arXiv subjects

Wolfgang Bietenholz

Publications and source records attributed to Wolfgang Bietenholz.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

arXiv2013

Berezinskii-Kosterlitz-Thouless Transition with a Constraint Lattice Action

The 2d XY model exhibits an essential phase transition, which was predicted long ago --- by Berezinskii, Kosterlitz and Thouless (BKT) --- to be driven by the (un)binding of vortex--anti-vortex pairs. This transition has been confirmed for the standard lattice action, and for actions with distinct couplings, in agreement with universality. Here we study a highly unconventional formulation of this model, which belongs to the class of topological lattice actions: it does not have any couplings at all, but just a constraint for the relative angles between nearest neighbour spins. By means of dynamical boundary conditions we measure the helicity modulus Upsilon, which shows that this formulation performs a BKT phase transition as well. Its finite size effects are amazingly mild, in contrast to other lattice actions. This provides one of the most precise numerical confirmations ever of a BKT transition in this model. On the other hand, up to the lattice sizes that we explored, there are deviations from the spin wave approximation, for instance for the Binder cumulant U_4 and for the leading finite size correction to Upsilon. Finally we observe that the (un)binding mechanism follows the usual pattern, although free vortices do not require any energy in this formulation. Due to that observation, one should reconsider an aspect of the established picture, which estimates the critical temperature based on this energy requirement.

hep-lat↗

arXiv2013

Microscopic Dirac Spectrum in a 2d Gauge Theory with Zero Chiral Condensate

Fermionic theories with a vanishing chiral condensate (in the chiral limit) have recently attracted considerable interest; in particular variants of multi-flavour QCD are candidates for this behaviour. Here we consider the 2-flavour Schwinger model as a simple theory with this property. Based on simulations with light dynamical overlap fermions, we test the hypothesis that in such models the low lying Dirac eigenvalues could be decorrelated. That has been observed in 4d Yang-Mills theories at high temperature, but it cannot be confirmed for the 2-flavour Schwinger model. We also discuss subtleties in the evaluation of the mass anomalous dimension and its IR extrapolation.

hep-lat↗

arXiv2013

O(N) Models with Topological Lattice Actions

A variety of lattice discretisations of continuum actions has been considered, usually requiring the correct classical continuum limit. Here we discuss "weird" lattice formulations without that property, namely lattice actions that are invariant under most continuous deformations of the field configuration, in one version even without any coupling constants. It turns out that universality is powerful enough to still provide the correct quantum continuum limit, despite the absence of a classical limit, or a perturbative expansion. We demonstrate this for a set of O(N) models (or non-linear $σ$-models). Amazingly, such "weird" lattice actions are not only in the right universality class, but some of them even have practical benefits, in particular an excellent scaling behaviour.

hep-lat↗

arXiv2013

The most powerful particles in the Universe: a cosmic smash

This year we are celebrating 101 years since the discovery of cosmic rays. They are whizzing all around the Universe, and they occur at very different energies, including the highest particle energies that exist. However, theory predicts an abrupt suppression (a "cutoff") above a specific huge energy. This is difficult to verify, the measurements are controversial, but it provides a unique opportunity to probe established concepts of physics - like Lorentz Invariance - under extreme conditions. If the observations will ultimately contradict this "cutoff", this could require a fundamental pillar of physics to be revised.

