arXiv subjects

Giovanni Modanese

Publications and source records attributed to Giovanni Modanese.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2022

Interaction between macroscopic quantum systems and gravity

We review experiments and theoretical models about the possible mutual interplay between the gravitational field and materials in the superconducting state or other macroscopic quantum states. More generally, we focus on the possibility for quantum macrosystems in a coherent state to produce local alterations of the gravitational field in which they are immersed. This fully interdisciplinary research field has witnessed a conspicuous progress in the last decades, with hundreds of published papers, and yet several questions are still completely open.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2017

Economic inequality and mobility for stochastic models with multiplicative noise

In this article, we discuss a dynamical stochastic model that represents the time evolution of income distribution of a population, where the dynamics develop from an interplay of multiple economic exchanges in the presence of multiplicative noise. The model remit stretches beyond the conventional framework of a Langevin-type kinetic equation in that our model dynamics is self-consistently constrained by dynamical conservation laws emerging from population and wealth conservation. This model is numerically solved and analyzed to interpret the inequality of income as a function of relevant dynamical parameters like the {\it mobility} $M$ and the {\it total income} $\mu$. In our model, inequality is quantified by the {\it Gini index} $G$. In particular, correlations between any two of the mobility index $M$ and/or the total income $\mu$ with the Gini index $G$ are investigated and compared with the analogous correlations resulting from an equivalent additive noise model. Our findings highlight the importance of a multiplicative noise based economic modeling structure in the analysis of inequality. The model also depicts the nature of correlation between mobility and total income of a population from the perspective of inequality measure.

econ.GN↗

arXiv2015

Discretized kinetic theory on scale-free networks

The network of interpersonal connections is one of the possible heterogeneous factors which affect the income distribution emerging from micro-to-macro economic models. In this paper we equip our model discussed in [1,2] with a network structure. The model is based on a system of $n$ differential equations of the kinetic discretized-Boltzmann kind. The network structure is incorporated in a probabilistic way, through the introduction of a link density $P(\alpha)$ and of correlation coefficients $P(\beta|\alpha)$, which give the conditioned probability that an individual with $\alpha$ links is connected to one with $\beta$ links. We study the properties of the equations and give analytical results concerning the existence, normalization and positivity of the solutions. For a fixed network with $P(\alpha)=c/\alpha^q$, we investigate numerically the dependence of the detailed and marginal equilibrium distributions on the initial conditions and on the exponent $q$. Our results are compatible with those obtained from the Bouchaud-Mezard model and from agent-based simulations, and provide additional information about the dependence of the individual income on the level of connectivity.

physics.soc-ph↗

arXiv2015

Economic inequality and mobility in kinetic models for social sciences

Statistical evaluations of the economic mobility of a society are more difficult than measurements of the income distribution, because they require to follow the evolution of the individuals' income for at least one or two generations. In micro-to-macro theoretical models of economic exchanges based on kinetic equations, the income distribution depends only on the asymptotic equilibrium solutions, while mobility estimates also involve the detailed structure of the transition probabilities of the model, and are thus an important tool for assessing its validity. Empirical data show a remarkably general negative correlation between economic inequality and mobility, whose explanation is still unclear. It is therefore particularly interesting to study this correlation in analytical models. In previous work we investigated the behavior of the Gini inequality index in kinetic models in dependence on several parameters which define the binary interactions and the taxation and redistribution processes: saving propensity, taxation rates gap, tax evasion rate, welfare means-testing etc. Here, we check the correlation of mobility with inequality by analyzing the mobility dependence from the same parameters. According to several numerical solutions, the correlation is confirmed to be negative.

econ.GN↗

arXiv2014

Gravity-Superconductors Interactions as a Possible Means to Exchange Momentum with the Vacuum

