Showing papers on "Symmetry (physics) published in 2018"

Symmetry strategies for high performance lanthanide-based single-molecule magnets

Abstract: Toward promising candidates of quantum information processing, the rapid development of lanthanide-based single-molecule magnets (Ln-SMMs) highlights design strategies in consideration of the local symmetry of lanthanide ions. In this review, crystal-field theory is employed to demonstrate the electronic structures according to the semiquantitative electrostatic model. Then, specific symmetry elements are analysed for the elimination of transverse crystal fields and quantum tunnelling of magnetization (QTM). In this way, high-performance Ln-SMMs can be designed to enable extremely slow relaxation of magnetization, namely magnetic blocking; however, their practical magnetic characterization becomes increasingly challenging. Therefore, we will attempt to interpret the experimental behaviours and clarify some issues in detail. Finally, representative Ln-SMMs with specific local symmetries are summarized in combination with the discussion on the symmetry strategies, and some of the underlying questions are put forward.

Higher-Order Topology in Bismuth

Abstract: The mathematical field of topology has become a framework to describe the low-energy electronic structure of crystalline solids. A typical feature of a bulk insulating three-dimensional topological crystal are conducting two-dimensional surface states. This constitutes the topological bulk-boundary correspondence. Here, we establish that the electronic structure of bismuth, an element consistently described as bulk topologically trivial, is in fact topological and follows a generalized bulk-boundary correspondence of higher-order: not the surfaces of the crystal, but its hinges host topologically protected conducting modes. These hinge modes are protected against localization by time-reversal symmetry locally, and globally by the three-fold rotational symmetry and inversion symmetry of the bismuth crystal. We support our claim theoretically and experimentally. Our theoretical analysis is based on symmetry arguments, topological indices, first-principle calculations, and the recently introduced framework of topological quantum chemistry. We provide supporting evidence from two complementary experimental techniques. With scanning-tunneling spectroscopy, we probe the unique signatures of the rotational symmetry of the one-dimensional states located at step edges of the crystal surface. With Josephson interferometry, we demonstrate their universal topological contribution to the electronic transport. Our work establishes bismuth as a higher-order topological insulator.

Higher-Order Topology in Bismuth.

Abstract: The mathematical field of topology has become a framework to describe the low-energy electronic structure of crystalline solids. A typical feature of a bulk insulating three-dimensional topological crystal are conducting two-dimensional surface states. This constitutes the topological bulk-boundary correspondence. Here, we establish that the electronic structure of bismuth, an element consistently described as bulk topologically trivial, is in fact topological and follows a generalized bulk-boundary correspondence of higher-order: not the surfaces of the crystal, but its hinges host topologically protected conducting modes. These hinge modes are protected against localization by time-reversal symmetry locally, and globally by the three-fold rotational symmetry and inversion symmetry of the bismuth crystal. We support our claim theoretically and experimentally. Our theoretical analysis is based on symmetry arguments, topological indices, first-principle calculations, and the recently introduced framework of topological quantum chemistry. We provide supporting evidence from two complementary experimental techniques. With scanning-tunneling spectroscopy, we probe the unique signatures of the rotational symmetry of the one-dimensional states located at step edges of the crystal surface. With Josephson interferometry, we demonstrate their universal topological contribution to the electronic transport. Our work establishes bismuth as a higher-order topological insulator.

Topological hybrid silicon microlasers.

Abstract: Topological physics provides a robust framework for strategically controlling wave confinement and propagation dynamics. However, current implementations have been restricted to the limited design parameter space defined by passive topological structures. Active systems provide a more general framework where different fundamental symmetry paradigms, such as those arising from non-Hermiticity and nonlinear interaction, can generate a new landscape for topological physics and its applications. Here, we bridge this gap and present an experimental investigation of an active topological photonic system, demonstrating a topological hybrid silicon microlaser array respecting the charge-conjugation symmetry. The created new symmetry features favour the lasing of a protected zero mode, where robust single-mode laser action in the desired state prevails even with intentionally introduced perturbations. The demonstrated microlaser is hybrid implemented on a silicon-on-insulator substrate, and is thereby readily suitable for integrated silicon photonics with applications in optical communication and computing.

