arXiv subjects

J. M. Carmona

Publications and source records attributed to J. M. Carmona.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

arXiv2019

Relativistic deformed kinematics from momentum space geometry

We present a way to derive a deformation of special relativistic kinematics (possible low energy signal of a quantum theory of gravity) from the geometry of a maximally symmetric curved momentum space. The deformed kinematics is fixed (up to change of coordinates in the momentum variables) by the algebra of isometries of the metric in momentum space. In particular, the well-known example of $κ$-Poincaré kinematics is obtained when one considers an isotropic metric in de Sitter momentum space such that translations are a subgroup of the isometry group, and for a Lorentz covariant algebra one gets the also well-known case of Snyder kinematics. We prove that our construction gives generically a relativistic kinematics and explain how it relates to previous attempts of connecting a deformed kinematics with a geometry in momentum space.

hep-th↗

arXiv2019

Spacetime and deformations of special relativistic kinematics

A deformation of special relativistic kinematics (possible signal of a theory of quantum gravity at low energies) leads to a modification of the notion of spacetime. At the classical level, this modification is required when one considers a model including single- or multi-interaction processes, for which absolute locality in terms of canonical space-time coordinates is lost. We discuss the different alternatives for observable effects in the propagation of a particle over very large distances that emerge from the new notion of spacetime. A central ingredient in the discussion is the cluster decomposition principle, which can be used to favor some alternatives over the others.

hep-th↗

arXiv2019

Lorentz violation footprints in the spectrum of high-energy cosmic neutrinos: Deformation of the spectrum of superluminal neutrinos from electron-positron pair production in vacuum

The observation of cosmic neutrinos up to 2 PeV is used to put bounds on the energy scale of Lorentz invariance violation through the loss of energy due to the production of $e^+e^-$ pairs in the propagation of superluminal neutrinos. A model to study this effect, which allows to understand qualitatively the results of numerical simulations, is presented.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2019

Before spacetime: A proposal of a framework for multiverse quantum cosmology based on three cosmological conjectures

The three cosmological conjectures to which our work refers are: the phenomenon called geodesic incompleteness, the physical gravitational $θ_G$-term that would characterize the 1-parameter family of inequivalent vacua of quantum gravidynamics, and the hypothesis of multiversality, more specifically, a zero-energy multiverse. The known cosmological phenomenology leads under plausible assumptions to theorems which establish that the universe is past incomplete. Here, starting from Wilczek's definition of multiverse (a larger physical structure of which the universe forms part) and that spacetime is much larger than the observable universe, in a new sense suggested by these theorems, we place the observable universe, labelled by $U_{θ_G^{(1)}}$, within a multiverse ensemble, $\{U_{θ_G}\}$. Its topological $θ_G^{(1)}$-term would characterize the observable universe from the Planck epoch until the present time, and it could have physical effects in, for example, black-hole physics. Our proposal is therefore a possible framework for a multiverse quantum cosmology, in which the temporal parameters (see figures in the main text) start from a "timeless multiverse big bang" (TLMBB), where all members of the multiverse ensemble, $\{U_{θ_G}\}$, disappear, together with their corresponding classical spacetimes. Since quantum cosmology can be viewed as one attempt among many to face with the question of finding a gravitational quantum theory, if the TLMBB were the appropriate ground to define the physical or mathematical underlying structure of quantum cosmology, then multiversality could come to have a predictive power within our observable universe.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2019

Physics potential of the International Axion Observatory (IAXO)

We review the physics potential of a next generation search for solar axions: the International Axion Observatory (IAXO). Endowed with a sensitivity to discover axion-like particles (ALPs) with a coupling to photons as small as $g_{aγ}\sim 10^{-12}$ GeV$^{-1}$, or to electrons $g_{ae}\sim$10$^{-13}$, IAXO has the potential to find the QCD axion in the 1 meV$\sim$1 eV mass range where it solves the strong CP problem, can account for the cold dark matter of the Universe and be responsible for the anomalous cooling observed in a number of stellar systems. At the same time, IAXO will have enough sensitivity to detect lower mass axions invoked to explain: 1) the origin of the anomalous "transparency" of the Universe to gamma-rays, 2) the observed soft X-ray excess from galaxy clusters or 3) some inflationary models. In addition, we review string theory axions with parameters accessible by IAXO and discuss their potential role in cosmology as Dark Matter and Dark Radiation as well as their connections to the above mentioned conundrums.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2019

