arXiv subjects

D. V. Nanopoulos

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

At least 127 records · Page 7Linked to original sources

arXiv1996

Distance Measurement and Wave Dispersion in a Liouville-String Approach to Quantum Gravity

Within a Liouville approach to non-critical string theory, we discuss space-time foam effects on the propagation of low-energy particles. We find an induced frequency-dependent dispersion in the propagation of a wave packet, and observe that this would affect the outcome of measurements involving low-energy particles as probes. In particular, the maximum possible order of magnitude of the space-time foam effects would give rise to an error in the measurement of distance comparable to that independently obtained in some recent heuristic quantum-gravity analyses. We also briefly compare these error estimates with the precision of astrophysical measurements.

hep-th↗

arXiv1996

Quantum Decoherence in a Four-Dimensional Black Hole Background

We display a logarithmic divergence in the density matrix of a scalar field in the presence of an Einstein-Yang-Mills black hole in four dimensions. This divergence is related to a previously-found logarithmic divergence in the entropy of the scalar field, which cannot be absorbed into a renormalization of the Hawking-Bekenstein entropy of the black hole. As the latter decays, the logarithmic divergence induces a non-commutator term $\nd{δH}ρ$ in the quantum Liouville equation for the density matrix $ρ$ of the scalar field, leading to quantum decoherence. The order of magnitude of $\nd{δH}$ is $μ^2/M_P$, where $μ$ is the mass of the scalar particle.

gr-qc↗

arXiv1996

A Non-critical String (Liouville) Approach to Brain Microtubules: State Vector reduction, Memory coding and Capacity

Microtubule (MT) networks, subneural paracrystalline cytosceletal structures, seem to play a fundamental role in the neurons. We cast here the complicated MT dynamics in the form of a $1+1$-dimensional non-critical string theory, thus enabling us to provide a consistent quantum treatment of MTs, including enviromental {\em friction} effects. Quantum space-time effects, as described by non-critical string theory, trigger then an {\em organized collapse} of the coherent states down to a specific or {\em conscious state}. The whole process we estimate to take ${\cal O}(1\,{\rm sec})$. The {\em microscopic arrow of time}, endemic in non-critical string theory, and apparent here in the self-collapse process, provides a satisfactory and simple resolution to the age-old problem of how the, central to our feelings of awareness, sensation of the progression of time is generated. In addition, the complete integrability of the stringy model for MT we advocate in this work proves sufficient in providing a satisfactory solution to memory coding and capacity. Such features might turn out to be important for a model of the brain as a quantum computer.

quant-ph↗

arXiv1995

On a possible connection of non-critical strings to certain aspects of quantum brain function

We review certain aspects of brain function which could be associated with non-critical (Liouville) string theory. In particular we simulate the physics of brain microtubules (MT) by using a (completely integrable) non-critical string, we discuss the collapse of the wave function as a result of quantum gravity effects due to abrupt conformational changes of the MT protein dimers, and we propose a new mechanism for memory coding.

quant-ph↗

arXiv1995

On the Thermal Regeneration Rate for Light Gravitinos in the Early Universe

We investigate the light gravitino regeneration rate in the early Universe in models based on $N=1$ supergravity. Motivated by a recent claim by Fischler, we evaluate finite-temperature effects on the gravitino regeneration rate due to the hot primordial plasma for a wide range of the supersymmetry-breaking scale $F$. We find that thermal corrections to the gravitino pole mass and to the Goldstino coupling are negligible for a wide range of temperatures, thereby justifying the extension of the equivalence theorem for the helicity-1/2 gravitino and Goldstino to a hot primordial plasma background. Utilizing the Braaten-Pisarski resummation method, the helicity-1/2 gravitino regeneration rate is found to be $0.25 α_s(T) \log(1/α_s(T))|{m_{\rm soft}/F}|^2 T^3(1 + α_s(T) \log(1/α_s(T)) + T^2 / |F|)$ up to a calculable, model-dependent ${\cal O}(1)$ numerical factor. We review the implications of this regeneration rate for supergravity cosmology, focusing in particular on scenaria for baryogenesis.