Symmetry, Maximally Localized Wannier States, and a Low-Energy Model for Twisted Bilayer Graphene Narrow Bands

Abstract: Superconducting and insulating behaviors in twisted bilayer graphene suggest deep connections between these phases. A new model of electron motion in these systems sets the stage for exploring these connections further.

Symmetry and Topology in Non-Hermitian Physics

Abstract: We develop a complete theory of symmetry and topology in non-Hermitian physics. We demonstrate that non-Hermiticity ramifies the celebrated Altland-Zirnbauer symmetry classification for insulators and superconductors. In particular, charge conjugation is defined in terms of transposition rather than complex conjugation due to the lack of Hermiticity, and hence chiral symmetry becomes distinct from sublattice symmetry. It is also shown that non-Hermiticity enables a Hermitian-conjugate counterpart of the Altland-Zirnbauer symmetry. Taking into account sublattice symmetry or pseudo-Hermiticity as an additional symmetry, the total number of symmetry classes is 38 instead of 10, which describe intrinsic non-Hermitian topological phases as well as non-Hermitian random matrices. Furthermore, due to the complex nature of energy spectra, non-Hermitian systems feature two different types of complex-energy gaps, point-like and line-like vacant regions. On the basis of these concepts and K-theory, we complete classification of non-Hermitian topological phases in arbitrary dimensions and symmetry classes. Remarkably, non-Hermitian topology depends on the type of complex-energy gaps and multiple topological structures appear for each symmetry class and each spatial dimension, which are also illustrated in detail with concrete examples. Moreover, the bulk-boundary correspondence in non-Hermitian systems is elucidated within our framework, and symmetries preventing the non-Hermitian skin effect are identified. Our classification not only categorizes recently observed lasing and transport topological phenomena, but also predicts a new type of symmetry-protected topological lasers with lasing helical edge states and dissipative topological superconductors with nonorthogonal Majorana edge states. Furthermore, our theory provides topological classification of Hermitian and non-Hermitian free bosons.

Axions from strings: the attractive solution

Abstract: We study the system of axion strings that forms in the early Universe if the Peccei-Quinn symmetry is restored after inflation. Using numerical simulations, we establish the existence of an asymptotic solution to which the system is attracted independently of the initial conditions. We study in detail the properties of this solution, including the average number of strings per Hubble patch, the distribution of loops and long strings, the way that different types of radiation are emitted, and the shape of the spectrum of axions produced. We find clear evidence of logarithmic violations of the scaling properties of the attractor solution. We also find that, while most of the axions are emitted with momenta of order Hubble, most of the axion energy density is contained in axions with energy of order the string core scale, at least in the parameter range available in the simulation. While such a spectrum would lead to a negligible number density of relic axions from strings when extrapolated to the physical parameter region, we show that the presence of small logarithmic corrections to the spectrum shape could completely alter such a conclusion. A detailed understanding of the evolution of the axion spectrum is therefore crucial for a reliable estimate of the relic axion abundance from strings.

