Searcharxiv⌕ Search

arXiv subjects

Laurent Schoeffel

Publications and source records attributed to Laurent Schoeffel.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
arXiv2026

Relativistic Vorticity in the Quark-Gluon Plasma: Generation Symmetries, Explosive Dilution, and Azimuthal Spin Alignment

This article provides a self-contained bridge between classical vortex dynamics and the relativistic, subatomic domain of the Quark-Gluon Plasma (QGP) produced in ultra-relativistic heavy-ion collisions. While the QGP is widely studied for its near-perfect fluidity, we focus on its role as the most vortical medium in the Universe ($ω\sim 10^{22}\text{ s}^{-1}$). The originality of our approach lies in isolating the explicit physical competition between non-linear vortex stretching and violent relativistic volumetric dilatation. By solving the covariant transport equations and tracking the comoving enstrophy density, we demonstrate that the explosive kinematics of the QGP provide an innate geometric shield that naturally regularizes the continuous flow, suppressing the self-amplification of vortex tubes before any microscopic viscosity is required. Furthermore, we connect this expansion phase back to the highly non-equilibrium initial state. We quantitatively predict that under a peripheral dipole initial topology, the global mid-rapidity hyperon polarization vanishes ($P_Λ\lesssim 10^{-4}$), establishing that the definitive signature of the QGP's rotation must be sought in azimuthal differential measurements within the LHC and RHIC experimental programs.

nucl-th↗
arXiv2026

Relativistic Hydrodynamics and Vorticity Dynamics in High-Energy Heavy-Ion Collisions: A Collective Flow Perspective

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the application of relativistic fluid mechanics to describe the collective evolution of the Quark-Gluon Plasma (QGP) formed in ultra-relativistic heavy-ion collisions. We map out the chronological transformation of spatial eccentricities in the initial interaction volume into measurable anisotropic azimuthal momentum distributions, parameterized by the harmonic flow coefficients $v_n$. Utilizing multi-particle correlation techniques developed within the ATLAS experimental framework, we dissect the event-by-event fluctuations of the participant planes and evaluate non-linear hydrodynamic responses across higher harmonics. Furthermore, we embed local rotation fields into this continuous description by solving the covariant transport equations for subatomic vorticity. We demonstrate that while the Helmholtz-Kelvin theorem guarantees the topological conservation of vortex lines within the ideal medium, the collective multi-dimensional expansion forces a systematic 1/t power-law geometric dilution of the local rotational magnitude. Finally, we contrast different pre-equilibrium generation mechanisms and evaluate their final signatures on differential spin alignment observables.

nucl-th↗
arXiv2026

Complex Lies, Real Physics: The Role of Algebra Complexification

In physics, Lie groups represent the algebraic structure that describes symmetry transformations of a given system. Then, the descending Lie algebra of those groups are necessarily real. In most cases, the complexification of those Lie algebras is necessary in order to derive irreducible representations of the Lie algebra and subsequently of the symmetry group. In this paper, we give a precise definition of the concept and prove step by step an important result $\left(\mathfrak{g}^\mathbb{R}\right)_\mathbb{C} \simeq \mathfrak{g} \times \bar{\mathfrak{g}}$. This result is used to determine the irreducible representations of the proper Lorentz group and thus the physical objects admissible when this symmetry is present. It is shown that finite representations of the proper Lorentz group are characterized by pairs of half-integers $(j_1,j_2)$, which determine unambiguously the physical object associated to the given representation. For example, the representation $(0,0)$ of dimension $1$ is called the scalar representation, it corresponds to the Higgs field, and $(\frac{1}{2},0) \oplus (0,\frac{1}{2})$ of dimension $4$ is called the Dirac spinor representation, it corresponds to matter particle called fermions. This means that the mathematical group structure determines the material content of the universe following this algebraic structure.

