arXiv subjects

Wilder Schaaf

Publications and source records attributed to Wilder Schaaf.

5 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2025

Implementing the three-neutron quantization condition

We describe in detail the implementation of the relativistic three-neutron finite-volume quantization condition derived in Ref. [1]. In particular, we show how the complications due to Wigner rotations acting on spins are included, and present concrete formulas for the case when the angular momenta within pairs is restricted to be less than 2. We describe the symmetries of the matrices appearing in the quantization condition, and decompose solutions into irreducible representations of the appropriate doubled finite-volume symmetry groups. We present an implementation of the three-particle K matrix, keeping the two lowest-order terms in the threshold expansion. We provide numerical predictions for the finite-volume spectrum for a setup with nearly physical parameters, including two-particle interactions that are based on experimental results. This exploratory study shows the how lattice QCD calculations of the three-neutron spectrum with sufficient precision can provide detailed information on both two- and three-particle interactions.

hep-lat↗

arXiv2024

Implementation of the three-neutron quantization condition

We present an implementation of the three-neutron quantization condition (QC) derived in previous work. We construct the matrices appearing in the QC and determine solutions numerically. The symmetries of the QC allow the projection onto irreducible representations of the appropriate little group (depending on frame momentum), restricting the size of the matrices and reducing computational complexity. In this initial study, we include only two-neutron interactions, which are modeled based on experimental data for $I=1$ scattering amplitudes. We show examples of the finite-volume spectrum in two frames and for a range of energies, illustrating the potential and also the challenges of using three-neutron spectroscopy to constrain the underlying interactions.

hep-lat↗

arXiv2022

$α_s$ from an improved $τ$ vector isovector spectral function

After discussing difficulties in determining $α_s$ from tau decay due to the existence of Duality Violations and the associated asymptotic nature of the OPE, we describe a new determination based on an improved vector isovector spectral function, now based solely on experimental input, obtained by (i) combining ALEPH and OPAL results for $2π+4π$ and (ii) replacing $K^-K^0$ and higher-multiplicity exclusive-mode contributions, both previously estimated using Monte Carlo, with new experimental BaBar results for $K^-K^0$ and results implied by $e^+ e^-$ cross sections and CVC for the higher-multiplicity modes. We find $α_s(m_τ)=0.3077\pm 0.0075$, which corresponds to $α_s(m_Z)=0.1171\pm 0.0010$. Finally, we comment on some of the shortcomings in the criticism of our approach by Pich and Rodriguez-Sanchez.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2021

Strong coupling at the $τ$-mass scale from an improved vector isovector spectral function

We perform a precise extraction of the QCD coupling at the $τ$-mass scale, $α_s(m_τ)$, from a new vector isovector spectral function which combines ALEPH and OPAL distributions for the dominant channels, $τ\toππ^0ν_τ$, $τ\to 3ππ^0ν_τ$ and $τ\to π3π^0ν_τ$, with estimates of sub-leading contributions obtained from electroproduction cross-sections using CVC, as well as BaBar results for $τ\to K^-K^0ν_τ$. The fully inclusive spectral function thus obtained is entirely based on experimental data, without Monte Carlo input. From this new data set, we obtain $α_s(m_τ)=0.3077\pm0.0075$, which corresponds to $α_s(m_Z)=0.1171\pm0.0010$. This analysis can be improved on the experimental side with new measurements of the dominant $ππ^0$, $π3π^0$, and $3ππ^0$ $τ$ decay modes.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2021

The strong coupling from an improved $τ$ vector isovector spectral function

We combine ALEPH and OPAL results for the spectral distributions measured in $τ\toπ^-π^0ν_τ$, $τ\to 2π^-π^+π^0ν_τ$ and $τ\toπ^-3π^0ν_τ$ decays with (i) recent BaBar results for the analogous $τ\to K^- K^0ν_τ$ distribution and (ii) estimates of the contributions from other hadronic $τ$-decay modes obtained using CVC and electroproduction data, to obtain a new and more precise non-strange, inclusive vector, isovector spectral function. The BaBar $K^- K^0$ and CVC/electroproduction results provide us with alternate, entirely data-based input for the contributions of all exclusive modes for which ALEPH and OPAL employed Monte-Carlo-based estimates. We use the resulting spectral function to determine $α_s(m_τ)$, the strong coupling at the $τ$ mass scale, employing finite energy sum rules. Using the fixed-order perturbation theory (FOPT) prescription, we find $α_s(m_τ)=0.3077\pm 0.0075$, which corresponds to the five-flavor result $α_s(M_Z)=0.1171\pm 0.0010$ at the $Z$ mass. While we also provide an estimate using contour-improved perturbation theory (CIPT), we point out that the FOPT prescription is to be preferred for comparison with other $α_s$ determinations employing the $\overline{\rm MS}$ scheme, especially given the inconsistency between CIPT and the standard operator product expansion recently pointed out in the literature. Additional experimental input on the dominant $2π$ and $4π$ modes would allow for further improvements to the current analysis.

hep-ph↗