We report on work in progress in quantum field theory about possible interactions between coherent matter, i.e. matter described by a macroscopic wave function or a classical field, and a certain class of vacuum fluctuations, called "zero-modes of the Einstein action". These are little-known virtual masses present in the vacuum state of quantum gravity. A couple of equal masses of this kind can be excited by an oscillating coherent source with frequency f and decays to its ground state emitting a virtual graviton, which can propagate and transfer momentum p to ordinary matter. The virtual masses recoil in the emission, and this amounts to a transfer of momentum -p to the vacuum; this momentum can be passed in turn to some matter, or not. The energy hf for the process does not come from the vacuum, but from the coherent source. The ratio hf/p is of the order of 1 m/s. This model was developed to explain experimental results showing the emission of anomalous high-momentum radiation from certain superconductors, sometimes with a strong recoil of the emitters. The recoil is energetically quite efficient, at least at small power, and could be exploited for propulsion. It has not been tested in space, however, and our model cannot yet predict if the recoil is affected by the presence of near matter. (Another model predicts that it is not.) We also briefly mention a possible application of the anomalous radiation itself and we evaluate the (large) electric and magnetic field strength needed to produce an effect equivalent to that of a superconducting emitter.

physics.gen-ph↗

arXiv2014

Microscopic Models for Welfare Measures Addressing a Reduction of Economic Inequality

We formulate a flexible micro-to-macro kinetic model which is able to explain the emergence of income profiles out of a whole of individual economic interactions. The model is expressed by a system of several nonlinear differential equations which involve parameters defined by probabilities. Society is described as an ensemble of individuals divided into income classes; the individuals exchange money through binary and ternary interactions, leaving the total wealth unchanged. The ternary interactions represent taxation and redistribution effects. Dynamics is investigated through computational simulations, the focus being on the effects that different fiscal policies and differently weighted welfare policies have on the long-run income distributions. The model provides a tool which may contribute to the identification of the most effective actions towards a reduction of economic inequality. We find for instance that, under certain hypotheses, the Gini index is more affected by a policy of reduction of the welfare and subsidies for the rich classes than by an increase of the upper tax rate. Such a policy also has the effect of slightly increasing the total tax revenue.

econ.GN↗

arXiv2014

Anomalous gravitational vacuum fluctuations which act as virtual oscillating dipoles

In this work we review some concepts developed over the last few years: that the gravitational vacuum has, even at scales much larger than the Planck length, a peculiar structure, with anomalously strong and long-lasting fluctuations called "zero-modes"; and that these vacuum fluctuations behave as virtual particles of negative mass and can interact with each other, leading to the formation of weakly bound states. The bound states make up a continuum, allowing at each point of spacetime the local excitation of the gravitational vacuum through the coupling with matter in a coherent state. The spontaneous or stimulated decay of the excited states leads to the emission of virtual gravitons with spin 1 and large p/E ratio. In this paper we also expand and discuss in physical terms several important new details concerning the zero-mode interactions, the dynamics of virtual particles with negative mass and the properties of virtual gravitons.

physics.gen-ph↗

arXiv2014

Exploiting the flexibility of a family of models for taxation and redistribution

We discuss a family of models expressed by nonlinear differential equation systems describing closed market societies in the presence of taxation and redistribution. We focus in particular on three example models obtained in correspondence to different parameter choices. We analyse the influence of the various choices on the long time shape of the income distribution. Several simulations suggest that behavioral heterogeneity among the individuals plays a definite role in the formation of fat tails of the asymptotic stationary distributions. This is in agreement with results found with different approaches and techniques. We also show that an excellent fit for the computational outputs of our models is provided by the k-generalized distribution introduced by G. Kaniadakis (Physica A 296 (2001) 405-425).

q-fin.GN↗

arXiv2014

Micro to macro models for income distribution in the absence and in the presence of tax evasion

We investigate the effect of tax evasion on the income distribution and the inequality index of a society through a kinetic model described by a set of nonlinear ordinary differential equations. The model allows to compute the global outcome of binary and multiple microscopic interactions between individuals. When evasion occurs, both individuals involved in a binary interaction take advantage of it, while the rest of the society is deprived of a part of the planned redistribution. In general, the effect of evasion on the income distribution is to decrease the population of the middle classes and increase that of the poor and rich classes. We study the dependence of the Gini index on several parameters (mainly taxation rates and evasion rates), also in the case when the evasion rate increases proportionally to a taxation rate which is perceived by citizens as unfair. Finally, we evaluate the relative probability of class advancement of individuals due to direct interactions and welfare provisions, and some typical temporal rates of convergence of the income distribution to its equilibrium state.

q-fin.GN↗

arXiv2013

A comparison between the YBCO discharge experiments by E. Podkletnov and C. Poher, and their theoretical interpretations