hep-ph↗

arXiv1995

A string scenario for inflationary cosmology

We describe a scenario for inflation in the framework of non-critical string theory, which does not employ an inflaton field. There is an exponential expansion of the volume of the Universe, induced by enormous entropy production in the early stages of cosmological evolution. This is associated with the loss of information carried by global string modes that cross the particle horizon. It is the same loss of information that induces irreversible time flow when target time is identified with the world-sheet Liouville mode. The resulting scenario for inflation is described by a string analogue of the Fokker-Planck equation that incorporates diffusion and dissipative effects. Cosmological density perturbations are naturally small.

hep-th↗

arXiv1995

Number of Generations in Free Fermionic String Models,

In string theory there seems to be an intimate connection between spacetime and world-sheet physics. Following this line of thought we investigate the family problem in a particular class of string solutions, namely the free fermionic string models. We find that the number of generations $N_g$ is related to the index of the supersymmetry generator of the underlying $N=2$ internal superconformal field theory which is always present in any $N=1$ spacetime supersymmetric string vacuum. We also derive a formula for the index and thus for the number of generations which is sensitive to the boundary condition assignments of the internal fermions and to certain coefficients which determine the weight with which each spin-structure of the model contributes to the one-loop partition function. Finally we apply our formula to several realistic string models in order to derive $N_g$ and we verify our results by constructing explicitly the massless spectrum of these string models.

hep-th↗

arXiv1995

Valleys in String Foam Suppress Quantum Coherence

We exhibit string contributions to the $\nd{S}$ matrix relating in- and out- state density matrices that do not factorize as a product of $S$ and $S^\dagger$ matrices. They are associated with valley trajectories between topological defects on the string world sheet, that appear as quantum fluctuations in the space-time foam. Through their ultraviolet cut-off dependences these valleys cause non-Hamiltonian time evolution and suppress off-diagonal entries in the density matrix at large times.

hep-th↗

arXiv1994

A Non-Critical String Approach to Black Holes, Time and Quantum Dynamics

We review our approach to time and quantum dynamics based on non-critical string theory, developing its relationship to previous work on non-equilibrium quantum statistical mechanics and the microscopic arrow of time. We exhibit specific non-factorizing contributions to the ${\nd S}$ matrix associated with topological defects on the world sheet, explaining the rôle that the leakage of ${W_{\infty}}$ charges plays in the loss of quantum coherence. We stress the analogy with the quantum Hall effect, discuss the violation of $CPT$, and also apply our approach to cosmology.

hep-th↗

arXiv1994

As time goes by

A rather simple and non-technical exposition of our new approach to {\em Time, Quantum Physics, Black-Hole dynamics}, and {\em Cosmology}, based on non-critical string theory, is provided. A new fundamental principle, the {\em Procrustean Principle}, that catches the essence of our approach is postulated: the low-energy world is {\em unavoidably} an ``open" system due to the spontaneous truncation of the {\em delocalized, topological} string modes in continuous interaction with the low-lying-{\em localized} string modes. The origin of space-time, the expansion of the Universe, the entropy increase and accompanied irreversibility of time, as well as the collapse of the wavefunction are all very neatly tied together. Possible observable consequences include: quantum relaxation with time of the Universal, fundamental constants, like the velocity of light $c$ and the Planck constant $\hbar$ decreasing towards their asymptotic values, and the cosmological constant $Λ_C$ diminishing towards zero; possible violation of {\em CPT} invariance in the $K^0-\bar K^0$ system, possible apparent non-conservation of angular momentum, and possible loss of quantum coherence in SQUID-type experiments.

hep-th↗

arXiv1994

Moduli and Kähler potential in fermionic strings

We study the problem of identifying the moduli fields in fermionic four-dimensional string models. We deform a free-fermionic model by introducing exactly marginal operators in the form of Abelian Thirring interactions on the world-sheet, and show that their couplings correspond to the untwisted moduli fields. We study the consequences of this method for simple free-fermionic models which correspond to $Z_2\times Z_2$ orbifolds and obtain their moduli space and Kähler potential by symmetry arguments and by direct calculation of string scattering amplitudes. We then generalize our analysis to more complicated fermionic structures which arise in constructions of realistic models corresponding to asymmetric orbifolds, and obtain the moduli space and Kähler potential for this case. Finally we extend our analysis to the untwisted matter sector and derive expressions for the full Kähler potential to be used in phenomenological applications, and the target space duality transformations of the corresponding untwisted matter fields.

