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Frank Antonsen

Publications and source records attributed to Frank Antonsen.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
arXiv2025

A Targeted Quadrature Framework for Simulating Large-Scale 3D Anisotropic Electromagnetic Measurements

We develop a new, efficient, and accurate method to simulate frequency-domain borehole electromagnetic (EM) measurements acquired in the presence of three-dimensional (3D) variations of the anisotropic subsurface conductivity. The method is based on solving the quasi-static Maxwell equations with a goal-oriented finite-volume discretization via block-quadrature reduced-order modeling. Discretization is performed with a Lebedev grid that enables accurate and conservative solutions in the presence of any form of anisotropic electrical conductivity. Likewise, the method makes use of a new effective-medium approximation to locally account for non-conformal boundaries and large contrasts in electrical conductivity, especially in the vicinity of EM sources and receivers. The finite-volume discretization yields a large symmetric linear system of equations, which is reduced to a set of smaller structured problems via block Lanczos recursion. The formulation also enables the efficient calculation of the adjoint solution, which is necessary for gradient-based inversion of the measurements to estimate the associated spatial distribution of electrical conductivity, i.e., to solve the inverse problem. Specific applications and verifications of the new numerical simulation algorithm are considered for the case of borehole ultra-deep azimuthal resistivity measurements (UDAR) typically used for subsurface well geosteering and navigation. We verify the efficiency, robustness, and scalability of this approach using synthetic UDAR measurements acquired in a 3D formation inspired by North-Sea geology. The numerical experiments successfully verify the applicability of our modeling approach to real-time UDAR processing frameworks.

physics.geo-ph↗
arXiv2001

Optical excitation of interacting electron-hole pairs in disordered one-dimensional semiconductors

We apply the optimal fluctuation method to the calculation of the optical absorption in disordered one-dimensional semiconductors below the fundamental optical gap. We find that a photon energy exists at which the shape of the optimal fluctuation undergoes a dramatic change, resulting in a different energy dependence of the absorption rate above and below this energy. In the limit when the interaction of an electron and a hole with disorder is stronger than their interaction with each other, we obtain an analytical expression for the optical conductivity. We show that to calculate the absorption rate, it is, in general, necessary to consider a manifold of optimal fluctuations, rather than just a single fluctuation. For an arbitrary ratio of the Coulomb interaction and disorder, the optimal fluctuation is found numerically.

cond-mat.dis-nn↗
arXiv1998

Sturmian Basis Functions for the Harmonic Oscillator

We define Sturmian basis functions for the harmonic oscillator and investigate whether recent insights into Sturmians for Coulomb-like potentials can be extended to this important potential. We also treat many body problems such as coupling to a bath of harmonic oscillators. Comments on coupled oscillators and time-dependent potentials are also made. It is argued that the Sturmian method amounts to a non-perturbative calculation of the energy levels, but the limitations of the method is also pointed out, and the cause of this limitation is found to be related to the divergence of the potential. Thus the divergent nature of the anharmonic potential leads to the Sturmian method being less acurate than in the Coulomb case. We discuss how modified anharmonic oscillator potentials, which are well behaved at infinity, leads to a rapidly converging Sturmian approximation.

quant-ph↗
arXiv1998

Effective Actions for Spin 0,1/2,1 in Curved Spacetimes

We calculate the effective potentials for scalar, Dirac and Yang-Mills fields in curved backgrounds using a new method for the determination of the heat kernel involving a re-summation of the Schwinger-DeWitt series. Self-interactions are treated both to one loop order as usual and slightly beyond one-loop order by means of a mean-field approximation. The new approach gives the familiar result for scalar fields, the Coleman-Weinberg potential plus corrections such as the leading-log terms, but the actual calculation is much faster. We furthermore show how to go systematically to higher loop order. The Schwarzschild space-time is used to exemplify the procedure. Next we consider phase transitions and we show that for a classical critical point to be a critical point of the effective potential too, certain restrictions must be imposed on as well its value as on the form of the classical potential and the background geometry. We derive this extra condition for scalar fields with arbitrary self couplings and comment on the case of fermions and gauge bosons too. Critical points of the effective action which are not there classically are also discussed. This has implications for inflation. The renormalised energy-momentum tensor for a scalar field with arbitrary self-interaction and non-minimal coupling to the gravitational background is also calculated to this improved one-loop order as is the resulting conformal anomaly. Conditions for the violation of energy conditions are described. Finally we discuss metric fluctuations and a self-consistency condition for such fluctuations is written down for spin 0,1/2,1 quantum fields. This is of importance for the study of cosmic density fluctuations. All calculations are performed in the physically relevant case of d=4 dimensions.

