arXiv subjects

Marcus Berg

Publications and source records attributed to Marcus Berg.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Gauging in superconductors and other electronic systems

Ordinary, s-wave superconductors have been recognized as being topological phases of matter, in which the dynamical gauge field implies less understood global features. Using the tools of topological field theories and generalized symmetries, we provide an updated description of these systems. At very low energies, the Higgs model reduces to the BF theory, which exhibits topological order. Furthermore, the gauge field must be a spin$_c$ connection, to describe the spin of fermions forming Cooper pairs. Gauging implies that superconductors are inherently bosonic systems, yet they are endowed with a gravito-magnetic anomaly that is the remnant of their fermionic origin. We recognize that this anomaly is related to the Gaiotto-Kapustin-Thorngren bosonization, achieved via gauging fermion parity $(-1)^F$, now included in the gauge dynamics. This anomaly characterizes gauged electronic matter in great generality in three and four spacetime dimensions, forbidding trivial massive phases at low energy. It holds beyond the validity of the Higgs model, nd in other kinds of superconductors as well. It also appears in the nontrivial massless phase of three-dimensional electrodynamics, recently understood.

hep-th↗

arXiv2026

One-loop Amplitudes: String Methods, Infrared Regularization, and Automation

We calculate field theory loop amplitudes by string methods, applied to half-maximal 4-point one-loop graviton amplitudes. Infrared divergences are regulated similarly to soft-collinear effective field theory (SCET): new mass scales are introduced, here by higher-point kinematics. We use an analytically continued single-valued polylogarithm as generating function. The Feynman integrals for the new tensor structures are infrared finite. We provide code as a step towards automation.

hep-th↗

arXiv2024

The Ising dual-reflection interface: $\mathbb{Z}_4$ symmetry and Majorana strong zero modes

We investigate an interface in the transverse field quantum Ising chain connecting an ordered ferromagnetic phase and a disordered paramagnetic phase that are Kramers-Wannier duals of each other. Unlike prior studies focused on non-invertible defects, this interface exhibits a symmetry that combines Kramers-Wannier transformation with spatial reflection. We demonstrate that, under open boundary conditions, this setup gives rise to a discrete $\mathbb{Z}_4$ symmetry, encompassing the conventional $\mathbb{Z}_2$ Ising parity as a subgroup, while in a closed geometry a non-invertible symmetry emerges. Using the Jordan-Wigner transformation, we map the spin chain onto a solvable quadratic Majorana fermion system. In this formulation, the $\mathbb{Z}_4$ symmetry is realized manifestly as a parity-dependent reflection with respect to a Majorana site, in contrast to the conventional reflection which mirrors with respect to the central link of the Majorana chain. Additionally, we construct Majorana strong zero modes that retain the $\mathbb{Z}_4$ symmetry, ensure degeneracies of all energy eigenstates, and are robust under generic local symmetry-preserving perturbations of the fermion model, including interactions. Finally, we develop quantum circuit realizations of our model paving the way towards the creation of exact Majorana strong zero modes with digital quantum hardware.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2023

Manifest Modular Invariance in the Near-Critical Ising Model

Using recent results in mathematics, I point out that free energies and scale-dependent central charges away from criticality can be represented in compact form where modular invariance is manifest. The main example is the near-critical Ising model on a thermal torus, but the methods are not restricted to modular symmetry, and apply to automorphic symmetries more generally. One application is finite-size effects.

cond-mat.stat-mech↗

arXiv2022

Massive Theta Lifts

We use Poincare series for massive Maass-Jacobi forms to define a "massive theta lift", and apply it to the examples of the constant function and the modular invariant j-function, with the Siegel-Narain theta function as integration kernel. These theta integrals are deformations of known one-loop string threshold corrections. Our massive theta lifts fall off exponentially, so some Rankin-Selberg integrals are finite without Zagier renormalization.

hep-th↗

arXiv2019

Massive deformations of Maass forms and Jacobi forms

We define one-parameter "massive" deformations of Maass forms and Jacobi forms. This is inspired by descriptions of plane gravitational waves in string theory. Examples include massive Green's functions (that we write in terms of Kronecker-Eisenstein series) and massive modular graph functions.

