arXiv subjects

Davide Vadacchino

Publications and source records attributed to Davide Vadacchino.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

arXiv2024

Topological susceptibility of $\mathrm{SU}(3)$ pure-gauge theory from out-of-equilibrium simulations

In \textit{JHEP} \textbf{04} (2024) 126 [arXiv:2402.06561] we recently proposed an out-of-equilibrium setup to reduce the large auto-correlations of the topological charge in two-dimensional $\mathrm{CP}^{N-1}$ models. Our proposal consists of performing open-boundaries simulations at equilibrium, and gradually switching on periodic boundary conditions out-of-equilibrium. Our setup allows to exploit the reduced auto-correlations achieved with open boundaries, avoiding at the same time unphysical boundary effects thanks to a Jarzynski-inspired reweighting-like procedure. We present preliminary results obtained applying this setup to the $4d$ $\mathrm{SU}(3)$ pure-gauge theory and we outline a computational strategy to mitigate topological freezing in this theory.

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arXiv2024

Updates on the density of states method in finite temperature symplectic gauge theories

First-order phase transitions in the early universe have rich phenomenological implications, such as the production of a potentially detectable signal of stochastic relic background gravitational waves. The hypothesis that new, strongly coupled dynamics, hiding in a new dark sector, could be detected in this way, via the telltale signs of its confinement/deconfinement phase transition, provides a fascinating opportunity for interdisciplinary synergy between lattice field theory and astro-particle physics. But its viability relies on completing the challenging task of providing accurate theoretical predictions for the parameters characterising the strongly coupled theory. Density of states methods, and in particular the linear logarithmic relaxation (LLR) method, can be used to address the intrinsic numerical difficulties that arise due the meta-stable dynamics in the vicinity of the critical point. For example, it allows one to obtain accurate determinations of thermodynamic observables that are otherwise inaccessible, such as the free energy. In this contribution, we present an update on results of the analysis of the finite temperature deconfinement phase transition in a pure gauge theory with a symplectic gauge group, $Sp(4)$, by using the LLR method. We present a first analysis of the properties of the transition in the thermodynamic limit, and provide a road map for future work, including a brief preliminary discussion that will inform future publications.

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arXiv2024

Progress on the spectroscopy of lattice gauge theories using spectral densities

Spectral densities encode non-perturbative information crucial in computing physical observables in strongly coupled field theories. Using lattice gauge theory data, we perform a systematic study to demonstrate the potential of recent technological advances in the reconstruction of spectral densities. We develop, maintain and make publicly available dedicated analysis code that can be used for broad classes of lattice theories. As a test case, we analyse the Sp(4) gauge theory coupled to an admixture of fermions transforming in the fundamental and two-index antisymmetric representations. We measure the masses of mesons in energy-smeared spectral densities, after optimising the smearing parameters for available lattice ensembles. We present a summary of the mesons mass spectrum in all the twelve (flavored) channels available, including also several excited states.

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arXiv2024

Progress on pseudoscalar flavour-singlets in Sp(4) with mixed fermion representations

We measure the masses of the pseudoscalar flavour-singlet meson states in the $Sp(4)$ gauge theory coupled to two Dirac fermions transforming in the fundamental representation and three Dirac fermions in the antisymmetric representation. This theory provides a compelling ultraviolet completion for the minimal composite Higgs model implementing also partial compositeness for the top quark. The spectrum contains two, comparatively light, pseudoscalar flavour-singlet states, which mix with one another. One of them is a Nambu-Goldstone boson (in the massless limit), whereas the other receives a mass from the $U(1)_A$ axial anomaly. We demonstrate how to measure the mixing between these two states. For moderately heavy fermion masses, we find that the two wave functions are dominated by one of the fermion representations, mixing effects being small.

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arXiv2024

Mixing between flavor singlets in lattice gauge theories coupled to matter fields in multiple representations

We provide the first extensive, numerical study of the non-trivial problem of mixing between flavor-singlet composite states emerging in strongly coupled lattice field theories with matter field content consisting of fermions transforming in different representations of the gauge group. The theory of interest is the minimal candidate for a composite Higgs model that also accommodates a mechanism for top partial compositeness: the $Sp(4)$ gauge theory coupled to two (Dirac) fermions transforming as the fundamental and three as the two-index antisymmetric representation of the gauge group, respectively. We apply an admixture of APE and Wuppertal smearings, as well as the generalized eigenvalue problem approach, to two-point functions involving flavor-singlet mesons, for ensembles having time extent longer than the space extent. We demonstrate that, in the region of lattice parameter space accessible to this study, both masses and mixing angles can be measured effectively, despite the presence of (numerically noisy) contributions from disconnected diagrams.

