions. I. Summary

Partition functions often become τ-functions of integrable hierarchies, if they are considered dependent on infinite sets of parameters called time variables. The Hurwitz partition functions Z = \sum_R d_R^{2-k}χ_R(t^{(1)})...χ_R(t^{(k)})\exp(\sum_n ξ_nC_R(n)) depend on two types of such time variables, t and ξ. KP/Toda integrability in t requires that k\leq 2 and also that C_R(n) are selected in a rather special way, in particular the naive cut-and-join operators are not allowed for n>2. Integrability in ξfurther restricts the choice of C_R(n), forbidding, for example, the free cumulants. It also requires that k\leq 1. The quasiclassical integrability (the WDVV equations) is naturally present in ξvariables, but also requires a careful definition of the generating function.

hep-th↗

arXiv2011

Matrix Models for Random Partitions

We derive exact matrix integral representations for different sums over partitions. The characteristic feature of all obtained matrix models is the presence of logarithmic (or, vice versa, exponential) terms in the potential. Our derivation is based on the application of the higher Casimir operators. The Toda lattice integrability of the basic sums over partitions can be easily derived from the matrix model representation.

hep-th↗

arXiv2011

Cut-and-Join operator representation for Kontsevich-Witten tau-function

In this short note we construct a simple cut-and-join operator representation for Kontsevich-Witten tau-function that is the partition function of the two-dimensional topological gravity. Our derivation is based on the Virasoro constraints. Possible applications of the obtained expression are discussed.

hep-th↗