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At least 199 records · Page 11
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2019

EXAFS Spectroscopy of Fractional Mixed-Valence Charge Density Wave Systems

We present extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectra and modeling of a series of structurally tunable quasi-one-dimensional mixed-valence platinum–halide linear chain materials, [Pt(en 2 )][Pt(en 2 )X 2 ](ClO 4 ) 4 with X = Cl, Br, I. The materials exhibit a commensurate charge density wave with fractional charge states on alternating platinum ions in the chain, as well as a Peierls distortion with alternating platinum–halide bond lengths. The amplitude of the charge density wave and, correspondingly, the extent of the Peierls distortion are controlled by the identity of the bridging halide ion. We have carried out ab initio multiple scattering calculations using the FEFF9 code to relate the oriented Pt L III EXAFS spectra to the tunable electronic and structural properties. The spectral modeling reveals distinct photoelectron threshold energy values for the two inequivalent platinum ions in each of the mixed-valence chains, with values that vary systematically with fractional valence state. The difference in the photoelectron threshold energies of the two inequivalent platinum ions within each material correlates directly with the amplitude of the charge density wave, reflecting the decrease in charge density wave strength through the halide series X = Cl, Br, and I. We use dynamical matrix modeling to relate the experimentally determined mean-square relative displacement parameters for the metal–halide bond distances to the chain–axis vibrational modes that modulate the charge density wave structure. In addition, we discuss the EXAFS fitting results for the Pt–I bond lengths in the [Pt(en 2 )][Pt(en 2 )I 2 ](ClO 4 ) 4 complex in comparison to previous, mutually inconsistent structural determinations for this material.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2021

Windowed multipole representation of R -matrix cross sections

Nuclear cross sections are basic inputs to any nuclear computation. Campaigns of experiments are fitted with the parametric R-matrix model of quantum nuclear interactions, and the resulting cross sections are documented—both pointwise and as resonance parameters (with uncertainties)—in standard evaluated nuclear data libraries (ENDF, JEFF, BROND, JENDL, CENDL, TENDL): these constitute our common knowledge of fundamental low-energy nuclear cross sections. In the past decade, a collaborative effort has been deployed to establish a new nuclear cross-section library format—the Windowed Multipole Library—with the goal of considerably reducing the computational cost of cross-section calculations in nuclear transport simulations. This work lays the theoretical foundations underpinning these efforts. From general R-matrix scattering theory, we derive the windowed multipole representation of nuclear cross sections. Though physically and mathematically equivalent to R-matrix cross sections, the windowed multipole representation is particularly well suited for subsequent temperature treatment of angle-integrated cross sections, in particular Doppler broadening, which is the averaging of cross sections over the thermal motion of the target atoms. Doppler broadening is of critical importance in neutron transport applications, as it ensures the stability of many nuclear reactors (negative thermal reactivity). Yet, Doppler broadening of nuclear cross sections has been a considerable bottleneck for nuclear transport computations, often requiring memory-costly pretabulations. We show that the windowed multipole representation can perform accurate Doppler broadening analytically (up to the first reaction threshold), from which we derive cross-section temperature derivatives to any order—all computable on the fly (without precalculations stored in memory). Furthermore, we here establish a way of converting the R-matrix resonance parameters uncertainty (covariance matrices) into windowed multipole parameters uncertainty. We show that generating stochastic nuclear cross sections by sampling from the resulting windowed multipole covariance matrix can reproduce the cross-section uncertainty in the original nuclear data file. The windowed multipole representation is therefore a novel nuclear physics formalism able to generate Doppler broadened stochastic nuclear cross sections on the fly, unlocking breakthrough computational gains for nuclear computations. Through this foundational paper, we hope to make the windowed multipole representation accessible, reproducible, and usable for the nuclear physics community, as well as provide the theoretical basis for future research on expanding its capabilities.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2021

Strong coupling expansion of free energy and BPS Wilson loop in $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 2 superconformal models with fundamental hypermultiplets