math.NT↗

arXiv2016

String-motivated one-loop amplitudes in gauge theories with half-maximal supersymmetry

We compute one-loop amplitudes in six-dimensional Yang-Mills theory with half-maximal supersymmetry from first principles: imposing gauge invariance and locality on an ansatz made from string-theory inspired kinematic building blocks yields unique expressions for the 3- and 4-point amplitudes. We check that the results are reproduced in the field-theory limit $\alpha' \rightarrow 0$ of string amplitudes in K3 orbifolds, using simplifications made in a companion string-theory paper 1603.05262.

hep-th↗

arXiv2016

Constraints on Axion-Like Particles from X-ray Observations of NGC1275

Axion-like particles (ALPs) can induce localised oscillatory modulations in the spectra of photon sources passing through astrophysical magnetic fields. Ultra-deep Chandra observations of the Perseus cluster contain over $5 \times 10^5$ counts from the AGN of the central cluster galaxy NGC1275, and represent a dataset of extraordinary quality for ALP searches. We use this dataset to search for X-ray spectral irregularities from the AGN. The absence of irregularities at the O(30%) level allows us to place leading constraints on the ALP-photon mixing parameter $g_{a\gamma\gamma} \lesssim 1.4 - 4.0 \times 10^{-12} {\rm GeV}^{-1}$ for $m_a \lesssim 10^{-12}$ eV, depending on assumptions on the magnetic field realisation along the line of sight.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2016

From maximal to minimal supersymmetry in string loop amplitudes

We calculate one-loop string amplitudes of open and closed strings with N=1,2,4 supersymmetry in four and six dimensions, by compactification on Calabi-Yau and K3 orbifolds. In particular, we develop a method to combine contributions from all spin structures for an arbitrary number of legs at minimal supersymmetry. Each amplitude is cast into a compact form by reorganizing the kinematic building blocks and casting the worldsheet integrals in a basis. Infrared regularization plays an important role to exhibit the expected factorization limits. We comment on implications for the one-loop string effective action.

hep-th↗

arXiv2014

Towards the One-loop Kahler Metric of Calabi-Yau Orientifolds

We evaluate string one-loop contributions to the Kahler metric of closed string moduli in toroidal minimally supersymmetric (Calabi-Yau) orientifolds with D-branes. We focus on the poorly understood N=1 sectors that receive contributions from all massive string states.

hep-th↗

arXiv2012

Higgs diphoton rate enhancement from supersymmetric physics beyond the MSSM

We show that supersymmetric "new physics" beyond the MSSM can naturally accommodate a Higgs mass near 126 GeV and enhance the signal rate in the Higgs to diphoton channel, while the signal rates in all the other Higgs decay channels coincide with Standard Model expectations, except possibly the Higgs to Z-photon channel. The "new physics" that corrects the relevant Higgs couplings can be captured by two supersymmetric effective operators. We provide a simple example of an underlying model in which these operators are simultaneously generated. The scale of "new physics" that generates these operators can be around 5 TeV or larger, and outside the reach of the LHC.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2012

Superpotential de-sequestering in string models

Non-perturbative superpotential cross-couplings between visible sector matter and Kähler moduli can lead to significant flavour-changing neutral currents in compactifications of type IIB string theory. Here, we compute corrections to Yukawa couplings in orbifold models with chiral matter localised on D3-branes and non-perturbative effects on distant D7-branes. By evaluating a threshold correction to the D7-brane gauge coupling, we determine conditions under which the non-perturbative corrections to the Yukawa couplings appear. The flavour structure of the induced Yukawa coupling generically fails to be aligned with the tree-flavour structure. We check our results by also evaluating a correlation function of two D7-brane gauginos and a D3-brane Yukawa coupling. Finally, by calculating a string amplitude between n hidden scalars and visible matter we show how non-vanishing vacuum expectation values of distant D7-brane scalars, if present, may correct visible Yukawa couplings with a flavour structure that differs from the tree-level flavour structure.

