Showing papers on "Quantization (physics) published in 2008"

Comments on multiple M2-branes

Abstract: Recently a three-dimensional field theory was derived that is consistent with all the symmetries expected of the worldvolume action for multiple M2-branes. In this note we examine several physical predictions of this model and show that they are in agreement with expected M2-brane dynamics. In particular, we discuss the quantization of the Chern-Simons coefficient, the vacuum moduli space, a massive deformation leading to fuzzy three-sphere vacua, and a possible large n limit. In this large n limit, the fuzzy funnel solution correctly reproduces the mass of an M5-brane.

A new spin foam model for 4D gravity

Abstract: Starting from Plebanski formulation of gravity as a constrained BF theory we propose a new spin foam model for 4D Riemannian quantum gravity that generalizes the well-known Barrett–Crane model and resolves the inherent to it ultra-locality problem. The BF formulation of 4D gravity possesses two sectors: gravitational and topological ones. The model presented here is shown to give a quantization of the gravitational sector, and is dual to the recently proposed spin foam model of Engle et al which, we show, corresponds to the topological sector. Our methods allow us to introduce the Immirzi parameter into the framework of spin foam quantization. We generalize some of our considerations to the Lorentzian setting and obtain a new spin foam model in that context as well.

Quantum tunneling beyond semiclassical approximation

Abstract: Hawking radiation as tunneling by Hamilton-Jacobi method beyond semiclassical approximation is analysed. We compute all quantum corrections in the single particle action revealing that these are proportional to the usual semiclassical contribution. We show that a simple choice of the proportionality constants reproduces the one loop back reaction effect in the spacetime, found by conformal field theory methods, which modifies the Hawking temperature of the black hole. Using the law of black hole mechanics we give the corrections to the Bekenstein-Hawking area law following from the modified Hawking temperature. Some examples are explicitly worked out.

Distributed Average Consensus With Dithered Quantization

Abstract: In this paper, we develop algorithms for distributed computation of averages of the node data over networks with bandwidth/power constraints or large volumes of data. Distributed averaging algorithms fail to achieve consensus when deterministic uniform quantization is adopted. We propose a distributed algorithm in which the nodes utilize probabilistically quantized information, i.e., dithered quantization, to communicate with each other. The algorithm we develop is a dynamical system that generates sequences achieving a consensus at one of the quantization values almost surely. In addition, we show that the expected value of the consensus is equal to the average of the original sensor data. We derive an upper bound on the mean-square-error performance of the probabilistically quantized distributed averaging (PQDA). Moreover, we show that the convergence of the PQDA is monotonic by studying the evolution of the minimum-length interval containing the node values. We reveal that the length of this interval is a monotonically nonincreasing function with limit zero. We also demonstrate that all the node values, in the worst case, converge to the final two quantization bins at the same rate as standard unquantized consensus. Finally, we report the results of simulations conducted to evaluate the behavior and the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm in various scenarios.

Third quantization: a general method to solve master equations for quadratic open Fermi systems

Abstract: The Lindblad master equation for an arbitrary quadratic system of n fermions is solved explicitly in terms of diagonalization of a 4n?4n matrix, provided that all Lindblad bath operators are linear in the fermionic variables. The method is applied to the explicit construction of non-equilibrium steady states (NESS) and the calculation of asymptotic relaxation rates in the far from equilibrium problem of heat and spin transport in a nearest neighbour Heisenberg XY spin-1/2 chain in a transverse magnetic field.

Generation of large scale magnetic fields in single-field inflation

Abstract: We consider the generation of large scale magnetic fields in slow-roll inflation. The inflaton field is described in a supergravity framework where the conformal invariance of the electromagnetic field is generically and naturally broken. For each class of inflationary scenarios, we determine the functional dependence of the gauge coupling that is consistent with the observations on the magnetic field strength at various astrophysical scales and, at the same time, avoid a back-reaction problem. Then, we study whether the required coupling functions can naturally emerge in well motivated, possibly string inspired, models. We argue that this is non-trivial and can be realized only for a restricted class of scenarios. This includes power-law inflation where the inflaton field is interpreted as a modulus. However, this scenario seems to be consistent only if the energy scale of inflation is low and the reheating stage prolonged. Another reasonable possibility appears to be small field models since no back-reaction problem is present in this case but, unfortunately, the corresponding scenario cannot be justified in a stringy framework. Finally, large field models do not lead to sensible model building.