hep-th↗

arXiv1994

An Infinite Dimensional Symmetry Algebra in String Theory

Symmetry transformations of the space-time fields of string theory are generated by certain similarity transformations of the stress-tensor of the associated conformal field theories. This observation is complicated by the fact that, as we explain, many of the operators we habitually use in string theory (such as vertices and currents) have ill-defined commutators. However, we identify an infinite-dimensional subalgebra whose commutators are not singular, and explicitly calculate its structure constants. This constitutes a subalgebra of the gauge symmetry of string theory, although it may act on auxiliary as well as propagating fields. We term this object a {\it weighted tensor algebra}, and, while it appears to be a distant cousin of the $W$-algebras, it has not, to our knowledge, appeared in the literature before.

hep-th↗

arXiv1993

New Precision Electroweak Tests of SU(5) x U(1) Supergravity

We explore the one-loop electroweak radiative corrections in $SU(5)\times U(1)$ supergravity via explicit calculation of vacuum-polarization and vertex-correction contributions to the $ε_1$ and $ε_b$ parameters. Experimentally, these parameters are obtained from a global fit to the set of observables $Γ_{l}, Γ_{b}, A^{l}_{FB}$, and $M_W/M_Z$. We include $q^2$-dependent effects, which induce a large systematic negative shift on $ε_{1}$ for light chargino masses ($m_{χ^\pm_1}\lsim70\GeV$). The (non-oblique) supersymmetric vertex corrections to $\Zbb$, which define the $ε_b$ parameter, show a significant positive shift for light chargino masses, which for $\tanβ\approx2$ can be nearly compensated by a negative shift from the charged Higgs contribution. We conclude that at the 90\%CL, for $m_t\lsim160\GeV$ the present experimental values of $ε_1$ and $ε_b$ do not constrain in any way $SU(5)\times U(1)$ supergravity in both no-scale and dilaton scenarios. On the other hand, for $m_t\gsim160\GeV$ the constraints on the parameter space become increasingly stricter. We demonstrate this trend with a study of the $m_t=170\GeV$ case, where only a small region of parameter space, with $\tanβ\gsim4$, remains allowed and corresponds to light chargino masses ($m_{χ^\pm_1}\lsim70\GeV$). Thus $SU(5)\times U(1)$ supergravity combined with high-precision LEP data would suggest the presence of light charginos if the top quark is not detected at the Tevatron.

hep-ph↗

arXiv1993

Scrutinizing Supergravity Models through Neutrino Telescopes

Galactic halo neutralinos ($χ$) captured by the Sun or Earth produce high-energy neutrinos as end-products of various annihilation modes. These neutrinos can travel from the Sun or Earth cores to the neighborhood of underground detectors (``neutrino telescopes") where they can interact and produce upwardly-moving muons. We compute these muon fluxes in the context of the minimal $SU(5)$ supergravity model, and the no-scale and dilaton $SU(5)\times U(1)$ supergravity models. At present, with the Kamiokande 90\% C.L. upper limits on the flux, only a small fraction of the parameter space of the $SU(5)\times U(1)$ models is accessible for $m_χ\sim m_{\rm Fe}$, which in turn implies constraints for the lightest chargino mass around 100 GeV for a range of $\tanβ$ values. We also delineate the regions of parameter space that would be accessible with the improvements of experimental sensitivity expected in the near future at Gran Sasso, Super-Kamiokande, and other facilities such as DUMAND and AMANDA, currently under construction. We conclude that if neutralinos are present in the halo, then this technique can be used to eventually explore more than half of the allowed parameter space of these specific models, and more generally of a large class of supergravity models, in many ways surpassing the reach of traditional collider experiments.