hep-th↗
arXiv1998

Deformation Quantisation of Gravity

We study the deformation (Moyal) quantisation of gravity in both the ADM and the Ashtekar approach. It is shown, that both can be treated, but lead to anomalies. The anomaly in the case of Ashtekar variables, however, is merely a central extension of the constraint algebra, which can be ``lifted''. Finally we write down the equations defining physical states and comment on their physical content. This is done by defining a loop representation. We find a solution in terms of a Chern-Simons state, whose Wigner function then becomes related to BF-theory. This state exist even in the absence of a cosmological constant but only if certain extra conditions are imposed. Another solution is found where the Wigner function is a Gaussian in the momenta. Some comments on ``quantum gravity'' in lower dimensions are also made.

gr-qc↗
arXiv1998

Deformation Quantisation of Constrained Systems

We study the deformation quantisation (Moyal quantisation) of general constrained Hamiltonian systems. It is shown how second class constraints can be turned into first class quantum constraints. This is illustrated by the O(N) non-linear $σ$-model. Some new light is also shed on the Dirac bracket. Furthermore, it is shown how classical constraints not in involution with the classical Hamiltonian, can be turned into quantum constraints {\em in} involution with respect to the Hamiltonian. Conditions on the existence of anomalies are also derived, and it is shown how some kinds of anomalies can be removed. The equations defining the set of physical states are also given. It turns out that the deformation quantisation of pure Yang-Mills theory is straightforward whereas gravity is anomalous. A formal solution to the Yang-Mills quantum constraints is found. In the \small{ADM} formalism of gravity the anomaly is very complicated and the equations picking out physical states become infinite order functional differential equations, whereas the Ashtekar variables remedy both of these problems -- the anomaly becoming simply a central extension (Schwinger term) and the equations for physical states become finite order. We finally elaborate on the underlying geometrical structure and show the method to be compatible with BRST methods.

gr-qc↗
arXiv1998

Casimir driven evolution of the universe

For a Friedman-Robertson-Walker space-time in which the only contribution to the stress-energy tensor comes from the renormalised zero-point energy (i.e. the Casimir energy) of the fundamental fields the evolution of the universe (the scale factor) depends upon whether the universe is open, flat or closed and upon which fundamental fields inhabit the space-time. We calculate this "Casimir effect" using the heat kernel method, and the calculation is thus non-perturbative. We treat fields of spin $0,1/2,1$ coupled to the gravitational background only. The heat kernels and/or zeta-functions for the various spins are related to that of a non-minimally coupled one. A WKB approximation is used in obtaining the radial part of that heat kernel. The simulations of the resulting equations of motion seem to exclude the possibility of a closed universe, $K=+1$, as these turn out to have an overwhelming tendency towards a fast collapse - the details such as the rate of this collapse depends on the structure of the underlying quantum degrees of freedom: a non-minimal coupling to curvature accelerates the process. Only $K=-1$ and K=0 will in general lead to macroscopic universes, and of these $K=-1$ seems to be more favourable. The possibility of the scale factor being a concave rather than a convex function potentially indicates that the problem of the large Hubble constant is non-existent as the age of the universe need not be less than or equal to the Hubble time. Note should be given to the fact, however, that we are not able to pursue the numerical study to really large times neither do simulations for a full standard model.

gr-qc↗
arXiv1998

Time Machines and the Breakdown of Unitarity

We present a generic way of thinking about time machines from the view of a far away observer. In this model the universe consists of three (or more) regions: One containing the entrance of the time machine, another the exit and the remaining one(s) the rest of the universe. In the latter we know ordinary quantum mechanics to be valid and thus are able to write down a Hamiltonian describing this generic time machine. We prove the time-evolution operator to be non-symmetric. Various interpretations of this irreversibility are given.

quant-ph↗
arXiv1998

Zeta-Functions and Star-Products

We use the definition of a star (or Moyal or twisted) product to give a phasespace definition of the $ζ$-function. This allows us to derive new closed expressions for the coefficients of the heat kernel in an asymptotic expansion for operators of the form $αp^2+v(q)$. For the particular case of the harmonic oscillator we furthermore find a closed form for the Green's function. We also find a relationship between star exponentials, path integrals and Wigner functions, which in a simple example gives a relation between the star exponential of the Chern-Simons action and knot invariants.

quant-ph↗
arXiv1998

The Heat-Kernel in a Schwarzschild Geometry and the Casimir Energy

We obtain an hybrid expression for the heat-kernel, and from that the density of the free energy, for a minimally coupled scalar field in a Schwarzschild geometry at finite temperature. This gives us the zero-point energy density as a function of the distance from the massive object generating the gravitational field. The contribution to the zero-point energy due to the curvature is extracted too, in this way arriving at a renormalised expression for the energy density (the Casimir energy density). We use this to find an expression for other physical quantities: internal energy, pressure and entropy. It turns out that the disturbance of the surrounding vacuum generates entropy. For $β$ small the entropy is positive for $r>2M$. We also find that the internal energy can be negative outside the horizon pointing to the existence of bound states. The total energy inside the horizon turns out to be finite but complex, the imaginary part being interpreted as responsible for particle creation.