Third quantization: a general method to solve master equations for quadratic open Fermi systems

Abstract: The Lindblad master equation for an arbitrary quadratic system of n fermions is solved explicitly in terms of diagonalization of a 4n x 4n matrix, provided that all Lindblad bath operators are linear in the fermionic variables. The method is applied to the explicit construction of non-equilibrium steady states and the calculation of asymptotic relaxation rates in the far from equilibrium problem of heat and spin transport in a nearest neighbor Heisenberg XY spin 1/2 chain in a transverse magnetic field.

Finite-temperature models of Bose-Einstein condensation

Abstract: The theoretical description of trapped weakly interacting Bose–Einstein condensates is characterized by a large number of seemingly very different approaches which have been developed over the course of time by researchers with very distinct backgrounds. Newcomers to this field, experimentalists and young researchers all face a considerable challenge in navigating through the 'maze' of abundant theoretical models, and simple correspondences between existing approaches are not always very transparent. This tutorial provides a generic introduction to such theories, in an attempt to single out common features and deficiencies of certain 'classes of approaches' identified by their physical content, rather than their particular mathematical implementation. This tutorial is structured in a manner accessible to a non-specialist with a good working knowledge of quantum mechanics. Although some familiarity with concepts of quantum field theory would be an advantage, key notions, such as the occupation number representation of second quantization, are nonetheless briefly reviewed. Following a general introduction, the complexity of models is gradually built up, starting from the basic zero-temperature formalism of the Gross–Pitaevskii equation. This structure enables readers to probe different levels of theoretical developments (mean field, number conserving and stochastic) according to their particular needs. In addition to its 'training element', we hope that this tutorial will prove useful to active researchers in this field, both in terms of the correspondences made between different theoretical models, and as a source of reference for existing and developing finite-temperature theoretical models.

Quantum plasma effects in the classical regime.

Abstract: For quantum effects to be significant in plasmas it is often assumed that the temperature over density ratio must be small. In this paper we challenge this assumption by considering the contribution to the dynamics from the electron spin properties. As a starting point we consider a multicomponent plasma model, where electrons with spin-up and spin-down are regarded as different fluids. By studying the propagation of Alfven wave solitons we demonstrate that quantum effects can survive in a relatively high-temperature plasma. The consequences of our results are discussed.

Electrical observation of subband formation in graphene nanoribbons

Abstract: We report the experimental observation of subband formation in graphene nanoribbons, where conductance becomes quantized due to the lateral quantum confinement. We show that this quantization in graphene nanoribbons can be observed at temperatures as high as 80 K and channel lengths as long as $1.7\text{ }\ensuremath{\mu}\text{m}$. The observed quantization is in agreement with that predicted by theoretical calculations.

Renormalized Quantum Yang-Mills Fields in Curved Spacetime

Abstract: We present a proof that the quantum Yang–Mills theory can be consistently defined as a renormalized, perturbative quantum field theory on an arbitrary globally hyperbolic curved, Lorentzian spacetime. To this end, we construct the non-commutative algebra of observables, in the sense of formal power series, as well as a space of corresponding quantum states. The algebra contains all gauge invariant, renormalized, interacting quantum field operators (polynomials in the field strength and its derivatives), and all their relations such as commutation relations or operator product expansion. It can be viewed as a deformation quantization of the Poisson algebra of classical Yang–Mills theory equipped with the Peierls bracket. The algebra is constructed as the cohomology of an auxiliary algebra describing a gauge fixed theory with ghosts and anti-fields. A key technical difficulty is to establish a suitable hierarchy of Ward identities at the renormalized level that ensures conservation of the interacting BRST-current, and that the interacting BRST-charge is nilpotent. The algebra of physical interacting field observables is obtained as the cohomology of this charge. As a consequence of our constructions, we can prove that the operator product expansion closes on the space of gauge invariant operators. Similarly, the renormalization group flow is proved not to leave the space of gauge invariant operators. The key technical tool behind these arguments is a new universal Ward identity that is formulated at the algebraic level, and that is proven to be consistent with a local and covariant renormalization prescription. We also develop a new technique to accomplish this renormalization process, and in particular give a new expression for some of the renormalization constants in terms of cycles.

