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Osvaldo Civitarese

Publications and source records attributed to Osvaldo Civitarese.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Direct detection of right-handed fermionic dark matter: electron-recoil measurements in Xe atoms

We present theoretical estimations of the event rates for the interaction between a right-handed fermionic dark matter with an electron bound to a xenon atom. Motivated by recent astrophysical and cosmological constraints on a fermionic dark matter candidate in the sub-MeV mass range, we study such an interaction through an effective electromagnetic channel where the output consists of standard-model particles. This mechanism allows right-handed neutral dark matter fermions to couple with standard-model particles with the interchange of $W^{\pm}$ or $Z$ bosons, without the need to add extra fields. We generalize and extend previous results on this type of channels, by including for the ionization form factor arising from the interaction of the fermionic candidate with bound electrons. In addition, we compute the sensitivity curves for different direct detection experiments in such a challenging light particle mass range.

hep-ph↗

Collective description of low energy mesonic states

The phenomenology of hadronic states at high energy is well described in the framework of Quantum Chromodynamics. The theory, well established by now, cannot be applied to the description of quark-antiquark states at low energy unless their degrees of freedom are treated as effective ones, a condition resulting from confinement. Own to the similarities with other quantum many-body systems we have adopted a non-perturbative scheme where quarks are treated as quasiparticles, which further interact between them, allowing meson-like states to be described as collective superposition of quasiparticle-pairs. The results of the calculations, performed in the context of the random phase approximation method, show that this scheme is a suitable one to describe meson states up to energies of the order of couple of GeV.

hep-ph↗

Theoretical results for hadronic masses and their widths in the framework of the SO(4) model

The prediction of properties of the low energy portion of the hadronic spectrum is a challenging task which, up to day, is still tentatively given due to the non-perturbative nature of QCD at low energies. In this paper we are exploring the validity of the SO(4) scheme, as representative of the fundamental QCD structure of meson-like states in the region below 2.5 GeV. We have focussed the attention in the calculation of the energy and width of states of various spin, isospin and parities. The theoretical results are compared, sistematically, to the available experimental information.

hep-ph↗

BCS solutions and effective quarks energies of the QCD Hamiltonian in the Coulomb gauge

The exploration of the non-perturbative regime of QCD, that is the low-energy portion of the hadron spectrum, requires the adoption of theoretical methods more frequently applied to other, more conventional, quantum many body systems, like the atomic nucleus, solid state systems, etc. In this work we have adopted, as a first step, the well-known BCS method to describe correlations between pairs of quarks and the associated ground state. Going beyond the BCS method would imply the inclusion of correlations by means of the TDA or RPA approximations. Since, we are interested in analyzing the role of constituent quark-pair correlations in the structure of hadrons we are restricted to the use of BCS as said before. The starting Hamiltonian is the effective Coulomb plus linear potential which we have used in previous calculations and performed a two-step approach, firstly by pre-diagonalizing it to built a single particle spectrum, and then, secondly, by applying the BCS transformations to it. Then, we have explored the resulting structure of the low energy meson spectra in terms of quasiparticle degrees of freedom. The dependence of the results upon the parameters which enter in the calculations is explored in detail, at the level of the quasiparticle mean-field approximation.

nucl-th↗

Extragalactic neutrinos as tracers of Dark Matter?

Neutrinos produced in extragalactic sources may experience flavor-oscillations and decoherence on their way to Earth due to their interaction with dark matter (DM). As a result, they may be detected in pointer-states other than the flavor states at the source. The oscillation pattern and the structure of the pointer-states can give us information on the characteristics of the DM and the kind of interaction that has taken place. From this perspective, neutrinos can be viewed as DM-tracers. We study the local evolution of neutrino flavor-eigenstates due to local effects produced by the presence of DM. To explore the sensitivity of the model, we consider different DM density profiles, masses and interactions. Starting from the eigenstates of the neutrino-mass Hamiltonian, we construct the flavor-states with the neutrino mixing-matrix in vacuum. We then include local interactions with DM, acting along the neutrino path towards the Earth, and analyse the resulting probabilities. In doing so, we adopt different DM density profiles, e.g. a constant, a local isotropic and a Navarro-Frenk-White density distribution. Finally, by following the time evolution of the flavor-states, we identify pointer-states and interpret the results in terms of the adopted DM model. Due to the interaction with DM, neutrinos experience the MSW effect, the extent of which depends on the DM density profile. The interaction with DM produces the enhancement or suppression of oscillations. Decoherence effects may take place. We model the time evolution of extragalactic neutrino flavor-states by letting them interact with DM. The features of the calculated response seem to support the notion that these neutrinos can be taken as DM tracers. From a theoretical point of view, the coexistence and/or competition of decoherence and MSW effects is sustained by the results.

