Shear viscosity of the Quark–Gluon Plasma from a virial expansion

We calculate the shear viscosity η in the quark–gluon plasma (QGP) phase within a virial expansion approach with particular interest in the ratio of η to the entropy density s, i.e. η/s. The virial expansion approach allows us to include the interactions between the partons in the deconfined phase and to evaluate the corrections to a single-particle partition function. In the latter approach we start with an effective interaction with parameters fixed to reproduce thermodynamical quantities of QCD such as energy and/or entropy density. We also directly extract the effective coupling α _V for the determination of η. Our numerical results give a ratio η/s≈0.097 at the critical temperature T _c, which is very close to the theoretical bound of 1/(4π). Furthermore, for temperatures T≤1.8T _c the ratio η/s is in the range of the present experimental estimates 0.1–0.3 at RHIC. When combining our results for η/s in the deconfined phase with those from chiral perturbation theory or the resonance-gas model in the confined phase we observe a pronounced minimum of η/s close to the critical temperature T _c.     

Glauber Dynamics for the Mean-Field Potts Model

We study Glauber dynamics for the mean-field (Curie-Weiss) Potts model with q??3 states and show that it undergoes a critical slowdown at an inverse-temperature ?? _s (q) strictly lower than the critical ?? _c (q) for uniqueness of the thermodynamic limit. The dynamical critical ?? _s (q) is the spinodal point marking the onset of metastability. We prove that when ??<?? _s (q) the mixing time is asymptotically C(??,q)nlogn and the dynamics exhibits the cutoff phenomena, a sharp transition in mixing, with a window of order n. At ??=?? _s (q) the dynamics no longer exhibits cutoff and its mixing obeys a power-law of order n ^4/3. For ??>?? _s (q) the mixing time is exponentially large in n. Furthermore, as ?????? _s with n, the mixing time interpolates smoothly from subcritical to critical behavior, with the latter reached at a scaling window of O(n ^?2/3) around ?? _s . These results form the first complete analysis of mixing around the critical dynamical temperature??including the critical power law??for a model with a first order phase transition.     

Correlation of volumetric properties of binary mixtures of some ionic liquids with alcohols using equation of state

In our previous paper, we extended the Tao and Mason equation of state (TM EOS) to pure ionic liquids. Here we apply TM EOS based on statistical?Cmechanical perturbation theory to binary mixtures of ionic liquids. Three temperature-dependent quantities are needed to use the equation of state: the second virial coefficient, B ₂, effective van der Waals co-volume, b, and a scaling factor, ??. The second virial coefficients are calculated from a correlation that uses the normal boiling temperature and normal boiling density. ?? and b can also be calculated from the second virial coefficient by scaling. In this procedure, the number of input parameters, for calculation of B ₂, ??, and b reduced from 5 (i.e., critical temperature, critical pressure, acetric factor, Boyle temperature T _B, and the Boyle volume ?? _B) to 2 (i.e., T _bp and ?? _bp). At close inspection of the deviations given in this work, the TM EOS predicts the densities with a mean AAD of 1.69%. The density of selected system obtained from the TM EOS has been compared with those calculated from perturbed-hard-sphere equation of state. Our results are in favor of the preference of the TM EOS over another equation of state. The overall average absolute deviation for 428 data points that calculated by perturbed-hard-sphere equation of state is 2.60%.     

The Excited Triplet State of Azoalkanes: Electron Spin Polarization and Magnetic Field Effects During Triplet-Sensitized Photolysis of trans-Azocumene in Solution

The triplet-sensitized photodecomposition of azocumene into nitrogen and cumyl radicals is investigated by time-resolved electron paramagnetic resonance and absorption spectroscopy. The radicals are found to be created spin polarized with a yield depending on the strength of the applied magnetic field. The phenomenon arises because in triplet azocumene, the decay into radicals competes with a fast triplet-sublevel selective intersystem crossing back to the azocumene ground state. The size of the initial spin polarization of the radicals and the magnetic field effect on their yield are determined in solvents of different viscosities. Data analysis yields rate constants for the intersystem crossing and the cleavage reaction of triplet azocumene as well as its zero-field splitting D _ZFS. At room temperature in nonpolar solvents, the most probable values are: k _x ?=?k _y ?=?1.2?×?10¹¹?s^?? and k _z ?=?1.9?×?10¹⁰?s^?? for the intersystem crossing from the energetically lower and upper triplet substates, respectively, k _p ?=?1.6?×?10⁹?s^?? for the cleavage reaction and for the zero-field splitting D _ZFS?=???.4?×?10^10?s^?? (0.18?cm^??).     

