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At least 883 records · Page 49

Aspects of gravitational portals and freeze-in during reheating

We conduct a systematic investigation of freeze-in during reheating while taking care to include both direct and indirect production of dark matter (DM) via gravitational portals and inflaton decay. Direct production of DM can occur via gravitational scattering of the inflaton, while indirect production occurs through scattering in the Standard Model radiation bath. We consider two main contributions to the radiation bath during reheating. The first, which may dominate at the onset of the reheating process, is produced via gravitational scattering of the inflaton. The second (and more standard contribution) comes from inflaton decay. We consider a broad class of DM production rates parametrized as R χ ∝ T n + 6 / Λ n + 2 , and inflaton potentials with a power-law form V ( ϕ ) ∝ ϕ k about the minimum. We find the relic density produced by freeze-in for each contribution to the Standard Model bath for arbitrary k and n , and compare these with the DM density produced gravitationally by inflaton scattering. We find that freeze-in production from the gravitationally produced radiation bath can exceed that of the conventional decay bath and account for the observed relic density provided that m χ > T RH , with additional k - and n -dependent constraints. For each freeze-in interaction considered, we also find m χ - and T RH -dependent limits on the beyond the Standard Model scale, Λ , for which gravitational production will exceed ordinary freeze-in production. Published by the American Physical Society 2025

Henrich, Stephen E. (ORCID:0000000323669519)↗

Cosmology From CMB Lensing and Delensed EE Power Spectra Using 2019-2020 SPT-3G Polarization Data

From CMB polarization data alone we reconstruct the CMB lensing power spectrum, comparable in overall constraining power to previous temperature-based reconstructions, and an unlensed E -mode power spectrum, with clear detections of the third through tenth acoustic peaks. The observations, taken in 2019 and 2020 with the South Pole Telescope (SPT) and the SPT-3G camera, cover 1500 deg 2 at 95, 150, and 220 GHz with arcminute resolution and roughly 4.9 µ K-arcmin coadded noise in polarization. The power spectrum estimates, together with systematic parameter estimates and a joint covariance matrix, follow from a Bayesian analysis using the Marginal Unbiased Score Expansion (MUSE) method. The E -mode spectrum at ℓ > 2000 and lensing spectrum at L > 350 are the most precise to date. Assuming the ΛCDM model, and using only these SPT data and priors on τ and absolute calibration from Planck, we find H 0 = 66.81 ± 0.81 km/s/Mpc, comparable in precision to the Planck determination and in 5.4 σ tension with the most precise H 0 inference derived via the distance ladder. We also find S 8 ≡ σ 8 (Ω m /0.3) 0.5 = 0.850 ± 0.017, providing further independent evidence of a slight tension with low-redshift structure probes. The ΛCDM model provides a good simultaneous fit to the combined Planck, ACT, and SPT data, and thus passes a powerful test. Combining these CMB datasets with BAO observations, we explore extensions to the ΛCDM model. We find that the effective number of neutrino species, spatial curvature, and primordial helium fraction are consistent with standard model values, and that the 95% confidence upper limit on the neutrino mass sum is 0.075 eV, close to the minimum sum expected from observations of solar and atmospheric neutrino oscillations. The SPT data are consistent with the somewhat weak (< 3 σ ) preference for excess lensing power seen in Planck and ACT data relative to predictions of the ΛCDM model given the combined Planck, ACT, and BAO data sets. Finally, we also detect at greater than 3 σ the influence of non-linear evolution in the CMB lensing power spectrum and discuss it in the context of the S 8 tension. Forthcoming SPT-3G analyses will feature deeper and wider observations in temperature and polarization, providing even tighter constraints and more powerful tests of the ΛCDM model.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Single spin asymmetry in forward p A collisions from the Pomeron-odderon interference

