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Hoi-Lai Yu

Publications and source records attributed to Hoi-Lai Yu.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
arXiv2021

Intrinsic time gravity, heat kernel regularization, and emergence of Einstein's theory

The Hamiltonian of Intrinsic Time Gravity is elucidated. The theory describes Schrodinger evolution of our universe with respect to the fractional change of the total spatial volume. Gravitational interactions are introduced by extending Klauder's momentric variable with similarity transformations, and explicit spatial diffeomorphism invariance is enforced via similarity transformation with exponentials of spatial integrals. In analogy with Yang-Mills theory, a Cotton-York term is obtained from the Chern-Simons functional of the affine connection. The essential difference is the fundamental variable for geometrodynamics is the metric rather than a gauge connection; in the case of Yang-Mills, there is also no analog of the integral of the spatial Ricci scalar curvature. Heat kernel regularization is employed to isolate the divergences of coincidence limits; apart from an additional Cotton-York term, a prescription in which Einstein's Ricci scalar potential emerges naturally from the positive-definite self-adjoint Hamiltonian of the theory is demonstrated.

gr-qc↗
arXiv2018

Gravitational waves in Intrinsic Time Geometrodynamics

Gravitational waves are investigated in Intrinsic Time Geometrodynamics. This theory has a non-vanishing physical Hamiltonian generating intrinsic time development in our expanding universe, and four-covariance is explicitly broken by higher spatial curvature terms. Linearization of Hamilton's equations about the de Sitter solution produces transverse traceless excitations, with the physics of gravitational waves in Einstein's General Relativity recovered in the low curvature low frequency limit. A noteworthy feature of the theory is that gravitational waves always carry positive energy density, even for compact spatial slicings without any energy contribution from boundary Hamiltonian. This study of gravitational waves in compact $k= +1$ cosmological de Sitter spacetime is in contradistinction to, and complements, previous $k= -1$ investigations of Hawking, Hertog and Turok and other more familiar $k=0$ works. In addition, possible non-four-covariant Horava gravity contributions are considered (hence the use of canonical Hamiltonian, rather than Lagrangian, methods). Recent explicit $S^3$ transverse-traceless mode spectrum of Lindblom, Taylor and Zhang are also employed to complete the discussion.

gr-qc↗
arXiv2018

Cosmic time and reduced phase space of General Relativity

In an ever-expanding spatially closed universe, the fractional change of the volume is the preeminent intrinsic time interval to describe evolution in General Relativity. The expansion of the universe serves as a subsidiary condition which transforms Einstein's theory from a first class to a second class constrained system when the physical degrees of freedom (d.o.f.) are identified with transverse traceless excitations. The super-Hamiltonian constraint is solved by eliminating the trace of the momentum in terms of the other variables, and spatial diffeomorphism symmetry is tackled explicitly by imposing transversality. The theorems of Maskawa-Nishijima appositely relate the reduced phase space to the physical variables in canonical functional integral and Dirac's criterion for second class constraints to nonvanishing Faddeev-Popov determinants in the phase space measures. A reduced physical Hamiltonian for intrinsic time evolution of the two physical d.o.f. emerges. Freed from the first class Dirac algebra, deformation of the Hamiltonian constraint is permitted, and natural extension of the Hamiltonian while maintaining spatial diffeomorphism invariance leads to a theory with Cotton-York term as the ultraviolet completion of Einstein's theory.

