arXiv subjects

D. V. Nanopoulos

Publications and source records attributed to D. V. Nanopoulos.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

arXiv1999

Probing Models of Quantum Space-Time Foam

We review the possibility that quantum fluctuations in the structure of space-time at the Planck scale might be subject to experimental probes. We study the effects of space-time foam in an approach inspired by string theory, in which solitonic D-brane excitations are taken into account when considering the ground state. We model the properties of this medium by analyzing the recoil of a D particle which is induced by the scattering of a closed-string state. We find that this recoil causes an energy-dependent perturbation of the background metric, which in turn induces an energy-dependent refractive index in vacuo, and stochastic fluctuations of the light cone. We show how distant astrophysical sources such as Gamma-Ray Bursters (GRBs) may be used to test this possibility, making an illustrative analysis of GRBs whose redshifts have been measured. Within this framework, we also discuss the propagation of massive particles and the possible appearance of cosmological vacuum energy that relaxes towards zero. We also discuss D-brane recoil in models with `large' extra dimensions.

gr-qc↗

arXiv1999

Elevating the Free-Fermion $Z_2\times Z_2$ Orbifold Model to a Compactification of F-Theory

We study the elliptic fibrations of some Calabi-Yau three-folds, including the $Z_2\times Z_2$ orbifold with $(h_{1,1},h_{2,1})=(27,3)$, which is equivalent to the common framework of realistic free-fermion models, as well as related orbifold models with $(h_{1,1},h_{2,1})=(51,3)$ and (31,7). However, two related puzzles arise when one considers the $(h_{1,1},h_{2,1})=(27,3)$ model as an F-theory compactification to six dimensions. The condition for the vanishing of the gravitational anomaly is not satisfied, suggesting that the F-theory compactification does not make sense, and the elliptic fibration is well defined everywhere except at four singular points in the base. We speculate on the possible existence of N=1 tensor and hypermultiplets at these points which would cancel the gravitational anomaly in this case.

hep-th↗

arXiv1999

Neutralino Relic Density with a Cosmological Constant confronts Electroweak Precision Measurements

We discuss the relic density of the lightest of the supersymmetric particles ({\small LSP}) in view of new cosmological data, which favour the concept of an accelerating Universe with a non-vanishing cosmological constant. The new bound on the Cold Dark Matter density, $Ω_{\mathrm{CDM}} h_0^2 \lesssim 0.22$, puts stringent constraints on supersymmetry preferring low supersymmetry breaking scales, in sharp contrast to electroweak precision measurements favouring large supersymmetry breaking scales. Supersymmetric predictions are in agreement with cosmological data and electroweak precision data in the window of the parameter space: $m_0<200\GeV$, $300\GeV<M_{1/2}<400\GeV$, putting bounds on sparticle masses, which may be evaded if $m_{LSP} <m_{{\tildeτ}_R} \lesssim 1.2 m_{LSP}$.

hep-ph↗

arXiv1999

Astrophysical Probes of the Constancy of the Velocity of Light

We discuss possible tests of the constancy of the velocity of light using distant astrophysical sources such as gamma-ray bursters (GRBs), Active Galactic Nuclei (AGNs) and pulsars. This speculative quest may be motivated by some models of quantum fluctuations in the space-time background, and we discuss explicitly how an energy-dependent variation in photon velocity δc/ c \sim - E / M arises in one particular quantum-gravitational model. We then discuss how data on GRBs may be used to set limits on variations in the velocity of light, which we illustrate using BATSE and OSSE observations of the GRBs that have recently been identified optically and for which precise redshifts are available. We show how a regression analysis can be performed to look for an energy-dependent effect that should correlate with redshift. The present data yield a limit M \gsim 10^{15} GeV for the quantum gravity scale. We discuss the prospects for improving this analysis using future data, and how one might hope to distinguish any positive signal from astrophysical effects associated with the sources.

astro-ph↗

arXiv1999

Light-Cone Broadening and TeV Scale Extra Dimensions

We examine the effect of light-cone broadening induced by quantum-gravity foam in the context of theories with ``large'' extra dimensions stretching between two parallel brane worlds. We consider the propagation of photon probes on one of the branes, including the response to graviton fluctuations, from both field- and string-theoretical viewpoints. In the latter approach, the dominant source of light-cone broadening may be the recoil of the D-brane, which scales linearly with the string coupling. Astrophysical constraints then place strong restrictions on consistent string models of macroscopic extra dimensions. The broadening we find in the field-theoretical picture seems to be close to the current sensitivity of gravity-wave interferometers, and therefore could perhaps be tested experimentally in the foreseeable future.

hep-th↗

arXiv1999

A Microscopic Recoil Model for Light-Cone Fluctuations in Quantum Gravity

We present a microscopic model for light-cone fluctuations ``in vacuo'', which incorporates a treatment of quantum-gravitational recoil effects induced by energetic particles. Treating defects in space-time as solitons in string theory, we derive an energy-dependent refractive index and a stochastic spread in the arrival times of mono-energetic photons due to quantum diffusion through space-time foam, as found previously using an effective Born-Infeld action. Distant astrophysical sources provide sensitive tests of these possible quantum-gravitational phenomena.

