arXiv subjects

W. M. Alberico

Publications and source records attributed to W. M. Alberico.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

arXiv2004

Meson correlation functions in a QCD plasma

The temporal pseudoscalar meson correlation function in a QCD plasma is investigated in a range of temperatures exceeding $T_c$ and yet of experimental interest. Only the flavour-singlet channel is considered and the imaginary time formalism is employed for the finite temperature calculations. The behaviour of the meson spectral function and of the temporal correlator is first studied in the HTL approximation, where one replaces the free thermal quark propagators with the HTL resummed ones. This procedure satisfactory describes the soft fermionic modes, but its application to the propagation of hard quarks is not reliable. An improved version of the so-called NLA scheme, which allows a better treatment of the hard fermionic modes, is then proposed. The impact of the improved NLA on the pseudoscalar temporal correlator is investigated.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2004

Asymmetries in the Non-Mesonic Weak Decay of Polarized Lambda-Hypernuclei

The non-mesonic weak decay of polarized Lambda-hypernuclei is studied for the first time by taking into account, with a Monte Carlo intranuclear cascade code, the nucleon final state interactions. A one-meson-exchange model is employed to describe the Lambda N-> n N processes in a finite nucleus framework. The relationship between the intrinsic Lambda asymmetry parameter a_Λand the asymmetry a^M_Λaccessible in experiments is discussed. A strong dependence of a^M_Λon nucleon final state interactions and detection threshold is obtained. Our results for a^M_Λare consistent with ^{11}_ΛB and ^{12}_ΛC data but disagree with observations in ^5_ΛHe.

nucl-th↗

arXiv2004

Weak Decay of Hypernuclei

The focus of these Lectures is on the weak decay modes of hypernuclei, with special attention to Lambda-hypernuclei. The subject involves many fields of modern theoretical and experimental physics, from nuclear structure to the fundamental constituents of matter and their interactions. The various weak decay modes of Lambda-hypernuclei are described: the mesonic mode and the non-mesonic ones. The latter are the dominant decay channels of medium--heavy hypernuclei, where, on the contrary, the mesonic decay is disfavoured by Pauli blocking effect on the outgoing nucleon. In particular, one can distinguish between one-body and two-body induced decays. Theoretical models employed to evaluate the (partial and total) decay widths of hypernuclei are illustrated, and their results compared with existing experimental data. Open problems and recent achievements are extensively discussed, in particular the determination of the ratio Gamma_n/Gamma_p, possible tests of the Delta I=1/2 rule in non-mesonic decays and the puzzling asymmetric non-mesonic decay of polarized hypernuclei.

nucl-th↗

arXiv2004

Towards a solution of the Gn/Gp puzzle in the weak decay of Lambda-hypernuclei

In this contribution we discuss an evaluation of double-nucleon coincidence spectra for the non-mesonic weak decay of Lambda-hypernuclei. The results have been obtained by combining a one-meson-exchange model for the Lambda N -> nN transition in finite nuclei with a Monte Carlo code accounting for the nucleon final state interactions. A weak-decay-model independent analysis of KEK coincidence data allows us to extract Gn/Gp values around 0.3-0.4 for 5_Lambda-He and 12_Lambda-C, thus representing an important progress towards the solution of the Gn/Gp puzzle. Preliminary results for the angular asymmetries in the non-mesonic weak decay of polarized hypernuclei are also presented.

nucl-th↗

arXiv2004

Role of 2p-2h MEC excitations in superscaling

Following recent studies of inclusive electron scattering from nuclei at high energies which focused on two-nucleon emission mediated by meson-exchange currents, in this work the superscaling behavior of such contributions is investigated. Comparisons are made with existing data below the quasielastic peak where at high momentum transfers scaling of the second kind is known to be excellent and scaling of the first kind is good, in the proximity of the peak where both 1p-1h and 2p-2h contributions come into play, and above the peak where inelasticity becomes important and one finds scaling violations of the two kinds.

