Showing papers by "Anthony W. Thomas published in 2018"

Implications of neutron star properties for the existence of light dark matter

Abstract: It was recently suggested that the discrepancy between two methods of measuring the lifetime of the neutron may be a result of an unseen decay mode into a dark matter particle which is almost degenerate with the neutron. We explore the consequences of this for the properties of neutron stars, finding that their known properties are in conflict with the existence of such a particle.

Implications of Neutron Star Properties for the Existence of Light Dark Matter

Abstract: It was recently suggested that the discrepancy between two methods of measuring the lifetime of the neutron may be a result of an unseen decay mode into a dark matter particle which is almost degenerate with the neutron. We explore the consequences of this for the properties of neutron stars, finding that their known properties are in conflict with the existence of such a particle.

Structure of the Roper Resonance from Lattice QCD Constraints

Abstract: Two different effective field theory descriptions of the pion-nucleon scattering data are constructed to describe the region of the Roper resonance. In one, the resonance is the result of strong rescattering between coupled meson-baryon channels, while in the other the resonance has a large bare-baryon (or quark-model-like) component. The predictions of these two scenarios are compared with the latest lattice QCD simulation results in this channel. We find that the second scenario is not consistent with lattice QCD results, whereas the first agrees with those constraints. In that preferred scenario, the mass of the quark-model-like state is approximately 2 GeV, with the infinite-volume Roper resonance best described as a resonance generated dynamically through strongly coupled meson-baryon channels.

Quark-Meson-Coupling (QMC) model for finite nuclei, nuclear matter and beyond

Abstract: The Quark-Meson-Coupling model, which self-consistently relates the dynamics of the internal quark structure of a hadron to the relativistic mean fields arising in nuclear matter, provides a natural explanation to many open questions in low energy nuclear physics, including the origin of many-body nuclear forces and their saturation, the spin-orbit interaction and properties of hadronic matter at a wide range of densities up to those occurring in the cores of neutron stars. Here we focus on four aspects of the model (i) a full comprehensive survey of the theory, including the latest developments, (ii) extensive application of the model to ground state properties of finite nuclei and hypernuclei, with a discussion of similarities and differences between the QMC and Skyrme energy density functionals, (iii) equilibrium conditions and composition of hadronic matter in cold and warm neutron stars and their comparison with the outcome of relativistic mean-field theories and, (iv) tests of the fundamental idea that hadron structure changes in-medium.

Semi-inclusive production of two back-to-back hadron pairs in $e^+e^-$ annihilation revisited

Abstract: The cross section for back-to-back hadron pair production in e+e- annihilation provides access to the dihadron fragmentation functions (DiFF) needed to extract nucleon parton distribution functions from the semi-inclusive deep inelastic scattering (SIDIS) experiments with two detected final state hadrons Particular attention is given to the so-called interference DiFF (IFF), which makes it possible to extract the transversity parton distribution of the nucleon in the collinear framework However, previously unnoticed discrepancies were recently highlighted between the definitions of the IFFs appearing in the collinear kinematics when reconstructed from DiFFs entering the unintegrated fully differential cross sections of SIDIS and e+e- annihilation processes In this work, to clarify this problem we re-derive the fully differential cross section for e+e- annihilation at the leading-twist approximation We find a mistake in the definition of the kinematics in the original expression that systematically affects a subset of terms and that leads to two significant consequences First, the discrepancy between the IFF definitions in the cross sections for SIDIS and e+e- annihilation is resolved Second, the previously derived azimuthal asymmetry for accessing the helicity dependent DiFF G1⊥ in e+e- annihilation vanishes, which explains the nonobservation of this asymmetry in the recent experimental searches by the BELLE collaboration We discuss the recently proposed alternative option to extract G1⊥

Accessing Quark Helicity through Dihadron Studies.

