arXiv subjects

Marc-Thierry Jaekel

Publications and source records attributed to Marc-Thierry Jaekel.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2018

The criticality of multiplicative processes

Keeping in view applications to numerical simulations of the evolution of a nuclear reactor core around criticality, we use a general mathematical framework for describing the evolutions of multiplicative processes (processes involving particle creation) both in particle generations and in time. This framework allows us to obtain, within a same formalism, two corresponding estimates of the multiplication factor which describes the growth of particle numbers at large times. We obtain the relative positions of both estimates with respect to each other and to criticality. These relations may show particularly useful when simulating in a realistic way the monitoring of nuclear cores in subcritical states, such as is the case for Accelerator Driven Systems (ADS). More generally, this study applies to various multiplicative processes which can be found in nature.

physics.gen-ph↗

arXiv2012

Phases and relativity in atomic gravimetry

The phase observable measured by an atomic gravimeter built up on stimulated Raman transitions is discussed in a fully relativistic context. It is written in terms of laser phases which are invariant under relativistic gauge transformations. The dephasing is the sum of light and atomic contributions which are connected to one another through their interplay with conservation laws at the interaction vertices. In the case of a closed geometry, a compact form of the dephasing is written in terms of a Legendre transform of the laser phases. These general expressions are illustrated by discussing two techniques used for compensating the Doppler shift, one corresponding to chirped frequencies and the other one to ramped variations.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2012

Classical Casimir interaction in the plane-sphere geometry

We study the Casimir interaction in the plane-sphere geometry in the classical limit of high temperatures. In this limit, the finite conductivity of the metallic plates needs to be taken into account. For the Drude model, the classical Casimir interaction is nevertheless found to be independent of the conductivity so that it can be described by a single universal function depending only on the aspect ratio $x=L/R$ where $L$ is the interplate distance and $R$ the sphere radius. This universal function differs from the one found for perfect reflectors and is in principle amenable to experimental tests. The asymptotic approach of the exact result to the Proximity Force Approximation appears to be well fitted by polynomial expansions in $\ln x$.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2011

Relativistic causality and clockless circuits

Time plays a crucial role in the performance of computing systems. The accurate modelling of logical devices, and of their physical implementations, requires an appropriate representation of time and of all properties that depend on this notion. The need for a proper model, particularly acute in the design of clockless delay-insensitive (DI) circuits, leads one to reconsider the classical descriptions of time and of the resulting order and causal relations satisfied by logical operations. This questioning meets the criticisms of classical spacetime formulated by Einstein when founding relativity theory and is answered by relativistic conceptions of time and causality. Applying this approach to clockless circuits and considering the trace formalism, we rewrite Udding's rules which characterize communications between DI components. We exhibit their intrinsic relation with relativistic causality. For that purpose, we introduce relativistic generalizations of traces, called R-traces, which provide a pertinent description of communications and compositions of DI components.

cs.DC↗

arXiv2011

Tests of gravity at the solar system scale

As confirmed by tests performed in the solar system, General Relativity (GR) presently represents the best description of gravitation. It is however challenged by observations at very large length scales, and already at the solar system scale, tracking of the Pioneer 10/11 probes has failed to confirm their expected behavior according to GR. Metric extensions of GR, which are presented here, have the quality of preserving the fundamental properties of GR while introducing scale dependent modifications. We show that they moreover represent an appropriate family of gravitation theories to be compared with observations when analysing gravity tests. We also discuss different tests which could allow one to determine the metric extension of GR prevailing in the solar system.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2011

Radioscience simulations in General Relativity and in alternative theories of gravity

In this communication, we focus on the possibility to test GR with radioscience experiments. We present a new software that in a first step simulates the Range/Doppler signals directly from the space time metric (thus in GR and in alternative theories of gravity). In a second step, a least-squares fit of the involved parameters is performed in GR. This software allows one to get the order of magnitude and the signature of the modifications induced by an alternative theory of gravity on radioscience signals. As examples, we present some simulations for the Cassini mission in Post-Einsteinian gravity and with the MOND External Field Effect.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2008

