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Lay Nam Chang

Publications and source records attributed to Lay Nam Chang.

34 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Short Distance vs. Long Distance Physics: The Classical Limit of the Minimal Length Uncertainty Relation

We continue our investigation of the phenomenological implications of the "deformed" commutation relations [x_i,p_j]=i hbar[(1 + beta p^2) delta_{ij} + beta' p_i p_j]. These commutation relations are motivated by the fact that they lead to the minimal length uncertainty relation which appears in perturbative string theory. In this paper, we consider the effects of the deformation on the classical orbits of particles in a central force potential. Comparison with observation places severe constraints on the value of the minimum length.

hep-th↗

Exact Solution of the Harmonic Oscillator in Arbitrary Dimensions with Minimal Length Uncertainty Relations

We determine the energy eigenvalues and eigenfunctions of the harmonic oscillator where the coordinates and momenta are assumed to obey the modified commutation relations [x_i,p_j]=i hbar[(1+ beta p^2) delta_{ij} + beta' p_i p_j]. These commutation relations are motivated by the fact they lead to the minimal length uncertainty relations which appear in perturbative string theory. Our solutions illustrate how certain features of string theory may manifest themselves in simple quantum mechanical systems through the modification of the canonical commutation relations. We discuss whether such effects are observable in precision measurements on electrons trapped in strong magnetic fields.

hep-th↗

Massive torsion modes from Adler-Bell-Jackiw and scaling anomalies

Regularization of quantum field theories introduces a mass scale which breaks axial rotational and scaling invariances. We demonstrate from first principles that axial torsion and torsion trace modes have non-transverse vacuum polarization tensors, and become massive as a result. The underlying reasons are similar to those responsible for the Adler-Bell-Jackiw (ABJ) and scaling anomalies. Since these are the only torsion components that can couple minimally to spin 1/2 particles, the anomalous generation of masses for these modes, naturally of the order of the regulator scale, may help to explain why torsion and its associated effects, including CPT violation in chiral gravity, have so far escaped detection. As a simpler manifestation of the reasons underpinning the ABJ anomaly than triangle diagrams, the vacuum polarization demonstration is also pedagogically useful.

hep-th↗

Universal Torsion Induced Interaction from Large Extra Dimensions

We consider a model with extra compact dimensions in which only gravity exists in the 4+n dimensional bulk. If the gravitational connection is not assumed to be symmetric, that is, unless torsion is artificially set to zero, then a universal contact interaction among the fermions on the 4-dimensional wall is induced. Using a global fit to Z-pole observables, we find the 3 sigma bound on the scale of quantum gravity to be M_S = 28 TeV for n=2. If Dirac or light sterile neutrinos are present, the data from SN1987A increase the bound to \sqrt{n} M_S >= 210 TeV.

hep-ph↗

Constraints on Gauged B-3L_tau and Related Theories

We consider extensions of the Standard Model with an extra U(1) gauge boson which couples to B-(alpha L_e + beta L_mu + gamma L_tau) with alpha + beta + gamma = 3. We show that the extra gauge boson necessarily mixes with the Z leading to potentially significant corrections to the Z-f-fbar vertex. The constraints on the size of this correction imposed by the Z-pole data from LEP and SLD are derived.

hep-ph↗

Universal Torsion-Induced Interaction from Large Extra Dimensions

We consider the Kaluza-Klein (KK) scenario in which only gravity exists in the bulk. Without the assumption of symmetric connection, the presence of brane fermions induces torsion. The result is a universal axial contact interaction that dominates those induced by KK gravitons. This enhancement arises from a large spin density on the brane. Using a global fit to Z-pole observables, we find the 3 sigma bound on the scale of quantum gravity to be 28 TeV for n=2. If Dirac or light sterile neutrinos are present, the data from SN1987A increase the bound to \sqrt{n}M_S >= 210 TeV.

hep-ph↗

On the invisible decays of the Upsilon and J/Psi resonances

We estimate the most important corrections to the branching ratios for the invisible decays of quarkonium states, arising from possible extensions of the standard model. Among the possibilities considered are the presence of extra Z-bosons, minimal supersymmetric extensions of the standard model with R-parity violation, and decays into goldstinos. Prospects of detecting these corrections at existing and future B-factories and tau-charm factories are discussed.

hep-ph↗

The Weyl Theory of Fundamental Interactions: Is CPT violated?

We compare the conventional description of the interaction of matter with the four known forces in the standard model with an alternative Weyl description in which the chiral coupling is extended to include gravity. The two are indistinguishable at the low energy classical level of equations of motion, but there are subtle differences at the quantum level when nonvanishing torsion and the Adler-Bell-Jackiw anomaly is taken into account. The spin current and energy-momentum of the chiral theory then contain non-Hermitian terms which are not present in the conventional theory. In the chiral alternative, CPT invariance is not automatic because chirality supersedes Hermiticity but full Lorentz invariance holds. New fermion loop processes associated with the theory are discussed together with a perturbative regularization which explicitly maintains the chiral nature and local symmetries of the theory.