math-ph↗
arXiv2026

Searches for extra-dimensional excitations in light-by-light scattering

We present a comprehensive phenomenological analysis of the Radion in the Randall-Sundrum model, focusing on its production via light-by-light scattering in ultra-peripheral proton-proton collisions at the LHC. We provide a consistent derivation of the effective couplings to Standard Model fields, clarifying the normalization of the trace anomaly-induced coupling to photons and the role of kinetic mixing with the Higgs boson. We demonstrate that while the pure gravitational coupling is loop-suppressed relative to Axion-Like Particles (ALPs), making the unmixed Radion elusive, the non-minimal mixing with the Higgs sector can induce constructive interference that enhances the signal by orders of magnitude. Using forward proton tagging to select exclusive high-mass events, we reinterpret recent experimental limits on ALPs to derive the first exclusion contours for the Radion in the $(Λ_r, ξ)$ plane, showing that mixing scenarios are beginning to be constrained by current LHC data.

hep-ph↗
arXiv2024

$\cal{CP}$-sensitive simplified template cross-sections for $t\bar t H$

The $\cal{CP}$ structure of the Higgs boson is a fundamental property which has not yet been constrained with high precision. $\cal{CP}$ violation in the Yukawa coupling between the Higgs boson and top quark pair can be probed directly at the Large Hadron Collider by measuring top-quark-associated Higgs production. Multivariate analysis techniques commonly developed so far by the experiments are designed for a specific signal model and, therefore, complicate reinterpretations and statistical combinations. With this motivation in mind, we propose a $\cal{CP}$-sensitive extension of the simplified template cross-section (STXS) framework. Considering multiple Higgs decay channels, we perform an in-depth comparison of $\cal{CP}$-sensitive observables and combinations thereof. Our resulting proposal is to extend the existing binning in the transverse momentum of the Higgs boson $p_{T,H}$ by either the pseudorapidity difference of the two top-quarks $Δη_{t\bar t}$, or a variable that is based on the top quark momenta, namely $b_2$ or the Collins-Soper angle $|\cosθ^*|$. We demonstrate that this variable selection provides close to optimal sensitivity to the $\cal{CP}$ mixture in the top Yukawa coupling for an integrated luminosity of $300\mathrm{fb}^{-1}$, by comparing it to the results of a multivariate analysis. Our results also suggest a benefit of the two-dimensional STXS extension at 3000$\mathrm{fb}^{-1}$.

hep-ph↗
arXiv2023

Collider constraints on massive gravitons coupling to photons

We study the discovery potential of massive graviton-like spin-2 particles coupled to standard model fields, produced in photon-photon collisions at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) as well as in electron-positron ($e^+e^-$) collisions, within an effective theory with and without universal couplings. Our focus is on a massive graviton G coupled to the electromagnetic field, which decays via $\mathrm{G}\to γγ$ and leads to a resonant excess of diphotons over the light-by-light scattering continuum at the LHC, and of triphoton final states at $e^+e^-$ colliders. Based on similar searches performed for pseudoscalar axion-like particles (ALPs), and taking into account the different cross sections, $γγ$ partial widths, and decay kinematics of the pseudoscalar and tensor particles, we reinterpret existing experimental bounds on the ALP-$γ$ coupling into G-$γ$ ones. Using the available data, exclusion limits on the graviton-photon coupling are set down to $g_{\mathrm{G}γγ}\approx 1$--0.05~TeV$^{-1}$ for masses $m_\mathrm{G} \approx 100$~MeV--2~TeV. Such bounds can be improved by factors of 100 at Belle~II in the low-mass region, and of 4 at the HL-LHC at high masses, with their expected full integrated luminosities.

hep-ph↗
arXiv2016

Lecture notes in fluid mechanics

These lecture notes have been prepared as a course in fluid mechanics up to the presentation of the millennium problem listed by the Clay Mathematical Institute. At the end, a very modern aspect of fluid mechanics is covered concerning the subtle issue of its application to high energetic hadronic collisions.