Abstract: We present a new proposal to study the helicity-dependent dihadron fragmentation functions (DiFF), which describe the correlations of the longitudinal polarization of a fragmenting quark with the transverse momenta of the produced hadron pair. Recent experimental searches for this DiFF via azimuthal asymmetries in back-to-back hadron pair production in e^{+}e^{-} annihilation by the BELLE Collaboration did not yield a signal. Here we propose a new way to access this DiFF in e^{+}e^{-} annihilation, motivated by the recently recalculated cross section of this reaction, which explains why there was in fact no signal for the BELLE Collaboration to see. In this new approach the azimuthal asymmetry is weighted by the virtual photon's transverse momentum square multiplying sine and cosine functions of difference of azimuthal angles of relative and total momentum for each pair. The integration over the virtual photon's transverse momentum has the effect of separating the convolution between the helicity-dependent DiFFs in the quark and antiquark jets and results in a nonzero collinear expression containing Fourier moments of helicity-dependent DiFFs. A second new measurement is also proposed for two-hadron production in semi-inclusive deep inelastic scattering, where the asymmetry is weighted in a similar way for a single pair. This results in a collinear factorized form of the asymmetry, which includes the quark helicity parton distribution function and the same helicity-dependent DiFF, as in e^{+}e^{-} production and will allow us to check the universality of this DiFF.

Charge symmetry breaking effects in pion and kaon structure

Abstract: Charge symmetry breaking (CSB) effects associated with the $u$ and $d$ quark mass difference are investigated in the quark distribution functions and spacelike electromagnetic form factors of the pion and kaon. We use a confining version of the Nambu--Jona-Lasinio model, where CSB effects at the infrared scale associated with the model are driven by the dressed $u$ and $d$ quark mass ratio, which because of dynamical chiral symmetry breaking is much closer to unity than the associated current quark mass ratio. The pion and kaon are given as bound states of a dressed quark and a dressed antiquark governed by the Bethe-Salpeter equation, and exhibit the properties of Goldstone bosons, with a pion mass difference given by $m_{\pi^+}^2 - m_{\pi^0}^2 \propto (m_u - m_d)^2$ as demanded by dynamical chiral symmetry breaking. We find significant CSB effects for realistic current quark mass ratios ($m_u/m_d \sim 0.5$) in the quark flavor-sector electromagnetic form factors of both the pion and kaon. For example, the difference between the $u$ and $d$ quark contributions to the $\pi^+$ electromagnetic form factors is about 8\% at a momentum transfer of $Q^2 \simeq 10\,$GeV$^2$, while the analogous effect for the light quark sector form factors in the $K^+$ and $K^0$ is about twice as large. For the Parton distribution functions, we find CSB effects which are considerably smaller than those found in the electromagnetic form factors.

Dihadron fragmentation functions in the quark-jet model: Transversely polarized quarks

Abstract: Within the most recent extension of the quark-jet hadronization framework, we explore the transverse-polarization-dependent dihadron fragmentation functions (DiFFs) $H_1^\sphericalangle$ and $H_1^\perp$ of a quark into $\pi^+\pi^-$ pairs. Monte Carlo (MC) simulations are employed to model polarized quark hadronization and calculate the corresponding number densities. These, in turn, are used to extract the Fourier cosine moments of the DiFFs $H_1^\sphericalangle$ and $H_1^\perp$. A notable finding is that there are previously unnoticed apparent discrepancies between the definitions of the so-called interference DiFF (IFF) $H_1^\sphericalangle$, entering the cross sections for two-hadron semi-inclusive electroproduction, and those involved in the production of two pairs of hadrons from back-to-back jets in electron-positron annihilation. This manuscript completes the studies of all four leading twist DiFFs for unpolarized hadron pairs within the quark-jet framework, following our previous work on the helicity-dependent DiFF $G_1^\perp$.

Neutron to dark matter decay in neutron stars

Abstract: Recent proposals have suggested that a previously unknown decay mode of the neutron into a dark matter particle could solve the long lasting measurement problem of the neutron decay width. We show ...

Reflections on the Origin of the EMC Effect

Abstract: In the 35 years since the European Muon Collaboration announced the astonishing result that the valence structure of a nucleus was very different from that of a free nucleon, many explanations have been suggested. The first of the two most promising explanations is based upon the different effects of the strong Lorentz scalar and vector mean fields known to exist in a nucleus on the internal structure of the nucleon-like clusters which occupy shell model states. The second links the effect to the modification of the structure of nucleons involved in short-range correlations, which are far off their mass shell. We explore some of the methods which have been proposed to give complementary information on this puzzle, especially the spin-dependent EMC effect and the isovector EMC effect, both proposed by Cloet, Bentz and Thomas. It is shown that the predictions for the spin-dependent EMC effect, in particular, differ substantially within the mean-field and short-range correlation approaches. Hence, the measurement of the spin-dependent EMC effect at Jefferson Lab should give us a deeper understanding of the origin of the EMC effect and, indeed, of the structure of atomic nuclei.