Berry curvature, orbital moment, and effective quantum theory of electrons in electromagnetic fields

Abstract: Berry curvature and orbital moment of the Bloch state are two basic ingredients, in addition to the band energy, that must be included in the formulation of semiclassical dynamics of electrons in crystals, in order to give proper account of thermodynamic and transport properties to first order in the electromagnetic field. These quantities are gauge invariant and have direct physical significance as demonstrated by numerous applications in recent years. Generalization to the case of degenerate bands has also been achieved recently, with important applications in spin-dependent transport. The reader is assured that a knowledge of these ingredients of the semiclassical dynamics is also sufficient for the construction of an effective quantum theory, valid to the same order of the field, using a new quantization procedure that generalizes the venerable Peierls substitution rule. We cite the relativistic Dirac electron and the carrier in semiconductors as two prime examples to demonstrate our theory and compare with previous work on such systems. We also establish general relations between different levels of effective theories in a hierarchy.

Quantum walk based search algorithms

Abstract: In this survey paper we give an intuitive treatment of the discrete time quantization of classical Markov chains. Grover search and the quantum walk based search algorithms of Ambainis, Szegedy and Magniez et al. will be stated as quantum analogues of classical search procedures. We present a rather detailed description of a somewhat simplified version of the MNRS algorithm. Finally, in the query complexity model, we show how quantum walks can be applied to the following search problems: Element Distinctness, Matrix Product Verification, Restricted Range Associativity, Triangle, and Group Commutativity.

Loop quantization of vacuum Bianchi I cosmology

Abstract: We analyze the loop quantization of the family of vacuum Bianchi I spacetimes, a gravitational system of which classical solutions describe homogeneous anisotropic cosmologies. We rigorously construct the operator that represents the Hamiltonian constraint, showing that the states of zero volume completely decouple from the rest of quantum states. This fact ensures that the classical cosmological singularity is resolved in the quantum theory. In addition, this allows us to adopt an equivalent quantum description in terms of a well-defined densitized Hamiltonian constraint. This latter constraint can be regarded in a certain sense as a difference evolution equation in an internal time provided by one of the triad components, which is polymerically quantized. Generically, this evolution equation is a relation between the projection of the quantum states in three different sections of constant internal time. Nevertheless, around the initial singularity the equation involves only the two closest sections with the same orientation of the triad. This has a double effect: on the one hand, physical states are determined just by the data on one section, on the other hand, the evolution defined in this way never crosses the singularity, without the need of any special boundary condition. Finally, we determine the inner product and the physical Hilbert space employing group averaging techniques, and we specify a complete algebra of Dirac observables. This completes the quantization program.

Twisting all the way: From classical mechanics to quantum fields

Abstract: We discuss the effects that a noncommutative geometry induced by a Drinfeld twist has on physical theories. We systematically deform all products and symmetries of the theory. We discuss noncommutative classical mechanics, in particular its deformed Poisson bracket and hence time evolution and symmetries. The twisting is then extended to classical fields, and then to the main interest of this work: quantum fields. This leads to a geometric formulation of quantization on noncommutative space-time, i.e., we establish a noncommutative correspondence principle from *-Poisson brackets to * commutators. In particular commutation relations among creation and annihilation operators are deduced.

General boundary quantum field theory: Foundations and probability interpretation

Abstract: We elaborate on the proposed general boundary formulation as an extension of standard quantum mechanics to arbitrary (or no) backgrounds. Temporal transition amplitudes are generalized to amplitudes for arbitrary space-time regions. State spaces are associated to general (not necessarily spacelike) hypersurfaces. We give a detailed foundational exposition of this approach, including its probability interpretation and a list of core axioms. We explain how standard quantum mechanics arises as a special case. We include a discussion of probability conservation and unitarity, showing how these concepts are generalized in the present framework. We formulate vacuum axioms and incorporate space-time symmetries into the framework. We show how the Schrodinger–Feynman approach is a suitable starting point for casting quantum field theories into the general boundary form. We discuss the role of operators.