Working in the hybrid framework of the high energy p A collisions we identify a new contribution to transverse single spin asymmetry (SSA). The phase necessary for the SSA is provided by the Pomeron-odderon interference in the dense nuclear target. The complete formula for the p A → h X polarized cross section also contains the transversity distribution for the polarized projectile as well as the real part of the twist-three fragmentation function. We numerically estimate the asymmetry A N and its nuclear dependence. Based on a model computation we find that A N can be a percent level in the forward and low- P h ⊥ region. For large nuclei we find significant suppression, with A N ∝ A − 7 / 6 parametrically. As a notable feature we find a node of A N as a function of the P h ⊥ around the values of the initial saturation scale that could be used to test this mechanism experimentally. Published by the American Physical Society 2025

Benić, Sanjin↗

Noble dark matter: Surprising elusiveness of dark baryons

Dark matter could be a baryonic composite of stronglyc upled constituents transforming under SU⁡(2) 𝐿 . We classify the SU⁡(2) 𝐿 representations of baryons in a class of simple confining dark sectors and find that the lightest state can be a pure singlet or a singlet that mixes with other neutral components of SU⁡(2) 𝐿 representations, which strongly suppresses the dark matter candidate’s interactions with the Standard Model. We focus on models with a confining SU⁡(𝑁 𝑐 ) and heavy dark quarks constituting vectorlike 𝑁 𝑓 -plet of SU⁢(2) 𝐿 . For benchmark 𝑁 𝑐 and 𝑁 𝑓 , we calculate baryon mass spectra, incorporating electroweak gauge boson exchange in the nonrelativistic quark model, and demonstrate that above TeV mass scales, dark matter is dominantly a singlet state. The combination of this singlet nature with the recently discovered ℋ-parity results in an inert state analogous to noble gases, hence we coin the term noble dark matter. Our results can be understood in the nonrelativistic effective theory that treats the dark baryons as elementary states, where we find singlets accompanying triplets, 5-plets, or more exotic representations. This generalization of WIMP-like theories is more difficult to find or rule out than dark matter models that include only a single SU⁡(2) 𝐿 multiplet (such as a wino), motivating new searches in colliders and a reanalysis of direct and indirect detection prospects in astrophysical observations.

dark matter direct detection↗

Dynamics of Magnus-dominated particle clusters, collisions, pinning, and ratchets

Motivated by the recent work in skyrmions and active chiral matter systems, we examine pairs and small clusters of repulsively interacting point particles in the limit where the dynamics is dominated by the Magnus force. We find that particles with the same Magnus force can form stable pairs, triples, and higher ordered clusters or exhibit chaotic motion. For mixtures of particles with opposite Magnus force, particle pairs can combine to form translating dipoles. Under an applied drive, particles with the same Magnus force translate; however, particles with different or opposite Magnus force exhibit a drive-dependent decoupling transition. When the particles interact with a repulsive obstacle, they can form localized orbits with depinning or unwinding transitions under an applied drive. We examine the interaction of these particles with clusters or lines of obstacles and find that the particles can become trapped in orbits that encircle multiple obstacles. Under an ac drive, we observe a series of ratchet effects, including ratchet reversals, for particles interacting with a line of obstacles due to the formation of commensurate orbits. Lastly, in assemblies of particles with mixed Magnus forces of the same sign, we find that the particles with the largest Magnus force become localized in the center of the cluster, while for mixtures with opposite Magnus forces, the motion is dominated by transient local pairs or clusters, where the translating pairs can be regarded as a form of active matter.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Clogging, dynamics, and reentrant fluid for active matter on periodic substrates

