arXiv subjects

A. Hovhannisyan

Publications and source records attributed to A. Hovhannisyan.

15 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Common causes for quantum identical particles

Violations of Bell's inequalities imply that joint probabilities generated by non-commutative measurements on two (non-identical) quantum particles do not have a single common cause. But joint probabilities generated for such non-identical particles via commutative measurements do have non-trivial common cause variables. We focus on commutative measurements and consider two identical quantum particles, whose density matrices and observables (hermitian operators) are necessarily permutation-symmetric. It is natural to demand that the common cause describing joint probabilities is also permutation symmetric, i.e., it acts symmetrically on both particles. Looking at various ways of defining joint probabilities from the same measurement data, we conclude that either symmetric common causes need not exist (i.e., that the particles can be hiddenly distinguishable), or that symmetric screening variables exist, but they are trivial, i.e., no single common cause can explain all single-measurement correlations.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2025

Nonnegative matrix factorization and the principle of the common cause

Nonnegative matrix factorization (NMF) is a known unsupervised data-reduction method. The principle of the common cause (PCC) is a basic methodological approach in probabilistic causality, which seeks an independent mixture model for the joint probability of two dependent random variables. It turns out that these two concepts are closely related. This relationship is explored reciprocally for several datasets of gray-scale images, which are conveniently mapped into probability models. On one hand, PCC provides a predictability tool that leads to a robust estimation of the effective rank of NMF. Unlike other estimates (e.g., those based on the Bayesian Information Criteria), our estimate of the rank is stable against weak noise. We show that NMF implemented around this rank produces features (basis images) that are also stable against noise and against seeds of local optimization, thereby effectively resolving the NMF nonidentifiability problem. On the other hand, NMF provides an interesting possibility of implementing PCC in an approximate way, where larger and positively correlated joint probabilities tend to be explained better via the independent mixture model. We work out a clustering method, where data points with the same common cause are grouped into the same cluster. We also show how NMF can be employed for data denoising.

cs.LG↗

arXiv2024

The most likely common cause

The common cause principle for two random variables $A$ and $B$ is examined in the case of causal insufficiency, when their common cause $C$ is known to exist, but only the joint probability of $A$ and $B$ is observed. As a result, $C$ cannot be uniquely identified (the latent confounder problem). We show that the generalized maximum likelihood method can be applied to this situation and allows identification of $C$ that is consistent with the common cause principle. It closely relates to the maximum entropy principle. Investigation of the two binary symmetric variables reveals a non-analytic behavior of conditional probabilities reminiscent of a second-order phase transition. This occurs during the transition from correlation to anti-correlation in the observed probability distribution. The relation between the generalized likelihood approach and alternative methods, such as predictive likelihood and the minimum common cause entropy, is discussed. The consideration of the common cause for three observed variables (and one hidden cause) uncovers causal structures that defy representation through directed acyclic graphs with the Markov condition.

physics.data-an↗

arXiv2024

Resolution of Simpson's paradox via the common cause principle

Simpson's paradox is an obstacle to establishing a probabilistic association between two events $a_1$ and $a_2$, given the third (lurking) random variable $B$. We focus on scenarios when the random variables $A$ (which combines $a_1$, $a_2$, and their complements) and $B$ have a common cause $C$ that need not be observed. Alternatively, we can assume that $C$ screens out $A$ from $B$. For such cases, the correct association between $a_1$ and $a_2$ is to be defined via conditioning over $C$. This setup generalizes the original Simpson's paradox: now its two contradicting options refer to two particular and different causes $C$. We show that if $B$ and $C$ are binary and $A$ is quaternary (the minimal and the most widespread situation for the Simpson's paradox), the conditioning over any binary common cause $C$ establishes the same direction of association between $a_1$ and $a_2$ as the conditioning over $B$ in the original formulation of the paradox. Thus, for the minimal common cause, one should choose the option of Simpson's paradox that assumes conditioning over $B$ and not its marginalization. The same conclusion is reached when Simpson's paradox is formulated via 3 continuous Gaussian variables: within the minimal formulation of the paradox (3 scalar continuous variables $A_1$, $A_2$, and $B$), one should choose the option with the conditioning over $B$.