physics.hist-ph↗

arXiv2012

40 Years of Calculus in 4 + epsilon Dimensions

Modern physics describes elementary particles by a formalism known as Quantum Field Theory. However, straight calculations with this formalism lead to numerous divergences, hence one needs a suitable regularization scheme. 40 years ago a surprising scheme was established for this purpose: Dimensional Regularization. One computes in "4 + epsilon space-time dimensions", and takes the limit to our 4 dimensional space-time at the end. This method caused a revolution in particle physics, which led to the Standard Model. Many people refer to its results, and even apply it, without being aware that its history actually started in Latin America, more precisely in La Plata, Argentina. ----- La física moderna describe a las partículas elementales por medio del formalismo conocido como Teoría Cuántica de Campos. Sin embargo, los cálculos directos realizados con este formalismo llevan a una gran cantidad de divergencias, por lo que es necesario un método para regularizarlos. Hace 40 años se estableció un esquema sorprendente para este objetivo: la Regularización Dimensional. Se calcula en "4 + epsilon dimensiones espacio-temporales", y al final se toma el límite a nuestro espacio y tiempo en 4 dimensiones. Este método causó una revolución en la física de partículas, que resultó en el Modelo Estándar. Muchas personas hacen referencia sus resultados, e incluso la aplican, sin saber que su historia comenzó en América Latina, precisamente en La Plata, Argentina.

physics.hist-ph↗

arXiv2012

A Numerical Study of the 2-Flavour Schwinger Model with Dynamical Overlap Hypercube Fermions

We present numerical results for the 2-flavour Schwinger model with dynamical chiral lattice fermions. We insert an approximately chiral hypercube Dirac operator into the overlap formula to construct the overlap hypercube operator. This is an exact solution to the Ginsparg-Wilson relation, with an excellent level of locality and scaling. Due to its similarity with the hypercubic kernel, a low polynomial in this kernel provides a numerically efficient Hybrid Monte Carlo force. We measure the microscopic Dirac spectrum and discuss the corresponding scale-invariant parameter, which takes a surprising form. This is an interesting case, since Random Matrix Theory is unexplored for this setting, where the chiral condensate Σ vanishes in the chiral limit. We also measure Σ and the "pion" mass, in distinct topological sectors. In this context we discuss and probe the topological summation of observables by various methods, as well as the evaluation of the topological susceptibility. The feasibility of this summation is essential for the prospects of dynamical overlap fermions in QCD.

hep-lat↗

arXiv2012

Topological Summation in Lattice Gauge Theory

In gauge theories the field configurations often occur in distinct topological sectors. In a lattice regularised system with chiral fermions, these sectors can be defined by referring to the Atiyah-Singer Index Theorem. However, if such a model is simulated with local updates of the lattice gauge configuration, the Monte Carlo history tends to get stuck in one sector for many steps, in particular on fine lattices. Then expectation values can be measured only within specific sectors. Here we present a pilot study in the 2-flavour Schwinger model which explores methods of approximating the complete result for an observable - corresponding to a suitable sum over all sectors - based on numerical measurements in a few specific topological sectors. We also probe various procedures for an indirect evaluation of the topological susceptibility, starting from such topologically restricted measurements.

hep-lat↗

arXiv2010

The Photon Dispersion as an Indicator for New Physics ?

We first comment on the search for a deviation from the linear photon dispersion relation, in particular based on cosmic photons from Gamma Ray Bursts. Then we consider the non-commutative space as a theoretical concept that could lead to such a deviation, which would be a manifestation of Lorentz Invariance Violation. In particular we review a numerical study of pure U(1) gauge theory in a 4d non-commutative space. Starting from a finite lattice, we explore the phase diagram and the extrapolation to the continuum and infinite volume. These simultaneous limits - taken at fixed non-commutativity - lead to a phase of broken Poincare symmetry, where the photon appears to be IR stable, despite a negative IR divergence to one loop.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2010

Chiral Fermions on the Lattice

In the last century the non-perturbative regularization of chiral fermions was a long-standing problem. We review how this problem was finally overcome by the formulation of a modified but exact form of chiral symmetry on the lattice. This also provides a sound definition of the topological charge of lattice gauge configurations. We illustrate a variety of applications to QCD in the p-, the epsilon- and the delta-regime, where simulation results can now be related to Random Matrix Theory and Chiral Perturbation Theory. The latter contains Low Energy Constants as free parameters, and we comment on their evaluation from first principles of QCD.

hep-lat↗

arXiv2010

Could the photon dispersion relation be non-linear ?