As a continuation of the study (in arXiv:2102.07696 and arXiv:2104.12625 ) of strong-coupling expansion of non-planar corrections in \( \mathcal{N} \) = 2 4d superconformal models we consider two special theories with gauge groups SU( N ) and Sp(2 N ). They contain N -independent numbers of hypermultiplets in rank 2 antisymmetric and fundamental representations and are planar-equivalent to the corresponding \( \mathcal{N} \) = 4 SYM theories. These \( \mathcal{N} \) = 2 theories can be realised on a system of N D3-branes with a finite number of D7-branes and O7-plane; the dual string theories should be particular orientifolds of AdS 5 × S 5 superstring. Starting with the localization matrix model representation for the \( \mathcal{N} \) = 2 partition function on S 4 we find exact differential relations between the 1 /N terms in the corresponding free energy F and the \( \frac{1}{2} \) -BPS Wilson loop expectation value \( \left\langle \mathcal{W}\right\rangle \) and also compute their large ’t Hooft coupling ( λ » 1) expansions. The structure of these expansions is different from the previously studied models without fundamental hypermultiplets. In the more tractable Sp(2 N ) case we find an exact resummed expression for the leading strong coupling terms at each order in the 1 /N expansion. We also determine the exponentially suppressed at large λ contributions to the non-planar corrections to F and \( \left\langle \mathcal{W}\right\rangle \) and comment on their resurgence properties. We discuss dual string theory interpretation of these strong coupling expansions.

1/N expansion↗
NASA NTRS1993

Proposed framework for thermomechanical life modeling of metal matrix composites

The framework of a mechanics of materials model is proposed for thermomechanical fatigue (TMF) life prediction of unidirectional, continuous-fiber metal matrix composites (MMC's). Axially loaded MMC test samples are analyzed as structural components whose fatigue lives are governed by local stress-strain conditions resulting from combined interactions of the matrix, interfacial layer, and fiber constituents. The metallic matrix is identified as the vehicle for tracking fatigue crack initiation and propagation. The proposed framework has three major elements. First, TMF flow and failure characteristics of in situ matrix material are approximated from tests of unreinforced matrix material, and matrix TMF life prediction equations are numerically calibrated. The macrocrack initiation fatigue life of the matrix material is divided into microcrack initiation and microcrack propagation phases. Second, the influencing factors created by the presence of fibers and interfaces are analyzed, characterized, and documented in equation form. Some of the influences act on the microcrack initiation portion of the matrix fatigue life, others on the microcrack propagation life, while some affect both. Influencing factors include coefficient of thermal expansion mismatch strains, residual (mean) stresses, multiaxial stress states, off-axis fibers, internal stress concentrations, multiple initiation sites, nonuniform fiber spacing, fiber debonding, interfacial layers and cracking, fractured fibers, fiber deflections of crack fronts, fiber bridging of matrix cracks, and internal oxidation along internal interfaces. Equations exist for some, but not all, of the currently identified influencing factors. The third element is the inclusion of overriding influences such as maximum tensile strain limits of brittle fibers that could cause local fractures and ensuing catastrophic failure of surrounding matrix material. Some experimental data exist for assessing the plausibility of the proposed framework.

Halford, Gary R.↗
DOE OSTI2018

Toward holographic reconstruction of bulk geometry from lattice simulations

A black hole described in SU(N ) gauge theory consists of N D-branes. By separating one of the D-branes from others and studying the interaction between them, the black hole geometry can be probed. In order to obtain quantitative results, we employ the lattice Monte Carlo simulation. As a proof of the concept, we perform an explicit calculation in the matrix model dual to the black zero-brane in type IIA string theory. We demonstrate this method actually works in the high temperature region, where the stringy correction is large. We argue possible dual gravity interpretations.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2022

Investigation of Ga 2 O 3 as a new transparent conductive oxide for photovoltaics applications