nucl-th↗

arXiv2004

Weak non-mesonic decay of Hypernuclei

We review the mechanism of weak decay of hypernuclei, with emphasis on the non-mesonic decay channels. Various theoretical approaches are discussed and the results are compared with the available experimental data.

nucl-th↗

arXiv2003

Looking for strangeness with neutrino-nucleon scattering

The possibility to determine the axial strange form factor of the nucleon from elastic neutrino-nucleon scattering experiments is studied. The existing experimental information is shortly mentioned and several observables which could be measured in the near future at new neutrino facilities are discussed.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2003

The 2p-2h electromagnetic response in the quasielastic peak and beyond

The contribution to the nuclear transverse response function R_T arising from two particle-two hole (2p-2h) states excited through the action of electromagnetic meson exchange currents (MEC) is computed in a fully relativistic framework. The MEC considered are those carried by the pion and by Delta degrees of freedom, the latter being viewed as a virtual nucleonic resonance. The calculation is performed in the relativistic Fermi gas model in which Lorentz covariance can be maintained. All 2p-2h many-body diagrams containing two pionic lines that contribute to R_T are taken into account and the relative impact of the various components of the MEC on R_T is addressed. The non-relativistic limit of the MEC contributions is also discussed and compared with the relativistic results to explore the role played by relativity in obtaining the 2p-2h nuclear response.

nucl-th↗

arXiv2003

Neutrino Oscillations, Masses and Mixing

The original B. Pontecorvo idea of neutrino oscillations is discussed. Neutrino mixing and basics of neutrino oscillations in vacuum and in matter are considered. Recent evidences in favour of neutrino oscillations, obtained in Super-Kamiokande, SNO, KamLAND and other neutrino experiments are discussed. Neutrino oscillations in the solar and atmospheric ranges of the neutrino mass-squared differences are considered in the framework of the minimal scheme with the mixing of three massive neutrinos. Results of the tritium beta-decay experiments and experiments on the search for neutrinoless double-beta-decay are briefly discussed.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2002

Baryonic masses based on the NJL model

We employ the Nambu Jona--Lasinio model to determine the vacuum pressure on the quarks in a baryon and hence their density inside. Then we estimate the baryonic masses by implementing the local density approximation for the mean field quark energies obtained in a uniform and isotropic system. We obtain a fair agreement with the experimental masses.

nucl-th↗

arXiv2002

Strange Form Factors in Neutrino Scattering

The possibility to determine the axial strange form factor of the nucleon from neutrino scattering experiments is studied. The existing experimental information is reviewed and several related observables which could be measured in the near future at new neutrino facilities are studied in detail. Elastic scattering from S=T=0 nuclei is also briefly considered.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2002

Stability of strange quark matter: model dependence

The minimum energy per baryon number of strange quark matter is studied, as a function of the strangeness fraction, in the MIT bag model and in two different versions of the Color Dielectric Model: a comparison is made with the hyperon masses having the same strangeness fraction, and coherently calculated within both models. Calculations are carried out in mean field approximation, with one gluon exchange corrections. The results allow to discuss the model dependence of the stability of strangelets: they can be stable in the MIT bag model and in the double minimum version of the Color Dielectric Model, while the single minimum version of the Color Dielectric Model excludes this possibility.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2002

Non-conventional statistical effects in relativistic heavy-ions collisions

We show that non-conventional statistical effects (due to the presence of long range forces, memory effects, correlations and fluctuations) can be very relevant in the interpretation of the experimental observables in relativistic heavy-ions collisions. Transverse mass spectrum, transverse momentum fluctuations and rapidity spectra are analysed in the framework of the non-extensive statistical mechanics.