Neutron to Dark Matter Decay in Neutron Stars.

Abstract: Recent proposals have suggested that a previously unknown decay mode of the neutron into a dark matter particle could solve the long lasting measurement problem of the neutron decay width. We show that, if the dark particle in neutron decay is the major component of the dark matter in the universe, this proposal is in disagreement with modern astro-physical data concerning neutron star masses.

Semi-inclusive back-to-back production of a hadron pair and a single hadron in e + e − annihilation

Abstract: Inclusive hadron production in e+e− annihilation has long been used to study both single hadron fragmentation functions (FF) and dihadron fragmentation functions (DiFF). In particular, the polarized DiFFs can be accessed in electron-positron annihilation by measuring azimuthal correlations between two back-to-back pairs of hadrons in the center of mass system, where the relevant structure functions can be expressed as convolutions of two (polarized) DiFFs. Here we explore the advantages of measuring the inclusive back-to-back production of a single hadron on one side against a hadron pair on the opposite side of the detector in two jet events. The leading twist cross section for this process contains convolutions of the corresponding single hadron FFs on one side and the DiFFs for the hadron pair on the other side, which furnishes several interesting new opportunities. A measurement of the unpolarized cross section with a number of different types of observed hadrons will help in untangling the quark flavor dependence of the unpolarized DiFFs, when the results are analyzed together with the inclusive measurements of dihadron pairs, such as those recently performed by the BELLE collaboration. Even more interesting, with a polarized hyperon on one side we can study the quark spin-dependent DiFFs of an unpolarized hadron pair on the other side. This, in turn, will allow us to test the universality of the spin-dependent DiFFs entering the cross sections of electron-positron annihilation and semi-inclusive deep inelastic scattering processes.

Reflections on the Origin of the EMC Effect

Abstract: In the 35 years since the European Muon Collaboration announced the astonishing result that the valence structure of a nucleus was very different from that of a free nucleon, many explanations have been suggested. The first of the two most promising explanations is based upon the different effects of the strong Lorentz scalar and vector mean fields known to exist in a nucleus on the internal structure of the nucleon-like clusters which occupy shell model states. The second links the effect to the modification of the structure of nucleons involved in short-range correlations, which are far off their mass shell. We explore some of the methods which have been proposed to give complementary information on this puzzle, especially the spin-dependent EMC effect and the isovector EMC effect, both proposed by Cloet, Bentz and Thomas. It is shown that the predictions for the spin dependent EMC effect, in particular, differ substantially within the mean-field and short-range correlation approaches. Hence the measurement of the spin dependent EMC effect at Jefferson Lab should give us a deeper understanding of the origin of the EMC effect and, indeed, of the structure of atomic nuclei.

Experimental study of the $\gamma p\rightarrow K^0\Sigma^+$, $\gamma n\rightarrow K^0\Lambda$, and $\gamma n\rightarrow K^0 \Sigma^0$ reactions at the Mainz Microtron

Abstract: This work measured $d\sigma/d\Omega$ for neutral kaon photoproduction reactions from threshold up to a c.m.\ energy of 1855MeV, focussing specifically on the $\gamma p\rightarrow K^0\Sigma^+$, $\gamma n\rightarrow K^0\Lambda$, and $\gamma n\rightarrow K^0 \Sigma^0$ reactions. Our results for $\gamma n\rightarrow K^0 \Sigma^0$ are the first-ever measurements for that reaction. These data will provide insight into the properties of $N^*$ resonances and, in particular, will lead to an improved knowledge about those states that couple only weakly to the $\pi N$ channel. Integrated cross sections were extracted by fitting the differential cross sections for each reaction as a series of Legendre polynomials and our results are compared with prior experimental results and theoretical predictions.

Nucleon Excited States from Lattice QCD and Hamiltonian Effective Field Theory

Abstract: An approach for relating the nucleon excited states extracted from lattice QCD and the nucleon resonances of experimental data has been developed using the Hamiltonian effective field theory (HEFT) method. By formulating HEFT in the finite volume of the lattice, the eigenstates of the Hamiltonian model can be related to the energy eigenstates observed in Lattice simulations. By taking the infinite-volume limit of HEFT, information from the lattice is linked to experiment. The approach opens a new window for the study of experimentally-observed resonances from the first principles of lattice QCD calculations. With the Hamiltonian approach, one not only describes the spectra of lattice-QCD eigenstates through the eigenvalues of the finite-volume Hamiltonian matrix, but one also learns the composition of the lattice-QCD eigenstates via the eigenvectors of the Hamiltonian matrix. One learns the composition of the states in terms of the meson-baryon basis states considered in formulating the effective field theory. One also learns the composition of the resonances observed in Nature. In this paper, we will focus on recent breakthroughs in our understanding of the structure of the $N^*(1535)$, $N^*(1440)$ and $\Lambda^*(1405)$ resonances using this method.