Here, we examine the collective states of run-and-tumble active matter disks driven over a periodic obstacle array. When the drive is applied along a symmetry direction of the array, we find a clog-free uniform liquid state for low activity, while at higher activity, the density becomes increasingly heterogeneous and an active clogged state emerges in which the mobility is strongly reduced. For driving along nonsymmetry or incommensurate directions, there are two different clogging behaviors consisting of a drive-dependent clogged state in the low activity thermal limit and a drive-independent clogged state at high activity. These regimes are separated by a uniform flowing liquid at intermediate activity. There is a critical activity level above which the thermal clogged state does not occur, as well as an optimal activity level that maximizes the disk mobility. Thermal clogged states are dependent on the driving direction while active clogged states are not. In the low activity regime, diluting the obstacles produces a monotonic increase in the mobility; however, for large activities, the mobility is more robust against obstacle dilution. We also examine the velocity-force curves for driving along nonsymmetry directions and find that they are linear when the activity is low or intermediate but become nonlinear at high activity and show behavior similar to that found for the plastic depinning of solids. At higher drives, the active clustering is lost. For low activity, we also find a reentrant fluid phase, where the system transitions from a high mobility fluid at low drives to a clogged state at higher drives and then back into another fluid phase at very high drives. We map the regions in which the thermally clogged, partially clogged, active uniform fluid, clustered fluid, active clogged, and directionally locked states occur as a function of disk density, drift force, and activity.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Spatiotemporal spread of perturbations in power-law models at low temperatures: Exact results for classical out-of-time-order correlators

Here, we present exact results for the classical version of the out-of-time-order commutator (OTOC) for a family of power-law models consisting of N particles in one dimension and confined by an external harmonic potential. These particles are interacting via power-law interaction of the form ∝ $Σ_{i,j=(i≠j)}^{N}$ |x i -x j | -k for every k>1 where x i is the position of the i th particle. We present numerical results for the OTOC for finite N at low temperatures and short enough times so that the system is well approximated by the linearized dynamics around the many-body ground state. In the large-N limit, we compute the ground-state dispersion relation in the absence of external harmonic potential exactly and use it to arrive at analytical results for OTOC. We find excellent agreement between our analytical results and the numerics. We further obtain analytical results in the limit where only linear and leading nonlinear (in momentum) terms in the dispersion relation are included. The resulting OTOC is in agreement with numerics in the vicinity of the edge of the “light cone.” We find remarkably distinct features in OTOC below and above k=3 in terms of going from non-Airy behavior (1 < k < 3) to an Airy universality class (k>3). We present certain additional rich features for the case k=2 that stem from the underlying integrability of the Calogero-Moser model. We present a field theory approach that also assists in understanding certain aspects of OTOC such as the sound speed. Our findings are a step forward towards a more general understanding of the spatiotemporal spread of perturbations in long-range interacting systems.

1-dimensional systems↗

Fully kinetic simulations of strong steady-state collisional planar plasma shocks

We report on simulations of strong, steady-state collisional planar plasma shocks with fully kinetic ions and electrons, independently confirmed by two fully kinetic codes (an Eulerian continuum and a Lagrangian particle-in-cell). While kinetic electrons do not fundamentally change the shock structure as compared with fluid electrons, we find an appreciable rearrangement of the preheat layer, associated with nonlocal electron heat transport effects. The electron heat-flux profile qualitatively agrees between kinetic- and fluid-electron models, suggesting a certain level of “stiffness,” though substantial nonlocality is observed in the kinetic heat flux. We also find good agreement with nonlocal electron heat-flux closures proposed in the literature. Finally, in contrast to the classical hydrodynamic picture, we find a significant collapse in the “precursor” electric-field shock at the preheat layer leading edge, which correlates with the electron-temperature gradient relaxation.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Ion energy distribution in an electron beam ion trap inferred from simulations of the trapped ion cloud

For this work, we have inferred the energy distribution of trapped ions in an electron beam ion trap (EBIT) from simulations of the spatial distribution of Fe 13+ ions and a comparison with measured visible light images of the ion cloud. We simulated the cloud of Fe 13+ ions by computing ion trajectories in the EBIT for different ion energy distributions used to initialize the trajectories. We then performed a least-squares fit to infer the ion energy distribution that best reproduced the measured ion cloud. These best-fit distributions were typically non-Maxwellian. For electron beam energies of 395–475 eV and electron beam currents of 1–9 mA, we find that the average ion energy is in the range of 10–300 eV. We also find that the average ion energy increases with increasing beam current approximately as $\langle$E$\rangle$ ≈ 25 I e eV, where I e is the electron beam current in mA. We have also compared our results to Maxwell-Boltzmann-distribution ion clouds. We find that our best-fit non-thermal distributions have an $\langle$E$\rangle$ that is less than half that of the T from the best-fit Maxwell-Boltzmann distributions ($\langle$E$\rangle$/q)/T=0.41 ± 0.05.