Loop quantization of spherically symmetric midi‐superspaces : the interior problem

Abstract: We continue the study of spherically symmetric vacuum space‐times in loop quantum gravity by treating the interior of a black hole. We start from a midi‐superspace approach, but a simple gauge fixing leads to a Kantowski–Sachs form for the variables. We show that one can solve the quantum theory exactly in the (periodic) connection representation, including the inner product. The evolution can be solved exactly by de‐parameterizing the theory and can be easily interpreted as a semi‐classical evolution plus quantum corrections. A relational evolution can also be introduced in a precise manner, suggesting what may happen in situations where it is not possible to de‐parameterize. We show that the singularity is replaced by a bounce at which quantum effects are important and that the extent of the region at the bounce where one departs from classical general relativity depends on the initial data.

The fate of 'particles' in quantum field theories with interactions

Abstract: Most philosophical discussion of the particle concept that is afforded by quantum field theory has focused on free systems. This paper is devoted to a systematic investigation of whether the particle concept for free systems can be extended to interacting systems. The possible methods of accomplishing this are considered and all are found unsatisfactory. Therefore, an interacting system cannot be interpreted in terms of particles. As a consequence, quantum field theory does not support the inclusion of particles in our ontology. In contrast to much of the recent discussion on the particle concept derived from quantum field theory, this argument does not rely on the assumption that a particulate entity be localizable.

Quantum Field Theory

Abstract: Quantum field theory has been a great success for physics, but it is difficult for mathematicians to learn because it is mathematically incomplete. Folland, who is a mathematician, has spent considerable time digesting the physical theory and sorting out the mathematical issues in it. Fortunately for mathematicians, Folland is a gifted expositor. The purpose of this book is to present the elements of quantum field theory, with the goal of understanding the behavior of elementary particles rather than building formal mathematical structures, in a form that will be comprehensible to mathematicians. Rigorous definitions and arguments are presented as far as they are available, but the text proceeds on a more informal level when necessary, with due care in identifying the difficulties. The book begins with a review of classical physics and quantum mechanics, then proceeds through the construction of free quantum fields to the perturbation-theoretic development of interacting field theory and renormalization theory, with emphasis on quantum electrodynamics. The final two chapters present the functional integral approach and the elements of gauge field theory, including the Salam-Weinberg model of electromagnetic and weak interactions.

Inflationary perturbations: The Cosmological Schwinger effect

Abstract: This pedagogical review aims at presenting the fundamental aspects of the theory of inflationary cosmological perturbations of quantum-mechanical origin. The analogy with the well-known Schwinger effect is discussed in detail and a systematic comparison of the two physical phenomena is carried out. In particular, it is demonstrated that the two underlying formalisms differ only up to an irrelevant canonical transformation. Hence, the basic physical mechanisms at play are similar in both cases and can be reduced to the quantization of a parametric oscillator leading to particle creation due to the interaction with a classical source: pair production in vacuum is therefore equivalent to the appearance of a growing mode for the cosmological fluctuations. The only difference lies in the nature of the source: an electric field in the case of the Schwinger effect and the gravitational field in the case of inflationary perturbations. Although, in the laboratory, it is notoriously diffcult to produce an electric field such that pairs extracted from the vacuum can be detected, the gravitational field in the early universe can be strong enough to lead to observable effects that ultimately reveal themselves as temperature fluctuations in the cosmic microwave background. Finally, the question of how quantum cosmological perturbations can be considered as classical is discussed at the end of this chapter.

Fermi pockets and quantum oscillations of the Hall coefficient in high-temperature superconductors

Abstract: Recent quantum oscillation measurements in high-temperature superconductors in high magnetic fields and low temperatures have ushered in a new era. These experiments explore the normal state from which superconductivity arises and provide evidence of a reconstructed Fermi surface consisting of electron and hole pockets in a regime in which such a possibility was previously considered to be remote. More specifically, the Hall coefficient has been found to oscillate according to the Onsager quantization condition, involving only fundamental constants and the areas of the pockets, but with a sign that is negative. Here, we explain the observations with the theory that the alleged normal state exhibits a hidden order, the d-density wave, which breaks symmetries signifying time reversal, translation by a lattice spacing, and a rotation by an angle π/2, while the product of any two symmetry operations is preserved. The success of our analysis underscores the importance of spontaneous breaking of symmetries, Fermi surface reconstruction, and conventional quasiparticles. We primarily focus on the version of the order that is commensurate with the underlying crystalline lattice, but we also touch on the consequences if the order were to incommensurate. It is shown that whereas commensurate order results in two independent oscillation frequencies as a function of the inverse of the applied magnetic field, incommensurate order leads to three independent frequencies. The oscillation amplitudes, however, are determined by the mobilities of the charge carriers comprising the Fermi pockets.