Exploring 2-Group Global Symmetries

Abstract: We analyze four-dimensional quantum field theories with continuous 2-group global symmetries. At the level of their charges such symmetries are identical to a product of continuous flavor or spacetime symmetries with a 1-form global symmetry $U(1)^{(1)}_B$, which arises from a conserved 2-form current $J_B^{(2)}$. Rather, 2-group symmetries are characterized by deformed current algebras, with quantized structure constants, which allow two flavor currents or stress tensors to fuse into $J_B^{(2)}$. This leads to unconventional Ward identities, which constrain the allowed patterns of spontaneous 2-group symmetry breaking and other aspects of the renormalization group flow. If $J_B^{(2)}$ is coupled to a 2-form background gauge field $B^{(2)}$, the 2-group current algebra modifies the behavior of $B^{(2)}$ under background gauge transformations. Its transformation rule takes the same form as in the Green-Schwarz mechanism, but only involves the background gauge or gravity fields that couple to the other 2-group currents. This makes it possible to partially cancel reducible 't Hooft anomalies using Green-Schwarz counterterms for the 2-group background gauge fields. The parts that cannot be cancelled are reinterpreted as mixed, global anomalies involving $U(1)_B^{(1)}$ and receive contributions from topological, as well as massless, degrees of freedom. Theories with 2-group symmetry are constructed by gauging an abelian flavor symmetry with suitable mixed 't Hooft anomalies, which leads to many simple and explicit examples. Some of them have dynamical string excitations that carry $U(1)_B^{(1)}$ charge, and 2-group symmetry determines certain 't Hooft anomalies on the world sheets of these strings. Finally, we point out that holographic theories with 2-group global symmetries have a bulk description in terms of dynamical gauge fields that participate in a conventional Green-Schwarz mechanism.

Observation of an anti-PT-symmetric exceptional point and energy-difference conserving dynamics in electrical circuit resonators

Abstract: Parity-time (PT) symmetry and associated non-Hermitian properties in open physical systems have been intensively studied in search of new interaction schemes and their applications. Here, we experimentally demonstrate an electrical circuit producing key non-Hermitian properties and unusual wave dynamics grounded on anti-PT (APT) symmetry. Using a resistively coupled amplifying-LRC-resonator circuit, we realize a generic APT-symmetric system that enables comprehensive spectral and time-domain analyses on essential consequences of the APT symmetry. We observe an APT-symmetric exceptional point (EP), inverse PT-symmetry breaking transition, and counterintuitive energy-difference conserving dynamics in stark contrast to the standard Hermitian dynamics keeping the system's total energy constant. Therefore, we experimentally confirm unique properties of APT-symmetric systems, and further development in other areas of physics may provide new wave-manipulation techniques and innovative device-operation principles.

Symmetry indicators and anomalous surface states of topological crystalline insulators

Abstract: A new theory places the enormous variety of surface states seen in topological crystalline insulators into a unified framework, connecting spatial symmetries, sample geometry, and surface behavior.

Observation of the nonlinear Hall effect under time reversal symmetric conditions.

Abstract: The electrical Hall effect is the production of a transverse voltage under an out-of-plane magnetic field. Historically, studies of the Hall effect have led to major breakthroughs including the discoveries of Berry curvature and the topological Chern invariants. In magnets, the internal magnetization allows Hall conductivity in the absence of external magnetic field. This anomalous Hall effect (AHE) has become an important tool to study quantum magnets. In nonmagnetic materials without external magnetic fields, the electrical Hall effect is rarely explored because of the constraint by time-reversal symmetry. However, strictly speaking, only the Hall effect in the linear response regime, i.e., the Hall voltage linearly proportional to the external electric field, identically vanishes due to time-reversal symmetry. The Hall effect in the nonlinear response regime, on the other hand, may not be subject to such symmetry constraints. Here, we report the observation of the nonlinear Hall effect (NLHE) in the electrical transport of the nonmagnetic 2D quantum material, bilayer WTe2. Specifically, flowing an electrical current in bilayer WTe2 leads to a nonlinear Hall voltage in the absence of magnetic field. The NLHE exhibits unusual properties sharply distinct from the AHE in metals: The NLHE shows a quadratic I-V characteristic; It strongly dominates the nonlinear longitudinal response, leading to a Hall angle of about 90 degree. We further show that the NLHE directly measures the "dipole moment" of the Berry curvature, which arises from layer-polarized Dirac fermions in bilayer WTe2. Our results demonstrate a new Hall effect and provide a powerful methodology to detect Berry curvature in a wide range of nonmagnetic quantum materials in an energy-resolved way.

