Commutatively deformed general relativity: foundations, cosmology, and experimental tests

An integral kernel representation for the commutative $$\star $$ ⋆ -product on curved classical spacetime is introduced. Its convergence conditions and relationship to a Drin’feld differential twist are established. A $$\star $$ ⋆ -Einstein field equation can be obtained, provided the matter-based twist’s vector generators are fixed to self-consistent values during the variation in order to maintain $$\star $$ ⋆ -associativity. Variations not of this type are non-viable as classical field theories. $$\star $$ ⋆ -Gauge theory on such a spacetime can be developed using $$\star $$ ⋆ -Ehresmann connections. While the theory preserves Lorentz invariance and background independence, the standard ADM $$3+1$$ 3 + 1 decomposition of 4-diffs in general relativity breaks down, leading to different $$\star $$ ⋆ -constraints. No photon or graviton ghosts are found on $$\star $$ ⋆ -Minkowski spacetime. $$\star $$ ⋆ -Friedmann equations are derived and solved for $$\star $$ ⋆ -FLRW cosmologies. Big Bang Nucleosynthesis restricts expressions for the twist generators. Allowed generators can be constructed which account for dark matter as arising from a twist producing non-standard model matter field. The theory also provides a robust qualitative explanation for the matter-antimatter asymmetry of the observable Universe. Particle exchange quantum statistics encounters thresholded modifications due to violations of the cluster decomposition principle on the nonlocality length scale $$\sim 10^{3-5} \,L_P$$ ∼ 10 3 - 5 L P . Precision Hughes–Drever measurements of spacetime anisotropy appear as the most promising experimental route to test deformed general relativity.

Studying the $${\bar{D}}_1K$$ molecule in the Bethe–Salpeter equation approach

We interpret the $$X_1(2900)$$ X 1 ( 2900 ) as an S-wave $${\bar{D}}_1K$$ D ¯ 1 K molecular state in the Bethe–Salpeter equation approach with the ladder and instantaneous approximations for the kernel. By solving the Bethe–Salpeter equation numerically with the kernel containing one-particle-exchange diagrams and introducing three different form factors (monopole, dipole, and exponential form factors) in the verties, we find the bound state exists. We also study the decay width of the decay $$X_1(2900)$$ X 1 ( 2900 ) to $$D^-K^+$$ D - K + .

Dynamical evolution of voids with surrounding gravitational tidal field

ABSTRACT The void ellipticity distribution today can be well explained by the tidal field. Going a step further from the overall distribution, we investigate individuality on the tidal response of void shape in non-linear dynamical evolution. We perform an N-body simulation and trace individual voids using particle ID. The voids are defined based on Voronoi tessellation and watershed algorithm, using public code vide. A positive correlation is found between the time variation of void ellipticity and tidal field around a void if the void maintains its constituent particles. Such voids tend to have smaller mass densities. Conversely, not a few voids significantly deform by particle exchange, rather than the tidal field. Those voids may prevent us from correctly probing a quadrupole field of gravity out of a void shape.

Implementing graph-theoretic quantum algorithms on a silicon photonic quantum walk processor

Applications of quantum walks can depend on the number, exchange symmetry and indistinguishability of the particles involved, and the underlying graph structures where they move. Here, we show that silicon photonics, by exploiting an entanglement-driven scheme, can realize quantum walks with full control over all these properties in one device. The device we realize implements entangled two-photon quantum walks on any five-vertex graph, with continuously tunable particle exchange symmetry and indistinguishability. We show how this simulates single-particle walks on larger graphs, with size and geometry controlled by tuning the properties of the composite quantum walkers. We apply the device to quantum walk algorithms for searching vertices in graphs and testing for graph isomorphisms. In doing so, we implement up to 100 sampled time steps of quantum walk evolution on each of 292 different graphs. This opens the way to large-scale, programmable quantum walk processors for classically intractable applications.

Direct observation of the particle exchange phase of photons

Quantum theory stipulates that if two particles are identical in all physical aspects, the allowed states of the system are either symmetric or antisymmetric with respect to permutations of the particle labels. Experimentally, the symmetry of the states can be inferred indirectly from the fact that neglecting the correct exchange symmetry in the theoretical analysis leads to dramatic discrepancies with the observations. The only way to directly unveil the symmetry of the states for, say, two identical particles is through the interference of the two-particle state and the physically permuted one, and measuring the phase associated with the permutation process, the so-called particle exchange phase. Following this idea, we have measured the exchange phase of indistinguishable photons, providing direct evidence of the bosonic character of photons.

First-Principles Atomistic Thermodynamics and Configurational Entropy

In most applications, functional materials operate at finite temperatures and are in contact with a reservoir of atoms or molecules (gas, liquid, or solid). In order to understand the properties of materials at realistic conditions, statistical effects associated with configurational sampling and particle exchange at finite temperatures must consequently be taken into account. In this contribution, we discuss the main concepts behind equilibrium statistical mechanics. We demonstrate how these concepts can be used to predict the behavior of materials at realistic temperatures and pressures within the framework of atomistic thermodynamics. We also introduce and discuss methods for calculating phase diagrams of bulk materials and surfaces as well as point defect concentrations. In particular, we describe approaches for calculating the configurational density of states, which requires the evaluation of the energies of a large number of configurations. The cluster expansion method is therefore also discussed as a numerically efficient approach for evaluating these energies.