gr-qc↗
arXiv2016

Heavy-Flavor-Conserving Hadronic Weak Decays of Heavy Baryons

More than two decades ago, we studied heavy-flavor-conserving weak decays of heavy baryons within the framework that incorporates both heavy-quark and chiral symmetries. In view of the first observation of $Ξ_b^-\toΛ_b^0π^-$ by LHCb recently, we have reexamined these decays and presented updated predictions. The predicted rates for $Ξ_b^-\toΛ_b^0π^-$ in the MIT bag and diquark models are consistent with experiment. The major theoretical uncertainty stems from the evaluation of baryon matrix elements. The branching fraction of $Ξ_c\toΛ_cπ$ is predicted to be of order $10^{-4}$. It is suppressed relative to $Br(Ξ_b\toΛ_bπ)$ owing to the shorter lifetime of $Ξ_c$ relative to $Ξ_b$ and the destructive nonspectator $W$-exchange contribution. The kinematically accessible weak decays of the sextet heavy baryon $Ω_Q$ are $Ω_Q\toΞ_Qπ$. Due to the absence of the $B_6-B_{\bar 3}$ transition in the heavy quark limit and the $B_6-B_6$ transition in the model calculations, $Ω_Q\toΞ_Qπ$ vanish in the heavy quark limit.

hep-ph↗
arXiv2016

New commutation relations for quantum gravity

A new set of fundamental commutation relations (CR) for quantum gravity is presented. The basic variables are the eight components of the unimodular part of the spatial dreibein and eight SL(3,R) generators which correspond to Klauder's momentric variables. The commutation relations are not canonical, but they have well-defined group-theoretic meanings. Explicit unitary irreducible infinite-dimensional representations are constructed both in the metric as well as dreibein representations. The dreibein components commute among themselves; but momentric, unlike momenta, do not. This differs starkly from the usual canonical CR that allow wave functionals to be realized in either of the conjugate representations; and it may explain why our universe seems fundamentally and intuitively `metric' in nature, and not `conjugately realized'.

gr-qc↗
arXiv2015

Intrinsic Time Quantum Geometrodynamics

Quantum Geometrodynamics with intrinsic time development and momentric variables is presented. An underlying SU(3) group structure at each spatial point regulates the theory. The intrinsic time behavior of the theory is analyzed, together with its ground state and primordial quantum fluctuations. Cotton-York potential dominates at early times when the universe was small; the ground state naturally resolves Penrose's Weyl Curvature Hypothesis, and thermodynamic and gravitational `arrows of time' point in the same direction. Ricci scalar potential corresponding to Einstein's General Relativity emerges as a zero-point energy contribution. A new set of fundamental commutation relations without Planck's constant emerges from the unification of Gravitation and Quantum Mechanics.

gr-qc↗
arXiv2014

General Relativity without paradigm of space-time covariance, and resolution of the problem of time

The framework of a theory of gravity from the quantum to the classical regime is presented. The paradigm shift from full spacetime covariance to spatial diffeomorphism invariance, together with clean decomposition of the canonical structure, yield transparent physical dynamics and a resolution of the problem of time. The deep divide between quantum mechanics and conventional canonical formulations of quantum gravity is overcome with a Schrödinger equation for quantum geometrodynamics that describes evolution in intrinsic time. Unitary time development with gauge-invariant temporal ordering is also viable. All Kuchar observables become physical; and classical spacetime, with direct correlation between its proper times and intrinsic time intervals, emerges from constructive interference. The framework not only yields a physical Hamiltonian for Einstein's theory, but also prompts natural extensions and improvements towards a well behaved quantum theory of gravity. It is a consistent canonical scheme to discuss Horava-Lifshitz theories with intrinsic time evolution, and of the many possible alternatives that respect 3-covariance (rather than the more restrictive 4-covariance of Einstein's theory), Horava's ``detailed balance" form of the Hamiltonian constraint is essentially pinned down by this framework.

gr-qc↗
arXiv2012

Intrinsic time gravity and the Lichnerowicz-York equation

We investigate the effect on the Hamiltonian structure of general relativity of choosing an intrinsic time to fix the time slicing. 3-covariance with momentum constraint is maintained, but the Hamiltonian constraint is replaced by a dynamical equation for the trace of the momentum. This reveals a very simple structure with a local reduced Hamiltonian. The theory is easily generalised; in particular, the square of the Cotton-York tensor density can be added as an extra part of the potential while at the same time maintaining the classic 2 + 2 degrees of freedom. Initial data construction is simple in the extended theory; we get a generalised Lichnerowicz-York equation with nice existence and uniqueness properties. Adding standard matter fields is quite straightforward.