The fracton gauge principle

Abstract: A powerful mechanism for constructing gauge theories is to start from a theory with a global symmetry, then apply the ``gauge principle,'' which demands that this symmetry hold locally. For example, the global phase rotation of a system of conserved charges can be promoted to a local phase rotation by coupling to an ordinary $U(1)$ vector gauge field. More recently, a class of particles has been studied featuring not only charge conservation, but also conservation of higher moments, such as dipole moment, which leads to severe restrictions on the mobility of charges. These particles, called fractons, are known to be intimately connected to symmetric tensor gauge fields. In this work, we show how to derive such tensor gauge theories by applying the gauge principle to a theory of ungauged fractons. We begin by formulating a field theory for ungauged fractons exhibiting global conservation of charge and dipole moment. We show that such fracton field theories have a characteristic non-Gaussian form, reflecting the fact that fractons intrinsically interact with each other even in the absence of a mediating gauge field. We then promote the global higher moment conservation laws to local ones, which requires the introduction of a symmetric tensor gauge field. Finally, we extend these arguments to other types of subdimensional particles besides fractons. This work offers a possible route to the formulation of non-Abelian fracton theories.

On the Dynamics of Near-Extremal Black Holes

Abstract: We analyse the dynamics of near-extremal Reissner-Nordstrom black holes in asymptotically four-dimensional Anti de Sitter space (AdS4). We work in the spherically symmetric approximation and study the thermodynamics and the response to a probe scalar field. We find that the behaviour of the system, at low energies and to leading order in our approximations, is well described by the Jackiw-Teitelboim (JT) model of gravity. In fact, this behaviour can be understood from symmetry considerations and arises due to the breaking of time reparametrisation invariance. The JT model has been analysed in considerable detail recently and related to the behaviour of the SYK model. Our results indicate that features in these models which arise from symmetry considerations alone are more general and present quite universally in near-extremal black holes.

Teleparallel Palatini theories

Abstract: The Palatini formalism, which assumes the metric and the affine connection as independent variables, is developed for gravitational theories in flat geometries. We focus on two particularly interesting scenarios. First, we fix the connection to be metric compatible, as done in the usual teleparallel theories, but we follow a completely covariant approach by imposing the constraints with suitable Lagrange multipliers. For a general quadratic theory we show how torsion naturally propagates and we reproduce the Teleparallel Equivalent of General Relativity as a particular quadratic action that features an additional Lorentz symmetry. We then study the much less explored theories formulated in a geometry with neither curvature nor torsion, so that all the geometrical information is encoded in the non-metricity. We discuss how this geometrical framework leads to a purely inertial connection that can thus be completely removed by a coordinate gauge choice, the coincident gauge. From the quadratic theory we recover a simpler formulation of General Relativity in the form of the Einstein action, which enjoys an enhanced symmetry that reduces to a second linearised diffeomorphism at linear order. More general theories in both geometries can be formulated consistently by taking into account the inertial connection and the associated additional degrees of freedom. As immediate applications, the new cosmological equations and their Newtonian limit are considered, where the role of the lapse in the consistency of the equations is clarified, and the Schwarzschild black hole entropy is computed by evaluating the corresponding Euclidean action. We discuss how the boundary terms in the usual formulation of General Relativity are related to different choices of coordinates in its coincident version and show that in isotropic coordinates the Euclidean action is finite without the need to introduce boundary or normalisation terms. Finally, we discuss the double-copy structure of the gravity amplitudes and the bootstrapping of gravity within the framework of coincident General Relativity.

