arXiv subjects

A. Liam Fitzpatrick

Publications and source records attributed to A. Liam Fitzpatrick.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

arXiv2011

Effective Conformal Theory and the Flat-Space Limit of AdS

We develop the idea of an effective conformal theory describing the low-lying spectrum of the dilatation operator in a CFT. Such an effective theory is useful when the spectrum contains a hierarchy in the dimension of operators, and a small parameter whose role is similar to that of 1/N in a large N gauge theory. These criteria insure that there is a regime where the dilatation operator is modified perturbatively. Global AdS is the natural framework for perturbations of the dilatation operator respecting conformal invariance, much as Minkowski space naturally describes Lorentz invariant perturbations of the Hamiltonian. Assuming that the lowest-dimension single-trace operator is a scalar, O, we consider the anomalous dimensions, gamma(n,l), of the double-trace operators of the form O (del^2)^n (del)^l O. Purely from the CFT we find that perturbative unitarity places a bound on these dimensions of |gamma(n,l)|<4. Non-renormalizable AdS interactions lead to violations of the bound at large values of n. We also consider the case that these interactions are generated by integrating out a heavy scalar field in AdS. We show that the presence of the heavy field "unitarizes" the growth in the anomalous dimensions, and leads to a resonance-like behavior in gamma(n,l) when n is close to the dimension of the CFT operator dual to the heavy field. Finally, we demonstrate that bulk flat-space S-matrix elements can be extracted from the large n behavior of the anomalous dimensions. This leads to a direct connection between the spectrum of anomalous dimensions in d-dimensional CFTs and flat-space S-matrix elements in d+1 dimensions. We comment on the emergence of flat-space locality from the CFT perspective.

hep-th↗

arXiv2011

A Natural Language for AdS/CFT Correlators

We provide dramatic evidence that `Mellin space' is the natural home for correlation functions in CFTs with weakly coupled bulk duals. In Mellin space, CFT correlators have poles corresponding to an OPE decomposition into `left' and `right' sub-correlators, in direct analogy with the factorization channels of scattering amplitudes. In the regime where these correlators can be computed by tree level Witten diagrams in AdS, we derive an explicit formula for the residues of Mellin amplitudes at the corresponding factorization poles, and we use the conformal Casimir to show that these amplitudes obey algebraic finite difference equations. By analyzing the recursive structure of our factorization formula we obtain simple diagrammatic rules for the construction of Mellin amplitudes corresponding to tree-level Witten diagrams in any bulk scalar theory. We prove the diagrammatic rules using our finite difference equations. Finally, we show that our factorization formula and our diagrammatic rules morph into the flat space S-Matrix of the bulk theory, reproducing the usual Feynman rules, when we take the flat space limit of AdS/CFT. Throughout we emphasize a deep analogy with the properties of flat space scattering amplitudes in momentum space, which suggests that the Mellin amplitude may provide a holographic definition of the flat space S-Matrix.

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arXiv2011

Anomalous Dimensions of Non-Chiral Operators from AdS/CFT

Non-chiral operators with positive anomalous dimensions can have interesting applications to supersymmetric model building. Motivated by this, we develop a new method for obtaining the anomalous dimensions of non-chiral double-trace operators in N=1 superconformal field theories (SCFTs) with weakly-coupled AdS duals. Via the Hamiltonian formulation of AdS/CFT, we show how to directly compute the anomalous dimension as a bound state energy in the gravity dual. This simplifies previous approaches based on the four-point function and the OPE. We apply our method to a class of effective AdS5 supergravity models, and we find that the binding energy can have either sign. If such models can be UV completed, they will provide the first calculable examples of SCFTs with positive anomalous dimensions.

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arXiv2011

Scattering States in AdS/CFT

We show that suitably regulated multi-trace primary states in large N CFTs behave like `in' and `out' scattering states in the flat-space limit of AdS. Their transition matrix elements approach the exact scattering amplitudes for the bulk theory, providing a natural CFT definition of the flat space S-Matrix. We study corrections resulting from the AdS curvature and particle propagation far from the center of AdS, and show that AdS simply provides an IR regulator that disappears in the flat space limit.

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arXiv2010

Dark Moments and the DAMA-CoGeNT Puzzle

We consider the velocity dependence arising from scattering through dark multipole moments, and its effects on the consistency of the signals observed by DAMA and CoGeNT with the dark matter hypothesis. We focus on the effects of the experimental uncertainties on the fits, and show that the two experiments combined favor dark matter scattering with a velocity-dependent cross-section over standard velocity and spin-independent scattering. When appropriate uncertainties are taken into account, we show that agreement of the two signals with each other and with the results of null experiments can be obtained.