hep-th↗

arXiv2012

Growth Histories in Bimetric Massive Gravity

We perform cosmological perturbation theory in Hassan-Rosen bimetric gravity for general homogeneous and isotropic backgrounds. In the de Sitter approximation, we obtain decoupled sets of massless and massive scalar gravitational fluctuations. Matter perturbations then evolve like in Einstein gravity. We perturb the future de Sitter regime by the ratio of matter to dark energy, producing quasi-de Sitter space. In this more general setting the massive and massless fluctuations mix. We argue that in the quasi-de Sitter regime, the growth of structure in bimetric gravity differs from that of Einstein gravity.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2011

One-Loop Kahler Metric of D-Branes at Angles

We evaluate string one-loop contributions to the Kahler metric of D-brane moduli (positions and Wilson lines), in toroidal orientifolds with branes at angles. Contributions due to bulk states in the loop are known, so we focus on the contributions due to states localized at intersections of orientifold images. We show that these quantum corrections vanish. This does not follow from the usual nonrenormalization theorems of supersymmetric field theory.

hep-th↗

arXiv2010

Sequestering in String Compactifications

We study the mediation of supersymmetry breaking in string compactifications whose moduli are stabilized by nonperturbative effects. We begin with a critical review of arguments for sequestering in supergravity and in string theory. We then show that geometric isolation, even in a highly warped space, is insufficient to achieve sequestering: in type IIB compactifications, nonperturbative superpotentials involving the Kahler moduli introduce cross-couplings between well-separated visible and hidden sectors. The scale of the resulting soft terms depends on the moduli stabilization scenario. In the Large Volume Scenario, nonperturbative superpotential contributions to the soft trilinear $A$ terms can introduce significant flavor violation, while in KKLT compactifications their effects are negligible. In both cases, the contributions to the $\mu$ and $B\mu$ parameters cannot be ignored in general. We conclude that sequestered supersymmetry breaking is possible in nonperturbatively-stabilized compactifications only if a mechanism in addition to bulk locality suppresses superpotential cross-couplings.

hep-th↗

arXiv2009

Dante's Inferno

We present a simple two-field model of inflation and show how to embed it in string theory as a straightforward generalization of axion monodromy models. Phenomenologically, the predictions are equivalent to those of chaotic inflation, and in particular include observably large tensor modes. The whole high-scale large-field inflationary dynamics takes place within a region of field space that is parametrically subplanckian in diameter, hence improving our ability to control quantum corrections and achieve slow-roll inflation.

hep-th↗

arXiv2009

Neutralino Dark Matter in BMSSM Effective Theory

We study thermal neutralino dark matter in an effective field theory extension of the MSSM, called "Beyond the MSSM" (BMSSM) in Dine, Seiberg and Thomas (2007). In this class of effective field theories, the field content of the MSSM is unchanged, but the little hierarchy problem is alleviated by allowing small corrections to the Higgs/higgsino part of the Lagrangian. We perform parameter scans and compute the dark matter relic density. The light Higgsino LSP scenario is modified the most; we find new regions of parameter space compared to the standard MSSM. This involves interesting interplay between the WMAP dark matter bounds and the LEP chargino bound. We also find some changes for gaugino LSPs, partly due to annihilation through a Higgs resonance, and partly due to coannihilation with light stops in models that are ruled in by the new effective terms.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2007

Jumping Through Loops: On Soft Terms from Large Volume Compactifications

We subject the phenomenologically successful large volume scenario of hep-th/0502058 to a first consistency check in string theory. In particular, we consider whether the expansion of the string effective action is consistent in the presence of D-branes and O-planes. Due to the no-scale structure at tree-level, the scenario is surprisingly robust. We compute the modification of soft supersymmetry breaking terms, and find only subleading corrections. We also comment that for large-volume limits of toroidal orientifolds and fibered Calabi-Yau manifolds the corrections can be more important, and we discuss further checks that need to be performed.

hep-th↗