Mass, inertia and gravitation

We discuss some effects induced by quantum field fluctuations on mass, inertia and gravitation. Recalling the problem raised by vacuum field fluctuations with respect to inertia and gravitation, we show that vacuum energy differences, such as Casimir energy, do contribute to inertia. Mass behaves as a quantum observable and in particular possesses quantum fluctuations. We show that the compatibility of the quantum nature of mass with gravitation can be ensured by conformal symmetries, which allow one to formulate a quantum version of the equivalence principle. Finally, we consider some corrections to the coupling between metric fields and energy-momentum tensors induced by radiative corrections. Newton gravitation constant is replaced by two different running coupling constants in the sectors of traceless and traced tensors. There result metric extensions of general relativity, which can be characterized by modified Ricci curvatures or by two gravitation potentials. The corresponding phenomenological framework extends the usual Parametrized Post-Newtonian one, with the ability to remain compatible with classical tests of gravity while accounting for new features, such as Pioneer like anomalies or anomalous light deflection.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2008

Quantum decoherence and gravitational waves

The quite different behaviors exhibited by microscopic and macroscopic systems with respect to quantum interferences suggest the existence of a borderline beyond which quantum systems loose their coherences and can be described classically. Gravitational waves, generated within our galaxy or during the cosmic expansion, constitute a universal environment susceptible to lead to such a quantum decoherence mechanism. We assess this idea by studying the quantum decoherence due to gravitational waves on typical microscopic and macoscopic systems, namely an atom interferometer (HYPER) and the Earth-Moon system. We show that quantum interferences remain unaffected in the former case and that they disappear extremely rapidly in the latter case. We obtain the relevant parameters which, besides the ratio of the system's mass to Planck mass, characterize the loss of quantum coherences.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2008

Gravitation in the solar system and metric extensions of general relativity

Despite its remarkable agreement with gravity tests in the solar system, general relativity is challenged at larger scales. Large scale tests performed in the solar system by the Pioneer 10/11 probes have failed to confirm the expected gravity laws. We discuss here extensions of general relativity which preserve its geometrical nature while showing an ability to conciliate the Pioneer anomalies with other gravity tests. Further testable phenomenological consequences are also briefly discussed.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2008

Conformal symmetry and quantum localization in space-time

The classical procedures which define the relativistic notion of space-time can be implemented in the framework of Quantum Field Theory. Only relying on the conformal symmetries of field propagation, time-frequency transfer and localization lead to the definition of time-frequency references and positions in space-time as quantum observables. Quantum positions have a non vanishing commutator identifying with spin, both observables characterizing quantum localization in space-time. Frame transformations to accelerated frames differ from their classical counterparts. Conformal symmetry nevertheless allows to extend the covariance rules underlying the formalism of general relativity under an algebraic form suiting the quantum framework.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2008

Bounds on gravitational wave backgrounds from large distance clock comparisons

Our spacetime is filled with gravitational wave backgrounds that constitute a fluctuating environment created by astrophysical and cosmological sources. Bounds on these backgrounds are obtained from cosmological and astrophysical data but also by analysis of ranging and Doppler signals from distant spacecraft. We propose here a new way to set bounds on those backgrounds by performing clock comparisons between a ground clock and a remote spacecraft equipped with an ultra-stable clock, rather than only ranging to an onboard transponder. This technique can then be optimized as a function of the signal to be measured and the dominant noise sources, leading to significant improvements on present bounds in a promising frequency range where different theoretical models are competing. We illustrate our approach using the SAGAS project which aims to fly an ultra stable optical clock in the outer solar system.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2008

Tests of general relativity in the solar system

Tests of gravity performed in the solar system show a good agreement with general relativity. The latter is however challenged by observations at larger, galactic and cosmic, scales which are presently cured by introducing "dark matter" or "dark energy". A few measurements in the solar system, particularly the so-called "Pioneer anomaly", might also be pointing at a modification of gravity law at ranges of the order of the size of the solar system. The present lecture notes discuss the current status of tests of general relativity in the solar system. They describe metric extensions of general relativity which have the capability to preserve compatibility with existing gravity tests while opening free space for new phenomena. They present arguments for new mission designs and new space technologies as well as for having a new look on data of existing or future experiments.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2008