astro-ph.HE↗

The Definition of Entropy for Quantum Unstable Systems: A View-Point Based on the Properties of Gamow States

In this paper, we review the concept of entropy in connection with the description of quantum unstable systems. We revise the conventional definition of entropy due to Boltzmann and extend it so as to include the presence of complex-energy states. After introducing a generalized basis of states which includes resonances, and working with amplitudes instead of probabilities, we~found an expression for the entropy which exhibits real and imaginary components. We discuss the meaning of the imaginary part of the entropy on the basis of the similarities existing between thermal and time evolutions.

quant-ph↗

Theoretical estimates of the width of light-meson states in the SO(4) (2+1)-flavor limit

The low-energy sector of the mesonic spectrum exhibits some features which may be understood in terms of the SO(4) symmetry contained in the QCD-Hamiltonian written in the Coulomb Gauge. In our previous work we have shown that this is indeed the case when the Instantaneous Color-Charge Interaction (ICCI) is treated by means of non-perturbative many-body linearization techniques. Continuing along this line of description in this work we calculate the width of meson states belonging to the low portion of the spectrum (E <1 GeV ). In spite of the rather simple structure of the Hamiltonian used to calculate the spectra of pseudoscalar and vector mesons, the results for the width of these states follow the pattern of the data.

nucl-th↗

Effects of active-sterile neutrino mixing during primordial nucleosynthesis

In the present work, we discuss the effects of the inclusion of sterile-active neutrino oscillations during the production of primordial light-nuclei. We assume that the sterile neutrino mass-eigenstate might oscillate with the two lightest active neutrino mass- eigenstates, with mixing angles $ϕ_1$ and $ϕ_2$. We also allow a constant renormalization (represented by a parameter ($ζ$)) of the sterile neutrino occupation factor. Taking $ζ$ and the mixing angles as free parameters, we have computed distribution functions of active and sterile neutrinos and primordial abundances. Using observable data we set constrains in the free parameters of the model. It is found that the data on primordial abundances are consistent with small mixing angles and with a value of $ζ$ smaller than 0.65 at 3$σ$ level.

astro-ph.CO↗

Generalized variational procedure: An application to non-perturbative QCD

We present a generalized variational procedure oriented to the algebraic solution of many body Hamiltonians expressed in bosonic and fermionic variables. The method specializes in the non-perturbative regime of the solutions. As an example, we focus on the application of the method to non-perturbative QCD.

hep-th↗

A Solvable Model for Many Quark Systems in QCD Hamiltonians

Motivated by a canonical, QCD Hamiltonian we propose an effective Hamiltonian to represent an arbitrary number of quarks in hadronic bags. The structure of the effective Hamiltonian is discussed and the BCS-type solutions that may represent constituent quarks are presented. The single particle orbitals are chosen as 3-dimensional harmonic oscillators and we discuss a class of exact solutions that can be obtained when a subset of single-particle basis states is restricted to include a certain number of orbital excitations. The general problem, which includes all possible orbital states, can also be solved by combining analytical and numerical methods.

nucl-th↗

Effective su_q(2) models and polynomial algebras for fermion-boson Hamiltonians

Schematic su(2)+h3 interaction Hamiltonians, where su(2) plays the role of the pseudo-spin algebra of fermion operators and h3 is the Heisenberg algebra for bosons, are shown to be closely related to certain nonlinear models defined on a single quantum algebra q-su(2) of quasifermions. In particular, q-su(2) analogues of the Da Providencia-Schutte and extended Lipkin models are presented. The connection between q and the physical parameters of the fermion-boson system is analysed, and the integrability properties of the interaction Hamiltonians are discussed by using polynomial algebras.

math-ph↗

Selection rules in the double beta decay of deformed nuclei

The 2 nu double beta decay half-lives of six nuclei, whose decays were previously reported as theoretically forbidden, are calculated by including the pairing interaction, which mixes different occupations and opens up the possibility of the decay. All allowed channels for the 0 nu double beta decay are also computed. The estimated 2 nu double beta half-lives suggest that measurements in 244Pu may find positive signals, and that planned experiments would succeed in detecting the 2 nu double beta decay in 160Gd. Limits for the zero neutrino mode, in the analyzed deformed emitters, are predicted.