This small innovation project intended to leverage recent activity and advances in ultrawide-bandgap oxide power electronics toward the investigation of Ga 2 O 3 as a transparent conductive oxide (TCO) for use in photovoltaics (PV). Ga 2 O 3 ’s theoretical advantage over incumbent TCOs is its very large bandgap of 4.8 eV, ensuring optical transparency of photons with λ ≥ 260 nm, effectively the full terrestrial solar spectrum. At the time of proposal writing, literature on Ga 2 O 3 as a TCO/optical material was relatively sparse — what little existed was focused on for UV sensors and/or emitters, with none related to PV. As such, this project was intended to help determine the potential of Ga 2 O 3 as a PV-oriented TCO by investigating its deposition using tools common to the PV and electronics industries — atomic layer deposition (ALD) and RF sputtering (RS), both of which are already used in PV manufacturing — and its resultant optical and electronic properties. Final project goals were to test its application to Si and III-V solar cells. Controllable film thickness and excellent uniformity was established for both methods deposition methods, with ALD providing higher precision for thinner films and RS more effective for growing thicker films. The as-deposited films were found to be amorphous in nature. Spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE) confirmed bandgaps of at least 4.8 eV and non-parasitic absorption across both AM0 and AM1.5G spectra; a refractive index approaching the expected value of 1.8 was also observed, with some degree of tunability based on process parameters. Using this initial optical data, a transfer matrix model, which interfaces with in-house EQE and LIV models, was developed to simulate Ga 2 O 3 optical effects on various solar cells, included potential in antireflection coatings (ARCs). Despite promising optical properties, the resultant resistivity / conductivity metrics did not meet expectations, regardless of deposition process. Although thick RS-deposited films, using both undoped and 1 at% Ge (n-type) doped sintered targets — demonstrated high net carrier concentrations (via C-V), and low specific resistance Ohmic contacts were demonstrated, transmission line measurements (TLM) showed very high resistivity. Further analysis indicated high vertical film conductivity, but very low lateral conductivity. Deeper characterization revealed a relatively high density of nano/microcrystalline inclusions that were ostensibly the source of the vertical conductivity, with the amorphous matrix serving as an effective insulator (likely due to high concentrations of electronic trap states). Despite extensive work to increase film polycrystallinity — demonstrated via high temperature annealing — sufficient lateral conductivity for TCO use was not achieved. The final phase of the project shifted focus toward investigation of ALD-deposited Ga 2 O 3 ’s potential as a passivant and/or passivating contact for both Si and III-V solar cells, with expectation of performance similar to Al 2 O 3 . However, initial rounds of testing using our baseline ALD process yielded minimal (but not quite zero) passivation of both GaInP and Si surfaces. Dielectric passivation is well-known to be highly process sensitive; given the unoptimized nature of the process used, this work was deemed inconclusive. The final outlook with respect to feasibility of Ga 2 O 3 as a PV-oriented TCO is, ultimately, still uncertain. The work performed in this project confirmed the optical properties and deposition methods, but the achieved electrical properties do not meet technological needs; literature reports in recent years are somewhat inconsistent and potentially untrustworthy, but generally appear to be in line with our results. At the very least it is clear that, should Ga 2 O 3 still be under consideration for PV TCO and/or selective contact applications, a significant amount of optimization and study is still needed.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2019

Higher spin de Sitter Hilbert space

We propose a complete microscopic definition of the Hilbert space of minimal higher spin de Sitter quantum gravity and its Hartle-Hawking vacuum state. The fundamental degrees of freedom are 2N bosonic fields living on the future conformal boundary, where N is proportional to the de Sitter horizon entropy. The vacuum state is normalizable. The model agrees in perturbation theory with expectations from a previously proposed dS-CFT description in terms of a fermionic Sp(N) model, but it goes beyond this, both in its conceptual scope and in its computational power. In particular it resolves the apparent pathologies affecting the Sp(N) model, and it provides an exact formula for late time vacuum correlation functions. We illustrate this by computing probabilities for arbitrarily large field excursions, and by giving fully explicit examples of vacuum 3- and 4-point functions. We discuss bulk reconstruction and show the perturbative bulk QFT canonical commutations relations can be reproduced from the fundamental operator algebra, but only up to a minimal error term ~e -O(N) , and only if the operators are coarse grained in such a way that the number of accessible “pixels” is less than O(N). Independent of this, we show that upon gauging the higher spin symmetry group, one is left with 2N physical degrees of freedom, and that all gauge invariant quantities can be computed by a 2N × 2N matrix model. This suggests a concrete realization of the idea of cosmological complementarity.

1/N expansion↗
NASA NTRS1991

Lightning induced currents in aircraft wiring using low level injection techniques

Various techniques were studied to predict the transient current induced into aircraft wiring bundles as a result of an aircraft lightning strike. A series of aircraft measurements were carried out together with a theoretical analysis using computer modeling. These tests were applied to various aircraft and also to specially constructed cylinders installed within coaxial return conductor systems. Low level swept frequency CW (carrier waves), low level transient and high level transient injection tests were applied to the aircraft and cylinders. Measurements were made to determine the transfer function between the aircraft drive current and the resulting skin currents and currents induced on the internal wiring. The full threat lightning induced transient currents were extrapolated from the low level data using Fourier transform techniques. The aircraft and cylinders used were constructed from both metallic and CFC (carbon fiber composite) materials. The results show the pulse stretching phenomenon which occurs for CFC materials due to the diffusion of the lightning current through carbon fiber materials. Transmission Line Matrix modeling techniques were used to compare theoretical and measured currents.

