A note on the ‘one-link’ integral of U(N) lattice gauge theory

We calculate the one-link U(N) integral in closed form by a direct method, i.e., polar decomposition and integration over agular variables. The result agrees with the known solution of the Brower-Nauenberg equation, at least forN4.Notice that in Reference [7] a direct integration was given forN=2 andN=3 However, the identification with Equation (2) was not given explicity, but on the basis on the assumed uniqueness of the solution.     

Consciousness in the universe: A review of the ‘Orch OR’ theory

The nature of consciousness, the mechanism by which it occurs in the brain, and its ultimate place in the universe are unknown. We proposed in the mid 1990's that consciousness depends on biologically ‘orchestrated’ coherent quantum processes in collections of microtubules within brain neurons, that these quantum processes correlate with, and regulate, neuronal synaptic and membrane activity, and that the continuous Schrödinger evolution of each such process terminates in accordance with the specific Diósi–Penrose (DP) scheme of ‘objective reduction’ (‘OR’) of the quantum state. This orchestrated OR activity (‘Orch OR’) is taken to result in moments of conscious awareness and/or choice. The DP form of OR is related to the fundamentals of quantum mechanics and space–time geometry, so Orch OR suggests that there is a connection between the brain's biomolecular processes and the basic structure of the universe. Here we review Orch OR in light of criticisms and developments in quantum biology, neuroscience, physics and cosmology. We also introduce a novel suggestion of ‘beat frequencies’ of faster microtubule vibrations as a possible source of the observed electro-encephalographic (‘EEG’) correlates of consciousness. We conclude that consciousness plays an intrinsic role in the universe.     

Unconventional large-N limit of the Gaussian effective potential and the phase transition in λφ 4 theory

In the conventional large-N limit the coupling constant is required to scale as 1/N. While the Gaussian effective potential (GEP) is known to contain the exact result in this limit, it shows a phase transition only when 1/N (in units of the renormalized mass in the symmetric vacuum). Here we determine the asymptotic behaviour, asN, of and other quantities at the phase transition of the GEP. We find _crit to be finite in 0+1 dimensions; of order 1/lnN in 1+1 dimensions; 1/N ^1/3 in 2+1 dimensions; and in 3+1 dimensions. The GEP's first-order phase transition is shown to become asymptotically second-order in 1+1 dimensions and below. We also discuss non-integer dimensions and the approach to the non-trivial autonomous theory in 3+1 dimensions.     

A finite size scaling analysis of the O(4)-invariant lattice δ4 theory

The critical behaviour of the three- and four-dimensional N=4 vector model is investigated by means of a Monte Carlo simulation on lattices with size between 4³ and 16³, and between 4⁴ and 12⁴, respectively. For obtaining information about some critical properties of the model, we use a method due to Binder which is based on the theory of finite size scaling. For the three-dimensional model we get estimates of the critical exponents ν and η which are compatible with estimates obtained from the ϵ-expansion. In four dimensions we study for two different values of the bare self-coupling λ (λ=1 in our normalization, and λ=∞) the scaling behaviour of some Green function ratios at the phase boundary. In both cases we find compatibility with the “predicted” scaling behaviour at the gaussian fixed point. This is another independent numerical hint that the continuum limit of the four-dimensional O(4)-invariant lattice δ⁴-model is a free field theory.     

‘Percolative’ dynamics in the hexagonal lattice

We study a percolative dynamic model for the hexagonal lattice. Random trajectories are generated and their critical behaviour is studied. The critical behaviour corresponds to that of simple percolatio in some of the parameter space, but elsewhere the exponents reveal new universality classes. We calculate the fractal dimension of extended trajectories for different critical points.     