hep-th↗

Invariant Regularization of Anomaly-Free Chiral Theories

We present a generalization of the Frolov-Slavnov invariant regularization scheme for chiral fermion theories in curved spacetimes. local gauge symmetries of the theory, including local Lorentz invariance. The perturbative scheme works for arbitrary representations which satisfy the chiral gauge anomaly and the mixed Lorentz-gauge anomaly cancellation conditions. Anomalous theories on the other hand manifest themselves by having divergent fermion loops which remain unregularized by the scheme. Since the invariant scheme is promoted to also include local Lorentz invariance, spectator fields which do not couple to gravity cannot be, and are not, introduced. Furthermore, the scheme is truly chiral (Weyl) in that all fields, including the regulators, are left-handed; and only the left-handed spin connection is needed. The scheme is, therefore, well suited for the study of the interaction of matter with all four known forces in a completely chiral fashion. In contrast with the vectorlike formulation, the degeneracy between the Adler-Bell-Jackiw current and the fermion number current in the bare action is preserved by the chiral regularization scheme.

hep-th↗

The Standard Model with gravity couplings

In this paper, we examine the coupling of matter fields to gravity within the framework of the Standard Model of particle physics. The coupling is described in terms of Weyl fermions of a definite chirality, and employs only (anti)self-dual or left-handed spin connection fields. It is known from the work of Ashtekar and others that such fields can furnish a complete description of gravity without matter. We show that conditions ensuring the cancellation of perturbative chiral gauge anomalies are not disturbed. We also explore a global anomaly associated with the theory, and argue that its removal requires that the number of fundamental fermions in the theory must be multiples of 16. In addition, we investigate the behavior of the theory under discrete transformations P, C and T; and discuss possible violations of these discrete symmetries, including CPT, in the presence of instantons and the Adler-Bell-Jackiw anomaly.

hep-th↗

Chiral fermions, Gravity and GUTs

We discuss a global anomaly associated with the coupling of chiral Weyl fermions to gravity. The Standard Model based upon $SU(3){\times}SU(2){\times}{U(1)}$ which has 15 fermions per generation is shown to be inconsistent if all background spin manifolds with signature invariant $τ=8k$ are allowed. Similarly, GUTs based on odd number of Weyl fermions are inconsistent. Consistency can be achieved by adding an extra Weyl fermion which needs to couple only to gravity. For arbitrary $τ$'s, generalized spin structures are needed, and the global anomaly cancellation requires that the net index of the total Dirac operator with spin and internal gauge connections be even. As a result GUTs with fundamental multiplets which contain multiples of 16 Weyls per generation are selected. The simplest consistent GUT is the SO(10) model with a multiplet of 16 Weyls per generation. The combined gravity and internal symmetry gauge group of the theory is then $[Spin(3,1){\times}Spin(10)]/Z_2$. Physical implications of these results are commented on.

hep-th↗

The Gerasimov-Drell-Hearn Sum Rule and Current Algebras

The status of the Gerasimov-Drell-Hearn sum rules for polarized inclusive photo-production on nucleons is reviewed. It is shown that results from currently available data compare favorably with an estimate based on an extended current algebra. Implications for integrals of spin-dependent structure functions are also briefly discussed.

hep-ph↗

Phenomenological Consequences of Singlet Neutrinos

In this paper, we study the phenomenology of right-handed neutrino isosinglets. We consider the general situation where the neutrino masses are not necessarily given by $m_D^2/M$, where $m_D$ and $M$ are the Dirac and Majorana mass terms respectively. The consequent mixing between the light and heavy neutrinos is then not suppressed, and we treat it as an independent parameter in the analysis. It turns out that $μ-e$ conversion is an important experiment in placing limits on the heavy mass scale ($M$) and the mixing. Mixings among light neutrinos are constrained by neutrinoless double beta decay, as well as by solar and atmospheric neutrino experiments. Detailed one-loop calculations for lepton number violating vertices are provided.

hep-ph↗

Superspace Dynamics and Perturbations Around "Emptiness"

Superspace parametrized by gauge potentials instead of metric three-geometries is discussed in the context of the Ashtekar variables. Among other things, an "internal clock" for the full theory can be identified. Gauge-fixing conditions which lead to the natural geometrical separation of physical from gauge modes are derived with the use of the metric in connection-superspace. A perturbation scheme about an unconventional background which is inaccessible to conventional variables is presented. The resultant expansion retains much of the simplicity of Ashtekar's formulation of General Relativity.

gr-qc↗

Einstein manifolds in Ashtekar variables: explicit examples

We show that all solutions to the vacuum Einstein field equations may be mapped to instanton configurations of the Ashtekar variables. These solutions are characterized by properties of the moduli space of the instantons. We exhibit explicit forms of these configurations for several well-known solutions, and indicate a systematic way to get new ones. Some interesting examples of these new solutions are described.

hep-th↗

Brst Cohomology and Invariants of 4D Gravity in Ashtekar Variables

We discuss the BRST cohomologies of the invariants associated with the description of classical and quantum gravity in four dimensions, using the Ashtekar variables. These invariants are constructed from several BRST cohomology sequences. They provide a systematic and clear characterization of non-local observables in general relativity with unbroken diffeomorphism invariance, and could yield further differential invariants for four-manifolds. The theory includes fluctuations of the vierbein fields, but there exits a non-trivial phase which can be expressed in terms of Witten's topological quantum field theory. In this phase, the descent sequences are degenerate, and the corresponding classical solutions can be identified with the conformally self-dual sector of Einstein manifolds. The full theory includes fluctuations which bring the system out of this sector while preserving diffeomorphism invariance.

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