Stevens, E. G.↗
DOE OSTI2015

Measurements and simulations of the optical gain and anti-reflection coating modal reflectivity in quantum cascade lasers with multiple active region stacks

We report spectrally resolved gain measurements and simulations for quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) composed of multiple heterogeneous stacks designed for broadband emission in the mid-infrared. The measurement method is first demonstrated on a reference single active region QCL based on a double-phonon resonance design emitting at 7.8 μm. It is then extended to a three-stack active region based on bound-to-continuum designs with a broadband emission range from 7.5 to 10.5 μm. A tight agreement is found with simulations based on a density matrix model. The latter implements exhaustive microscopic scattering and dephasing sources with virtually no fitting parameters. The quantitative agreement is furthermore assessed by measuring gain coefficients obtained by studying the threshold current dependence with the cavity length. These results are particularly relevant to understand fundamental gain mechanisms in complex semiconductor heterostructure QCLs and to move towards efficient gain engineering. Finally, the method is extended to the measurement of the modal reflectivity of an anti-reflection coating deposited on the front facet of the broadband QCL.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
NASA NTRS2011

Sensitivity of C-Band Polarimetric Radar-Based Drop Size Distribution Measurements to Maximum Diameter Assumptions

The estimation of rain drop size distribution (DSD) parameters from polarimetric radar observations is accomplished by first establishing a relationship between differential reflectivity (Z(sub dr)) and the central tendency of the rain DSD such as the median volume diameter (D0). Since Z(sub dr) does not provide a direct measurement of DSD central tendency, the relationship is typically derived empirically from rain drop and radar scattering models (e.g., D0 = F[Z (sub dr)] ). Past studies have explored the general sensitivity of these models to temperature, radar wavelength, the drop shape vs. size relation, and DSD variability. Much progress has been made in recent years in measuring the drop shape and DSD variability using surface-based disdrometers, such as the 2D Video disdrometer (2DVD), and documenting their impact on polarimetric radar techniques. In addition to measuring drop shape, another advantage of the 2DVD over earlier impact type disdrometers is its ability to resolve drop diameters in excess of 5 mm. Despite this improvement, the sampling limitations of a disdrometer, including the 2DVD, make it very difficult to adequately measure the maximum drop diameter (D(sub max)) present in a typical radar resolution volume. As a result, D(sub max) must still be assumed in the drop and radar models from which D0 = F[Z(sub dr)] is derived. Since scattering resonance at C-band wavelengths begins to occur in drop diameters larger than about 5 mm, modeled C-band radar parameters, particularly Z(sub dr), can be sensitive to D(sub max) assumptions. In past C-band radar studies, a variety of D(sub max) assumptions have been made, including the actual disdrometer estimate of D(sub max) during a typical sampling period (e.g., 1-3 minutes), D(sub max) = C (where C is constant at values from 5 to 8 mm), and D(sub max) = M*D0 (where the constant multiple, M, is fixed at values ranging from 2.5 to 3.5). The overall objective of this NASA Global Precipitation Measurement Mission (GPM/PMM Science Team)-funded study is to document the sensitivity of DSD measurements, including estimates of D0, from C-band Z(sub dr) and reflectivity to this range of D(sub max) assumptions. For this study, GPM Ground Validation 2DVD's were operated under the scanning domain of the UAHuntsville ARMOR C-band dual-polarimetric radar. Approximately 7500 minutes of DSD data were collected and processed to create gamma size distribution parameters using a truncated method of moments approach. After creating the gamma parameter datasets the DSD's were then used as input to a T-matrix model for computation of polarimetric radar moments at C-band. All necessary model parameterizations, such as temperature, drop shape, and drop fall mode, were fixed at typically accepted values while the D(sub max) assumption was allowed to vary in sensitivity tests. By hypothesizing a DSD model with D(sub max) (fit) from which the empirical fit to D0 = F[Z(sub dr)] was derived via non-linear least squares regression and a separate reference DSD model with D(sub max) (truth), bias and standard error in D0 retrievals were estimated in the presence of Z(sub dr) measurement error and hypothesized mismatch in D(sub max) assumptions. Although the normalized standard error for D0 = F[Z(sub dr)r] can increase slightly (as much as from 11% to 16% for all 7500 DSDs) when the D(sub max) (fit) does not match D(sub max) (truth), the primary impact of uncertainty in D(sub max) is a potential increase in normalized bias error in D0 (from 0% to as much as 10% over all 7500 DSDs, depending on the extent of the mismatch between D(sub max) (fit) and D(sub max) (truth)). For DSDs characterized by large Z(sub dr) (Z(sub dr) > 1.5 to 2.0 dB), the normalized bias error for D0 estimation at C-band is sometimes unacceptably large (> 10%), again depending on the extent of the hypothesized D(sub max) mismatch. Modeled errors in D0 retrievals from Z(sub dr) at C-band are demonstrated in detail and comparedo similar modeled retrieval errors at S-band and X-band where the sensitivity to D(sub max) is expected to be less. The impact of D(sub max) assumptions to the retrieval of other DSD parameters such as Nw, the liquid water content normalized intercept parameter, are also explored. Likely implications for DSD retrievals using C-band polarimetric radar for GPM are assessed by considering current community knowledge regarding D(sub max) and quantifying the statistical distribution of Z(sub dr) from ARMOR over a large variety of meteorological conditions. Based on these results and the prevalence of C-band polarimetric radars worldwide, a call for more emphasis on constraining our observational estimate of D(sub max) within a typical radar resolution volume is made

