arXiv subjects

F. Alexander Bais

Publications and source records attributed to F. Alexander Bais.

6 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2007

The Physics of Information

We review of the interface between (theoretical) physics and information for non-experts. The origin of information as related to the notion of entropy is described, first in the context of thermodynamics then in the context of statistical mechanics. A close examination of the foundations of statistical mechanics and the need to reconcile the probabilistic and deterministic views of the world leads us to a discussion of chaotic dynamics, where information plays a crucial role in quantifying predictability. We then discuss a variety of fundamental issues that emerge in defining information and how one must exercise care in discussing concepts such as order, disorder, and incomplete knowledge. We also discuss an alternative form of entropy and its possible relevance for nonequilibrium thermodynamics. In the final part of the paper we discuss how quantum mechanics gives rise to the very different concept of quantum information. Entirely new possibilities for information storage and computation are possible due to the massive parallel processing inherent in quantum mechanics. We also point out how entropy can be extended to apply to quantum mechanics to provide a useful measurement for quantum entanglement. Finally we make a small excursion to the interface betweeen quantum theory and general relativity, where one is confronted with an "ultimate information paradox" posed by the physics of Black Holes. In this review we have limited ourselves; not all relevant topics that touch on physics and information could be covered.

physics.class-ph↗

arXiv2004

To be or not to be? Magnetic monopoles in non-abelian gauge theories

Magnetic monopoles form an inspiring chapter of theoretical physics, covering a variety of surprising subjects. We review their role in non-abelian gauge theories. An expose of quite exquisite physics derived from a hypothetical particle species, because the fact remains that in spite of ever more tempting arguments from theory, monopoles have never reared their head in experiment. For many relevant particulars, references to the original literature are provided.

hep-th↗

arXiv1996

Discrete gauge theories

In these lecture notes, we present a self-contained discussion of planar gauge theories broken down to some finite residual gauge group H via the Higgs mechanism. The main focus is on the discrete H gauge theory describing the long distance physics of such a model. The spectrum features global H charges, magnetic vortices and dyonic combinations. Due to the Aharonov-Bohm effect, these particles exhibit topological interactions. Among other things, we review the Hopf algebra related to this discrete H gauge theory, which provides an unified description of the spin, braid and fusion properties of the particles in this model. Exotic phenomena such as flux metamorphosis, Alice fluxes, Cheshire charge, (non)abelian braid statistics, the generalized spin-statistics connection and nonabelian Aharonov-Bohm scattering are explained and illustrated by representative examples. Preface: Broken symmetry revisited, 1 Basics: 1.1 Introduction, 1.2 Braid groups, 1.3 Z_N gauge theory, 1.3.1 Coulomb screening, 1.3.2 Survival of the Aharonov-Bohm effect, 1.3.3 Braid and fusion properties of the spectrum, 1.4 Nonabelian discrete gauge theories, 1.4.1 Classification of stable magnetic vortices, 1.4.2 Flux metamorphosis, 1.4.3 Including matter, 2 Algebraic structure: 2.1 Quantum double, 2.2 Truncated braid groups, 2.3 Fusion, spin, braid statistics and all that..., 3 \bar{D}_2 gauge theory: 3.1 Alice in physics, 3.2 Scattering doublet charges off Alice fluxes, 3.3 Nonabelian braid statistics, 3.A Aharonov-Bohm scattering, 3.B B(3,4) and P(3,4), Concluding remarks and outlook

hep-th↗

arXiv1993

Charge screening in the Higgs phase of Chern-Simons electrodynamics

Though screened at large distances, a point-like electric charge can still participate in a long-range electromagnetic interaction in the Higgs phase, namely that with the Aharonov-Bohm field produced by a localized magnetic flux. We show that this follows from the fact that the screening charge, induced in the presence of a Higgs condensate, does not interact with the Aharonov-Bohm field. The same phenomenon occurs, if a Chern-Simons term is incorporated in the action. This observation provides a physical basis for the recently proposed classification of the superselection sectors of this model in terms of a quasi-Hopf algebra.

hep-th↗

arXiv1992

Quantum symmetries in discrete gauge theories

We analyse the fusion, braiding and scattering properties of discrete non-abelian anyons. These occur in (2+1)-dimensional theories where a gauge group G is spontaneously broken down to some discrete subgroup H. We identify the quantumnumbers of the electrically and magnetically charged sectors of the remaining discrete gauge theory, and show that on the quantum level the symmetry group H is extended to the (quasi-triangular) Hopf algebra D(H). Most of our considerations are relevant for discrete gauge theories in (3+1)-dimensional space time as well.

hep-th↗

arXiv1992

Anyons in discrete gauge theories with Chern-Simons terms

We study the effect of a Chern-Simons term in a theory with discrete gauge group H, which in (2+1)-dimensional space time describes (non-abelian) anyons. As in a previous paper, we emphasize the underlying algebraic structure, namely the Hopf algebra D(H). We argue on physical grounds that the addition of a Chern-Simons term in the action leads to a non-trivial 3-cocycle on D(H). Accordingly, the physically inequivalent models are labelled by the elements of the cohomology group H^3(H,U(1)). It depends periodically on the coefficient of the Chern-Simons term which model is realized. This establishes a relation with the discrete topological field theories of Dijkgraaf and Witten. Some representative examples are worked out explicitly.

hep-th↗