Muon Capture on Deuteron and 3He

We present the results of a recent simultaneous study of the muon capture reactions ²H(?? ^?, ?? _?? )nn and ³He(?? ^?, ?? _?? )³H. The initial and final A = 2 and 3 nuclear wave functions are obtained from the Argonne v ₁₈ or chiral N3LO two-nucleon potential, in combination with, respectively, the Urbana IX or chiral N2LO three-nucleon potential in the case of A?=?3. The weak current consists of polar- and axial-vector components. The former are related to the isovector piece of the electromagnetic current via the conserved-vector-current hypothesis. These and the axial currents are derived either in a meson-exchange or in a chiral effective field theory (??EFT) framework. In the first case, there is one parameter which is fixed by reproducing the Gamow-Teller matrix element in tritium ??-decay (GT^EXP). In the second case, the low-energy constants, two in the polar and one in the axial-vector current, are fixed, respectively, by reproducing the A?=?3 magnetic moments and GT^EXP. The total rates are found to be 392.0 ± 2.3 s^?1 for A?=?2, and 1484 ± 13 s^?1 for A?=?3, where the spread accounts for the model dependence relative to the adopted interactions and currents (and cutoff sensitivity in the ??EFT currents).     

Galaxy cluster number count data constraints on cosmological parameters

We use data on massive galaxy clusters (M _cluster>8×10¹⁴ h ^?1 M _?? within a comoving radius of R _cluster=1.5h ^?1?Mpc) in the redshift range 0.05?z?0.83 to place constraints, simultaneously, on the nonrelativistic matter density parameter ?? _m , on the amplitude of mass fluctuations ?? ₈, on the index n of the power-law spectrum of the density perturbations, and on the Hubble constant H ₀, as well as on the equation-of-state parameters (w ₀,w _a ) of a smooth dark energy component. For the first time, we properly take into account the dependence on redshift and cosmology of the quantities related to cluster physics: the critical density contrast, the growth factor, the mass conversion factor, the virial overdensity, the virial radius and, most importantly, the cluster number count derived from the observational temperature data. We show that, contrary to previous analyses, cluster data alone prefer low values of the amplitude of mass fluctuations, ?? ₈??0.69 (1?? C.L.), and large amounts of nonrelativistic matter, ?? _m ??0.38 (1?? C.L.), in slight tension with the ??CDM concordance cosmological model, though the results are compatible with ??CDM at 2??. In addition, we derive a ?? ₈ normalization relation, $\sigma_{8} \varOmega_{m}^{1/3} = 0.49 \pm 0.06$ (2?? C.L.). Combining cluster data with ?? ₈-independent baryon acoustic oscillation observations, cosmic microwave background data, Hubble constant measurements, Hubble parameter determination from passively evolving red galaxies, and magnitude?Credshift data of type Ia supernovae, we find $\varOmega_{m} = 0.28^{+0.03}_{-0.02}$ and $\sigma_{8} = 0.73^{+0.03}_{-0.03}$ , the former in agreement and the latter being slightly lower than the corresponding values in the concordance cosmological model. We also find $H_{0} = 69.1^{+1.3}_{-1.5}~\mbox {km}/\mbox {s}/\mbox {Mpc}$ , the fit to the data being almost independent on n in the adopted range [0.90,1.05]. Concerning the dark energy equation-of-state parameters, we show that the present data on massive clusters weakly constrain (w ₀,w _a ) around the values corresponding to a cosmological constant, i.e. (w ₀,w _a )=(?1,0). The global analysis gives $w_{0} = -1.14^{+0.14}_{-0.16}$ and $w_{a} = 0.85^{+0.42}_{-0.60}$ (1?? C.L. errors). Very similar results are found in the case of time-evolving dark energy with a constant equation-of-state parameter w=const (the XCDM parametrization). Finally, we show that the impact of bounds on (w ₀,w _a ) is to favor top-down phantom models of evolving dark energy.     

Editorial

Using coupled cluster singles and doubles linear response theory and the d-aug-cc-pVTZ basis set extended with a 3s3p2d1f1g set of midbond functions, the interaction induced electric dipole polarisability surface of the CO–Ar van der Waals complex is computed. Combining this surface with accurate intermolecular potential energy and electric dipole surfaces, the pressure and dielectric second virial coefficients of the complex are calculated by a classical statistical approach. Excellent agreement with experimental results (to within the experimental error bars) is obtained for the pressure second virial coefficient over a range of temperatures. No previous experimental or theoretical investigations have been carried out for the dielectric second virial coefficient, B _ε(T), which is estimated to be about 1.9 cm⁶ mol^??1 at room temperature. This value results from a balance of terms due to the interaction induced electric dipole polarisability (predominant at high temperatures) and orientational electric dipole contributions.     