Experimental results recently published by C. Poher provide independent evidence for the anomalous radiation emitted from YBCO electrodes under short, intense current pulses previously reported by E. Podkletnov. The generation conditions are somewhat different: lower applied voltage, longer duration of the pulses, absence of a discharge chamber. The microstructure of the emitter is also different in the two cases. While Podkletnov's radiation beam is collimated, Poher's beam is more or less diverging, depending on the emitter type. In coincidence with the radiation emission Poher measures a strong recoil of the emitter, with maximum momentum of the order of 1 kg m/s. We compare and discuss several details of the experiments and give a brief outline of the proposed theoretical explanations. We also report numerical simulations of the maximum electromagnetic recoil force on a Josephson junction, as a benchmark for a possible alternative explanation of the recoil.

physics.gen-ph↗

arXiv2013

Velocity requirements for causality violation

We re-examine the "Regge-Tolman paradox" with reference to some recent experimental results. It is straightforward to find a formula for the velocity v of the moving system required to produce causality violation. This formula typically yields a velocity very close to the speed of light (for instance, v/c > 0.97 for X-shaped microwaves), which raises some doubts about the real physical observability of the violations. We then compute the velocity requirement introducing a delay between the reception of the primary signal and the emission of the secondary. It turns out that in principle for any delay it is possible to find moving observers able to produce active causal violation. This is mathematically due to the singularity of the Lorentz transformations for beta to 1. For a realistic delay due to the propagation of a luminal precursor, we find that causality violations in the reported experiments are still more unlikely (v/c > 0.989), and even in the hypothesis that the superluminal propagation velocity goes to infinity, the velocity requirement is bounded by v/c > 0.62. We also prove that if two macroscopic bodies exchange energy and momentum through superluminal signals, then the swap of signal source and target is incompatible with the Lorentz transformations; therefore it is not possible to distinguish between source and target, even with reference to a definite reference frame.

physics.gen-ph↗

arXiv2011

From microscopic taxation and redistribution models to macroscopic income distributions

We present here a general framework, expressed by a system of nonlinear differential equations, suitable for the modelling of taxation and redistribution in a closed (trading market) society. This framework allows to describe the evolution of the income distribution over the population and to explain the emergence of collective features based on the knowledge of the individual interactions. By making different choices of the framework parameters, we construct different models, whose long-time behavior is then investigated. Asymptotic stationary distributions are found, which enjoy similar properties as those observed in empirical distributions. In particular, they exhibit power law tails of Pareto type and their Lorenz curves and Gini indices are consistent with some real world ones.

physics.soc-ph↗

arXiv2007

The vacuum state of quantum gravity contains large virtual masses

In the functional integral approach to quantum gravity, the quantum configurations are usually treated to order hbar through a stationary phase approximation around the saddle point of the action where spacetime is flat. We show that from this point a "level line" in functional space departs, which comprises a family of static non-flat metrics with zero scalar curvature, depending on a continuous mass parameter. Furthermore, each of these metrics can be perturbed by an arbitrary function in such a way to still satisfy the condition Int(gR)d4x=0. We thus find a set of zero-modes of the gravitational action which has non-vanishing measure in the functional space. These metrics will contribute to the functional integral as vacuum fluctuations, on the same footing as those near the saddle point.

physics.gen-ph↗

arXiv2004

Effect of the Vacuum Energy Density on Graviton Propagation

It is known that the value L of the vacuum energy density affects the propagation equation for gravitons: A mass term appears in the propagation equation, such that m^2=-L. As a consequence, the polarization states of gravitons also change. This effect of the L-term has been confirmed by recent calculations in a curved background, which is the only proper setting, since solutions of the classical Einstein equations in the presence of a L-term represent a space with constant curvature. A real value for the mass (when L<0) will show up as a slight exponential damping in the gravitational potential, which is however strongly constrained by astronomical data. The consequences of an imaginary mass (for L>0) are still unclear; on general grounds, one can expect the onset of instabilities in this case. This is also confirmed by numerical simulations of quantum gravity which became recently available. These properties gain a special interest in consideration of the following. (1) The most recent cosmological data indicate that L is positive and of the order of 0.1 J/m^3. Is this value compatible with a stable propagation of gravitons? (2) The answer to the previous question lies perhaps in the scale dependence of the effective value of L. L may be negative at the small distance/large energy scale at which the quantum behavior of gravitational fields and waves becomes relevant. Furthermore, local contributions to the vacuum energy density (in superconductors in certain states, and in very strong static electromagnetic fields) can change locally the sign of L, and so affect locally the propagation and the properties of gravitons. The graviton wavefunction, for different values of the parameters, may be characterized by superluminal phase velocity or by unitarity only in imaginary valued time.