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arXiv2024

Meson spectroscopy from spectral densities in lattice gauge theories

Spectral densities encode non-perturbative information that enters the calculation of a plethora of physical observables in strongly coupled field theories. Phenomenological applications encompass aspects of standard-model hadronic physics, observable at current colliders, as well as correlation functions characterizing new physics proposals, testable in future experiments. By making use of numerical data produced in a Sp(4) lattice gauge theory with matter transforming in an admixture of fundamental and 2-index antisymmetric representations of the gauge group, we perform a systematic study to demonstrate the effectiveness of recent technological progress in the reconstruction of spectral densities. To this purpose, we write and test new software packages that use energy-smeared spectral densities to analyze the mass spectrum of mesons. We assess the effectiveness of different smearing kernels and optimize the smearing parameters to the characteristics of available lattice ensembles. We generate new ensembles for the theory in consideration, with lattices that have a longer extent in the time direction with respect to the spatial ones. We run our tests on these ensembles, obtaining new results about the spectrum of light mesons and their excitations. We make available our algorithm and software for the extraction of spectral densities, that can be applied to theories with other gauge groups, including the theory of strong interactions (QCD) governing hadronic physics in the standard model.

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arXiv2024

The $θ$-dependence of the Yang-Mills spectrum from analytic continuation

We study the $θ$-dependence of the string tension and of the lightest glueball mass in four-dimensional $\mathrm{SU}(N)$ Yang-Mills theories. More precisely, we focus on the coefficients parametrizing the $\mathcal{O}(θ^2)$ dependence of these quantities, which we investigate by means of numerical simulations of the lattice-discretized theory, carried out using imaginary values of the $θ$ parameter. Topological freezing at large $N$ is avoided using the Parallel Tempering on Boundary Conditions algorithm. We provide controlled continuum extrapolations of such coefficients in the $N=3$ case, and we report the results obtained on two fairly fine lattice spacings for $N=6$.

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arXiv2024

Mitigating topological freezing using out-of-equilibrium simulations

Motivated by the recently-established connection between Jarzynski's equality and the theoretical framework of Stochastic Normalizing Flows, we investigate a protocol relying on out-of-equilibrium lattice Monte Carlo simulations to mitigate the infamous computational problem of topological freezing. We test our proposal on $2d$ $\mathrm{CP}^{N-1}$ models and compare our results with those obtained adopting the Parallel Tempering on Boundary Conditions proposed by M. Hasenbusch, obtaining comparable performances. Our work thus sets the stage for future applications combining our Monte Carlo setup with machine learning techniques.

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arXiv2024

On the spectrum of mesons in quenched $Sp(2N)$ gauge theories

We report the findings of our extensive study of the spectra of flavoured mesons in lattice gauge theories with symplectic gauge group and fermion matter content treated in the quenched approximation. For the $Sp(4)$, $Sp(6)$, and $Sp(8)$ gauge groups, the (Dirac) fermions transform in either the fundamental, or the 2-index, antisymmetric or symmetric, representations. This study sets the stage for future precision calculations with dynamical fermions in the low mass region of lattice parameter space. Our results have potential phenomenological applications ranging from composite Higgs models, to top (partial) compositeness, to dark matter models with composite, strong-coupling dynamical origin. Having adopted the Wilson flow as a scale-setting procedure, we apply Wilson chiral perturbation theory to extract the continuum and massless limits for the observables of interest. The resulting measurements are used to perform a simplified extrapolation to the large-$N$ limit, hence drawing a preliminary connection with gauge theories with unitary groups. We conclude with a brief discussion of the Weinberg sum rules.