A quantum hydrodynamical description for scrambling and many-body chaos

Abstract: Recent studies of out-of-time ordered thermal correlation functions (OTOC) in holographic systems and in solvable models such as the Sachdev-Ye-Kitaev (SYK) model have yielded new insights into manifestations of many-body chaos. So far the chaotic behavior has been obtained through explicit calculations in specific models. In this paper we propose a unified description of the exponential growth and ballistic butterfly spreading of OTOCs across different systems using a newly formulated “quantum hydrodynamics,” which is valid at finite ℏ and to all orders in derivatives. The scrambling of a generic few-body operator in a chaotic system is described as building up a “hydrodynamic cloud,” and the exponential growth of the cloud arises from a shift symmetry of the hydrodynamic action. The shift symmetry also shields correlation functions of the energy density and flux, and time ordered correlation functions of generic operators from exponential growth, while leads to chaotic behavior in OTOCs. The theory also predicts an interesting phenomenon of the skipping of a pole at special values of complex frequency and momentum in two-point functions of energy density and flux. This pole-skipping phenomenon may be considered as a “smoking gun” for the hydrodynamic origin of the chaotic mode. We also discuss the possibility that such a hydrodynamic description could be a hallmark of maximally chaotic systems.

Structure and topology of band structures in the 1651 magnetic space groups

Abstract: The properties of electrons in magnetically ordered crystals are of interest both from the viewpoint of realizing novel topological phases, such as magnetic Weyl semimetals, and from the application perspective of creating energy-efficient memories. A systematic study of symmetry and topology in magnetic materials has been challenging given that there are 1651 magnetic space groups (MSGs). By using an efficient representation of allowed band structures, we obtain a systematic description of several basic properties of free electrons in all MSGs in three dimensions, as well as in the 528 magnetic layer groups relevant to two-dimensional magnetic materials. We compute constraints on electron fillings and band connectivity compatible with insulating behavior. In addition, by contrasting with atomic insulators, we identify band topology entailed by the symmetry transformation of bands, as determined by the MSG alone. We provide an application of our results to identifying topological semimetals arising in periodic arrangements of hedgehog-like magnetic textures.

Symmetric Gapped Interfaces of SPT and SET States: Systematic Constructions

Abstract: Symmetry-protected topological (SPT) states have boundary ’t Hooft anomalies that obstruct the effective boundary theory realized in its own dimension with UV completion and with an on-site G-symmetry. In this work, yet we show that a certain anomalous non-on-site G-symmetry along the boundary becomes on-site when viewed as an extended H-symmetry, via a suitable group extension 1→K→H→G→1. Namely, a nonperturbative global (gauge or gravitational) anomaly in G becomes anomaly free in H. This guides us to construct an exactly soluble lattice path integral and Hamiltonian of symmetric gapped boundaries applicable to any SPT state of any finite symmetry group, including on-site unitary and antiunitary time-reversal symmetries. The resulting symmetric gapped boundary can be described either by an H-symmetry extended boundary in any spacetime dimension or, more naturally, by a topological emergent K-gauge theory with a global symmetry G on a 3+1D bulk or above. The excitations on such a symmetric topologically ordered boundary can carry fractional quantum numbers of the symmetry G, described by representations of H. (Applying our approach to a 1+1D boundary of 2+1D bulk, we find that a deconfined gauge boundary indeed has spontaneous symmetry breaking with long-range order. The deconfined symmetry-breaking phase crosses over smoothly to a confined phase without a phase transition.) In contrast to known gapped boundaries or interfaces obtained via symmetry breaking (either global symmetry breaking or the Anderson-Higgs mechanism for gauge theory), our approach is based on symmetry extension. More generally, applying our approach to SPT states, topologically ordered gauge theories, and symmetry enriched topologically ordered (SET) states leads to generic boundaries or interfaces constructed with a mixture of symmetry breaking, symmetry extension, and dynamical gauging.