physics.flu-dyn↗
arXiv2014

On the role of $L^3$ and $H^{\frac{1}{2}}$ norms in hydrodynamics

In this paper, we extend some results proved in previous references for three-dimensional Navier-Stokes equations. We show that when the norm of the velocity field is small enough in $L^3({I\!\!R}^3)$, then a global smooth solution of the Navier-Stokes equations is ensured. We show that a similar result holds when the norm of the velocity field is small enough in $H^{\frac{1}{2}}({I\!\!R}^3)$. The scale invariance of these two norms is discussed.

math.AP↗
arXiv2014

Some open questions in hydrodynamics

When speaking of unsolved problems in physics, this is surprising at first glance to discuss the case of fluid mechanics. However, there are many deep open questions that come with the theory of fluid mechanics. In this paper, we discuss some of them that we classify in two categories, the long term behavior of solutions of equations of hydrodynamics and the definition of initial (boundary) conditions. The first set of questions come with the non-relativistic theory based on the Navier-Stokes equations. Starting from smooth initial conditions, the purpose is to understand if solutions of Navier-Stokes equations remain smooth with the time evolution. Existence for just a finite time would imply the evolution of finite time singularities, which would have a major influence on the development of turbulent phenomena. The second set of questions come with the relativistic theory of hydrodynamics. There is an accumulating evidence that this theory may be relevant for the description of the medium created in high energy heavy-ion collisions. However, this is not clear that the fundamental hypotheses of hydrodynamics are valid in this context. Also, the determination of initial conditions remains questionable. The purpose of this paper is to explore some ideas related to these questions, both in the non-relativistic and relativistic limits of fluid mechanics. We believe that these ideas do not concern only the theory side but can also be useful for interpreting results from experimental measurements.

hep-ph↗
arXiv2014

The role of finite-size effects on the spectrum of equivalent photons in proton-proton collisions at the LHC

Photon-photon interactions represent an important class of physics processes at the LHC, where quasi-real photons are emitted by both colliding protons. These reactions can result in the exclusive production of a final state $X$, $p+p \rightarrow p+p+X$. When computing such cross sections, it has already been shown that finite size effects of colliding protons are important to consider for a realistic estimate of the cross sections. These first results have been essential in understanding the physics case of heavy-ion collisions in the low invariant mass range, where heavy ions collide to form an exclusive final state like a $J/Ψ$ vector meson. In this paper, our purpose is to present some calculations that are valid also for the exclusive production of high masses final states in proton-proton collisions, like the production of a pair of $W$ bosons or the Higgs boson. Therefore, we propose a complete treatment of the finite size effects of incident protons irrespective of the mass range explored in the collision. Our expectations are shown to be in very good agreement with existing experimental data obtained at the LHC.

hep-ph↗
arXiv2013

Electroweak vector boson production at the LHC as a probe of mechanisms of diffraction

We show that the double diffractive electroweak vector boson production in the $pp$ collisions at the LHC is an ideal probe of QCD based mechanisms of diffraction. Assuming the resolved Pomeron model with flavor symmetric parton distributions, the $W$ production asymmetry in rapidity equals exactly zero. In other approaches, like the soft color interaction model, in which soft gluon exchanges are responsible for diffraction, the asymmetry is non-zero and equal to that in the inclusive $W$ production. In the same way, the ratio of the $W$ to $Z$ boson production is independent of rapidity in the models with resolved Pomeron in contrast to the predictions of the soft color interaction model.

hep-ph↗
arXiv2013

Inclusive diffraction at HERA

A new experimental analysis of the diffractive process $ep \rightarrow eXY$, where $Y$ denotes a proton or its low mass excitation with $M_Y<1.6$ GeV, has been performed with the H1 experiment at HERA \cite{Aaron:2012ad}. The main results of this study are summarised in this document, together with the comparisons to other measurements and theoretical predictions.

