arXiv subjects

G. Bevilacqua

Publications and source records attributed to G. Bevilacqua.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Advanced Virgo Plus for O5 -- Design Report Overview

This document presents an overview of the design, implementation, and expected performance of the Advanced Virgo Plus (AdV+) upgrades in view of the O5 observing run. Following the experience gained during the O4 commissioning and operations, the Virgo Collaboration has revised the upgrade strategy to address limitations associated with marginally stable recycling cavities. The O5 upgrade program combines elements from the original AdV+ Phase II project with new design solutions, including the implementation of stable recycling cavities, a major modification to the central interferometer layout, and a comprehensive renewal of critical subsystems. The planned upgrades are organized in two steps, targeting progressive improvements in operational stability, noise reduction, and detector sensitivity. Key developments include new vacuum infrastructures, suspensions, mirrors, optical configurations, quantum noise reduction systems, and high-power laser technologies. The resulting configuration is expected to significantly enhance the interferometer performance, enabling a substantial increase in astrophysical reach and scientific return during O5.

astro-ph.IM↗

arXiv2022

$W$ + charm associated hadroproduction: relevance of Shower Monte Carlo effects

Data on $W + D$-meson and $W + c$-jet hadroproduction have recently started to be included in at least some of the parton distribution function fits, mainly because of their potential to constrain the strange quark content of the proton. In this contribution we present predictions for $W + D$-meson and $W + c$-jet production with NLO QCD accuracy matched to parton shower. We show how including the latter effects, as well as hadronization, beam remnant and multiple parton interaction effects present in Shower Monte Carlo codes, is fundamental to provide consistent comparisons with the current experimental data by the ATLAS and CMS collaborations, as required for non-biased extractions of the strange and antistrange quark PDFs.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2022

W+charm production with massive c quarks in PowHel

The hadroproduction of a $W$ boson in association with a charm quark at the Large Hadron Collider is at the centre of current investigations due to its potential to probe the strangeness content of the proton. In this paper we present an implementation of the $W+c$ production process in the PowHel event generator matched to the PYTHIA8 parton shower approach, allowing to obtain predictions for differential cross-sections with NLO QCD accuracy matched to the accuracy of the Shower Monte Carlo event generator. Effects of non-diagonal CKM matrix elements, finite charm quark mass and off-shell $W$ decays including spin correlations are taken into account. We investigate the production of a leptonically decaying $W$ boson in association with either a charmed meson ($W^\pm~+~D^{*\mp}$) or a charmed jet ($W^\pm~+~j_{c}$) and compare our predictions with particle-level measurements by the ATLAS and CMS collaborations at $\sqrt{s} =$ 7 and 13 TeV. Considering the level of agreement between theory predictions and experimental data in the light of present theoretical and experimental uncertainties, our results do not point to the need of extensive modifications of the strange and antistrange distribution functions in the NLO PDF fits that we used, although collider $W + c$ production data have not been included yet in these fits.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2022

Modeling uncertainties of $t\bar{t}W^\pm$ multilepton signatures

In light of recent discrepancies between the modeling of $t\bar{t} W^\pm$ signatures and measurements reported by the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) experimental collaborations, we investigate in detail theoretical uncertainties for multi-lepton signatures. We compare results from the state-of-the-art full off-shell calculation and its Narrow Width Approximation to results obtained from the on-shell $t\bar{t} W^\pm$ calculation, with approximate spin-correlations in top-quark and $W$ decays, matched to parton showers. In the former case double-, single-, and non-resonant contributions together with interference effects are taken into account, while the latter two cases are only based on the double resonant top-quark contributions. The comparison is performed for the LHC at $\sqrt{s} = 13$ TeV for which we study separately the multi-lepton signatures as predicted from the dominant NLO contributions at the perturbative orders $\mathcal{O}(α_s^3α^6)$ and $\mathcal{O}(α_sα^8)$. Furthermore, we combine both contributions and propose a simple way to approximately incorporate the full off-shell effects in the NLO computation of on-shell $pp\to t\bar{t} W^\pm$ matched to parton showers.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2020

Spin noise spectroscopy of a noise-squeezed atomic state

Spin noise spectroscopy is emerging as a powerful technique for studying the dynamics of various spin systems also beyond their thermal equilibrium and linear response. Here, we study spin fluctuations of room-temperature neutral atoms in a Bell-Bloom type magnetometer. Driven by indirect pumping and undergoing a parametric excitation, this system is known to produce noise-squeezing. Our measurements not only reveal a strong asymmetry in the noise distribution of the atomic signal quadratures at the magnetic resonance, but also provide insight into the mechanism behind its generation and evolution. In particular, a structure in the spectrum is identified which allows to investigate the main dependencies and the characteristic timescales of the noise process. The results obtained are compatible with parametrically induced noise squeezing. Notably, the noise spectrum provides information on the spin dynamics even in regimes where the macroscopic atomic coherence is lost, effectively enhancing the sensitivity of the measurements. Our work promotes spin noise spectroscopy as a versatile technique for the study of noise squeezing in a wide range of spin based magnetic sensors.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2020

