arXiv subjects

Subhajit Ghosh

Publications and source records attributed to Subhajit Ghosh.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Noise Sensitivity Governed by Continuous-Time Random Walks on the Symmetric Group

We study the noise sensitivity of Boolean functions on the symmetric group, where noise is induced by running a Markov chain on the symmetric group $S_n$, focusing in particular on the case where the underlying chain is an interchange process on the complete graph $K_n$, the $d$-dimensional discrete torus or the star graph. We prove comparison results between these noise sources. We also show that the indicator of long cycles is noise-sensitive under the interchange process on each of the aforementioned graphs. In addition, we study the noise sensitivity of several fundamental functions such as the parity function and analogues of the dictator function. Furthermore, using the fact that the interchange process on the complete graph is the continuous-time random walk generated by all transpositions, we prove that noise sensitivity remains unchanged when the noise source is switched from the continuous-time random walk generated by all transpositions to that generated by all $s$-cycles ($s$ is even and $2<s\ll n$).

math.PR↗

arXiv2026

Asymptotics of the Number of Components of Random Polynomial Lemniscates

Consider a sequence of random polynomials $P_n(z) = \prod_{k=1}^{n}(z - X_k)$, where $\{X_k\}_k$ are i.i.d. random variables distributed uniformly on the unit disc $\mathbb{D}$. Let $\Lambda_n = \{z \in \mathbb{C}: |P_n(z)| < 1\}$ be the lemniscate of $P_n$, and let $\mathscr{C}(\Lambda_n)$ be the number of connected components of $\Lambda_n$. In this paper, we prove that $\lim_{n\to\infty}\frac{\mathbb{E}[\mathscr{C}(\Lambda_n)]}{\sqrt{n}}= \gamma$, and identify the constant $\gamma$.

math.PR↗

arXiv2026

A note on the Erd\"os minimal area problem

We answer a question of Erd\H{o}s, Herzog, and Piranian \cite[Problem $4$, page $135$]{EHP} on the minimal area of polynomial lemniscates when all the zeros of the polynomial are constrained to lie on a compact set $K$ whose logarithmic capacity is greater than $1$. We show that the minimal area decays exponentially fast and prove that the Fekete polynomials are asymptotic minimizers for the area problem.

math.CV↗

arXiv2026

Phasing out Dark Matter Isocurvature with Thermal Misalignment

Thermal misalignment provides an alternative to the standard misalignment mechanism for the cosmological production of scalar dark matter. In this framework, feeble couplings to particles in the thermal bath generate a finite-temperature potential that drives the scalar towards large field values early in the radiation era, dynamically inducing the misalignment before the onset of scalar oscillations. As a result, the relic abundance is controlled primarily by particle masses and couplings rather than the initial field value. As a light spectator field, the scalar acquires inflationary fluctuations that are uncorrelated with the adiabatic curvature mode, generically sourcing isocurvature perturbations. We show that, unlike standard misalignment, where light scalars are strongly constrained by cosmic microwave background bounds on dark matter isocurvature for high-scale inflation, thermal misalignment can naturally suppress the isocurvature signal. This occurs through a novel late-time phase offset between the background zero mode and the superhorizon perturbations, which reduces the final dark matter density contrast. Thermal misalignment therefore provides a new and generic route to isocurvature-safe scalar dark matter.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2026

Constraining ALP-Meson overlaps from $K\pi$ form factors

We present the first constraints on the overlaps between an Axion-like particle (ALP) and the $\pi^0$ and $\eta$ mesons from the analysis of the distortions to the $\langle K|\overline{s}\gamma^\mu u | \pi\rangle$ form factors. We demonstrate that these distortions can be tightly constrained by combining data from $\tau^-\to \pi^0 K^-\nu$ and $K^+\to \pi^0\ell^+\nu$ decays, and go on to map the constraints to the ALP-meson overlaps. We establish that, in general, the ALP-meson and meson-ALP overlaps are different due to the presence of ALP-quark derivative couplings in the UV Lagrangian, and need to be treated separately. Using lattice results and BaBar, Belle, and NA48/2 data, we obtain exclusion limits on the overlaps and give projections for Belle II. Our techniques are independent of the branching ratios of the ALP, hence, robust against ALP decay channel assumptions. For masses of the ALP below 1 GeV, the bounds on the effective scale of the ALP physics extend to $\mathcal{O}$(TeV) for restricted regions of the parameter space for the ALP-$\pi$ and $\pi$-ALP overlaps. On the other hand, these bounds persist for extended regions of the parameter space for ALP-$\eta$ and $\eta$-ALP overlaps.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2025

Early Universe Constraints on Variations in Fundamental Constants Induced by Ultralight Scalar Dark Matter