The loop expansion for the effective potential in theP(φ)2 quantum field theory

We study the loop expansion for the effective potential, defined as the Fenchel transform (convex conjugate) of the pressure in an external field, in theP()₂ quantum field theory. For values of the classical fielda for which the classical potentialU ₀(a)=P(a)+1/2m ² a ² equals its convex hull and has nonvanishing curvature we prove that the 1-PI loop expansion is asymptotic as 0. We also give an example of a double well classical potential for which the 1-PI loop expansion fails to be asymptotic, and find the true asymptotics.This paper is a condensed version of the author's Ph.D. thesis for the Department of Mathematics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, B.C., Canada V6T 1Y4     

Convex effective potential of O(N)-symmetricø4 theory for large N

We obtain an effective potential of the O(N)-symmetric ø⁴ theory for large N starting with a finite lattice system and taking the thermodynamic limit with great care. In the thermodynamic limit, it is globally real-valued and convex in both the symmetric and the broken phases. In particular, it has a flat bottom in the broken phase. Taking the continuum limit, we discuss renormalization effects to the flat bottom and exhibit the effective potential of the continuum theory in three and four dimensions. On the other hand, the effective potential is nonconvex in a finite lattice system. Our numerical study shows that the barrier height of the effective potential flattens as a linear size of the system becomes large. It decreases obeying a power law and the exponent is about −2. The result is clearly understood from the dominance of configurations with a slowly-rotating field in one direction.     

Thed-p model of ‘highT c’ superconductivity is the Anderson lattice

We show that thed-p model of HighT _c superconductivity can be mapped ontoa spin half Anderson latticewith vanishing conduction electron band width. Using the non-orthogonal basis of Zhang and Rice [1], we show that the orthogonalised combinations are very short range and make up a conduction band for the resulting Anderson Lattice. The only motion is restricted to that with achange of orbital character.     

Massless lattice φ 4 4 theory: Rigorous control of a renormalizable asymptotically free model

Using block spin renormalization group techniques, we rigorously control the functional integral of a weakly coupled critical lattice ⁴ theory in four euclidean dimensions proving the infrared asymptotic freedom of the model. This solves the infrared counterpart of and sheds some light on the problem of existence of continuum renormalizable ultraviolet asymptotically free models.On leave from the Department of Mathematical Methods of Physics, University, Warsaw, Poland     

The power of distinguished limits: A comment on ‘On the two-dimensional instability of square-wave detonations’

The stability of both Chapman-Jouguet and overdriven square-wave detonations is investigated in the limit of a large detonation Mach number and a ratio of specific heats close to one.     

The exact decomposition of gauge variables in lattice Yang–Mills theory

In this Letter, we consider lattice versions of the decomposition of the Yang–Mills field a la Cho–Faddeev–Niemi, which was extended by Kondo, Shinohara and Murakami in the continuum formulation. For the SU(N)$\mathit{SU}(N)$ gauge group, we propose a set of defining equations for specifying the decomposition of the gauge link variable and solve them exactly without using the ansatz adopted in the previous studies for SU(2)$\mathit{SU}(2)$ and SU(3)$\mathit{SU}(3)$. As a result, we obtain the general form of the decomposition for SU(N)$\mathit{SU}(N)$ gauge link variables and confirm the previous results obtained for SU(2)$\mathit{SU}(2)$ and SU(3)$\mathit{SU}(3)$.     

An improvement of the lattice theory of dislocation for a two-dimensional triangular crystal

The structure of dislocation in a two-dimensional triangular crystal has been studied theoretically on the basis of atomic interaction and lattice statics. The theory presented in this paper is an improvement to that published previously.Within a reasonable interaction approximation, a new dislocation equation is obtained, which remedies a fault existing in the lattice theory of dislocation. A better simplification of non-diagonal terms of the kernel is given. The solution of the new dislocation equation asymptotically becomes the same as that obtained in the elastic theory, and agrees with experimental data. It is found that the solution is formally identical with that proposed phenomenologically by Foreman et al, where the parameter can be chosen freely, but cannot uniquely determined from theory. Indeed, if the parameter in the expression of the solution is selected suitably, the expression can be well applied to describe the fine structure of the dislocation.     