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arXiv2024

Lattice investigations of the chimera baryon spectrum in the Sp(4) gauge theory

We report the results of lattice numerical studies of the Sp(4) gauge theory coupled to fermions (hyperquarks) transforming in the fundamental and two-index antisymmetric representations of the gauge group. This strongly-coupled theory is the minimal candidate for the ultraviolet completion of composite Higgs models that facilitate the mechanism of partial compositeness for generating the top-quark mass. We measure the spectrum of the low-lying, half-integer spin, bound states composed of two fundamental and one antisymmetric hyperquarks, dubbed chimera baryons, in the quenched approximation. In this first systematic, non-perturbative study, we focus on the three lightest parity-even chimera-baryon states, in analogy with QCD, denoted as $Λ_{\rm CB}$, $Σ_{\rm CB}$ (both with spin 1/2), and $Σ_{\rm CB}^\ast$(with spin 3/2). The spin-1/2 such states are candidates of the top partners. The extrapolation of our results to the continuum and massless-hyperquark limit is performed using formulae inspired by QCD heavy-baryon Wilson chiral perturbation theory. Within the range of hyperquark masses in our simulations, we find that $Σ_{\mathrm{CB}}$ is not heavier than $Λ_{\mathrm{CB}}$.

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arXiv2024

Chimera baryon spectrum in the Sp(4) completion of composite Higgs models

In strongly coupled gauge theories that serve as completions of composite Higgs models, the fermionic bound states formed by fermions (hyperquarks) transforming in different representations, called chimera baryons, could serve as top partners, by embedding of the Standard Model appropriately. We report our results on the spectrum of chimera baryons in the Sp(4) gauge theory with hyperquarks transforming in fundamental and two-index antisymmetric representations. For this study, we adopt the quenched approximation. We investigate the mass hierarchy between the lightest chimera baryons with different quantum numbers, as a function of the lattice parameters. Inspired by baryon chiral effective field theory, and the Akaike Information Criterion, we perform a first extrapolation to the continuum and massless-hyperquark limit.

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arXiv2023

The quenched glueball spectrum from smeared spectral densities

The standard approach to compute the glueball spectrum on the lattice relies on the evaluation of effective masses from two-point correlation functions of operators with the quantum numbers of the desired state. In this work, we propose an alternative procedure, based on the numerical computation of smeared spectral densities. Even though the extraction of the latter from lattice correlators is a notoriously ill-posed inverse problem, we show that a recently developed numerical method, based on the Backus-Gilbert regularization, provides a robust way to evaluate a smeared version of the spectral densities. Fitting the latter to a combination of Gaussians, we extract the masses of the lightest glueball and of its first excitation in the spectrum of the theory. While the preliminary results presented in this contribution are restricted to simulations at finite lattice spacing and finite volume, and for the purely gluonic sector of QCD, they represent the first step in a systematic investigation of glueballs using spectral-reconstruction methods.

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arXiv2023

Symplectic lattice gauge theories on Grid: approaching the conformal window

Symplectic gauge theories coupled to matter fields lead to symmetry enhancement phenomena that have potential applications in such diverse contexts as composite Higgs, top partial compositeness, strongly interacting dark matter, and dilaton-Higgs models. These theories are also interesting on theoretical grounds, for example in reference to the approach to the large-N limit. A particularly compelling research aim is the determination of the extent of the conformal window in gauge theories with symplectic groups coupled to matter, for different groups and for field content consisting of fermions transforming in different representations. Such determination would have far-reaching implications, but requires overcoming huge technical challenges. Numerical studies based on lattice field theory can provide the quantitative information necessary to this endeavour. We developed new software to implement symplectic groups in the Monte Carlo algorithms within the Grid framework. In this paper, we focus most of our attention on the Sp(4) lattice gauge theory coupled to four (Wilson-Dirac) fermions transforming in the 2-index antisymmetric representation, as a case study. We discuss an extensive catalogue of technical tests of the algorithms and present preliminary measurements to set the stage for future large-scale numerical investigations. We also include the scan of parameter space of all asymptotically free Sp(4) lattice gauge theories coupled to varying number of fermions transforming in the antisymmetric representation.