gr-qc↗
arXiv2011

New formulation of Horava-Lifshitz quantum gravity as a master constraint theory

Both projectable and non-projectable versions of Horava-Lifshitz gravity face serious challenges. In the non-projectable version, the constraint algebra is seemingly inconsistent. The projectable version lacks a local Hamiltonian constraint, thus allowing for an extra scalar mode which can be problematic. A new formulation of non-projectable Horava-Lifshitz gravity, naturally realized as a representation of the master constraint algebra studied by loop quantum gravity researchers, is presented. This yields a consistent canonical theory with first class constraints. It captures the essence of Horava-Lifshitz gravity in retaining only spatial diffeomorphisms (instead of full space-time covariance) as the physically relevant non-trivial gauge symmetry; at the same time the local Hamiltonian constraint needed to eliminate the extra mode is equivalently enforced by the master constraint.

gr-qc↗
arXiv2010

Quantum Modifications to Gravity Waves in de Sitter Spacetime

We treat a model in which tensor perturbations of de~Sitter spacetime, represented as a spatially flat model, are modified by the effects of the vacuum fluctuations of a massless conformally invariant field, such as the electromagnetic field. We use the semiclassical theory of gravity with the expectation value of the conformal field stress tensor as a source. We first study the stability of de~Sitter spacetime by searching for growing, spatially homogeneous modes, and conclude that it is stable within the limits of validity of the semiclassical theory. We next examine the modification of linearized plane gravity waves by the effects of the quantum stress tensor. We find a correction term which is of the same form as the original wave, but displaced in phase by -π/2, and with an amplitude which depends upon the duration of inflation. The magnitude of this effect is proportional to the change in scale factor during inflation. So long as the energy scale of inflation and the proper frequency of the mode at the beginning of inflation are well below the Planck scale, the fractional correction is small. However, modes which are transplanckian at the onset of inflation can undergo a significant correction. The increase in amplitude can potentially have observable consequences through a modification of the power spectrum of tensor perturbations in inflationary cosmology. This enhancement of the power spectrum depends upon the duration of inflation and is greater for shorter wavelengths.

gr-qc↗
arXiv2008

Quasi-Local Energy Flux of Spacetime Perturbation

A general expression for quasi-local energy flux for spacetime perturbation is derived from covariant Hamiltonian formulation using functional differentiability and symplectic structure invariance, which is independent of the choice of the canonical variables and the possible boundary terms one initially puts into the Lagrangian in the diffeomorphism invariant theories. The energy flux expression depends on a displacement vector field and the 2-surface under consideration. We apply and test the expression in Vaidya spacetime. At null infinity the expression leads to the Bondi type energy flux obtained by Lindquist, Schwartz and Misner. On dynamical horizons with a particular choice of the displacement vector, it gives the area balance law obtained by Ashtekar and Krishnan.

gr-qc↗
arXiv2007

Black holes and Rindler superspace: classical singularity and quantum unitarity

Canonical quantization of spherically symmetric initial data which is appropriate to classical interior black hole solutions in four dimensions is carried out and solved exactly without gauge fixing the remaining kinematic Gauss Law constraint. The resultant mini-superspace manifold and arena for quantum geometrodynamics is two-dimensional, of signature (+, -), non-singular, and can in fact be identified precisely with the first Rindler wedge. The associated Wheeler-DeWitt equation with evolution in intrinsic superspace time can be formulated as a free massive Klein-Gordon equation; and the Hamilton-Jacobi semiclassical limit of plane wave solutions can be matched precisely to the interiors of Schwarzschild black holes. Furthermore, classical black hole horizons and singularities correspond to the boundaries of the Rindler wedge. Exact wavefunctions of the first-order-in-superspace intrinsic time Dirac equation are also considered. Precise correspondence between Schwarzschild black holes and free particle mechanics in superspace is noted. Another intriguing observation is that, despite the presence of classical horizons and singularities, hermiticity of the Dirac hamiltonian operator for the mini-superspace, and thus unitarity of the quantum theory, is equivalent to an appropriate boundary condition which must be satisfied by the quantum states. This boundary condition holds for quite generic quantum wavepackets of energy eigenstates, but fails for the usual Rindler fermion modes which are precisely eigenstates with zero uncertainty in energy.