Semi-inclusive back-to-back production of a hadron pair and a single hadron in $e^+e^-$ annihilation

Abstract: Inclusive hadron production in $e^+e^-$ annihilation has long been used to study both single hadron fragmentation functions (FF) and dihadron fragmentation functions (DiFF). In particular, the polarized DiFFs can be accessed in electron-positron annihilation by measuring azimuthal correlations between two back-to-back pairs of hadrons in the center of mass system, where the relevant structure functions can be expressed as convolutions of two (polarized) DiFFs. Here we explore the advantages of measuring the inclusive back-to-back production of a single hadron on one side against a hadron pair on the opposite side of the detector in two jet events. The leading twist cross section for this process contains convolutions of the corresponding single hadron FFs on one side and the DiFFs for the hadron pair on the other side, which furnishes several interesting new opportunities. A measurement of the unpolarized cross section with a number of different types of observed hadrons will help in untangling the quark flavor dependence of the unpolarized DiFFs, when the results are analyzed together with the inclusive measurements of dihadron pairs, such as those recently performed by the $\texttt{BELLE}$ collaboration. Even more interesting, with a polarized hyperon on one side we can study the quark spin-dependent DiFFs of an unpolarized hadron pair on the other side. This, in turn, will allow us to test the universality of the spin-dependent DiFFs entering the cross sections of electron-positron annihilation and semi-inclusive deep inelastic scattering processes.

Structure of the Nucleon and its Excitations

Abstract: The structure of the ground state nucleon and its finite-volume excitations are examined from three different perspectives. Using new techniques to extract the relativistic components of the nucleon wave function, the node structure of both the upper and lower components of the nucleon wave function are illustrated. A non-trivial role for gluonic components is manifest. In the second approach, the parity-expanded variational analysis (PEVA) technique is utilised to isolate states at finite momenta, enabling a novel examination of the electric and magnetic form factors of nucleon excitations. Here the magnetic form factors of low-lying odd-parity nucleons are particularly interesting. Finally, the structure of the nucleon spectrum is examined in a Hamiltonian effective field theory analysis incorporating recent lattice-QCD determinations of low-lying two-particle scattering-state energies in the finite volume. The Roper resonance of Nature is observed to originate from multi-particle coupled-channel interactions while the first radial excitation of the nucleon sits much higher at approximately 1.9 GeV.

IUPAP Report 41 Introduction.

Abstract: IUPAP Report 41 is a document that gives summary information about the major nuclear physics facilities around the world. It is updated approximately every five years by Working Group 9 of the International Union of Pure and Applied Physics. The introduction to the report gives an overview of the field of nuclear physics and outlines the major questions facing the field. This most recent version of Report 41 has been updated to reflect the state of the field in 2018. The full report can be found at this http URL

Chiral Corrections to Baryon Electromagnetic Form Factors

Abstract: Corrections motivated by chiral symmetry arguments have long been known to give important contributions to hadronic observables, particularly at low momentum transfer. It is possible to separate these approaches into two broad groups; either the corrections are implemented at the parton level, or at the hadron level. We explore the results of incorporating pion loop corrections at the hadron level to a calculation of electromagnetic form factors in the NJL model. These calculations are compared with the result of an earlier implementation of pion loops at the parton level using the same NJL model formalism. A particular parameter set yields a good description of low energy nucleon properties within both approaches. However, for the $$\varSigma ^-$$ there is a remarkable improvement when the chiral corrections are implemented at the hadronic level.