Nigel calder: ‘The key to the universe’

Recent advances in the use of physico-mathematical models to forecast the weather over the Northern Hemisphere for up to six days ahead are described. A higher-resolution model is used to predict the evolution of smaller-scale weather systems such as fronts and their associated rainfall over western Europe up to 36 h ahead. An example of a five-day numerical forecast and its verification are presented.

The concepts of precision, accuracy, assessment and evaluation of forecasts are discussed together with the factors that ultimately limit their accuracy and range. The improvement in both surface and upper-air forecasts since the introduction of computer models is demonstrated by both objective tests and more subjective judgements.     

Lattice (Φ 4)4 effective potential giving spontaneous symmetry breaking and the role of the Higgs mass

We present a critical reappraisal of the available results on the broken phase ofλ(Φ ⁴)₄ theory, as obtained from rigorous formal analyses and from lattice calculations. All the existing evidence is compatible with Spontaneous Symmetry Breaking but dictates a trivially free shifted field that becomes controlled by a quadratic hamiltonian in the continuum limit. As recently pointed out, this implies that the simple one-loop effective potential should become effectively exact. Moreover, the usual naive assumption that the Higgs mass-squaredm _h ² is proportional to its “renormalized” self-couplingλ _R is not valid outside perturbation theory: the appropriate continuum limit hasm _h finite and vanishingλ _R . A Monte Carlo lattice computation of theλ(Φ ⁴)₄ effective potential, both in the single-component and in theO(2)-symmetric cases, is shown to agree very well with the one-loop prediction. Moreover, its perturbative leading-log improvement (based on the concept ofλ _R ) fails to reproduce the Monte Carlo data. These results, while supporting in a new fashion the peculiar “triviality” of theλ(Φ ⁴)₄ theory, also imply that, outside perturbation theory, the magnitude of the Higgs mass does not give a measure of the observable interactions in the scalar sector of the standard model.     

The ‘Miracle’ of Applicability? The Curious Case of the Simple Harmonic Oscillator

The paper discusses to what extent the conceptual issues involved in solving the simple harmonic oscillator model fit Wigner’s famous point that the applicability of mathematics borders on the miraculous. We argue that although there is ultimately nothing mysterious here, as is to be expected, a careful demonstration that this is so involves unexpected difficulties. Consequently, through the lens of this simple case we derive some insight into what is responsible for the appearance of mystery in more sophisticated examples of the Wigner problem.     

The influence of defects on the effective Young’s modulus of a defective solid

It is difficult to establish structure-property relationships in a defective solid because of its inhomogeneous-geometry microstructure caused by defects. In the present research, the effects of pores and cracks on the Young’s modulus of a defective solid are studied. Based on the law of the conservation of energy, mathematical formulations are proposed to indicate how the shape, size, and distribution of defects affect the effective Young’s modulus. In this approach, detailed equations are illustrated to represent the shape and size of defects on the effective Young’s modulus. Different from the results obtained from the traditional empirical analyses, mixture law or statistical method, for the first time, our results from the finite element method (FEM) and strict analytical calculation show that the influence of pore radius and crack length on the effective Young’s modulus can be quantified. It is found that the longest crack in a typical microstructure of ceramic coating dominates the contribution of the effective Young’s modulus in the vertical direction of the crack.     

The electrostatics of Einstein’s unified field theory

When sources are added at their right-hand sides, and g_(ik) is a priori assumed to be the metric, the equations of Einstein’s Hermitian theory of relativity were shown to allow for an exact solution that describes the general electrostatic field of n point charges. Moreover, the injunction of spherical symmetry of g_(ik) in the infinitesimal neighbourhood of each of the charges was proved to yield the equilibrium conditions of the n charges in keeping with ordinary electrostatics. The tensor g_(ik), however, cannot be the metric of the theory, since it enters neither the eikonal equation nor the equation of motion of uncharged test particles. A physically correct metric that rules both the behaviour of wave fronts and of uncharged matter is the one indicated by Hély.In the present paper it is shown how the electrostatic solution predicts the structure of the n charged particles and their mutual positions of electrostatic equilibrium when Hély’s physically correct metric is adopted.