We study the cosmological impact of ultralight dark matter (ULDM) with a quadratic coupling to Standard Model particles. In addition to the suppression of small-scale power from ULDM itself, the coupling induces a variation of fundamental constants that is modulated by the ULDM oscillatory field value. In this work, we consider the ULDM-induced, time-dependent variation of the fine structure constant and the mass of the electron. These variations modify the predicted abundance of light elements during Big Bang nucleosynthesis (BBN) and the process of recombination, thereby affecting the anisotropies of the cosmic microwave background (CMB). We use CMB anisotropy data and baryon acoustic oscillation measurements to obtain constraints on the variation of couplings over a wide range of ULDM masses. We self-consistently account for the modification of the primordial helium abundance during BBN in computing the CMB power spectra. We find that the allowed ULDM fraction of total dark matter abundance is more constrained for ULDM masses $\lesssim 10^{-26}~\mathrm{eV}$ in the presence of the variations. Moreover, our constraints on the variational couplings for ULDM masses $\lesssim 10^{-27}~\mathrm{eV}$ are stronger than the ones derived from the primordial helium abundance at BBN. Under our ULDM model, the variation of fundamental constants has no appreciable impact on the Hubble constant inferred from CMB data and thus does not present a viable solution to the Hubble tension.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2025

Spectral gap for the signed interchange process with arbitrary sets

In 2020, F. Cesi introduced a random walk on the hyperoctahedral group $B_n$ and analysed its spectral gap when the allowed generators are transpositions and diagonal elements corresponding to singletons. In this paper we extend the allowed generators to transpositions and any diagonal elements, and characterise completely the set of representations from which the spectral gap arises. This settles a conjecture posed in Cesi's paper.

math.PR↗

arXiv2025

Cosmological Constraints on Secluded Dark Radiation

Dark radiation (DR) is ubiquitous in physics beyond the Standard Model (SM), and its interactions with the SM and dark matter (DM) lead to a variety of interesting effects on cosmological observables. However, even in scenarios where DR is 'secluded', i.e., only gravitationally interacting with SM and DM, it can leave discernible signatures. We present a comprehensive study of four different types of DR: free-streaming, self-interacting (coupled), decoupling, and recoupling DR, and vary initial conditions to include both adiabatic and isocurvature perturbations. In addition to these properties, we also vary neutrino energy density, DR energy density, and the SM neutrino masses to perform a general analysis and study degeneracies among neutrino and DR properties. We derive constraints using the cosmic microwave background, large-scale structure, and supernova datasets. We find no significant preference for physics beyond the $\Lambda$CDM model, but data exhibit interesting interplays between different physical quantities. When the neutrino energy density is allowed to vary, we find that the cosmological dataset prefers massless free-streaming DR over massive neutrinos, leading to a significant relaxation of the neutrino mass bound. Although we do not find any evidence of DR isocurvature, the data show support for a strong blue tilt of the isocurvature power spectrum. Our analysis also highlights the degeneracy of various DR parameters with the Hubble constant $H_0$ resulting in a mild relaxation of the $H_0$ tension.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2025

Directly Probing Neutrino Interactions through CMB Phase Shift Measurements

Perturbations in the cosmic neutrino background produce a characteristic phase shift in the acoustic oscillations imprinted in the anisotropies of the cosmic microwave background (CMB), providing a unique observational probe of neutrino physics. In this work, we explore how this phase shift signature is altered in the presence of neutrino interactions with temperature-dependent scattering rates, motivated by physical constructions for neutrino self-interactions and neutrino-dark matter couplings. A key finding is that the phase shift in these realistic models -- characterized by gradual rather than instantaneous decoupling -- maintains the same functional form as the free-streaming template, with only the asymptotic amplitude decreasing for stronger interactions that delay decoupling. This simple parametrization enables us to directly constrain neutrino interactions through phase shift measurements in the temperature and polarization power spectra from CMB observations. Analyzing the latest data from \textit{Planck}, the Atacama Cosmology Telescope, and the South Pole Telescope, we derive strong constraints on the neutrino decoupling redshift. Our global analysis indicates that neutrinos have been freely streaming since deep within the radiation-dominated epoch. We also explore flavor-dependent scenarios in which only one neutrino species interacts. Overall, our work establishes a signature-driven framework that exploits the clean phase shift signal in the acoustic oscillations of the CMB as a precise and robust probe of non-standard neutrino interactions in the early universe.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2025