74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS↗

Structural uncertainty assessment for fire-engulfed objects in crosswind: Establishing credibility for a multiphysics wall-modeled large-eddy simulation paradigm

A structural uncertainty validation study for a large-scale, fire-engulfed, elevated object subjected to crosswind is presented to establish the credibility of a high-fidelity, low-Mach, turbulent reacting flow wall-modeled large-eddy simulation (WMLES) approach that includes multiphysics coupling to participating media radiation and conjugate heat transfer. To establish that WMLES can accurately predict surface quantities including drag and pressure coefficient in the low-Mach crosswind regime, a foundational elevated isothermal cylinder validation case is presented at a similar gap-to-diameter ratio of 0.25, spanning the subcritical to supercritical drag regime (Re 𝐷 = 1.1 × 10 5 and 4.3 × 10 5 , respectively). Here, this study exercised both static and dynamic coefficient LES (Smagorinsky and 𝑘 sgs ) with both local and exchange-based velocity sampling. Results showcase that the drag crisis (or the sudden drop in drag coefficient at increased Re 𝐷 ) is well captured when using an exchange-based dynamic coefficient WMLES methodology, while noting lack of mesh convergence and overall drag and pressure coefficient predictively when using a static coefficient, local velocity sampling WMLES. For the 𝒪⁡(10) m JP-8 liquid pool fire crosswind validation study presented, two experimental crosswind configurations (2 m/s and 9.5 m/s) are showcased for a fire-engulfed mock fuselage roughly 4 m in diameter. Using the best model-form practices identified in the isothermal study, dynamic coefficient 𝑘 sgs exchange-based WMLES fire validation findings demonstrate accurate peak irradiation and skin temperature predictions as a function of crosswind magnitude. Excessive yaw in the low-crosswind fuselage configuration, consistent with experimental findings, captured a significant predicted asymmetry in flame attachment and heat flux toward the downwind cylindrical cap—indicative of axial vortex structures transporting the flame along the upper and lower fuselage leeward surface. All fire mesh resolution simulations captured the experimental finding that as crosswind increased, predicted flame shape and peak irradiation magnitude onto the fuselage transitioned from a windward to a leeward cylinder location due to the migration of the upper- to lower-shear fuel/air mixing layer thereby demonstrating the novelty, significance, and credibility of this high-fidelity WMLES reacting flow framework.

Domino, Stefan Paul [Sandia National Laboratories ↗

Spin-Orbit-Induced Topological Flat Bands in Line and Split Graphs of Bipartite Lattices

Topological flat bands, such as the band in twisted bilayer graphene, are becoming a promising platform to study topics such as correlation physics, superconductivity, and transport. In this Letter, we introduce a generic approach to construct two-dimensional (2D) topological quasiflat bands from line graphs and split graphs of bipartite lattices. A line graph or split graph of a bipartite lattice exhibits a set of flat bands and a set of dispersive bands. The flat band connects to the dispersive bands through a degenerate state at some momentum. We find that, with spin-orbit coupling (SOC), the flat band becomes quasiflat and gapped from the dispersive bands. By studying a series of specific line graphs and split graphs of bipartite lattices, we find that (i) if the flat band (without SOC) has inversion or C 2 symmetry and is nondegenerate, then the resulting quasiflat band must be topologically nontrivial, and (ii) if the flat band (without SOC) is degenerate, then there exists a SOC potential such that the resulting quasiflat band is topologically nontrivial. This generic mechanism serves as a paradigm for finding topological quasiflat bands in 2D crystalline materials and metamaterials.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Numerical Evidence for Many-Body Localization in Two and Three Dimensions