nucl-th↗

arXiv2001

Weak Decay of Lambda Hypernuclei

In this review we discuss the present status of strange nuclear physics, with special attention to the weak decay of Lambda hypernuclei. The models proposed for the evaluation of the Lambda decay widths are summarized and their results are compared with the data. Despite the recent intensive investigations, the main open problem remains a sound theoretical interpretation of the large experimental values of the ratio G_n/G_p. Although recent works offer a step forward in the solution of the puzzle, further efforts must be invested in order to understand the detailed dynamics of the non-mesonic decay. Even if, by means of single nucleon spectra measurements, the error bars on G_n/G_p have been considerably reduced very recently at KEK, a clean extraction of G_n/G_p is needed. What is missing at present, but planned for the next future, are measurements of 1) nucleon energy spectra in double coincidence and 2) nucleon angular correlations: such observations allow to disentangle the nucleons produced in one- and two-body induced decays and lead to a direct determination of G_n/G_p. For the asymmetric non-mesonic decay of polarized hypernuclei the situation is even more puzzling. Indeed, strong inconsistencies appear already among data. A recent experiment obtained a positive intrinsic Lambda asymmetry parameter, a_{Lambda}, for 5_{Lambda}He. This is in complete disagreement with a previous measurement, which obtained a large and negative a_{Lambda} for p-shell hypernuclei, and with theory, which predicts a negative value moderately dependent on nuclear structure effects. Also in this case, improved experiments establishing with certainty the sign and magnitude of a_{Lambda} for s- and p-shell hypernuclei will provide a guidance for a deeper understanding of hypernuclear dynamics and decay mechanisms.

nucl-th↗

arXiv2001

Stability of strange quark matter: MIT bag versus Color Dielectric Model

We discuss the properties of strange matter, in particular the minimum of the energy per baryon number as a function of the strangeness fraction. We utilize both the MIT bag model and the Color Dielectric Model and compare the energy per baryon with the masses of hyperons having the corresponding strangeness fraction, which are coherently calculated within both models. We also take into account the perturbative exchange of gluons. The results obtained in the two approaches allow to discuss the stability of strangelets. While the MIT bag model and the double minimum version of the Color Dielectric Model allow the existence of strangelets, the single minimum version of the Color Dielectric Model excludes this possibility.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2001

Strangeness in the nucleon: neutrino-nucleon and polarized electron-nucleon scattering

After the EMC and subsequent experiments at CERN, SLAC and DESY on the deep inelastic scattering of polarized leptons on polarized nucleons, it is now established that the Q^2=0 value of the axial strange form factor of the nucleon, a quantity which is connected with the spin of the proton and is quite relevant from the theoretical point of view, is relatively large. In this review we consider different methods and observables that allow to obtain information on the strange axial and vector form factors of the nucleon at different values of Q^2. These methods are based on the investigation of the Neutral Current induced effects such as the P-odd asymmetry in the scattering of polarized electrons on protons and nuclei, the elastic neutrino (antineutrino) scattering on protons and the quasi-elastic neutrino (antineutrino) scattering on nuclei. We discuss in details the phenomenology of these processes and the existing experimental data.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2000

Decay rates of medium-heavy Lambda-hypernuclei within the Propagator Method

The Lambda decay rates in nuclei has been calculated in ref. 1 using the Propagator Method in Local Density Approximation. We have studied the dependence of the widths (including the one for the two-body induced process Lambda NN -> NNN) on the N-N and Lambda-N short range correlations. Using a reasonable parametrization of these correlations, as well as realistic nuclear densities and Lambda wave functions, we reproduce, for the first time, the experimental non-mesonic widths from medium to heavy hypernuclei.

nucl-th↗

arXiv2000

On a possibility to determine the S-factor of the hep process in experiments with thermal (cold) neutrons

The problem of the magnitude of the S--factor of the hep process $p + {^3\mathrm{He}} \to {^4\mathrm{He}} + e^+ + ν_e$ is one of the most important unsolved problems in nuclear astrophysics. The magnitude of $S(hep)$ has also an important impact on the interpretation of the Super-Kamiokande solar neutrino results in terms of neutrino oscillations. We point out the possiblity to determine the major hadronic contribution to $S(hep)$ from the measurement of the total cross section of the process $n + {^3\mathrm{H}} \to {^4\mathrm{He}} + e^- + \barν_e$ in experiments with high intensity beams of thermal or cold neutrons.

hep-ph↗