Carey, Lawrence D.↗
DOE OSTI2015

Coherent vertical electron transport and interface roughness effects in AlGaN/GaN intersubband devices

We investigate electron transport in epitaxially grown nitride-based resonant tunneling diodes (RTDs) and superlattice sequential tunneling devices. A density-matrix model is developed, and shown to reproduce the experimentally measured features of the current–voltage curves, with its dephasing terms calculated from semi-classical scattering rates. Lifetime broadening effects are shown to have a significant influence in the experimental data. Additionally, it is shown that the interface roughness geometry has a large effect on current magnitude, peak-to-valley ratios and misalignment features; in some cases eliminating negative differential resistance entirely in RTDs. Sequential tunneling device characteristics are dominated by a parasitic current that is most likely to be caused by dislocations; however, excellent agreement between the simulated and experimentally measured tunneling current magnitude and alignment bias is demonstrated. This analysis of the effects of scattering lifetimes, contact doping and growth quality on electron transport highlights critical optimization parameters for the development of III–nitride unipolar electronic and optoelectronic devices.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2015

Wall-crossing invariants: from quantum mechanics to knots

We offer a pedestrian-level review of the wall-crossing invariants. The story begins from the scattering theory in quantum mechanics where the spectrum reshuffling can be related to permutations of S-matrices. In nontrivial situations, starting from spin chains and matrix models, the S-matrices are operatorvalued and their algebra is described in terms of R- and mixing (Racah) U-matrices. Then the Kontsevich-Soibelman (KS) invariants are nothing but the standard knot invariants made out of these data within the Reshetikhin-Turaev-Witten approach. The R and Racah matrices acquire a relatively universal form in the semiclassical limit, where the basic reshufflings with the change of moduli are those of the Stokes line. Natural from this standpoint are matrices provided by the modular transformations of conformal blocks (with the usual identification R = T and U = S), and in the simplest case of the first degenerate field (2, 1), when the conformal blocks satisfy a second-order Shrödinger-like equation, the invariants coincide with the Jones (N = 2) invariants of the associated knots. Another possibility to construct knot invariants is to realize the cluster coordinates associated with reshufflings of the Stokes lines immediately in terms of check-operators acting on solutions of the Knizhnik-Zamolodchikov equations. Then the R-matrices are realized as products of successive mutations in the cluster algebra and are manifestly described in terms of quantum dilogarithms, ultimately leading to the Hikami construction of knot invariants.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2019

Photonic Band Gap Properties of One-dimensional Generalized Fibonacci Photonic Quasicrystal Containing Superconductor Material