Gravitational waves, diffusion and decoherence

The quite different behaviors exhibited by microscopic and macroscopic systems with respect to quantum interferences suggest that there may exist a naturally frontier between quantum and classical worlds. The value of the Planck mass (22$μ$g) may lead to the idea of a connection between this borderline and intrinsic fluctuations of spacetime. We show that it is possible to obtain quantitative answers to these questions by studying the diffusion and decoherence mechanisms induced on quantum systems by gravitational waves generated at the galactic or cosmic scales. We prove that this universal fluctuating environment strongly affects quantum interferences on macroscopic systems, while leaving essentially untouched those on microscopic systems. We obtain the relevant parameters which, besides the ratio of the system's mass to Planck mass, characterize the diffusion constant and decoherence time. We discuss the feasibility of experiments aiming at observing these effects in the context of ongoing progress towards more and more sensitive matter-wave interferometry.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2006

Long range gravity tests and the Pioneer anomaly

Experimental tests of gravity performed in the solar system show a good agreement with general relativity. The latter is however challenged by the Pioneer anomaly which might be pointing at some modification of gravity law at ranges of the order of the size of the solar system. As this question could be related to the puzzles of ``dark matter'' or ``dark energy'', it is important to test it with care. There exist metric extensions of general relativity which preserve the well verified equivalence principle while possibly changing the metric solution in the solar system. Such extensions have the capability to preserve compatibility with existing gravity tests while opening free space for the Pioneer anomaly. They constitute arguments for new mission designs and new space technologies as well as for having a new look at data of already performed experiments.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2006

Radar ranging and Doppler tracking in post-Einsteinian metric theories of gravity

The study of post-Einsteinian metric extensions of general relativity (GR), which preserve the metric interpretation of gravity while considering metrics which may differ from that predicted by GR, is pushed one step further. We give a complete description of radar ranging and Doppler tracking in terms of the time delay affecting an electromagnetic signal travelling between the Earth and a remote probe. Results of previous publications concerning the Pioneer anomaly are corrected and an annually modulated anomaly is predicted besides the secular anomaly. Their correlation is shown to play an important role when extracting reliable information from Pioneer observations. The formalism developed here provides a basis for a quantitative analysis of the Pioneer data, in order to assess whether extended metric theories can be the appropriate description of gravity in the solar system.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2005

Gravity tests and the Pioneer anomaly

Experimental tests of gravity performed in the solar system show a good agreement with general relativity. The latter is however challenged by the Pioneer anomaly which might be pointing at some modification of gravity law at ranges of the order of the size of the solar system. We introduce a metric extension of general relativity which, while preserving the equivalence principle, modifies the coupling between curvature and stress tensors and, therefore, the metric solution in the solar system. The ``post-Einsteinian extension'' replaces Newton gravitation constant by two running coupling constants, which depend on the scale and differ in the sectors of traceless and traced tensors, so that the metric solution is characterized by two gravitation potentials. The extended theory has the capability to preserve compatibility with gravity tests while accounting for the Pioneer anomaly. It can also be tested by new experiments or, maybe, by having a new look at data of already performed experiments.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2005

Post-Einsteinian tests of gravitation

Einstein gravitation theory can be extended by preserving its geometrical nature but changing the relation between curvature and energy-momentum tensors. This change accounts for radiative corrections, replacing the Newton gravitation constant by two running couplings which depend on scale and differ in the two sectors of traceless and traced tensors. The metric and curvature tensors in the field of the Sun, which were obtained in previous papers within a linearized approximation, are then calculated without this restriction. Modifications of gravitational effects on geodesics are then studied, allowing one to explore phenomenological consequences of extensions lying in the vicinity of general relativity. Some of these extended theories are able to account for the Pioneer anomaly while remaining compatible with tests involving the motion of planets. The PPN Ansatz corresponds to peculiar extensions of general relativity which do not have the ability to meet this compatibility challenge.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2005

Post-Einsteinian tests of linearized gravitation

The general relativistic treatment of gravitation can be extended by preserving the geometrical nature of the theory but modifying the form of the coupling between curvature and stress tensors. The gravitation constant is thus replaced by two running coupling constants which depend on scale and differ in the sectors of traceless and traced tensors. When calculated in the solar system in a linearized approximation, the metric is described by two gravitation potentials. This extends the parametrized post-Newtonian (PPN) phenomenological framework while allowing one to preserve compatibility with gravity tests performed in the solar system. Consequences of this extension are drawn here for phenomena correctly treated in the linear approximation. We obtain a Pioneer-like anomaly for probes with an eccentric motion as well as a range dependence of Eddington parameter $γ$ to be seen in light deflection experiments.

gr-qc↗