Ponzano-Regge model revisited II: Equivalence with Chern-Simons

Abstract: We provide a mathematical definition of the gauge fixed Ponzano-Regge model showing that it gives a measure on the space of flat connections whose volume is well defined We then show that the Ponzano-Regge model can be equivalently expressed as Reshetikhin-Turaev evaluation of a colored chain mail link based on D(SU(2)): a non compact quantum group being the Drinfeld double of SU(2) and a deformation of the Poincare algebra This proves the equivalence between spin foam quantization and Chern-Simons quantization of three dimensional gravity without cosmological constant We extend this correspondence to the computation of expectation value of physical observables and insertion of particles

Theory of anomalous quantum Hall effects in graphene

Abstract: We develop a theory of anomalous quantum Hall effects in graphene. We demonstrate that the Landau level structure by itself is not sufficient to determine the form of the quantum Hall effect. It is only a special symmetry of disorder that gives rise to anomalous quantization of Hall conductivity in graphene. We analyze the symmetries of disordered single- and double-layer graphene samples in magnetic field and identify the conditions for anomalous Hall quantization.

Quantized dynamics of a coherent capacitor.

Abstract: A quantum coherent capacitor subject to large amplitude pulse cycles can be made to emit or reabsorb an electron in each half cycle. Quantized currents with pulse cycles in the GHz range have been demonstrated experimentally. We develop a nonlinear dynamical scattering theory for arbitrary pulses to describe the properties of this very fast single electron source. Using our theory we analyze the accuracy of the current quantization and investigate the noise of such a source. Our results are important for future scientific and possible metrological applications of this source.

Quantum resistance metrology in graphene

Abstract: We performed a metrological characterization of the quantum Hall resistance in a 1 μm wide graphene Hall bar. The longitudinal resistivity in the center of the ν=±2 quantum Hall plateaus vanishes within the measurement noise of 20 mΩ up to 2 μA. Our results show that the quantization of these plateaus is within the experimental uncertainty (15 ppm for 1.5 μA current) equal to that in conventional semiconductors. The principal limitation of the present experiments is the relatively high contact resistances in the quantum Hall regime, leading to a significantly increased noise across the voltage contacts and a heating of the sample when a high current is applied.

Fast-forward problem in quantum mechanics

Abstract: We show the way to speed up the time evolution of a wave function (WF), i.e., to fast-forward the WF in microscopic and macroscopic quantum mechanics, by controlling the driving potential with resultant regulation of the additional phase of the WF, so that a target state is obtained in a shorter time. We first present a general framework of the fast-forwarding of a WF in quantum mechanics and provide an example of the fast-forward of a WF in two-dimensional (2D) free space. Then the framework of the fast-forward is extended to macroscopic quantum mechanics described by the nonlinear Schr\"odinger equation. We show the fast-forward of (i) transport of Bose-Einstein condensates trapped by a moving 2D harmonic potential and (ii) propagation of a soliton both in free space and through a potential barrier (: macroscopic quantum tunneling).

Conductance quantization and snake states in graphene magnetic waveguides

Abstract: We consider electron waveguides (quantum wires) in graphene created by suitable inhomogeneous magnetic fields. The properties of uni-directional snake states are discussed. For a certain magnetic field profile, two spatially separated counter-propagating snake states are formed, leading to conductance quantization insensitive to backscattering by impurities or irregularities of the magnetic field.

Efficient precision quantization in AdS/CFT

Abstract: Understanding finite-size effects is one of the key open questions in solving planar AdS/CFT In this paper we discuss these effects in the AdS5 × S^5 string theory at one-loop in the world-sheet coupling First we provide a very general, efficient way to compute the fluctuation frequencies, which allows to determine the energy shift for very general multi-cut solutions Then we apply this to two-cut solutions, in particular the giant magnon and determine the finite-size corrections at subleading order The latter are then compared to the finite-size corrections from Luscher-Klassen-Melzer formulas and found to be in perfect agreement