gr-qc↗
arXiv1997

Coherent States on Lie Algebras: A Constructive Approach

We generalise the notion of coherent states to arbitrary Lie algebras by making an analogy with the GNS construction in $C^*$-algebras. The method is illustrated with examples of semisimple and non-semisimple finite dimensional Lie algebras as well as loop and Kac-Moody algebras. A deformed addition on the parameter space is also introduced simplifying some expressions and some applications to conformal field theory is pointed out, e.g. are differential operator and free field realisations found. PACS: 02.20.S, 03.65.F, 11.25.H Keywords: coherent states, Lie and Kac-Moody algebras, realisations.

math-ph↗
arXiv1997

4D diffeomorphisms in canonical gravity and abelian deformations

A careful study of the induced transformations on spatial quantities due to 4-dimensional spacetime diffeomorphisms in the canonical formulation of general relativity is undertaken. Use of a general formalism, which indicates the role of the embedding variables in a transparent manner, allows us to analyse the effect of 4-dimensional diffeomorphisms more generally than is possible in the standard ADM approach. This analysis clearly indicates the assumptions which are necessary in order to obtain the ADM-Dirac constraints, and furthermore shows that there are choices, other than the ADM hamiltonian constraint, that one can make for the deformations in the ``timelike'' direction. In particular an abelian generator closely related to true time evolution appears very naturally in this framework. This generator, its relation to other abelian scalars discovered recently, and the possibilities it provides for a group theoretic quantisation of gravity are discussed.

gr-qc↗
arXiv1997

A New Non-Perturbative Approach to Quantum Theory in Curved Spacetime Using the Wigner Function

A new non-perturbative approach to quantum theory in curved spacetime and to quantum gravity, based on a generalisation of the Wigner equation, is proposed. Our definition for a Wigner equation differs from what have otherwise been proposed, and does not imply any approximations. It is a completely exact equation, fully equivalent to the Heisenberg equations of motion. The approach makes different approximation schemes possible, e.g. it is possible to perform a systematic calculation of the quantum effects order by order. An iterative scheme for this is also proposed. The method is illustrated with some simple examples and applications. A calculation of the trace of the renormalised energy-momentum tensor is done, and the conformal anomaly is thereby related to non-conservation of a current in d=2 dimensions and a relationship between a vector and an axial-vector current in d=4 dimensions. The corresponding ``hydrodynamic equations'' governing the evolution of macroscopic quantities are derived by taking appropriate moments. The emphasis is put on the spin-1/2 case, but it is shown how to extend to arbitrary spins. Gravity is treated first in the Palatini formalism, which is not very tractable, and then more successfully in the Ashtekar formalism, where the constraints lead to infinite order differential equations for the Wigner functions.

hep-th↗
arXiv1996

Wigner-Weyl-Moyal Formalism on Algebraic Structures

We first introduce the Wigner-Weyl-Moyal formalism for a theory whose phase-space is an arbitrary Lie algebra. We also generalize to quantum Lie algebras and to supersymmetric theories. It turns out that the non-commutativity leads to a deformation of the classical phase-space: instead of being a vector space it becomes a manifold, the topology of which is given by the commutator relations. It is shown in fact that the classical phase-space, for a semi-simple Lie algebra, becomes a homogenous symplectic manifold. The symplectic product is also deformed. We finally make some comments on how to generalize to $C^*$-algebras and other operator algebras too.

quant-ph↗
arXiv1996

Wormholes and Time-Machines

It has been proposed that wormholes can be made to function as time-machines. This opens up the question of whether this can be accomodated within a self-consistent physics or not. In this contribution we present some quantum mechanical considerations in this respect.

quant-ph↗
arXiv1996

Propagators in Curved Space

We demonstrate how to obtain explicitly the propagators for quantum fields residing in curved space-time using the heat kernel for which a new construction procedure exists. Propagators are determined for the case of Rindler, Friedman-Robertson-Walker, Schwarzschild and general conformally flat metrics, both for scalar, Dirac and Yang-Mills fields. The calculations are based on an improved formula for the heat kernel in a general curved space. All the calculations are done in $d=4$ dimensions for concreteness, but are easily generalizable to arbitrary $d$. The new method advocated here does not assume that the fields are massive, nor is it based on an aymptotic expansion as such. Whenever possible, the results are compared to that of other authors.

hep-th↗