stat.ME↗

arXiv2022

Photon cooling: linear vs nonlinear interactions

Linear optics imposes a relation that is more general than the second law of thermodynamics: For modes undergoing a linear evolution, the full mean occupation number (i.e. photon number for optical modes) does not decrease, provided that the evolution starts from a (generalized) diagonal state. This relation connects to noise-increasing (or heating), and is akin to the second law and holds for a wide set of initial states. Also, the Bose-entropy of modes increases, though this relation imposes additional limitations on the initial states and on linear evolution. We show that heating can be reversed via nonlinear interactions between the modes. They can cool -- i.e. decrease the full mean occupation number and the related noise -- an equilibrium system of modes provided that their frequencies are different. Such an effect cannot exist in energy cooling, where only a part of an equilibrium system is cooled. We describe the cooling set-up via both efficiency and coefficient of performance and relate the cooling effect to the Manley-Rowe theorem in nonlinear optics.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2012

Phase space analysis for three and four massive particles in final states

We propose formulae for computing the phase space integrals of $1\to 3$ and $1\to 4$ processes with massive particles in final states. As an application of these formulae we study the final state mass effects in some interesting phenomenological cases, giving fully integrated analytic results for the corresponding phase spaces. We consider also the $B_s-\bar{B}_s$ process at NNLO and calculate one of the most complicated master integrals, which contributes to the $ΔΓ_{B_s}$ at $O(α_s^2)$.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2012

Adiabatic Transparency of Multilevel Atomic Media for Short High-intensity Pulses

We consider a medium of multilevel atomic systems interacting with radiation pulses. A relatively simple technique of analytic calculations is proposed, which allows revealing all necessary conditions (with sufficient conditions to be checked separately) imposed on the interaction parameters, for which the mean dipole moment of a multilevel atomic medium vanishes, i.e., the medium becomes transparent via adiabatic interaction. The proposed technique is based on the method of quasienergies and illustrated for three- and five-level atomic systems. The necessary conditions for the propagation length where the interaction adiabaticity is preserved in the medium are obtained.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2007

SUSY R-parity violating contributions to the width differences for $D-\bar{D}$ and $B_{d,s}-\bar B_{d,s}$ systems

We study R-parity violating contributions to the mixing parameter $y$ for $D^0 -\bar D^0$ and $B^0_{d,s} - \bar B^0_{d,s}$ systems. We first obtain general expressions for new physics contributions to $y$ from effective four fermion operators. We then use them to study R-parity contributions. We find that R-parity violating contributions to $D^0 - \bar D^0$ mixing, and $B_{d}^0 - \bar B_{d}^0$ to be small. There may be sizable contribution to $B_s^0 -\bar B_s^0$ mixing. We also obtain some interesting bounds on R-parity violating parameters using known Standard Model predictions and experimental data.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2006

Estimate of BR(B -> X_s gamma) at O(alpha_s^2)

Combining our results for various O(alpha_s^2) corrections to the weak radiative B-meson decay, we are able to present the first estimate of the branching ratio at the next-to-next-to-leading order in QCD. We find BR(B -> X_s gamma) = (3.15 +_ 0.23) x 10^-4 for E_gamma > 1.6 GeV in the B-meson rest frame. The four types of uncertainties: non-perturbative (5%), parametric (3%), higher-order (3%) and m_c-interpolation ambiguity (3%) have been added in quadrature to obtain the total error.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2006

NNLL QCD Contribution of the Electromagnetic Dipole Operator to Gamma(anti-B -> X(s) gamma)