On the Standard Model prediction for \mathcal{B}(B_{s,d} \to \mu^{+} \mu^{-})

The decay B _s →μ ⁺ μ ^? is one of the milestones of the flavor program at the LHC. We reappraise its Standard Model prediction. First, by analyzing the theoretical rate in the light of its main parametric dependence, we highlight the importance of a complete evaluation of higher-order electroweak corrections, at present known only in the large-m _t limit, and leaving sizable dependence on the definition of electroweak parameters. Using insights from a complete calculation of such corrections for $K\to\pi\nu\bar{\nu}We present O(?? _s ) results on the decays of polarized W ^± and Z bosons into massive quark pairs. The NLO QCD corrections to the polarized decay functions are given up to the second order in the quark mass expansion. We find a surprisingly strong dependence of the NLO polarized decay functions on finite quark mass effects even at the relatively large mass scale of the W ^± and Z bosons. As a main application we consider the decay t??b+W ⁺ involving the helicity fractions ?? _mm of the W ⁺ boson followed by the polarized decay $W^{+}(\uparrow)\to q_{1}\bar{q}_{2}$ for which we determine the O(?? _s ) polar angle decay distribution. We also discuss NLO polarization effects in the production/decay process $e^{+}e^{-}\to Z(\uparrow)\to q\bar{q}$ .     

Continuum Limit of Susceptibility from Strong Coupling Expansion

On the basis of a strong-coupling expansion, we reinvestigate the scaling behavior of the susceptibility ?? of the two-dimensional O(N) sigma model on the square lattice with Padé?CBorel approximants. To exploit the Borel transform, we express the bare coupling g in a series expansion in ??. For large N, the Padé?CBorel approximants exhibit scaling behavior at the four-loop level. We estimate the nonperturbative constant associated with the susceptibility for N????3 and compare the results with previous analytica l results and Monte Carlo data.     

A More Accurate and Competitive Estimative of <Emphasis Type="Italic">H</Emphasis><Subscript>0</Subscript> in Intermediate Redshifts

In order to clarify the tension between estimates of the Hubble Constant (H₀) from local (z ? 1) and global (z ? 1) measurements, Lima and Cunha (LC) proposed a new method to measure H₀ in intermediate redshifts (z ≈ 1), which were obtained H₀ = 74.1 ± 2.2 km s^??1Mpc^??1 (1σ), in full agreement to local measurements via Supernovae/Cepheid dataset. However, Holanda et al. (Month. Not. R. Astronom. Soc. Lett. 443(1) L74–L78 (2014)) affirm that a better understanding of the morphology of galaxy clusters in LC framework is needed to a more robust and accurate determination of H₀. Moreover, that kind of sample has been strongly questioned in the literature. In this context, (i) we investigated if the sample of galaxy clusters used by LC has a relevant role in their results, then (ii) we perform a more accurate and competitive determination of H₀ in intermediate redshifts, free of unknown systematic uncertainties. First, we found that the exclusion of the sample of galaxy clusters from the determination initially proposed by LC leads to significantly different results. Finally, we performed a new determination in H₀, where we obtained H₀ = 68.00 ± 2.20 km s^??1 Mpc^??1 (1σ) with statistical and systematic errors and \(H_{0} = 68.71^{+?1.37}_{-1.45}\) km s^??1 Mpc^??1 (1σ) with statistical errors only. Contrary to those obtained by LC, these values are in full harmony with the global measurements via Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) radiation and to the other recent estimates of H₀ in intermediate redshifts.     

Field Theoretic Formulation of Kinetic Theory: Basic Development

We show how kinetic theory, the statistics of classical particles obeying Newtonian dynamics, can be formulated as a field theory. The field theory can be organized to produce a self-consistent perturbation theory expansion in an effective interaction potential. The need for a self-consistent approach is suggested by our interest in investigating ergodic-nonergodic transitions in dense fluids. The formal structure we develop has been implemented in detail for the simpler case of Smoluchowski dynamics. One aspect of the approach is the identification of a core problem spanned by the variables ?? the number density and B a response density. In this paper we set up the perturbation theory expansion with explicit development at zeroth and first order. We also determine all of the cumulants in the noninteracting limit among the core variables ?? and B.     

Linear and nonlinear liftings of states of quantum systems

In this paper, we study the representability of an arbitrary quantum state ?? ?? ??(H) as the reduction of a vector state r ?? ??(H) of the extended system. We extend the operation of lifting from the set of states ?? _n (H) to the set of generalized states ??(H). A method of constructing the Hilbert space H and the affine linear lifting ??(H) ?? ??(H) is studied. The construction of individual expansion H _?? of the space H for which the state ?? is a reduction of a vector state H _?? is of special interest.     