Arthralgies et éruption acrale : une forme bruyante de syndrome post-streptococcique peu connu, l’acrovésiculopustulose

Abstract: Introduction Nous rapportons 2 cas de patientes ayant presente, quelques jours apres une infection ORL streptococcique, un tableau clinique meconnu, l’acrovesiculopustulose (AVP). Le tableau clinique etait toutefois plus bruyant qu’une simple eruption. Observation Cas clinique no 1 : une patiente de 51 ans, suivie pour une gammapathie monoclonale de signification indeterminee stable depuis des annees, est hospitalisee pour douleurs articulaires et eruption. Quatre jours apres une angine streptococcique traitee par cefuroxime et prednisolone, elle presente des arthralgies de rythme inflammatoire, des epaules, coudes, hanches, genoux et articulations des mains ainsi qu’une eruption palmoplantaire. Il s’agit de vesicules et de pustules enchâssees, et peu inflammatoires, qui evoluent en plusieurs poussees. La patiente se plaint aussi d’importantes sueurs nocturnes. La CRP est a 44 mg/L et les ASLO a 297 (N Cas clinique no 2 : une patiente âgee de 57 ans est hospitalisee pour des arthralgies asymetriques d’horaire inflammatoire touchant le poignet droit, la cheville gauche, les MCP gauches, le rachis dorsal, accompagnees d’une eruption vesiculeuse et pustuleuse des paumes. On note un important syndrome inflammatoire avec une CRP a 105 mg/L. Ce tableau survient 6 jours apres une angine traitee par cefuroxime. La biopsie cutanee met en evidence de nombreux polynucleaires neutrophiles de siege intra epidermique, et egalement une vesicule, et le derme sous-jacent est le siege d’un infiltrat inflammatoire modere polymorphe. Le bilan infectieux est negatif, (ASLO legerement augmentees), le bilan des rhumatismes inflammatoires egalement. L’IRM du rachis etait normale. Les lesions cutanees disparaissent sous dermocorticoides mais les arthralgies inflammatoires persistent, necessitant (AINS peu efficaces) de petites doses de corticoides par voie orale a doses rapidement degressives. La patiente presente une nouvelle poussee cutanee 8 semaines apres, suite a la realisation du vaccin DTP, accompagnee d’une recidive d’arthralgies touchant les memes articulations, rapidement regressive. Discussion L’AVP est un tableau clinique decrit depuis longtemps [1] , [2] mais peu connu. La physiopathologie est incertaine : reaction psoriasiforme au stimulus bacterien ? Forme localisee de psoriasis (quoique l’eruption puisse dans de rares cas etre disseminee) ? Le tableau associe une infection ORL prealable, un tableau d’installation rapide sur 24–48 h, de nombreuses pustules palmoplantaires de moins de 1 cm qui peuvent s’etendre sur la face dorsale des mains et des pieds voire sur l’ensemble du corps, et une evolution rapidement favorable en 2–3 semaines. L’hypothese d’une toxidermie parait peu probable, bien qu’une antibiotherapie soit frequemment administree dans ce contexte. Le tableau de nos patientes est coherent avec la description mais s’y ajoutent les arthralgies. Dans ce contexte, il est important de verifier qu’il ne s’agit pas d’une forme debutante de SAPHO, dont l’eruption palmoplantaire est identique, mais la chronologie post-streptococcique est toutefois rassurante. Les anglo-saxons, quant a eux, appellent l’AVP la pustulose palmoplantaire (PPP) qui appartiendrait aux psoriasis pustuleux, et qui pourrait preceder ou etre associee au psoriasis vulgaris. Il semble toutefois que l’amygdalectomie serait benefique dans la prise en charge de ces PPP… Conclusion Une eruption palmoplantaire vesiculopustuleuse doit faire rechercher une infection ORL streptococcique recente. Les 2 cas exposes ici entrent dans la definition de l’AVP mais sont notables par l’association d’arthralgies qui ne semblent pas connues comme faisant partie du tableau.

Charge symmetry violation in the doubly charmed cascade masses

Abstract: We investigate the electromagnetic contribution to the charge symmetry breaking in the $\Xi_{cc}$ baryon masses using a subtracted dispersion relation based on the Cottingham formula, following the formalism developed in an analysis of the octet baryon mass differences. In the absence of experimental information on the structure of charmed baryons, we use parameters for the electromagnetic structure of the $\Xi_{cc}$ and the difference in its charge states obtained from lattice QCD and estimates of SU(4) symmetry breaking. We report a conservative estimate for the mass splitting of the doubly charmed cascades to be 8 $\pm$ 9 MeV. While a smaller isospin splitting is compatible with this result, surprisingly it does not preclude the large splitting reported by the SELEX Collaboration. We identify those quantities which could be determined from lattice QCD and which would reduce the quoted theoretical uncertainty.