In this work, we theoretically investigate the transmission properties of one-dimensional (1D) Fibonacci photonic quasicrystal (PQC) by using the transfer matrix modeling (TMM) method. The PQC structure is composed of alternated layers of isotropic dielectric (SiO{sub 2}) and a high-T{sub c} superconductor (YBCO). Frequency-dependent dispersion formula according to the two-fluid Gorter–Casimir theory has been adopted to describe the optical response of the superconducting material. Within the framework of the TMM method, we studied the effect of many parameters such as the thicknesses of the dielectric and superconductor layers, Fibonacci lattice parameters, and the operating temperature on the transmission behaviors of the PQC structure. Our numerical results reveal the transmission cutoff frequency can be tuned efficiently by the operating temperature as well as by the thicknesses of the constituent materials. We found that increasing the temperature and the angle of incidence, maintaining materials thicknesses constant, there is a shift of the cutoff frequency to lower frequency values. Nevertheless, this cutoff frequency is shifted to higher values with increasing the superconductor layer thickness. Moreover, we found that the width and the number of the photonic bandgaps can be controlled by order of Fibonacci sequence. Our results are promising for the design of tunable filtering devices.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2022

Strong Induced Circular Dichroism in a Hybrid Lead‐Halide Semiconductor Using Chiral Amino Acids for Crystallite Surface Functionalization

Abstract Chirality is a desired property in functional semiconductors for optoelectronic, catalytic, and spintronic applications. Here, introducing enantiomerically‐pure 3‐aminobutyric acid (3‐ABA) into thin films of the 1D semiconductor dimethylammonium lead iodide (DMAPbI 3 ) is found to result in strong circular dichroism (CD) in the optical absorption. X‐ray diffraction and grazing incidence small angle X‐ray scattering (GISAXS) are applied to gain molecular‐scale insights into the chirality transfer mechanism, which is attributed to a chiral surface modification of DMAPbI 3 crystallites. This study demonstrates that the CD signal strength can be controlled by the amino‐acid content relative to the crystallite surface area. The CD intensity is tuned by the composition of the precursor solution and the spin‐coating time, thereby achieving anisotropy factors ( g abs ) as high as 1.75 × 10 –2 . Grazing incidence wide angle scattering reveals strong preferential ordering that can be suppressed via tailored synthesis conditions. Different contributions to the chiroptical properties are resolved by a detailed analysis of the CD signal utilizing an approach based on the Mueller matrix model. This report of a novel class of chiral hybrid semiconductors with precise control over their optical activity presents a promising approach for the design of circularly polarized light detectors and emitters.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2014

Sketches of emergent geometry in the gauge/gravity duality

Here in this paper three notions of emergent geometry arising from the study of gauge/gravity duals are discussed. The unifying theme behind these notions of emergent geometry is that one can derive properties of the effective action of a probe or excitation around some configuration in gauge theory which can be argued to be localized at a particular position in the gravity dual, and match this description to various degrees of accuracy in the gravity dual. The three examples discussed are giant gravitons in AdS 5 ×S 5 , open strings stretching between these giants and the probe dynamics of a D0 brane in the presence of a thermal matrix configuration of the BFSS matrix model.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2018

Comments on higher rank Wilson loops in $\mathcal{N}$ = 2*

For N = 2* theory with U(N) gauge group we evaluate expectation values of Wilson loops in representations described by a rectangular Young tableau with n rows and k columns. The evaluation reduces to a two-matrix model and we explain, using a combination of numerical and analytical techniques, the general properties of the eigenvalue distributions in various regimes of parameters (N, λ, n, k) where λ is the ’t Hooft coupling. In the large N limit we present analytic results for the leading and sub-leading contributions. In the particular cases of only one row or one column we reproduce previously known results for the totally symmetry and totally antisymmetric representations. We also extensively discuss the N = 4 limit of the N = 2* theory. While establishing these connections we clarify aspects of various orders of limits and how to relax them; we also find it useful to explicitly address details of the genus expansion. Finally, as a result, for the totally symmetric Wilson loop we find new contributions that improve the comparison with the dual holographic computation at one loop order in the appropriate regime.

1/N Expansion↗
DOE OSTI2019

Long string scattering in c = 1 string theory

We study the scattering of long strings in c = 1 string theory, both in the worldsheet description and in the non-singlet sector of the dual matrix quantum mechanics. From the worldsheet perspective, the scattering amplitudes of long strings are obtained from a decoupling limit of open strings amplitudes on FZZT branes, which we compute by integrating Virasoro conformal blocks along with structure constants of boundary Liouville theory. In particular, we study the tree level amplitudes of (1) a long string decaying by emitting a closed string, and (2) the scattering of a pair of long strings. We show that they are indeed well defined as limits of open string amplitudes, and that our results are in striking numerical agreement with computations in the adjoint and bi-adjoint sectors of the dual matrix model (based on proposals of Maldacena and solutions due to Fidkowski), thereby providing strong evidence of the duality.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