hep-ph↗
arXiv2011

Time Scales in Futures Markets and Applications

The probability distribution of log-returns for financial time series, sampled at high frequency, is the basis for any further developments in quantitative finance. In this letter, we present experimental results based on a large set of time series on futures. We show that the t-distribution with $ν\simeq 3$ gives a nice description of almost all data series considered for a time scale $Δt$ below 1 hour. For $Δt \ge 8$ hours, the Gaussian regime is reached. A particular focus has been put on the DAX and Euro futures. This appears to be a quite general result that stays robust on a large set of futures, but not on any data sets. In this sense, this is not universal. A technique using factorial moments defined on a sequence of returns is described and similar results for time scales are obtained. Let us note that from a fundamental point of view, there is no clear reason why DAX and Euro futures should present similar behavior with respect to their return distributions. Both are complex markets where many internal and external factors interact at each instant to determine the transaction price. These factors are certainly different for an index on a change parity (Euro) and an index on stocks (DAX). Thus, this is striking that we can identify universal statistical features in price fluctuations of these markets. This is really the advantage of micro-structure analysis to prompt unified approaches of different kinds of markets. Finally, we examine the relation of power law distribution of returns with another scaling behavior of the data encoded into the Hurst exponent. We have obtained $H=0.54 \pm 0.04$ for DAX and $H=0.51 \pm 0.03$ for Euro futures.

q-fin.ST↗
arXiv2011

Returns in futures markets and $ν=3$ t-distribution

The probability distribution of log-returns of financial time series, sampled at high frequency, is the basis for any further developments in quantitative finance. In this letter, we present experimental results based on a large set of time series on futures. Then, we show that the t-distribution with $ν\simeq 3$ gives a nice description of almost all data series. This appears to be a quite general result that stays robust on a large set of any financial data as well as on a wide range of sampling frequency of these data, below one hour.

q-fin.ST↗
arXiv2011

Factorial Moments in Complex Systems

Factorial moments are convenient tools in particle physics to characterize the multiplicity distributions when phase-space resolution ($Δ$) becomes small. They include all correlations within the system of particles and represent integral characteristics of any correlation between these particles. In this letter, we show a direct comparison between high energy physics and quantitative finance results. Both for physics and finance, we illustrate that correlations between particles lead to a broadening of the multiplicity distribution and to dynamical fluctuations when the resolution becomes small enough. From the generating function of factorial moments, we make a prediction on the gap probability for sequences of returns of positive or negative signs. The gap is defined as the number of consecutive positive returns after a negative return, thus this is a gap in negative return. Inversely for a gap in positive return. Then, the gap probability is shown to be exponentially suppressed within the gap size. We confirm this prediction with data.

q-fin.ST↗
arXiv2011

Intermittency in Quantitative Finance

Factorial moments are convenient tools in nuclear physics to characterize the multiplicity distributions when phase-space resolution ($Δ$) becomes small. For uncorrelated particle production within $Δ$, Gaussian statistics holds and factorial moments $F_q$ are equal to unity for all orders $q$. Correlations between particles lead to a broadening of the multiplicity distribution and to dynamical fluctuations. In this case, the factorial moments increase above 1 with decreasing $Δ$. This corresponds to what can be called intermittency. In this letter, we show that a similar analysis can be developed on financial price series, with an adequate definition of factorial moments. An intermittent behavior can be extracted using moments of order 2 ($F_2$), illustrating a sensitivity to non-Gaussian fluctuations within time resolution below 4 hours. This confirms that correlations between price returns start to play a role when the time resolution is below this threshold.

q-fin.ST↗
arXiv2011

Statistical Methods for Estimating the non-random Content of Financial Markets

For the pedestrian observer, financial markets look completely random with erratic and uncontrollable behavior. To a large extend, this is correct. At first approximation the difference between real price changes and the random walk model is too small to be detected using traditional time series analysis. However, we show in the following that this difference between real financial time series and random walks, as small as it is, is detectable using modern statistical multivariate analysis, with several triggers encoded in trading systems. This kind of analysis are based on methods widely used in nuclear physics, with large samples of data and advanced statistical inference. Considering the movements of the Euro future contract at high frequency, we show that a part of the non-random content of this series can be inferred, namely the trend-following content depending on volatility ranges.

q-fin.ST↗