Off-shell vs on-shell modelling of top quarks in photon associated production

We present a comparative study of various approaches for modelling of the $e^+ ν_e μ^- \barν_μb\bar{b} γ$ final state in $t\bar{t}γ$ production at the LHC. Working at the NLO in QCD we compare the fully realistic description of the top quark decay chain with the one provided by the narrow-width-approximation. The former approach comprises all double, single and non-resonant diagrams, interferences, and off-shell effects of the top quarks. The latter incorporates only double resonant contributions and restricts the unstable top quarks to on-shell states. We confirm that for the integrated cross sections the finite top quark width effects are small and of the order of ${\cal O}(Γ_t/m_t)$. We show, however, that they are strongly enhanced for more exclusive observables. In addition, we investigate fractions of events where the photon is radiated either in the production or in the decay stage. We find that large fraction of isolated photons comes from radiative decays of top quarks. Based on our findings, selection criteria might be developed to reduce such contributions, that constitute a background for the measurement of the anomalous couplings in the $t\bar{t}γ$ vertex.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2019

Towards constraining Dark Matter at the LHC: Higher order QCD predictions for $t\bar{t}+Z(Z\to ν_\ell \barν_\ell)$

Triggered by ongoing dark matter searches in the top quark sector at the Large Hadron Collider we report on the calculation of the next-to-leading order QCD corrections to the Standard Model process $pp\to t\bar{t}+ Z(\to ν_\ell \barν_\ell)$. This calculation is based on matrix elements for $e^+ν_e \, μ^- \barν_μ\, b\bar{b} \, ν_τ\barν_τ$ production and includes all non-resonant diagrams, interferences, and off-shell effects of the top quarks. Non-resonant and off-shell effects due to the finite $W$-boson width are also consistently taken into account. As it is common for such studies, we present results for both integrated and differential cross sections for a few renormalisation and factorisation scale choices and three different parton distribution functions. Already with the fairly inclusive cut selection and independently of the scale choice and the parton distribution function non-flat differential ${\cal K}$-factors are obtained for $p_T^{miss}, Δϕ_{\ell\ell}, Δy_{\ell\ell}, \cosθ_{\ell\ell}, H_T, H^\prime_T$ observables that are relevant for new physics searches. Good theoretical control over the Standard Model background is a fundamental prerequisite for a correct interpretation of possible signals of new physics that may arise in this channel. Thus, these observables need to be carefully reexamined in the presence of more exclusive cuts before any realistic strategies for the detection of new physics signal can be further developed.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2019

Linear and non-linear coherent coupling in a Bell-Bloom magnetometer

Spin-exchange collisions in hot vapours are generally regarded as a decoherence mechanism. In contrast, we show that linear and non-linear spin-exchange coupling can lead to the generation of atomic coherence in a Bell-Bloom magnetometer. In particular, we theoretically and experimentally demonstrate that non-linear spin exchange coupling, acting in an analogous way to a wave-mixing mechanism, can create new modes of coherent excitation which inherit the magnetic properties of the natural Larmor coherence. The generated coherences further couple via linear spin-exchange interaction, leading to an increase of the natural coherence lifetime of the system. Notably, the measurements are performed in a low-density caesium vapour and for non-zero magnetic field, outside the standard conditions for collisional coherence transfer. The strategies discussed are important for the development of spin-exchange coupling into a resource for an improved measurement platform based on room-temperature alkali-metal vapours.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2019

Parametric amplification and noise-squeezing in room temperature atomic vapours

We report on the use of parametric excitation to coherently manipulate the collective spin state of an atomic vapour at room temperature. Signatures of the parametric excitation are detected in the ground-state spin evolution. These include the excitation spectrum of the atomic coherences, which contains resonances at frequencies characteristic of the parametric process. The amplitudes of the signal quadratures show amplification and attenuation, and their noise distribution is characterized by a strong asymmetry, similarly to those observed in mechanical oscillators. The parametric excitation is produced by periodic modulation of the pumping beam, exploiting a Bell-Bloom-like technique widely used in atomic magnetometry. Notably, we find that the noise-squeezing obtained by this technique enhances the signal-to-noise ratio of the measurements up to a factor of 10, and improves the performance of a Bell-Bloom magnetometer by a factor of 3.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2019