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arXiv2010

Implications of CoGeNT and DAMA for Light WIMP Dark Matter

In this paper, we study the recent excess of low energy events observed by the CoGeNT collaboration, and discuss the possibility that these events originate from the elastic scattering of a light (m_DM ~ 5-10 GeV) dark matter particle. We find that such a dark matter candidate may also be capable of generating the annual modulation reported by DAMA, as well as the small excess recently reported by CDMS, without conflicting with the null results from other experiments, such as XENON10. A dark matter interpretation of the CoGeNT and DAMA observations favors a region of parameter space that is especially attractive within the context of Asymmetric Dark Matter models. In such models, the cosmological dark matter density arises from the baryon asymmetry of the universe, naturally leading to the expectation that m_DM ~ 1-10 GeV. We also discuss neutralino dark matter from extended supersymmetric frameworks, such as the NMSSM. Lastly, we explore the implications of such a dark matter candidate for indirect searches, and find that the prospects for detecting the neutrino and gamma ray annihilation products of such a particle to be very encouraging.

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arXiv2010

Discovering Asymmetric Dark Matter with Anti-Neutrinos

We discuss possible signatures of Asymmetric Dark Matter (ADM) through dark matter decays to neutrinos. We specifically focus on scenarios in which the Standard Model (SM) baryon asymmetry is transferred to the dark sector (DS) through higher dimensional operators in chemical equilibrium. In such cases, the dark matter (DM) carries lepton and/or baryon number, and we point out that for a wide range of quantum number assignments, by far the strongest constraints on dark matter decays come from decays to neutrinos through the "neutrino portal" operator HL. Together with the facts that ADM favors lighter DM masses ~ a few GeV and that the decays would lead only to anti-neutrinos and no neutrinos (or vice versa), the detection of such decays at neutrino telescopes would provide compelling evidence for ADM. We discuss current and future bounds on models where the DM decays to neutrinos through operators of dimension <= 6. For dimension 6 operators, the scale suppressing the decay is bounded to be >~ 10^12 - 10^13 GeV.

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arXiv2010

Form Factor Dark Matter

We present a dynamical alternative to inelastic dark matter as a way of reconciling the modulating signal seen at DAMA with null results at other direct detection experiments. The essential ingredient is a new form factor which introduces momentum dependence in the interaction of dark matter with nuclei. The role of the form factor is to suppress events at low momentum transfer. We find that a form factor approach is most likely not viable in the context of the standard halo model, however it is consistent with halo models suggested by recent Via Lactea simulations. As an example of possible form factors, we present a class of models where the necessary momentum dependence arises from interference of GeV mass gauge bosons coupling the dark matter to nuclei. At energies relevant for direct detection experiments these models contain one or two additional parameters beyond the case of a standard WIMP.

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arXiv2009

New Perspective on Galaxy Clustering as a Cosmological Probe: General Relativistic Effects

We present a general relativistic description of galaxy clustering in a FLRW universe. The observed redshift and position of galaxies are affected by the matter fluctuations and the gravity waves between the source galaxies and the observer, and the volume element constructed by using the observables differs from the physical volume occupied by the observed galaxies. Therefore, the observed galaxy fluctuation field contains additional contributions arising from the distortion in observable quantities and these include tensor contributions as well as numerous scalar contributions. We generalize the linear bias approximation to relate the observed galaxy fluctuation field to the underlying matter distribution in a gauge-invariant way. Our full formalism is essential for the consistency of theoretical predictions. As our first application, we compute the angular auto correlation of large-scale structure and its cross correlation with CMB temperature anisotropies. We comment on the possibility of detecting primordial gravity waves using galaxy clustering and discuss further applications of our formalism.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2009

A Simple Explanation for DAMA with Moderate Channeling

We consider the possibility that the DAMA signal arises from channeled events in simple models where the dark matter interaction with nuclei is suppressed at small momenta. As with the standard WIMP, these models have two parameters (the dark matter mass and the size of the cross-section), without the need to introduce an additional energy threshold type of parameter. We find that they can be consistent with channeling fractions as low as about ~ 15%, so long as at least ~70% of the nuclear recoil energy for channeled events is deposited electronically. Given that there are reasons not to expect very large channeling fractions, these scenarios make the channeling explanation of DAMA much more compelling.

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arXiv2009

Contributions to the Dark Matter 3-Pt Function from the Radiation Era

We consider the contribution to the three-point function of matter density fluctuations from nonlinear growth after modes re-enter the horizon, and discuss effects that must be included in order to predict the three-point function with an accuracy comparable to primordial nongaussianities with f_NL ~ few. In particular, we note that the shortest wavelength modes measured in galaxy surveys entered the horizon during the radiation era, and, as a result, the radiation era modifies their three-point function by a magnitude equivalent to f_NL ~ O(4). On longer wavelengths, where the radiation era is negligible, we find that the corrections to the nonlinear growth from relativistic effects become important at the level f_NL ~ few. We implement a simple method for numerically calculating the three-point function, by solving the second-order equations of motion for the perturbations with the first order perturbations providing a source.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2008