gr-qc↗

arXiv1999

Search for Quantum Gravity

A satisfactory theory of quantum gravity may necessitate a drastic modification of our perception of space-time, by giving it a foamy structure at distances comparable to the Planck length. It is argued in this essay that the experimental detection of such structures may be a realistic possibility in the foreseeable future. After a brief review of different theoretical approaches to quantum gravity and the relationships between them, we discuss various possible experimental tests of the quantum nature of space-time. Observations of photons from distant astrophysical sources such as Gamma-Ray Bursters and laboratory experiments on neutral kaon decays may be sensitive to quantum-gravitational effects if they are only minimally suppressed. Experimental limits from the Whipple Observatory and the CPLEAR Collaboration are already probing close to the Planck scale, and significant increases in sensitivity are feasible.

gr-qc↗

arXiv1999

Quantum-Gravitational Diffusion and Stochastic Fluctuations in the Velocity of Light

We argue that quantum-gravitational fluctuations in the space-time background give the vacuum non-trivial optical properties that include diffusion and consequent uncertainties in the arrival times of photons, causing stochastic fluctuations in the velocity of light ``in vacuo''. Our proposal is motivated within a Liouville string formulation of quantum gravity that also suggests a frequency-dependent refractive index of the particle vacuum. We construct an explicit realization by treating photon propagation through quantum excitations of $D$-brane fluctuations in the space-time foam. These are described by higher-genus string effects, that lead to stochastic fluctuations in couplings, and hence in the velocity of light. We discuss the possibilities of constraining or measuring photon diffusion ``in vacuo'' via $γ$-ray observations of distant astrophysical sources.

gr-qc↗

arXiv1999

String derived MSSM and M-theory Unification

The recent conjecture of possible equivalence between the string scale $M_S$ and the minimal supersymmetric standard model unification scale M_U ~ 2.5 x 10^{16} GeV is considered in the context of string models. This conjecture suggests that the observable gauge group just below the string scale should be SU(3)_C x SU(2)_L x U(1)_Y and that the SU(3)_C x SU(2)_L x U(1)_Y-charged spectrum of the observable sector should consist solely of the MSSM spectrum. We demonstrate that string models can actually be constructed that possess these observable features. Two aspects generic to many classes of three family SU(3)_C x SU(2)_L x U(1)_Y string models are both an extra local anomalous U(1)_A and numerous (often fractionally charged) exotic particles beyond the MSSM. Thus, for these classes, the key to obtaining an M_S = M_U ~ 2.5 x 10^{16} GeV string model is the existence of F- and D-flat directions that near the string scale can simultaneously break the anomalous U(1) and give mass to all exotic SM-charged observable particles, decoupling them from the low energy spectrum. In this letter we show, in the context of free fermionic strings, that string models with flat directions possessing these features do exist. We present one such string derived model in which all such exotic observable states beyond the MSSM receive mass at the scale generated by the Fayet- Iliopoulos term. The associated F- and D-flat direction is proven flat to all orders of the superpotential.

hep-ph↗

arXiv1999

Tests of the Equivalence Principle with Neutral Kaons

We test the Principle of Equivalence for particles and antiparticles, using CPLEAR data on tagged K0 and K0bar decays into pi^+ pi^-. For the first time, we search for possible annual, monthly and diurnal modulations of the observables |eta_{+-}| and phi_{+-}, that could be correlated with variations in astrophysical potentials. Within the accuracy of CPLEAR, the measured values of |eta_{+-}| and phi_{+-} are found not to be correlated with changes of the gravitational potential. We analyze data assuming effective scalar, vector and tensor interactions, and we conclude that the Principle of Equivalence between particles and antiparticles holds to a level of 6.5, 4.3 and 1.8 x 10^{-9}, respectively, for scalar, vector and tensor potentials originating from the Sun with a range much greater than the distance Earth-Sun. We also study energy-dependent effects that might arise from vector or tensor interactions. Finally, we compile upper limits on the gravitational coupling difference between K0 and K0bar as a function of the scalar, vector and tensor interaction range.

hep-ex↗

arXiv1999

Leptogenesis in the Light of Super-Kamiokande Data and a Realistic String Model

We discuss leptogenesis in the light of indications of neutrino masses and mixings from Super-Kamiokande and other data on atmospheric neutrinos, as well as the solar neutrino deficit. Neutrino masses and mixings consistent with these data may produce in a natural and generic way a lepton asymmetry that is suffient to provide the observed baryon asymmetry, after processing via non-perturbative electroweak effects. We illustrate this discussion in the framework of the string-derived flipped SU(5) model, using particle assignments and choices of vacuum parameters that are known to give realistic masses to quarks and charged leptons. We display one scenario for neutrino masses that also accommodates leptogenesis.

hep-ph↗

arXiv1998

Sensitivity of Astrophysical Observations to Gravity-Induced Wave Dispersion in Vacuo