nucl-th↗

Theoretical description of the double beta decay of 160Gd

The half-life of the 2 neutrino double-beta-decay of 160Gd, a process which was previously reported as theoretically forbidden, is estimated by including the pairing interaction, which mixes different occupations and opens channels for the decay. Explicit expressions are presented for the pairing mixing, and for the 2 nu and 0 nu double-beta-decay nuclear matrix elements in the present pseudo SU(3) approach. The estimated double-beta-decay half-lives suggest that the planned experiments would succeed in detecting the 2 nu double-beta-decay in 160Gd, and in putting competitive limits for the zero neutrino mode.

nucl-th↗

Double beta decay in deformed nuclei

The pseudo SU(3) approach has been used to describe many low-lying rotational bands, as well as BE(2) and B(M1) intensities in rare earth and actinide nuclei, both with even-even and odd-mass numbers . The double beta half lives of some of these parent nuclei to the ground and excited states of the daughter ones were evaluated for the two and zero neutrino emitting modes using the pseudo SU(3) scheme. The predictions were in good agreement with the available experimental data for 150Nd and 238U. The double electron capture half-lives of 156Dy, 162Er and 168Yb were also studied using the same formalism. The first nuclei was found to be the best candidate for experimental detection, with a half-life of 10^24 yr to the first excited 0+ state in 156Gd. There are strong selection rules which restrict the two neutrino mode of the double beta decay in some other nuclei, including 160Gd. Experimental limits for the double beta decay of 160Gd have been reported . Recently it was argued that the strong cancellation of the 2nu mode in the double beta decay of 160Gd would suppress the background for the detection of the 0nu mode. In the present contribution we extend the previous research evaluating the double beta half lives of 160Gd using the pseudo SU(3) model. While the 2nu mode is forbidden when the most probable occupations are considered, states with different occupation numbers can be mixed through the pairing interaction. The amount of this mixing is evaluated using perturbation theory. The possibility of observing the double beta decay in 160Gd is discussed for both the 2nu and 0nu modes.

nucl-th↗

QRPA and its extensions in a solvable model

An exactly solvable model is introduced, which is equivalent to the exact shell-model treatment of protons and neutrons in a single j-shell for Fermi-type excitations. Exact energies, quasiparticle numbers and double beta decay Fermi amplitudes are computed and compared with the results of both the standard quasiparticle random phase approximation (QRPA) and the renormalized one (RQRPA), and also with those corresponding to the hamiltonian in the quasiparticle basis (qp). A zero excitation energy state is found in the exact case, occuring at a value of the residual particle-particle interaction at which the QRPA collapse. The RQRPA and the qp solutions do not include this zero-energy eigenvalue in their spectra, probably due to spurious correlations.

nucl-th↗

Single- and double-beta decay Fermi-transitions in an exactly solvable model

An exactly solvable model suitable for the description of single and double-beta decay processes of the Fermi-type is introduced. The model is equivalent to the exact shell-model treatment of protons and neutrons in a single j-shell. Exact eigenvalues and eigenvectors are compared to those corresponding to the hamiltonian in the quasiparticle basis (qp) and with the results of both the standard quasiparticle random phase approximation (QRPA) and the renormalized one (RQRPA). The role of the scattering term of the quasiparticle hamiltonian is analyzed. The presence of an exact eigenstate with zero energy is shown to be related to the collapse of the QRPA. The RQRPA and the qp solutions do not include this zero-energy eigenvalue in their spectra, probably due to spurious correlations. The meaning of this result in terms of symmetries is presented.

nucl-th↗

Double beta decay and the proton-neutron residual interaction

The validity of the pn-QRPA and -RQRPA descriptions of double beta decay transition amplitudes is analyzed by using an exactly solvable model. It is shown that the collapse of the QRPA is physically meaningful and that it is associated with the appearance of a state with zero energy in the spectrum. It is shown that in the RQRPA this particular feature is not present and that this approach leads to finite but otherwise spurious results for the double beta decay transition amplitudes near the point of collapse.

nucl-th↗

Renormalized QRPA and double beta decay: a critical analysis of double Fermi transitions

The proton-neutron monopole Lipkin model, which exhibits some properties which are relevant for those double beta decay ($ββ$) transitions mediated by the Fermi matrix elements, is solved exactly in the proton-neutron two-quasiparticle space. The exact results are compared with the ones obtained by using the Quasiparticle Random Phase (QRPA) and renormalized QRPA (RQRPA) approaches. It is shown that the RQRPA violates the Ikeda Sum Rule and that this violation may be common to any extension of the QRPA where scattering terms are neglected in the participant one-body operators as well as in the Hamiltonian. This finding underlines the need of additional developments before the RQRPA could be adopted as a reliable tool to compute $ββ$ processes.

nucl-th↗