Precise predictions for $t\bar{t}γ/t\bar{t}$ cross section ratios at the LHC

With the goal of increasing the precision of NLO QCD predictions for the $pp\to t\bar{t} γ$ process in the di-lepton top quark decay channel we present theoretical predictions for the ${\cal R}= σ_{t\bar{t}γ}/σ_{t\bar{t}}$ cross section ratio. Results for the latter together with various differential cross section ratios are given for the LHC with the Run II energy of $\sqrt{s} = 13$ TeV. Fully realistic NLO computations for $t\bar{t}$ and $t\bar{t}γ$ production are employed. They are based on matrix elements for $e^+ν_e μ^- \barν_μb\bar{b}$ and $e^+ν_e μ^- \barν_μb\bar{b}γ$ processes and include all resonant and non-resonant diagrams, interferences, and off-shell effects of the top quarks and the $W$ gauge bosons. Various renormalisation and factorisation scale choices and parton density functions are examined to assess their impact on the cross section ratio. Depending on the transverse momentum cut on the hard photon a judicious choice of a dynamical scale allows us to obtain $1\%-3\%$ percent precision on ${\cal R}$. Moreover, for differential cross section ratios theoretical uncertainties in the range of $1\%-6\%$ have been estimated. Until now such high precision predictions have only been reserved for the top quark pair production at NNLO QCD. Thus, ${\cal R}$ at NLO in QCD represents a very precise observable to be measured at the LHC for example to study the top quark charge asymmetry or to probe the strength and the structure of the $t$-$\bar{t}$-$γ$ vertex. The latter can shed some light on possible new physics that can reveal itself only once sufficiently precise theoretical predictions are available.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2018

Hard Photons in Hadroproduction of Top Quarks with Realistic Final States

We present a complete description of top quark pair production in association with a hard photon in the dilepton channel. Our calculation is accurate to NLO in QCD. It is based on matrix elements for $e^+ν_e μ^-\barν_μb \bar{b}γ$ production and includes all resonant and non-resonant diagrams, interferences, and off-shell effects of the top quarks and the $W$ gauge bosons. This calculation constitutes the first full computation for top quark pair production with a final state photon in hadronic collisions at NLO in QCD. Numerical results for total and differential cross sections are presented for the LHC at a centre-of-mass energy of $\sqrt{s}=13$ TeV. For a few observables relevant for new physics searches, beyond some kinematic bounds, we observe shape distortions of more than $100\%$. In addition, we confirm that the size of the top quark off-shell effects for the total cross section is consistent with the expected uncertainties of the narrow width approximation. Results presented here are not only relevant for beyond the Standard Model physics searches but also important for precise measurements of the top-quark fiducial cross sections and top-quark properties at the LHC.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2018

Top quark mass studies with $t\bar{t}j$ at the LHC

A precise measurement of the top quark mass, a fundamental parameter of the Standard Model, is among the most important goals of top quark studies at the Large Hadron Collider. Apart from the standard methods, numerous new observables and reconstruction techniques are employed to improve the overall precision and to provide different sensitivities to various systematic uncertainties. Recently, the normalised inverse invariant mass distribution of the $t\bar{t}$ system and the leading extra jet not coming from the top quark decays has been proposed for the $pp \to t\bar{t}j$ production process, denoted as ${\cal R}(m_t^{pole},ρ_s)$. In this paper, a thorough study of different theoretical predictions for this observable, however, with top quark decays included, is carried out. We focus on fixed order NLO QCD calculations for the di-lepton top quark decay channel at the LHC with $\sqrt{s}=13$ TeV. First, the impact on the extraction of $m_t$ is investigated and afterwards the associated uncertainties are quantified. In one approach we include all interferences, off-shell effects and non-resonant backgrounds. This is contrasted with a different approach with top quark decays in the narrow width approximation. In the latter case, two cases are employed: NLO QCD corrections to the $pp\to t\bar{t}j$ production process with leading order decays and the more sophisticated case with QCD corrections and jet radiation present also in top quark decays. The top quark mass sensitivity of ${\cal R}(m_t^{pole},ρ_s)$ is investigated and compared to other observables: the invariant mass of the top anti-top pair, the minimal invariant mass of the $b$-jet and a charged lepton as well as the total transverse momentum of the $t\bar{t}j$ system.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2017