First Results on the Search for Chameleons with the KWISP Detector at CAST

We report on a first measurement with a sensitive opto-mechanical force sensor designed for the direct detection of coupling of real chameleons to matter. These dark energy candidates could be produced in the Sun and stream unimpeded to Earth. The KWISP detector installed on the CAST axion search experiment at CERN looks for tiny displacements of a thin membrane caused by the mechanical effect of solar chameleons. The displacements are detected by a Michelson interferometer with a homodyne readout scheme. The sensor benefits from the focusing action of the ABRIXAS X-ray telescope installed at CAST, which increases the chameleon flux on the membrane. A mechanical chopper placed between the telescope output and the detector modulates the incoming chameleon stream. We present the results of the solar chameleon measurements taken at CAST in July 2017, setting an upper bound on the force acting on the membrane of $80$~pN at 95\% confidence level. The detector is sensitive for direct coupling to matter $10^4 \leqβ_m \leq 10^8$, where the coupling to photons is locally bound to $β_γ\leq 10^{11}$.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2018

Improved Search for Solar Chameleons with a GridPix Detector at CAST

We report on a new search for solar chameleons with the CERN Axion Solar Telescope (CAST). A GridPix detector was used to search for soft X-ray photons in the energy range from 200 eV to 10 keV from converted solar chameleons. No signiffcant excess over the expected background has been observed in the data taken in 2014 and 2015. We set an improved limit on the chameleon photon coupling, $β_γ< 5.7\times10^{10}$ for $1<β_\mathrm{m}<10^6$ at 95% C.L. improving our previous results by a factor two and for the first time reaching sensitivity below the solar luminosity bound for tachocline magnetic fields up to $12.5\,\mathrm{T}$.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2018

Twin Peaks: A possible signal in the production of resonances beyond special relativity

It is usually expected that quantum gravity corrections will modify somehow the symmetries of special relativity. In this paper we point out that the possibility of very low-energy (with respect to the Planck energy) modifications to special relativity in the framework of a deformed relativistic theory is not ruled out, and that, depending on the value of that scale, such a possibility could be tested in accelerator physics. In particular, we take a simple example of a relativistic kinematics beyond special relativity from the literature, and obtain a remarkable effect: two correlated peaks ("twin peaks") associated to a single resonance. We analyze this phenomenology in detail, use LEP data to put constraints of the order of TeV on the scale of corrections to special relativity, and note that such an effect might be observable in a future very high-energy proton collider.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2018

Observers and their notion of spacetime beyond special relativity

It is plausible that quantum gravity effects may lead us to a description of Nature beyond the framework of special relativity. In this case, either the relativity principle is broken or it is maintained. These two scenarios (a violation or a deformation of special relativity) are very different, both conceptually and phenomenologically. We discuss some of their implications on the description of events for different observers and the notion of spacetime.

hep-th↗

arXiv2018

Does a deformation of special relativity imply energy dependent photon time delays?

Theoretical arguments in favor of energy dependent photon time delays from a modification of special relativity (SR) have met with recent gamma ray observations that put severe constraints on the scale of such deviations. We review the case of the generality of this theoretical prediction in the case of a deformation of SR and find that, at least in the simple model based on the analysis of photon worldlines which is commonly considered, there are many scenarios compatible with a relativity principle which do not contain a photon time delay. This will be the situation for any modified dispersion relation which reduces to $E=|\vec{p}|$ for photons, independently of the quantum structure of spacetime. This fact opens up the possibility of a phenomenologically consistent relativistic generalization of SR with a new mass scale many orders of magnitude below the Planck mass.

hep-th↗

arXiv2017

New CAST Limit on the Axion-Photon Interaction

During 2003--2015, the CERN Axion Solar Telescope (CAST) has searched for $a\toγ$ conversion in the 9 T magnetic field of a refurbished LHC test magnet that can be directed toward the Sun. In its final phase of solar axion searches (2013--2015), CAST has returned to evacuated magnet pipes, which is optimal for small axion masses. The absence of a significant signal above background provides a world leading limit of $g_{aγ} < 0.66 \times 10^{-10} {\rm GeV}^{-1}$ (95% C.L.) on the axion-photon coupling strength for $m_a \lesssim 0.02$ eV. Compared with the first vacuum phase (2003--2004), the sensitivity was vastly increased with low-background x-ray detectors and a new x-ray telescope. These innovations also serve as pathfinders for a possible next-generation axion helioscope.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2017

Spacetime from locality of interactions in deformations of special relativity: the example of $κ$-Poincaré Hopf algebra