The Effective Field Theory of Inflation

We study the effective field theory of inflation, i.e. the most general theory describing the fluctuations around a quasi de Sitter background, in the case of single field models. The scalar mode can be eaten by the metric by going to unitary gauge. In this gauge, the most general theory is built with the lowest dimension operators invariant under spatial diffeomorphisms, like g^{00} and K_{mu nu}, the extrinsic curvature of constant time surfaces. This approach allows us to characterize all the possible high energy corrections to simple slow-roll inflation, whose sizes are constrained by experiments. Also, it describes in a common language all single field models, including those with a small speed of sound and Ghost Inflation, and it makes explicit the implications of having a quasi de Sitter background. The non-linear realization of time diffeomorphisms forces correlation among different observables, like a reduced speed of sound and an enhanced level of non-Gaussianity.

hep-th↗

arXiv2008

On the consistency relation of the 3-point function in single field inflation

The consistency relation for the 3-point function of the CMB is a very powerful observational signature which is believed to be true for every inflationary model in which there is only one dynamical degree of freedom. Its importance relies on the fact that deviations from it might be detected in next generation experiments, allowing us to rule out all single field inflationary models. After making more precise the already existing proof of the consistency relation, we use a recently developed effective field theory for inflationary perturbations to provide an alternative and very explicit proof valid at leading non trivial order in slow roll parameters.

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arXiv2007

Searching for the Kaluza-Klein Graviton in Bulk RS Models

The best-studied version of the RS1 model has all the Standard Model particles confined to the TeV brane. However, recent variants have the Standard Model fermions and gauge bosons located in the bulk five-dimensional spacetime. We study the potential reach of the LHC in searching for the lightest KK partner of the graviton in the most promising such models in which the right-handed top is localized very near the TeV brane and the light fermions are localized near the Planck brane. We consider both detection and the establishment of the spin-2 nature of the resonance should it be found.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2007

(Extra)Ordinary Gauge Mediation

We study models of "(extra)ordinary gauge mediation," which consist of taking ordinary gauge mediation and extending the messenger superpotential to include all renormalizable couplings consistent with SM gauge invariance and an R-symmetry. We classify all such models and find that their phenomenology can differ significantly from that of ordinary gauge mediation. Some highlights include: arbitrary modifications of the squark/slepton mass relations, small mu and Higgsino NLSP's, and the possibility of having fewer than one effective messenger. We also show how these models lead naturally to extremely simple examples of direct gauge mediation, where SUSY and R-symmetry breaking occur not in a hidden sector, but due to the dynamics of the messenger sector itself.

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arXiv2007

Sequestering CP Violation and GIM-Violation with Warped Extra Dimensions

We propose a model of spontaneous CP violation to address the strong CP problem in warped extra dimensions that relies on sequestering flavor and CP violation. We assume that brane-localized Higgs Yukawa interactions respect a U(3) flavor symmetry that is broken only by bulk fermion mass and Yukawa terms. All CP violation arises from the vev of a CP-odd scalar field localized in the bulk. To suppress radiative corrections to theta-bar, the doublet quarks in this model are localized on the IR brane. We calculate constraints from flavor-changing neutral currents (FCNCs), precision electroweak measurements, CKM unitarity, and the electric dipole moments in this model and predict theta-bar to be at least about 10^-12.

hep-th↗

arXiv2007

Flavor from Minimal Flavor Violation & a Viable Randall-Sundrum Model

We present a variant of the warped extra dimension, Randall-Sundrum (RS), framework which is based on five dimensional (5D) minimal flavor violation (MFV), in which the only sources of flavor breaking are two 5D anarchic Yukawa matrices. The Yukawa matrices also control the bulk masses, which are responsible for the resulting flavor structure and mass hierarchy in the low energy theory. An interesting result of this set-up is that at low energies the theory flows to next to MFV model where flavor violation is dominantly coming from the third generation. Low energy flavor violation is further suppressed by a single parameter that dials the amount of violation in the up or down sector. There is therefore a sharp limit in which there is no flavor violation in the down type quark sector which, remarkably, is favored when we fit for the flavor parameters. This mechanism is used to eliminate the current RS flavor and CP problem even with a Kaluza-Klein scale as low as 2 TeV! Our construction also suggests that economic supersymmetric and non-supersymmetric, strong dynamic-based, flavor models may be built based on the same concepts.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2006

On the existence and dynamics of braneworld black holes

Based on holographic arguments Tanaka and Emparan et al have claimed that large localized static black holes do not exist in the one-brane Randall-Sundrum model. If such black holes are time-dependent as they propose, there are potentially significant phenomenological and theoretical consequences. We revisit the issue, arguing that their reasoning does not take into account the strongly coupled nature of the holographic theory. We claim that static black holes with smooth metrics should indeed exist in these theories, and give a simple example. However, although the existence of such solutions is relevant to exact and numerical solution searches, such static solutions might be dynamically unstable, again leading to time dependence with phenomenological consequences. We explore a plausible instability, suggested by Tanaka, analogous to that of Gregory and Laflamme, but argue that there is no reliable reason at this point to assume it must exist.

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