Disorder and interactions can lead to the breakdown of statistical mechanics in certain quantum systems, a phenomenon known as many-body localization (MBL). Much of the phenomenology of MBL emerges from the existence of localized-bits, or l-bits, a set of conserved quantities that are spatially localized and binary (i.e., possess only ±1 eigenvalues). While MBL and l-bits are known to exist in one-dimensional systems, their existence in dimensions greater than one is a key open question. To tackle this question, we develop an algorithm that can find approximate binary l-bits in arbitrary dimensions by adaptively generating a basis of operators in which to represent the l-bit. We use the algorithm to study four models: the one-, two-, and three-dimensional disordered Heisenberg models and the two-dimensional disordered hard-core Bose-Hubbard model. For all four of the models studied, our algorithm finds high-quality l-bits at large disorder strength and rapid qualitative changes in the distributions of l-bits in particular ranges of disorder strengths, suggesting the existence of MBL transitions. Furthermore, these transitions in the one-dimensional Heisenberg model and two-dimensional Bose-Hubbard model coincide well with past estimates of the critical disorder strengths in these models which further validates the evidence of MBL-like behavior in the other two and three-dimensional models we examine. In addition to finding MBL-like behavior in higher dimensions, our algorithm can be used to probe MBL in various geometries and dimensionality.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Terahertz-Driven Local Dipolar Correlation in a Quantum Paraelectric

Light-induced ferroelectricity in quantum paraelectrics is a new avenue of achieving dynamic stabilization of hidden orders in quantum materials. In this Letter, we explore the possibility of driving a transient ferroelectric phase in the quantum paraelectric KTaO 3 via intense terahertz excitation of the soft mode. We observe a long-lived relaxation in the terahertz-driven second harmonic generation (SHG) signal that lasts up to 20 ps at 10 K, which may be attributed to light-induced ferroelectricity. Through analyzing the terahertz-induced coherent soft-mode oscillation and finding its hardening with fluence well described by a single-well potential, we demonstrate that intense terahertz pulses up to 500 kV=cm cannot drive a global ferroelectric phase in KTaO 3 . Instead, we find the unusual long-lived relaxation of the SHG signal comes from a terahertz-driven moderate dipolar correlation between the defect-induced local polar structures. We discuss the impact of our findings on current investigations of the terahertz-induced ferroelectric phase in quantum paraelectrics.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

First Observation of Λπ + and Λπ - Signals near the $\bar{K}$N⁡(I=1) Mass Threshold in Λ$^+_c$ → Λ⁢π + ⁢π + π - Decay

Using the data sample of 980 fb -1 collected with the Belle detector operating at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e + ⁢e - collider, we present the results of an investigation of the Λ⁢π + and Λ⁢π - invariant mass distributions looking for substructure in the decay Λ$^+_c$ → Λ⁢π + π + π - . We find a significant signal in each mass distribution. When interpreted as resonances, we find for the Λπ + (Λ⁢π - ) combination a mass of 1434.3 ± 0.6⁢(stat) ± 0.9⁢(syst) MeV/c 2 [1438.5 ± 0.9⁢(stat) ± 2.5⁢(syst) MeV/c 2 ], an intrinsic width of 11.5 ± 2.8⁢(stat) ± 5.3⁢(syst) MeV/c 2 [33.0 ± 7.5⁢(stat) ± 23.6⁢(syst) MeV/c 2 ] with a significance of 7.5⁢σ (6.2⁢σ). As these two signals are very close to the $\bar{K}N$ threshold, we also investigate the possibility of a $\bar{K}N$ cusp, and find that we cannot discriminate between these two interpretations due to the limited size of the data sample.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Convex Optimization for Nonequilibrium Steady States on a Hybrid Quantum Processor

Finding the transient and steady state properties of open quantum systems is a central problem in various fields of quantum technologies. Here, in this work, we present a quantum-assisted algorithm to determine the steady states of open system dynamics. By reformulating the problem of finding the fixed point of Lindblad dynamics as a feasibility semidefinite program, we bypass several well-known issues with variational quantum approaches to solving for steady states. We demonstrate that our hybrid approach allows us to estimate the steady states of higher dimensional open quantum systems and discuss how our method can find multiple steady states for systems with symmetries.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Multiscale Imaging of Nuclear Deformation at the Electron-Ion Collider