physics.gen-ph↗

arXiv2003

Investigation of high voltage discharges in low pressure gases through large ceramic superconducting electrodes

A device has been built and tested, in which a ceramic superconducting cathode and a copper anode cause electrical discharges in low pressure gases, at temperatures between 50 and 70 K. The electrodes are connected to a capacitors array charged up to 2000 kV; peak currents are of the order of 10^4 A. The cathode has the diameter of 10 cm and is fabricated by OCMTG technology. In discharges at voltage above 500 kV two new phenomena were observed, probably related to each other. First, the discharge does not look like a spark, but is a flat, glowing discharge, which originates from the whole surface of the superconducting electrode. Furthermore, a radiation pulse is emitted at the discharge, which propagates orthogonally to the cathode, towards the anode and beyond it, in a collimated beam, apparently without any attenuation. The radiation pulse carries an energy of 10^-3 J at least. The features and the nature of this radiation have been investigated by several means, still it was not possible to identify it; we can only exclude that it is electromagnetic radiation or any other radiation with energy-momentum relationship E=cp.

physics.gen-ph↗

arXiv2003

Inertial Mass and Vacuum Fluctuations in Quantum Field Theory

Motivated by recent works on the origin of inertial mass, we revisit the relationship between the mass of charged particles and zero-point electromagnetic fields. To this end we first introduce a simple model comprising a scalar field coupled to stochastic or thermal electromagnetic fields. Then we check if it is possible to start from a zero bare mass in the renormalization process and express the finite physical mass in terms of a cut-off. In scalar QED this is indeed possible, except for the problem that all conceivable cut-offs correspond to very large masses. For spin-1/2 particles (QED with fermions) the relation between bare mass and renormalized mass is compatible with the observed electron mass and with a finite cut-off, but only if the bare mass is not zero; for any value of the cut-off the radiative correction is very small.

hep-th↗

arXiv2002

Evaluation of an Impulse Gravity Generator Based Beamed Propulsion Concept

This paper analyzes the suitability of a beamed propulsion concept having properties consistent with the impulse gravity generator described by Podkletnov et al. [physics/0108005]. The use of this propulsion concept for orbital maneuver, Earth-to-orbit, interplanetary, and interstellar applications based on presently available experimental results and theory is considered, and areas for future research needed to better characterize this phenomenon are discussed. A beam of radiation or particles with the properties described for the impulse gravity generator would appear to be an excellent candidate for use in beamed spacecraft propulsion. Besides the usual benefits of beamed propulsion, it would not need sails or other special spacecraft components to function, could safely provide high accelerations to delicate components, and might operate at higher efficiencies than other beamed propulsion concepts.

physics.gen-ph↗

arXiv2001

Impulse Gravity Generator Based on Charged YBa_2Cu_3O_{7-y} Superconductor with Composite Crystal Structure

The detection of apparent anomalous forces in the vicinity of high-Tc superconductors under non equilibrium conditions has stimulated an experimental research in which the operating parameters of the experiment have been pushed to values higher than those employed in previous attempts. The results confirm the existence of an unexpected physical interaction. An apparatus has been constructed and tested in which the superconductor is subjected to peak currents in excess of 10^4 A, surface potentials in excess of 1 MV, trapped magnetic field up to 1 T, and temperature down to 40 K. In order to produce the required currents a high voltage discharge technique has been employed. Discharges originating from a superconducting ceramic electrode are accompanied by the emission of radiation which propagates in a focused beam without noticeable attenuation through different materials and exerts a short repulsive force on small movable objects along the propagation axis. Within the measurement error (5 to 7 %) the impulse is proportional to the mass of the objects and independent on their composition. It therefore resembles a gravitational impulse. The observed phenomenon appears to be absolutely new and unprecedented in the literature. It cannot be understood in the framework of general relativity. A theory is proposed which combines a quantum gravity approach with anomalous vacuum fluctuations.

physics.gen-ph↗