We discuss possible signatures of quantum gravity for the propagation of light, including an energy-dependent velocity (refractive index), dispersion in velocity at a given energy, and birefringence. We also compare the sensitivities of different astrophysical observations, including BATSE data on GRB 920229, BeppoSAX data on GRB 980425, the possible HEGRA observation of GRB 920925c, and Whipple observations of the active galaxy Mrk 421. Finally, we discuss the prospective sensitivities of AMS and GLAST.

astro-ph↗

arXiv1998

Time-Dependent Vacuum Energy Induced by D-Particle Recoil

We consider cosmology in the framework of a `material reference system' of D particles, including the effects of quantum recoil induced by closed-string probe particles. We find a time-dependent contribution to the cosmological vacuum energy, which relaxes to zero as $\sim 1/ t^2$ for large times $t$. If this energy density is dominant, the Universe expands with a scale factor $R(t) \sim t^2$. We show that this possibility is compatible with recent observational constraints from high-redshift supernovae, and may also respect other phenomenological bounds on time variation in the vacuum energy imposed by early cosmology.

gr-qc↗

arXiv1998

Cryptons: a stringy form of decaying superheavy dark matter, as a source of the ultra high energy cosmic rays

Cryptons, metastable bound states of matter in the string hidden sector, with dynamically determined masses M_X on the order of 10^{12} GeV and lifetimes tau_X greater than or on the order of 10^{18} yr, may be generated, through inflation, with an abundance close to that required for a near-critical universe. Their decay debris may be responsible for the most energetic particles striking Earth's atmosphere. Recent developments of this astonishing hypothesis are reviewed, indicating that NESTOR or the PIERRE AUGER project may be able to confirm or refute the existence of cryptons.

hep-ph↗

arXiv1998

Neutrino Textures in the Light of Super-Kamiokande Data and a Realistic String Model

Motivated by the Super-Kamiokande atmospheric neutrino data, we discuss possible textures for Majorana and Dirac neutrino masses within the see-saw framework. The main purposes of this paper are twofold: first to obtain intuition from a purely phenomenological analysis, and secondly to explore to what extent it may be realized in a specific model. We comment initially on the simplified two-generation case, emphasizing that large mixing is not incompatible with a large hierarchy of mass eigenvalues. We also emphasize that renormalization-group effects may amplify neutrino mixing, presenting semi-analytic expressions for estimating this amplification. Several examples are then given of three-family neutrino mass textures which may also accommodate the persistent solar neutrino deficit, with different assumptions for the neutrino Dirac mass matrices. We comment on a few features of neutrino mass textures arising in models with a U(1) flavour symmetry. Finally, we discuss the possible pattern of neutrino masses in a `realistic' flipped SU(5) model derived from string theory, illustrating how a desirable pattern of mixing may emerge. Both small- or large-angle MSW solutions are possible, whilst a hierarchy of neutrino masses appears more natural than near-degeneracy. This model contains some unanticipated features that may also be relevant in other models: the neutrino Dirac matrices may not be related closely to the quark mass matrices, and the heavy Majorana states may include extra gauge-singlet fields.

hep-ph↗

arXiv1998

A Microscopic Liouville Arrow of Time

We discuss the treatment of quantum-gravitational fluctuations in the space-time background as an `environment', using the formalism for open quantum-mechanical systems, which leads to a microscopic arrow of time. After reviewing briefly the open-system formalism, and the motivations for treating quantum gravity as an `environment', we present an example from general relativity and a general framework based on non-critical strings, with a Liouville field that we identify with time. We illustrate this approach with calculations in the contexts of two-dimensional models and $D$ branes. Finally, some prospects for observational tests of these ideas are mentioned.

hep-th↗

arXiv1998

Potential Sensitivity of Gamma-Ray Burster Observations to Wave Dispersion in Vacuo

The recent confirmation that at least some gamma-ray bursters (GRBs) are indeed at cosmological distances raises the possibility that observations of these could provide interesting constraints on the fundamental laws of physics. Here we demonstrate that the fine-scale time structure and hard spectra of GRB emissions are very sensitive to the possible dispersion of electromagnetic waves in vacuo with velocity differences $δv \sim E/E_{\QG}$, as suggested in some approaches to quantum gravity. A simple estimate shows that GRB measurements might be sensitive to a dispersion scale $E_{QG}$ comparable to the Planck energy scale $E_{P} \sim 10^{19}$ GeV, sufficient to test some of these theories, and we outline aspects of an observational programme that could address this goal.

astro-ph↗

arXiv1998

World-Sheet formulation of M theory

We first review the interpretation of world-sheet defects as $D$ branes described by a critical theory in 11 dimensions, that we interpret as $M$ theory. We then show that $D$-brane recoil induces dynamically an anti-de-Sitter (AdS) space-time background, with criticality restored by a twelfth time-like dimension described by a Liouville field. Local physics in the bulk of this AdS$_{11}$ may be described by an $Osp(1|32,R) \otimes Osp(1|32,R)$ topological gauge theory (TGT), with non-local boundary states in doubleton representations. We draw analogies with structures previously exhibited in two-dimensional black-hole models. Wilson loops of `matter' in the TGT may be described by an effective string action, and defect condensation may yield string tension and cause a space-time metric to appear.

hep-th↗