astro-ph↗

arXiv1993

Precision Electroweak Tests of the Minimal and Flipped SU(5) Supergravity Models

We explore the one-loop electroweak radiative corrections in the minimal $SU(5)$ and the no-scale flipped $SU(5)$ supergravity models via explicit calculation of vacuum polarization contributions to the $ε_{1,2,3}$ parameters. Experimentally, $ε_{1,2,3}$ are obtained from a global fit to the LEP observables, and $M_W/M_Z$ measurements. We include $q^2$-dependent effects which have been neglected in most previous ``model-independent" analyses of this type. These effects induce a large systematic negative shift on $ε_{1,2,3}$ for light chargino masses ($m_{χ^\pm_1}\lsim70\GeV$). In agreement with previous general arguments, we find that for increasingly large sparticle masses, the heavy sector of both models rapidly decouples, \ie, the values for $ε_{1,2,3}$ quickly asymptote to the Standard Model values with a {\it light} Higgs ($m_{H_{SM}}\sim100\GeV$). Specifically, at present the $90\%$ CL upper limit on the top-quark mass is $m_t\lsim175\GeV$ in the no-scale flipped $SU(5)$ supergravity model. These bounds can be strengthened for increasing chargino masses in the $50-100\GeV$ interval. In particular, for $m_t\gsim160\GeV$, the Tevatron may be able to probe through gluino($\tilde g$) and squark($\tilde q$) production up to $m_{\tilde g}\approx m_{\tilde q}\approx250\GeV$, exploring at least half of the parameter space in this model.

hep-ph↗

arXiv1993

The Electroweak Phase Transition in Minimal Supergravity Models

We have explored the electroweak phase transition in minimal supergravity models by extending previous analysis of the one-loop Higgs potential to include finite temperature effects. Minimal supergravity is characterized by two higgs doublets at the electroweak scale, gauge coupling unification, and universal soft-SUSY breaking at the unification scale. We have searched for the allowed parameter space that avoids washout of baryon number via unsuppressed anomalous Electroweak sphaleron processes after the phase transition. This requirement imposes strong constraints on the Higgs sector. With respect to weak scale baryogenesis, we find that the generic MSSM is {\it not} phenomenologically acceptable, and show that the additional experimental and consistency constraints of minimal supergravity restricts the mass of the lightest CP-even Higgs even further to $m_h\lsim 32\GeV$ (at one loop), also in conflict with experiment. Thus, if supergravity is to allow for baryogenesis via any other mechanism above the weak scale, it {\it must} also provide for B-L production (or some other `accidentally' conserved quantity) above the electroweak scale. Finally, we suggest that the no-scale flipped $SU(5)$ supergravity model can naturally and economically provide a source of B-L violation and realistically account for the observed ratio $n_B/n_γ\sim 10^{-10}$.

hep-ph↗

arXiv1992

CPT Violation in String-Modified Quantum Mechanics and the Neutral Kaon System

We show that $CPT$ is in general violated in a non-quantum-mechanical way in the effective low-energy theory derived from string theory, as a result of apparent world-sheet charge non-conservation induced by stringy monopoles corresponding to target-space black hole configurations. This modification of quantum mechanics does not violate energy conservation. The magnitude of this effective spontaneous violation of $CPT$ may not be be far from the present experimental sensitivity in the neutral kaon system. We demonstrate that our previously proposed stringy modifications to the quantum-mechanical description of the neutral kaon system violate $CPT$, although in a different way from that assumed in phenomenological analyses within conventional quantum mechanics. We constrain the novel $CPT$-violating parameters using available data on $K_L \rightarrow 2π$, $K_S \rightarrow 3π^0$ and semileptonic $K_{L,S}$ decay asymmetries. We demonstrate that these data and an approximate treatment of interference effects in $K \rightarrow 2π$ decays are consistent with a {\it non-vanishing} amount of $CPT$ violation at a level accessible to a new round of experiments, and further data and/or analysis are required to exclude the extreme possibility that they dominate over $CP$ violation. Could non-quantum-field theoretical and non-quantum-mechanical $CPT$ violation usher in the long-awaited era of string phenomenology?}

hep-th↗

arXiv1992

Flipped Heavy Neutrinos from the Solar Neutrino Problem to Baryogenesis

We discuss baryogenesis using the flipped $SU(5)$ model for lepton mass matrices. We show that the generalized see-saw mechanism in this model can not only provide MSW neutrino mixing suitable for solving the solar neutrino problem, and supply a hot dark matter candidate ($ν_τ$) with mass $0(10)eV$ as indicated by recent COBE results, but can also naturally account for the baryon asymmetry of the universe. Heavy singlet neutrino decay generates a net lepton asymmetry which is subsequently reprocessed by nonperturbative electroweak interactions. We evaluate the baryon asymmetry so produced in light of the constraints that the COBE observations put on inflationary cosmologies, finding it comfortably consistent with observation.

hep-ph↗