We show within the Color Glass Condensate framework that exclusive vector meson production at high energy is sensitive to the geometric deformation of the target nucleus at multiple length scales. Studying e+U collisions and varying the deformation of the uranium target, we demonstrate that larger deformations result in enhanced incoherent vector meson production cross sections. Further, different multipole deformation parameters affect different regions of transverse momentum transfer. Employing JIMWLK evolution to study the Bjorken-x dependence of our results, we find that the ratio of incoherent to coherent cross sections decreases with decreasing x, largely independently of the quadrupole deformation of the target. Comparing results for the same process using 20 Ne targets with 16 O targets, we find that differences in deformation are clearly visible in the incoherent cross section. These findings show that certain observables at the Electron-Ion Collider are very sensitive to nuclear structure. Consequently, deformations need to be taken into account when interpreting experimental results. More importantly, this also means that |t|-differential diffractive vector meson production could become a powerful tool, enabling the most direct measurements of nuclear structure at different length scales, ranging from nuclear deformation at low |t| to nucleon and subnucleon-size scales at higher |t|.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Effect of transport mechanism on the coarsening of bicontinuous structures: A comparison between bulk and surface diffusion

Here, coarsening of bicontinuous microstructures is observed in a variety of systems, such as nanoporous metals and mixtures that have undergone spinodal decomposition. To better understand the morphological evolution of these structures during coarsening, we compare the morphologies resulting from two different coarsening mechanisms, surface and bulk diffusion. We perform phase-field simulations of coarsening via each mechanism in a two-phase mixture at nominal volume fractions of 50%-50% and 36%-64%, and the simulated structures are characterized in terms of topology (genus density), the interfacial shape distribution, structure factor, and autocorrelations of phase and mean curvature. We observe self-similar evolution of morphology and topology and agreement with the expected power laws for dynamic scaling, in which the characteristic length scale increases over time proportionally to t 1/4 for surface diffusion and t 1/3 for bulk diffusion. While we observe the expected difference in the coarsening kinetics, we find that differences in self-similar morphology due to coarsening mechanism are relatively small, although typically they are larger at 36% volume fraction than at 50% volume fraction. In particular, we find that bicontinuous structures coarsened via surface diffusion have lower scaled genus densities than structures coarsened via bulk diffusion. We also compare the self-similar morphologies to those in literature and to two model bicontinuous structures, namely, constant-mean-curvature surfaces based on the Schoen G minimal surface and random leveled-wave structures. The average scaled mean curvatures of these model structures agree reasonably with those of the coarsened structures at both 36% and 50%, but we find substantial disagreements in the scaled genus densities and the standard deviations of mean curvature.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Photoluminescence spectra of point defects in semiconductors: Validation of first-principles calculations

Optically and magnetically active point defects in semiconductors are interesting platforms for the development of solid state quantum technologies. Their optical properties are usually probed by measuring photoluminescence spectra, which provide information on excitation energies and on the interaction of electrons with lattice vibrations. We present a combined computational and experimental study of photoluminescence spectra of defects in diamond and SiC, aimed at assessing the validity of theoretical and numerical approximations used in first-principles calculations, including the use of the Franck-Condon principle and the displaced harmonic oscillator approximation. We focus on prototypical examples of solid state qubits, the divacancy centers in SiC and the nitrogen-vacancy in diamond, and we report computed photoluminescence spectra as a function of temperature that are in very good agreement with the measured ones. As expected we find that the use of hybrid functionals leads to more accurate results than semilocal functionals. Interestingly our calculations show that constrained density functional theory (CDFT) and time-dependent hybrid DFT perform equally well in describing the excited state potential energy surface of triplet states; our findings indicate that CDFT, a relatively cheap computational approach, is sufficiently accurate for the calculations of photoluminescence spectra of the defects studied here. Finally, we find that only by correcting for finite-size effects and extrapolating to the dilute limit can one obtain a good agreement between theory and experiment. Our results provide a detailed validation protocol of first-principles calculations of photoluminescence spectra, necessary both for the interpretation of experiments and for robust predictions of the electronic properties of point defects in semiconductors.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