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arXiv2023

Out-of-equilibrium simulations to fight topological freezing

Calculations of topological observables in lattice gauge theories with traditional Monte Carlo algorithms have long been known to be a difficult task, owing to the effects of long autocorrelations times. Several mitigation strategies have been put forward, including the use of open boundary conditions and methods such as parallel tempering. In this contribution we examine a new approach based on out-of-equilibrium Monte Carlo simulations. Starting from thermalized configurations with open boundary conditions on a line defect, periodic boundary conditions are gradually switched on. A sampling of topological observables is then shown to be possible with a specific reweighting-like technique inspired by Jarzynski's equality. We discuss the efficiency of this approach using results obtained for the 2-dimensional $\mathrm{CP}^{N-1}$ models. Furthermore, we outline the implementation of our proposal in the context of Stochastic Normalizing Flows, as they share the same theoretical framework of the non-equilibrium transformations we perform, and can be thought of as their generalization.

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arXiv2023

Lattice studies of Sp(2N) gauge theories using GRID

Four-dimensional gauge theories based on symplectic Lie groups provide elegant realisations of the microscopic origin of several new physics models. Numerical studies pursued on the lattice provide quantitative information necessary for phenomenological applications. To this purpose, we implemented Sp(2N) gauge theories using Monte Carlo techniques within Grid, a performant framework designed for the numerical study of quantum field theories on the lattice. We show the first results obtained using this library, focusing on the case-study provided by the Sp(4) theory coupled to Nas = 4 Wilson-Dirac fermions transforming in the 2-index antisymmetric representation. In particular, we discuss preliminary tests of the algorithm and we test some of its main functionalities.

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arXiv2023

The deconfinement phase transition in $Sp(2N)$ gauge theories and the density of states method

First-order phase transitions in the early universe might produce a detectable background of gravitational waves. As these phase transitions can be generated by new physics, it is important to quantify these effects. Many pure Yang-Mills gauge theories are known to undergo first-order deconfinement phase transitions, with properties that can be studied with lattice simulations. Despite the recent surge of interest in $Sp(2N)$ gauge theories as a candidate for models of physics beyond the standard model, studies of these theories at finite temperature are still very limited. In this contribution we will present preliminary results of an ongoing numerical investigation of the thermodynamic properties of the deconfinement phase transition in $Sp(4)$ Yang-Mills theory, using the linear logarithmic relaxation algorithm. This method enables us to obtain a highly accurate determination of the density of states, allowing for a precise reconstruction of thermodynamic observables. In particular, it gives access to otherwise difficult to determine quantities such as the free energy of the system, even along metastable and unstable branches, hence providing an additional direct observable to study the dynamics of the phase transition.

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arXiv2023

First-order phase transitions in Yang-Mills theories and the density of state method

When studied at finite temperature, Yang-Mills theories in $3+1$ dimensions display the presence of confinement/deconfinement phase transitions, which are known to be of first order -- the $SU(2)$ gauge theory being the exception. Theoretical as well as phenomenological considerations indicate that it is essential to establish a precise characterisation of these physical systems in proximity of such phase transitions. We present and test a new method to study the critical region of parameter space in non-Abelian quantum field theories on the lattice, based upon the Logarithmic Linear Relaxation (LLR) algorithm. We apply this method to the $SU(3)$ Yang Mills lattice gauge theory, and perform extensive calculations with one fixed choice of lattice size. We identify the critical temperature, and measure interesting physical quantities near the transition. Among them, we determine the free energy of the model in the critical region, exposing for the first time its multi-valued nature with a numerical calculation from first principles, providing this novel evidence in support of a first order phase transition. This study sets the stage for future high precision measurements, by demonstrating the potential of the method.

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arXiv2023

$Sp(2N)$ Lattice Gauge Theories and Extensions of the Standard Model of Particle Physics

We review the current status of the long-term programme of numerical investigation of $Sp(2N)$ gauge theories with and without fermionic matter content. We start by introducing the phenomenological as well as theoretical motivations for this research programme, which are related to composite Higgs models, models of partial top compositeness, dark matter models, and in general to the physics of strongly coupled theories and their approach to the large-N limit. We summarise the results of lattice studies conducted so far in the $Sp(2N)$ Yang-Mills theories, measuring the string tension, the mass spectrum of glueballs and the topological susceptibility, and discuss their large-N extrapolation. We then focus our discussion on $Sp(4)$, and summarise numerical measurements of mass and decay constant of mesons in the theories with fermion matter in either the fundamental or the antisymmetric representation, first in the quenched approximation, and then with dynamical fermions. We finally discuss the case of dynamical fermions in mixed representations, and exotic composite fermion states such as the chimera baryons. We conclude by sketching the future stages of the programme. And we describe our approach to open access.

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