On the second-order virial coefficient and the relationships between quantum and classical statistics and scattering

We clarify some aspects of the relationship between quantum statistical mechanics and scattering theory, which show up in their simplest form in the behaviour of the second-order virial coefficient b₂. For this purpose we derive a new representation for b₂. The relationship with classical statistical mechanics is also illuminated by a recently obtained formula for the difference between the classical and quantum second order virial coefficients which allows the determination of the leading quantum correction to b₂. The several approaches represent alternative ways of implementing the cancellation of divergences in b₂.     

Three-Frequency Composite Multipulse Nuclear Quadrupole Resonance Technique for Explosive Detection

New method of multifrequency nuclear quadrupole resonance (NQR) for the explosive detection has been proposed. This technique consists of application of the series of composite excitation circles, each consisting of two or three successive pulses of different frequencies. In this work, we study in detail the multipulse sequence consisting of n excitation sets, each set consists of three pulses. The first pulse is applied with frequency ?? _?, the second pulse with frequency ?? ₀, and the third pulse with frequency ?? _?C, but with a shifted phase. The NQR signal is detected at the frequency ?? ₊. The maximal amplitude of the detected signal is obtained by tuning the pulse parameters at frequencies ?? _? and ?? ₀. We have shown that the phase of the NQR signal at the frequency ?? ₊ second part of the composite pulse with the frequency ?? ₀ the signals with different phases to suppress the spurious signals. The method could be used for increasing the NQR signal, avoiding the spurious signals and improving the reliability of NQR detection. Possible applications of the method for the explosive detection are also discussed.     

Muon Capture on Light Nuclei

This work investigates the muon capture reactions ²H(?? ^?, ?? _?? )nn and ³He(?? ^?, ?? _?? )³H and the contribution to their total capture rates arising from the axial two-body currents obtained imposing the partially-conserved-axial-current (PCAC) hypothesis. The initial and final A = 2 and 3 nuclear wave functions are obtained from the Argonne v ₁₈ two-nucleon potential, in combination with the Urbana IX three-nucleon potential in the case of A?=?3. The weak current consists of vector and axial components derived in chiral effective field theory. The low-energy constant entering the vector (axial) component is determined by reproducting the isovector combination of the trinucleon magnetic moment (Gamow-Teller matrix element of tritium beta-decay). The total capture rates are 393.1(8) s^?1 for A = 2 and 1488(9) s^?1 for A?=?3, where the uncertainties arise from the adopted fitting procedure.     

Spatial distribution of transition radiation of relativistic particles in the dihedral angle formed by perfectly conductive planes

Spatial distributions of transition radiation intensity of particles entering the dihedral angle and escaping from it are calculated. It was shown that radiation of escaping charge at any opening of the dihedral angle ?? is concentrated near the motion direction. If the particle enters the angle, the radiation distribution is defined by the opening angle. At opening angles ?? = ??/n, radiation is concentrated near the direction of actual charge motion when n is an even number and near the direction of image charge motion when n is an odd number. At other opening angles, the spatial distribution of entering particle radiation has two maxima whose positions are defined by the injection angle.     

Yangian algebra in the bi-qubit system and mixed light pseudoscalar meson state

We extend the holographic Ricci dark energy model to include some direct, non-gravitational interaction between dark energy and dark matter. We consider three phenomenological forms for the interaction term Q in the model, namely, Q is taken proportional to the Hubble expansion rate and the energy densities of dark sectors (taken to be ?? _de, ?? _m, and ?? _de+?? _m, respectively). We obtain a uniform analytical solution to the three interacting models. Furthermore, we constrain the models by using the latest observational data, including the 557 Union2 type Ia supernovae data, the cosmic microwave background anisotropy data from the 7-yr WMAP, and the baryon acoustic oscillation data from the SDSS. We show that in the interacting models of the holographic Ricci dark energy, a more reasonable value of ?? _m0 will be obtained, and the observations favor a rather strong coupling between dark energy and dark matter.     

Coupled Higgs field equation and Hamiltonian amplitude equation: Lie classical approach and (G′/G)-expansion method

In this paper, coupled Higgs field equation and Hamiltonian amplitude equation are studied using the Lie classical method. Symmetry reductions and exact solutions are reported for Higgs equation and Hamiltonian amplitude equation. We also establish the travelling wave solutions involving parameters of the coupled Higgs equation and Hamiltonian amplitude equation using (G??/G)-expansion method, where G?=?G(??) satisfies a second-order linear ordinary differential equation (ODE). The travelling wave solutions expressed by hyperbolic, trigonometric and the rational functions are obtained.