Impostor Among $\nu$s: Dark Radiation Masquerading as Self-Interacting Neutrinos

Multiple cosmological observations hint at neutrino self-interactions beyond the Standard Model, yet such interactions face severe constraints from terrestrial experiments. We resolve this tension by introducing a model where active neutrinos resonantly convert to self-interacting dark radiation after BBN but before CMB epoch. This exploits the fact that cosmological observables cannot distinguish between neutrinos and dark radiation with the same abundance and free-streaming properties. Our mechanism, based on a simple type-I seesaw framework along with a keV-scale scalar mediator, achieves two objectives: (i) it produces strongly self-interacting dark radiation that imitates neutrino self-interactions favored by cosmological data, and (ii) it depletes the active neutrino energy density, relaxing cosmological neutrino mass bounds and easing the tension with neutrino oscillation data. The model naturally evades laboratory constraints through suppression of the neutrino-mediator coupling by the squared mass ratio of active and sterile neutrinos. We show that this scenario is favored over $\Lambda$CDM by the combined Planck and DESI data, while being consistent with all other constraints. Our mechanism is testable in future laboratory probes of absolute neutrino mass and searches for sterile neutrinos.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2025

A Quieter State of Charge -- Ultra-Low-Noise Collective Current in Charge-Density-Wave Nanowires

Electronic flicker noise limits phase stability in communication systems, reduces the sensitivity and selectivity of sensors, and degrades coherence in quantum devices. There is a strong need for unconventional materials and strategies for achieving ultra-low-noise performance in nanoscale and quantum electronics. Here, we demonstrate that in nanowires of the quasi-one-dimensional, fully gapped charge-density-wave material (TaSe4)2I, low-frequency electronic noise is suppressed below the limit of thermalized charge carriers in passive resistors. When the current is dominated by the sliding Frohlich condensate, the normalized noise spectral density decreases linearly with current, I -- a striking departure from the constant value observed in conventional conductors. No residual minimum noise level is reached for the current of the electron-lattice condensate in (TaSe4)2I nanowires. Repeating the measurements for another charge-density wave conductor, NbS3-II, we found a similar reduction below the normal electron limit at room temperature. Our findings signal intrinsically lower current fluctuations within a correlated electron transport regime.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2025

Joint 21-cm and CMB Forecasts for Constraining Self-Interacting Massive Neutrinos

Self-interacting neutrinos provide an intriguing extension to the Standard Model, motivated by both particle physics and cosmology. Recent cosmological analyses suggest a bimodal posterior for the coupling strength $G_{\rm eff}$, favoring either strong or moderate interactions. These interactions modify the scale-dependence of the growth of cosmic structures, leaving distinct imprints on the matter power spectrum at small scales, $k\,>\,0.1\,{\rm Mpc}^{-1}$. For the first time, we explore how the 21-cm power spectrum from the cosmic dawn and the dark ages can constrain the properties of self-interacting, massive neutrinos. The effects of small-scale suppression and enhancement in the matter power spectrum caused by self-interacting neutrinos propagate to the halo mass function, shaping the abundance of small- and intermediate-mass halos. It is precisely these halos that host the galaxies responsible for driving the evolution of the 21-cm signal during the cosmic dawn. We find that HERA at its design sensitivity can improve upon existing constraints on $G_{\rm eff}$ and be sensitive to small values of the coupling, beyond the reach of current and future CMB experiments. Crucially, we find that the combination of HERA and CMB-S4 can break parameter degeneracies, significantly improving the sensitivity to $G_{\rm eff}$ over either experiment alone. Finally, we investigate the prospects of probing neutrino properties with futuristic Lunar interferometers, accessing the astrophysics-free 21-cm power spectrum during the dark ages. The capability of probing small scales of these instruments will allow us to reach a percent-level constraint on the neutrino self-coupling.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2025

Mixability of finite groups

Say that a finite group $G$ is mixable if a product of random elements, each chosen independently from two options, can distribute uniformly on $G$. We present conditions and obstructions to mixability. We show that $2$-groups, the symmetric groups, the simple alternating groups, several matrix and sporadic simple groups, and most finite Coxeter groups, are mixable. We also provide bounds on the mixing length of such groups.

math.GR↗

arXiv2024

A cosmological case study of a tower of warm dark matter states: $N$naturalness

In this work, we study the cosmological effects of a tower of warm dark matter states on the cosmic microwave background (CMB) and on large-scale structure (LSS). For concreteness, we consider the $N$naturalness model, which is a proposed mechanism to solve the Higgs hierarchy problem. In this framework, the sector of particles of the Standard Model is copied $N$ times where the Higgs mass-squared value is the only parameter that changes between sectors. The other sectors are similar to our own, except their particles are proportionally heavier and cooler compared to the Standard Model sector. Since each sector is extremely weakly coupled to other sectors, direct observations of the new particles are not expected. The addition of new photon-like species and new neutrino-like species, however, can be detected through the CMB and in LSS data. These additional neutrinos form a tower of states with increasing mass and decreasing temperature compared to the SM neutrinos. This tower causes a more gradual suppression of the matter power spectrum across different comoving wavenumbers than a single warm dark matter state would. We quantitatively explore these effects in the $N$naturalness model and compute the parameter space allowed by the Planck 2018, weak lensing, and Lyman-$\alpha$ datasets. Depending on the underlying parameters, Planck 2018 and weak lensing data can require $N$naturalness to be tuned at the $10\%$ level for Dirac neutrinos and at the $5\%$ level for Majorana neutrinos. The additional neutrino states are crucial in constraining the model, particularly through their suppression of the power spectrum at small scales. The inclusion of many warm dark matter species is computationally very challenging and we make detailed assessments of our approximations and comment on potential future improvements.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2024