Off-shell $t\bar{t}j$ production and top quark mass studies at the LHC

Precision studies of the properties of the top quark represent a cornerstone of the LHC physics program. In this contribution we focus on the production of $t\bar{t}$ pairs in association with one hard jet and in particular on its connection with precision measurements of the top quark mass at the LHC. We report a summary of a full calculation of the process $pp \to e^+ν_eμ^-\barν_μb \bar{b}j$ at NLO QCD accuracy, which describes $t\bar{t}j$ production with leptonic decays beyond the Narrow Width Approximation (NWA), and discuss the impact of the off-shell effects through comparisons with NWA. Finally we explore the sensitivity of $t\bar{t}j$ in the context of top-quark mass extraction with the template method, considering two benchmark observables as case studies.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2017

$t\bar{t}b\bar{b}$ hadroproduction with massive bottom quarks with PowHel

The associated production of top-antitop-bottom-antibottom quarks is a relevant irreducible background for Higgs boson analyses in the top-antitop-Higgs production channel, with Higgs decaying into a bottom-antibottom quark pair. We implement this process in the PowHel event generator, considering the bottom quarks as massive in all steps of the computation which involves hard-scattering matrix-elements in the 4-flavour number scheme combined with 4-flavour Parton Distribution Functions. Predictions with NLO QCD + Parton Shower accuracy, as obtained by PowHel + PYTHIA, are compared to those which resulted from a previous PowHel implementation with hard-scattering matrix-elements in the 5-flavour number scheme, considering as a baseline the example of a realistic analysis of top-antitop hadroproduction with additional $b$-jet activity, performed by the CMS collaboration at the Large Hadron Collider.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2017

Thermoelectric efficiency of nanoscale devices in the linear regime

We study quantum transport through two-terminal nanoscale devices in contact with two particle reservoirs at different temperatures and chemical potentials. We discuss the general expressions controlling the electric charge current, heat currents and the efficiency of energy transmutation in steady conditions in the linear regime. With focus in the parameter domain where the electron system acts as a power-generator, we elaborate workable expressions for optimal efficiency and thermoelectric pameters of nanoscale devices. The general concepts are set at work in the paradigmatic cases of Lorentzian resonances and antiresonances, and the encompassing Fano transmission function: the treatments are fully analytic, in terms of the trigamma functions and Bernoulli numbers. From the general curves here reported describing transport through the above model transmission functions, useful guidelines for optimal efficiency and thermopower can be inferred for engineering nanoscale devices in energy regions where they show similar transmission functions.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2016

Off-shell Top Quarks with One Jet at the LHC: A comprehensive analysis at NLO QCD

We present a comprehensive study of the production of top quark pairs in association with one hard jet in the di-lepton decay channel at the LHC. Our predictions, accurate at NLO in QCD, focus on the LHC Run II with a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV. All resonant and non-resonant contributions at the perturbative order ${\cal O}(α_s^4 α^4)$ are taken into account, including irreducible backgrounds to $t\bar{t}j$ production, interferences and off-shell effects of the top quark and the $W$ gauge boson. We extensively investigate the dependence of our results upon variation of renormalisation and factorisation scales and parton distribution functions in the quest for an accurate estimate of the theoretical uncertainties. Additionally, we explore a few possibilities for a dynamical scale choice with the goal of stabilizing the perturbative convergence of the differential cross sections far away from the $t\bar{t}$ threshold. Results presented here are particularly relevant for searches of new physics as well as for precise measurements of the top-quark fiducial cross sections and top-quark properties at the LHC.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2016

Atomic orientation by a broadly frequency-modulated radiation: theory and experiment

We investigate magnetic resonances driven in thermal vapour of alkali atoms by laser radiation broadly modulated at a frequency resonant with the Zeeman splitting. A model accounting for both hyperfine and Zeeman pumping is developed and its results are compared with experimental measurements performed at relatively weak pump irradiance. The interplay between the two pumping processes generates intriguing interaction conditions, often overlooked by simplified models.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2016

Top Quark Pair Production in Association with a Jet with NLO QCD Off-Shell Effects at the Large Hadron Collider

We present a complete description of top quark pair production in association with a jet in the dilepton channel. Our calculation is accurate to next-to-leading order in QCD (NLO) and includes all non-resonant diagrams, interferences and off-shell effects of the top quark. Moreover, non-resonant and off-shell effects due to the finite W gauge boson width are taken into account. This calculation constitutes the first fully realistic NLO computation for top quark pair production with a final state jet in hadronic collisions. Numerical results for differential distributions as well as total cross sections are presented for the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at 8 TeV. With our inclusive cuts, NLO predictions reduce the unphysical scale dependence by more than a factor of 3 and lower the total rate by about 13% compared to leading order QCD (LO) predictions. In addition, the size of the top quark off-shell effects is estimated to be below 2%.

hep-ph↗