We present an independent calculation of that part of the O(α_s^2) contribution to the decay width Γ(\bar B -> X_s γ) which arises from the self-interference term of the electromagnetic dipole operator O_7. Using a different method, we find complete agreement with a previous calculation. This NNLL contribution is an important ingredient for the complete NNLL prediction of Γ(\bar B -> X_s γ) which will resolve the charm quark mass ambiguity appearing at NLL accuracy.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2005

Towards the NNLL precision in $\bar B \to X_s γ$

The present NLL prediction for the decay rate of the rare inclusive process $\bar B \to X_s γ$ has a large uncertainty due to the charm mass renormalization scheme ambiguity. We estimate that this uncertainty will be reduced by a factor of 2 at the NNLL level. This is a strong motivation for the on-going NNLL calculation, which will thus significantly increase the sensitivity of the observable $\bar B \to X_s γ$ to possible new degrees of freedom beyond the SM. We also give a brief status report of the NNLL calculation.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2005

Reduction of Charm Quark Mass Scheme Dependence in $\bar B \to X_s γ$ at the NNLL Level

The uncertainty of the theoretical prediction of the $\bar B \to X_s γ$ branching ratio at NLL level is dominated by the charm mass renormalization scheme ambiguity. In this paper we calculate those NNLL terms which are related to the renormalization of $m_c$, in order to get an estimate of the corresponding uncertainty at the NNLL level. We find that these terms significantly reduce (by typically a factor of two) the error on ${BR}(\bar B \to X_s γ)$ induced by the definition of $m_c$. Taking into account the experimental accuracy of around 10% and the future prospects of the $B$ factories, we conclude that a NNLL calculation would increase the sensitivity of the observable $\bar B \to X_s γ$ to possible new degrees of freedom beyond the SM significantly.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2004

Complete bremsstrahlung corrections to the forward-backward asymmetries in $b\to X_s\ell^+\ell^-$

In a recent paper we presented a calculation of NNLL virtual corrections to the forward-backward asymmetries in $b\to X_s\ell^+\ell^-$ decay. That result does not include bremsstrahlung corrections which are free from infrared and collinear singularities. In the present paper we include the remaining ${\cal O}(α_s)$ bremsstrahlung corrections to the forward-backward asymmetries in $b\to X_s\ell^+\ell^-$ decay. The numerical effect of the calculated contributions is found to be below 1%.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2004

Rare decays $\bar{B}\to X_{s(d)}γ$ at the NLO

We present an independent calculation of ${\cal{O}}(α_s)$ matrix elements of the QCD penguin operators for the decays $\bar{B}\to X_{s(d)}γ$. The Mellin-Barnes representation technique is applied for the systematic numerical evaluation of involved two-loop diagrams. The numerical effect of the calculated contributions is confirmed to be of order of 1%. We also present an updated numerical analysis for $\bar{B}\to X_{s(d)}γ$ decay rates.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2002

NNLL corrections to the angular distribution and to the forward-backward asymmetries in b -> X_s l+ l-

We present NNLL results for the double differential decay width dGamma(b -> X_s l+ l-)/(dsh dcos(theta)), where theta is the angle between the momenta of the b-quark and the l+, measured in the rest-frame of the lepton pair. From these results we also derive NNLL results for the lepton forward-backward asymmetries. Genuinely new calculations for the combined virtual- and gluon bremsstrahlung corrections associated with the operators O_7, O_9 and O_10 are necessary. We find that the NNLL corrections drastically reduce the renormalization scale dependence of the forward-backward asymmetries. In particular, sh_0, the position at which the forward-backward asymmetries vanish, is essentially free of uncertainties due to the renormalization scale at NNLL precision. We find sh_0(NNLL)=0.162 +/- 0.005, where the error is dominated by the uncertainty in (m_c/m_b). This is to be compared with sh_0(NLL)=0.144 +/- 0.020, where the error is dominated by uncertainties due to the choice of mu.

hep-ph↗