Limit profile for the transpose top-2 with random shuffle

The transpose top-$2$ with random shuffle (J. Theoret. Probab., 2020) is a lazy random walk on the alternating group $A_n$ generated by $3$-cycles of the form $(\star,n-1,n)$ and $(\star,n,n-1)$. We obtain the limit profile of this random walk by comparing it with the random walk on $A_n$ generated by all $3$-cycles. Our method employs a non-commutative Fourier analysis analogue of the comparison method introduced by Nestoridi (Electron. J. Probab., 2024). We also give the complete spectrum of the alternating group graph, thus answering a question of Huang and Huang (J. Algebraic Combin., 2019).

math.PR↗

arXiv2024

Dark Matter-Radiation Scattering Enhances CMB Phase Shift through Dark Matter-loading

A phase shift in the acoustic oscillations of CMB spectra is a characteristic signature for the presence of non-photon radiation propagating differently from photons, even when the radiation couples to SM particles solely gravitationally. It is well-established that compared to the presence of free-streaming radiation, CMB spectra shift to higher $\ell$-modes in the presence of self-interacting non-photon radiation such as neutrinos and dark radiation. In this study, we further demonstrate that the scattering of non-photon radiation with dark matter can further amplify this phase shift. We show that when the energy density of the interacting radiation surpasses that of interacting dark matter around matter-radiation equality, the phase shift enhancement is proportional to the interacting dark matter abundance and remains insensitive to the radiation energy density. Given the presence of dark matter-radiation interaction, this additional phase shift emerges as a generic signature of models featuring an interacting dark sector or neutrino-dark matter scattering. Using neutrino-dark matter scattering as an example, we numerically calculate the amplified phase shift and offer an analytical interpretation of the result by modeling photon and neutrino perturbations with coupled harmonic oscillators. This framework also explains the phase shift contrast between self-interacting and free-streaming neutrinos. Fitting models with neutrino-dark matter or dark radiation-dark matter interactions to CMB and large-scale structure data, we validate the presence of the enhanced phase shift, affirmed by the linear dependence observed between the preferred regions of the sound horizon angle $\theta_s$ and interacting dark matter abundance. An increased $\theta_s$ and a suppressed matter power spectrum is therefore a generic feature of models containing dark matter scattering with abundant dark radiation.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2024

Solution-Processed Inks with Fillers of NbS$_3$ Quasi-One-Dimensional Charge-Density-Wave Material

We report on the solution processing and testing of electronic ink comprised of quasi-one-dimensional NbS$_3$ charge-density-wave fillers. The ink was prepared by liquid-phase exfoliation of NbS$_3$ crystals into high-aspect ratio quasi-1D fillers dispersed in a mixture of isopropyl alcohol and ethylene glycol solution. The results of the electrical measurements of two-terminal electronic test structures printed on silicon substrates reveal resistance anomalies in the temperature range of ~330 K to 370 K. It was found that the changes in the temperature-dependent resistive characteristics of the test structures originate from the charge-density-wave phase transition of individual NbS$_3$ fillers. The latter confirms that the exfoliated NbS$_3$ fillers preserve their intrinsic charge-density-wave quantum condensate states and can undergo phase transitions above room temperature even after chemical exfoliation processes and printing. These results are important for developing "quantum inks" with charge-density-wave fillers for the increased functionality of future solution-processed electronics.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2024

Electronic Noise Spectroscopy of Quasi-2D van der Waals Antiferromagnetic Semiconductors

We investigated low-frequency current fluctuations, i.e. electronic noise, in FePS3 van der Waals, layered antiferromagnetic semiconductor. The noise measurements have been used as noise spectroscopy for advanced materials characterization of the charge carrier dynamics affected by spin ordering and trapping states. Owing to the high resistivity of the material, we conducted measurements on vertical device configuration. The measured noise spectra reveal pronounced Lorentzian peaks of two different origins. One peak is observed only near the Neel temperature and it is attributed to the corresponding magnetic phase transition. The second Lorentzian peak, visible in the entire measured temperature range, has the characteristics of the trap-assisted generation-recombination processes similar to those in conventional semiconductors but shows a clear effect of the spin order reconfiguration near the Neel temperature. The obtained results contribute to understanding the electron and spin dynamics in this type of antiferromagnetic semiconductors and demonstrate the potential of electronic noise spectroscopy for advanced materials characterization.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