The global non-linear stability of the Kerr-de Sitter family of black holes

Abstract: We establish the full global non-linear stability of the Kerr–de Sitter family of black holes, as solutions of the initial value problem for the Einstein vacuum equations with positive cosmological constant, for small angular momenta, and without any symmetry assumptions on the initial data. We achieve this by extending the linear and non-linear analysis on black hole spacetimes described in a sequence of earlier papers by the authors: we develop a general framework which enables us to deal systematically with the diffeomorphism invariance of Einstein’s equations. In particular, the iteration scheme used to solve Einstein’s equations automatically finds the parameters of the Kerr–de Sitter black hole that the solution is asymptotic to, the exponentially decaying tail of the solution, and the gauge in which we are able to find the solution; the gauge here is a wave map/DeTurck type gauge, modified by source terms which are treated as unknowns, lying in a suitable finite-dimensional space.

All Tree-Level Correlators in AdS${}_5\times$S${}_5$ Supergravity: Hidden Ten-Dimensional Conformal Symmetry

Abstract: We study correlators of four protected (half-BPS) operators in strongly coupled supersymmetric Yang-Mills theory. These are dual to tree-level supergravity amplitudes on AdS${}_5\times$S${}_5$ for various spherical harmonics on the five-sphere. We use conformal field theory methods, in particular a recently obtained Lorentzian inversion formula, to analytically bootstrap these correlators. The extracted $1/N^2$ double-trace anomalous dimensions confirm a simple pattern recently conjectured by Aprile, Drummond, Heslop and Paul. We explain this pattern by an unexpected ten-dimensional conformal symmetry which appears to be enjoyed by tree-level supergravity (or a suitable subsector of it). The symmetry combines all spherical harmonics into a single ten-dimensional object, and yields compact expressions for the leading logarithmic part of any half-BPS correlator at each loop order.

Unified equations of state for cold non-accreting neutron stars with Brussels–Montreal functionals – I. Role of symmetry energy

Abstract: The theory of the nuclear energy-density functional is used to provide a unified and thermodynamically consistent treatment of all regions of cold non-accreting neutron stars In order to assess the impact of our lack of complete knowledge of the density dependence of the symmetry energy on the constitution and the global structure of neutron stars, we employ four different functionals All of them were precision fitted to essentially all the nuclear-mass data with the Hartree-Fock-Bogoliubov method and two different neutron-matter equations of state based on realistic nuclear forces For each functional, we calculate the composition, the pressure-density relation, and the chemical potentials throughout the star We show that uncertainties in the symmetry energy can significantly affect the theoretical results for the composition and global structure of neutron stars To facilitate astrophysical applications, we construct analytic fits to our numerical results

Thermodynamic Bounds on Precision in Ballistic Multiterminal Transport.

Abstract: For classical ballistic transport in a multiterminal geometry, we derive a universal trade-off relation between total dissipation and the precision, at which particles are extracted from individual reservoirs. Remarkably, this bound becomes significantly weaker in the presence of a magnetic field breaking time-reversal symmetry. By working out an explicit model for chiral transport enforced by a strong magnetic field, we show that our bounds are tight. Beyond the classical regime, we find that, in quantum systems far from equilibrium, the correlated exchange of particles makes it possible to exponentially reduce the thermodynamic cost of precision.

Anomaly constraints on deconfinement and chiral phase transition

Abstract: We study the constraints on thermal phase transitions of SU(Nc) gauge theories by using the ’t Hooft anomaly involving the center symmetry and chiral symmetry. We consider two cases of massless fermions: (i) adjoint fermions and (ii) Nf flavors of fundamental fermions with a nontrivial greatest common divisor, gcd(Nc,Nf)≠1. For the first case (i), we show that the chiral symmetry restoration in terms of the standard Landau-Ginzburg effective action is impossible at a temperature lower than that of deconfinement. For the second case (ii), we introduce a modified version of the center symmetry, which we call center-flavor symmetry, and draw similar conclusions under a certain definition of confinement. Moreover, at zero temperature, our results give a partial explanation of the appearance of dual magnetic gauge groups in (supersymmetric) QCD when gcd(Nc,Nf)≠1.