gr-qc↗
arXiv2006

Effective gauge group of pure loop quantum gravity is SO(3): New estimate of the Immirzi parameter

We argue that the effective gauge group for {\it pure} four-dimensional loop quantum gravity(LQG) is SO(3) (or $SO(3,C)$) instead of SU(2) (or $SL(2,C)$). As a result, links with half-integer spins in spin network states are not realized for {\it pure} LQG, implying a modification of the spectra of area and volume operators. Our observations imply a new value of $γ\approx 0.170$ for the Immirzi parameter which is obtained from matching the Bekenstein-Hawking entropy to the number of states from LQG calculations. Moreover, even if the dominant contribution to the entropy is not assumed to come from configurations with the minimum spins, the results of both pure LQG and the supersymmetric extension of LQG can be made compatible when only integer spins are realized for the former, while the latter also contains half-integer spins, together with an Immirzi parameter for the supersymmetric case which is twice the value of the SO(3) theory. We also verify that the $-{1/2}$ coefficient of logarithmic correction to the Bekenstein-Hawking entropy formula is robust, independent of whether only integer, or also half-integer spins, are realized.

gr-qc↗
arXiv2005

Origin of the Immirzi Parameter

Using quadratic spinor techniques we demonstrate that the Immirzi parameter can be expressed as ratio between scalar and pseudo-scalar contributions in the theory and can be interpreted as a measure of how Einstein gravity differs from a generally constructed covariant theory for gravity. This interpretation is independent of how gravity is quantized. One of the important advantage of deriving the Immirzi parameter using the quadratic spinor techniques is to allow the introduction of renormalization scale associated with the Immirzi parameter through the expectation value of the spinor field upon quantization.

gr-qc↗
arXiv1998

PQCD study of the $B_{SL}$ and $n_c$ controversy in inclusive $B$ decays

We calculate the semileptonic branching ratio and the charm counting of inclusive $B$ meson decays using the perturbative QCD formalism. For the nonleptonic decays, we employ the modified factorization theorem, in which Wilson coefficients evolve with the characteristic scales of the decay modes. It is found that the decay rate of the single-charm mode $b\to c{\bar u}d$ is enhanced, and a lower $B_{SL}$ is obtained without increasing $n_c$. We predict a larger $b\to c τ\barν$ branching ratio compared to that from the conventional heavy-quark-effective-theory based operator product expansion. Our result of the $B$ meson lifetime is also consistent with the data.

hep-ph↗
arXiv1998

Twist-3 and Quark Mass Contributions to the Polarized Nucleon Structure Function g_2(x,Q^2)

Quark mass effects are clarified in the parton model approach to the transversely polarized nucleon structure function. The special propagator technique is employed to obtain manifestly gauge invariant results and extract the buried short-distance contributions inside the soft part after momentum factorization in the collinear expansion approach. A generalized massive special propagator for a massive quark is constructed. We identify the corresponding matrix elements of the transversely polarized structure function in deep inelastic scatterings by the massive special propagator technique.

hep-ph↗
arXiv1997

PQCD Analysis of Inclusive Heavy Hadrons Decays

We develop the perturbative QCD formalism for inclusive heavy hadron decays. Transverse degrees of freedom of partons are introduced to facilitate the factorization of the heavy hadron decays.

hep-ph↗