A new proposal for the notion of spacetime in a relativistic generalization of special relativity based on a modification of the composition law of momenta is presented. Locality of interactions is the principle which defines the spacetime structure for a system of particles. The formulation based on $κ$-Poincaré Hopf algebra is shown to be contained in this framework as a particular example.

hep-th↗

arXiv2016

Beyond Special Relativity at second order

The study of generic, non-linear, deformations of Special Relativity parametrized by a high-energy scale $M$, which was carried out at first order in $M$ in Phys.Rev. D86, 084032 (2012), is extended to second order. This can be done systematically through a ('generalized') change of variables from momentum variables that transform linearly. We discuss the different perspectives on the meaning of the change of variables, obtain the coefficients of modified composition laws and Lorentz transformations at second order, and work out how $κ$-Poincaré, the most commonly used example in the literature, is reproduced as a particular case of the generic framework exposed here.

hep-th↗

arXiv2016

Search for chameleons with CAST

In this work we present a search for (solar) chameleons with the CERN Axion Solar Telescope (CAST). This novel experimental technique, in the field of dark energy research, exploits both the chameleon coupling to matter ($β_{\rm m}$) and to photons ($β_γ$) via the Primakoff effect. By reducing the X-ray detection energy threshold used for axions from 1$\,$keV to 400$\,$eV CAST became sensitive to the converted solar chameleon spectrum which peaks around 600$\,$eV. Even though we have not observed any excess above background, we can provide a 95% C.L. limit for the coupling strength of chameleons to photons of $β_γ\!\lesssim\!10^{11}$ for $1<β_{\rm m}<10^6$.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2015

New solar axion search in CAST with $^4$He filling

The CERN Axion Solar Telescope (CAST) searches for $a\toγ$ conversion in the 9 T magnetic field of a refurbished LHC test magnet that can be directed toward the Sun. Two parallel magnet bores can be filled with helium of adjustable pressure to match the X-ray refractive mass $m_γ$ to the axion search mass $m_a$. After the vacuum phase (2003--2004), which is optimal for $m_a\lesssim0.02$ eV, we used $^4$He in 2005--2007 to cover the mass range of 0.02--0.39 eV and $^3$He in 2009--2011 to scan from 0.39--1.17 eV. After improving the detectors and shielding, we returned to $^4$He in 2012 to investigate a narrow $m_a$ range around 0.2 eV ("candidate setting" of our earlier search) and 0.39--0.42 eV, the upper axion mass range reachable with $^4$He, to "cross the axion line" for the KSVZ model. We have improved the limit on the axion-photon coupling to $g_{aγ}< 1.47\times10^{-10} {\rm GeV}^{-1}$ (95% C.L.), depending on the pressure settings. Since 2013, we have returned to vacuum and aim for a significant increase in sensitivity.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2014

Modified energy-momentum conservation laws and vacuum Cherenkov radiation

We present a general parametrization for the leading order terms in a momentum power expansion of a non-universal Lorentz-violating, but rotational invariant, kinematics and its implications for two-body decay thresholds. The considered framework includes not only modified dispersion relations for particles, but also modified energy-momentum conservation laws, something which goes beyond effective field theory. As a particular and relevant example, bounds on the departures from special relativistic kinematics from the non-observation of vacuum Cherenkov radiation are discussed and compared with those obtained within the effective field theory scenario.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2014

Non-universal relativistic kinematics

We present a systematic derivation of the constraints that the relativity principle imposes between coefficients of a deformed (but rotational invariant) momentum composition law, dispersion relation, and momentum transformation laws, at first order in a power expansion of an ultraviolet energy scale. This work generalizes previous results to the case of particle-dependent relativistic kinematics, which can have interesting phenomenological applications that we explore in the second part of the manuscript.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2014

CAST solar axion search with 3^He buffer gas: Closing the hot dark matter gap

The CERN Axion Solar Telescope (CAST) has finished its search for solar axions with 3^He buffer gas, covering the search range 0.64 eV < m_a <1.17 eV. This closes the gap to the cosmological hot dark matter limit and actually overlaps with it. From the absence of excess X-rays when the magnet was pointing to the Sun we set a typical upper limit on the axion-photon coupling of g_ag < 3.3 x 10^{-10} GeV^{-1} at 95% CL, with the exact value depending on the pressure setting. Future direct solar axion searches will focus on increasing the sensitivity to smaller values of g_a, for example by the currently discussed next generation helioscope IAXO.

hep-ex↗