The free photon dispersion relation is a reference quantity for high precision tests of Lorentz Invariance. We first outline theoretical approaches to a conceivable Lorentz Invariance Violation (LIV). Next we address phenomenological tests based on the propagation of cosmic rays, in particular in Gamma Ray Bursts (GRBs). As a specific concept, which could imply LIV, we then focus on field theory in a non-commutative (NC) space, and we present non-perturbative results for the dispersion relation of the NC photon.

hep-th↗

arXiv2009

On the Isomorphic Description of Chiral Symmetry Breaking by Non-Unitary Lie Groups

It is well-known that chiral symmetry breaking ($χ$SB) in QCD with $N_{f}=2$ light quark flavours can be described by orthogonal groups as $O(4) \to O(3)$, due to local isomorphisms. Here we discuss the question how specific this property is. We consider generalised forms of $χ$SB involving an arbitrary number of light flavours of continuum or lattice fermions, in various representations. We search systematically for isomorphic descriptions by non-unitary, compact Lie groups. It turns out that there are a few alternative options in terms of orthogonal groups, while we did not find any description entirely based on symplectic or exceptional Lie groups. If we adapt such an alternative as the symmetry breaking pattern for a generalised Higgs mechanism, we may consider a Higgs particle composed of bound fermions and trace back the mass generation to $χ$SB. In fact, some of the patterns that we encounter appear in technicolour models. In particular if one observes a Higgs mechanism that can be expressed in terms of orthogonal groups, we specify in which cases it could also represent some kind of $χ$SB of techniquarks.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2009

Spectral study of a chiral limit without chiral condensate

Random Matrix Theory (RMT) has elaborated successful predictions for Dirac spectra in field theoretical models. However, a generic assumption by RMT has been a non-vanishing chiral condensate $Σ$ in the chiral limit. Here we consider the 2-flavour Schwinger model, where this assumption does not hold. We simulated this model with dynamical overlap hypercube fermions, and entered terra incognita by analysing this Dirac spectrum. The usual RMT prediction for the unfolded level spacing distribution in a unitary ensemble is precisely confirmed. The microscopic spectrum does not perform a Banks-Casher plateau. Instead the obvious expectation is a density of the lowest eigenvalue $λ_{1}$ which increases $\propto λ_{1}^{1/3}$. That would correspond to a scale-invariant parameter $\propto λV^{3/4}$, which is, however, incompatible with our data. Instead we observe to high precision a scale-invariant parameter $z \propto λV^{5/8}$. This surprising result implies a microscopic spectral density $\propto λ_1^{3/5}$, which still remains to be understood in the light of RMT.

hep-lat↗

arXiv2008

Cosmic Rays and the Search for a Lorentz Invariance Violation

This is an introductory review about the on-going search for a signal of Lorentz Invariance Violation (LIV) in cosmic rays. We first summarise basic aspects of cosmic rays, focusing on rays of ultra high energy (UHECRs). We discuss the Greisen-Zatsepin-Kuz'min (GZK) energy cutoff for cosmic protons, which is predicted due to photopion production in the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB). This is a process of modest energy in the proton rest frame. It can be investigated to a high precision in the laboratory, if Lorentz transformations apply even at factors $γ\sim O(10^{11})$. For heavier nuclei the energy attenuation is even faster due to photo-disintegration, again if this process is Lorentz invariant. Hence the viability of Lorentz symmetry up to tremendous gamma-factors - far beyond accelerator tests - is a central issue. Next we comment on conceptual aspects of Lorentz Invariance and the possibility of its spontaneous breaking. This could lead to slightly particle dependent ``Maximal Attainable Velocities''. We discuss their effect in decays, Cerenkov radiation, the GZK cutoff and neutrino oscillation in cosmic rays. We also review the search for LIV in cosmic gamma-rays. For multi TeV gamma-rays we possibly encounter another puzzle related to the transparency of the CMB, similar to the GZK cutoff. The photons emitted in a Gamma Ray Burst occur at lower energies, but their very long path provides access to information not far from the Planck scale. No LIV has been observed so far. However, even extremely tiny LIV effects could change the predictions for cosmic ray physics drastically. An Appendix is devoted to the recent hypothesis by the Pierre Auger Collaboration, which identifies nearby Active Galactic Nuclei - or objects next to them - as probable UHECR sources.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2008