Higher-Spin Gauge Theories and Bulk Locality

Abstract: We present a no-go result on consistent Noether interactions among higher-spin gauge fields on anti--de Sitter space-times. We show that there is a nonlocal obstruction at the classical level to consistent interacting field theory descriptions of massless higher-spin particles that are described in the free limit by the free Fronsdal action, under the assumption that such theories arise from the gauging of a global higher-spin symmetry. Our result suggests that the Fronsdal program for introducing interactions among higher-spin gauge fields cannot be completed without introducing new guiding principles, which could potentially lie beyond the framework of classical field theory.

Strings with non-relativistic conformal symmetry and limits of the AdS/CFT correspondence

Abstract: We find a Polyakov-type action for strings moving in a torsional Newton-Cartan geometry. This is obtained by starting with the relativistic Polyakov action and fixing the momentum of the string along a non-compact null isometry. For a flat target space, we show that the world-sheet theory becomes the Gomis-Ooguri action. From a target space perspective these strings are non-relativistic but their world-sheet theories are still relativistic. We show that one can take a scaling limit in which also the world-sheet theory becomes non-relativistic with an infinite-dimensional symmetry algebra given by the Galilean conformal algebra. This scaling limit can be taken in the context of the AdS/CFT correspondence and we show that it is realized by the ‘Spin Matrix Theory’ limits of strings on AdS5 × S5. Spin Matrix theory arises as non-relativistic limits of the AdS/CFT correspondence close to BPS bounds. The duality between non-relativistic strings and Spin Matrix theory provides a holographic duality of its own and points towards a framework for more tractable holographic dualities whereby non-relativistic strings are dual to near BPS limits of the dual field theory.

Unidirectional Wave Vector Manipulation in Two-Dimensional Space with an All Passive Acoustic Parity-Time-Symmetric Metamaterials Crystal.

Abstract: Exploring the concept of non-Hermitian Hamiltonians respecting parity-time symmetry with classical wave systems is of great interest as it enables the experimental investigation of parity-time-symmetric systems through the quantum-classical analogue. Here, we demonstrate unidirectional wave vector manipulation in two-dimensional space, with an all passive acoustic parity-time-symmetric metamaterials crystal. The metamaterials crystal is constructed through interleaving groove- and holey-structured acoustic metamaterials to provide an intrinsic parity-time-symmetric potential that is two-dimensionally extended and curved, which allows the flexible manipulation of unpaired wave vectors. At the transition point from the unbroken to broken parity-time symmetry phase, the unidirectional sound focusing effect (along with reflectionless acoustic transparency in the opposite direction) is experimentally realized over the spectrum. This demonstration confirms the capability of passive acoustic systems to carry the experimental studies on general parity-time symmetry physics and further reveals the unique functionalities enabled by the judiciously tailored unidirectional wave vectors in space.

Black Holes in an Effective Field Theory Extension of General Relativity

Abstract: Effective field theory methods suggest that some rather general extensions of general relativity include, or are mimicked by, certain higher-order curvature corrections, with coupling constants expected to be small but otherwise arbitrary Thus, the tantalizing prospect to test the fundamental nature of gravity with gravitational-wave observations, in a systematic way, emerges naturally Here, we build black hole solutions in such a framework and study their main properties Once rotation is included, we find the first purely gravitational example of geometries without ${\mathbb{Z}}_{2}$ symmetry Despite the higher-order operators of the theory, we show that linearized fluctuations of such geometries obey second-order differential equations We find nonzero tidal Love numbers We study and compute the quasinormal modes of such geometries These results are of interest to gravitational-wave science but also potentially relevant for electromagnetic observations of the galactic center or x-ray binaries

Symmetry and emergence

Abstract: In a modern understanding of particle physics, global symmetries are approximate and gauge symmetries may be emergent. This view, which has echoes in condensed-matter physics, is supported by a variety of arguments from experiment and theory.