Topological Summation of Observables Measured with Dynamical Overlap Fermions

HMC histories for light dynamical overlap fermions tend to stay in a fixed topological sector for many trajectories, so that the different sectors are not sampled properly. Therefore the suitable summation of observables, which have been measured in separate sectors, is a major challenge. We explore several techniques for this issue, based on data for the chiral condensate and the (analogue of the) pion mass in the 2-flavour Schwinger model with dynamical overlap-hypercube fermions.

hep-lat↗

arXiv2008

Simulations of a supersymmetry inspired model on a fuzzy sphere

We present a numerical study of a two dimensional model of the Wess-Zumino type. We formulate this model on a sphere, where the fields are expanded in spherical harmonics. The sphere becomes fuzzy by a truncation in the angular momenta. This leads to a finite set of degrees of freedom without explicitly breaking the space symmetries. The corresponding field theory is expressed in terms of a matrix model, which can be simulated. We present first numerical results for the phase structure of a variant of this model on a fuzzy sphere. The prospect to restore exact supersymmetry in certain limits is under investigation.

hep-th↗

arXiv2007

Probing the fuzzy sphere regularisation in simulations of the 3d λϕ^4 model

We regularise the 3d λϕ^4 model by discretising the Euclidean time and representing the spatial part on a fuzzy sphere. The latter involves a truncated expansion of the field in spherical harmonics. This yields a numerically tractable formulation, which constitutes an unconventional alternative to the lattice. In contrast to the 2d version, the radius R plays an independent rôle. We explore the phase diagram in terms of R and the cutoff, as well as the parameters m^2 and λ. Thus we identify the phases of disorder, uniform order and non-uniform order. We compare the result to the phase diagrams of the 3d model on a non-commutative torus, and of the 2d model on a fuzzy sphere. Our data at strong coupling reproduce accurately the behaviour of a matrix chain, which corresponds to the c=1-model in string theory. This observation enables a conjecture about the thermodynamic limit.

hep-th↗

arXiv2007

Area-preserving diffeomorphisms in gauge theory on a non-commutative plane: a lattice study

We consider Yang-Mills theory with the U(1) gauge group on a non-commutative plane. Perturbatively it was observed that the invariance of this theory under area-preserving diffeomorphisms (APDs) breaks down to a rigid subgroup SL(2,R). Here we present explicit results for the APD symmetry breaking at finite gauge coupling and finite non-commutativity. They are based on lattice simulations and measurements of Wilson loops with the same area but with a variety of different shapes. Our results are consistent with the expected loss of invariance under APDs. Moreover, they strongly suggest that non-perturbatively the SL(2,R) symmetry does not persist either.

hep-lat↗

arXiv2007

Spin chain simulations with a meron cluster algorithm

We apply a meron cluster algorithm to the XY spin chain, which describes a quantum rotor. This is a multi-cluster simulation supplemented by an improved estimator, which deals with objects of half-integer topological charge. This method is powerful enough to provide precise results for the model with a theta-term - it is therefore one of the rare examples, where a system with a complex action can be solved numerically. In particular we measure the correlation length, as well as the topological and magnetic susceptibility. We discuss the algorithmic efficiency in view of the critical slowing down. Due to the excellent performance that we observe, it is strongly motivated to work on new applications of meron cluster algorithms in higher dimensions.

cond-mat.stat-mech↗