Convexity at finite temperature and non-extensive thermodynamics

Assuming that tunnel effect between two degenerate bare minima occurs, in a scalar field theory at finite volume, this article studies the consequences for the effective potential, to all loop orders. Convexity is achieved only if the two bare minima are taken into account in the path integral, and a new derivation of the effective potential is given, in the large volume limit. The effective potential has then has a universal form, it is suppressed by the space time volume, and does not feature spontaneous symmetry breaking as long as the volume is finite. The finite temperature analysis leads to surprising thermal properties, following from the non-extensive expression for the free energy. Although the physical relevance of these results is not clear, the potential application to ultra-light scalar particles is discussed.Comment: 17 page

Optimal exact designs of experiments via Mixed Integer Nonlinear Programming

Optimal exact designs are problematic to find and study because there is no unified theory for determining them and studyingtheir properties. Each has its own challenges and when a method exists to confirm the design optimality, it is invariablyapplicable to the particular problem only.We propose a systematic approach to construct optimal exact designs by incorporatingthe Cholesky decomposition of the Fisher Information Matrix in a Mixed Integer Nonlinear Programming formulation. Asexamples, we apply the methodology to find D- and A-optimal exact designs for linear and nonlinear models using global orlocal optimizers. Our examples include design problems with constraints on the locations or the number of replicates at theoptimal design points

Autofocusing and self-healing of partially blocked circular Airy derivative beams

We numerically and experimentally study the autofocusing and self-healing of partially blocked circular Airy derivative beams (CADBs). The CADB consists of multiple rings, and partial blocking of CADB with different kinds is achieved by using symmetric and asymmetric binary amplitude masks, enabling blocking of inner/outer rings and sectorially. The CADB blocked with different types possesses the ability to autofocus, however, the required propagation distance for abrupt autofocusing vary with the amount and types of blocking. The abrupt autofocusing is quantified by a maximum k-value, and how fast it changes around the autofocusing distance ($z_{af}$). In particular, CADB blocked with inner rings (first/two/three) exhibits an abrupt autofocusing, as the k-value sharply increases [decreases] just before [after] $z_{af}$. The maximum k-value always occurs at $z_{af}$, which decreases as the number of blocked inner rings increases. For CADB blocked with outer rings, the k-value gradually changes around $z_{af}$, indicating a lack of abrupt autofocusing. The value of $z_{af}$ increases with the number of blocked outer rings. This suggests that although outer rings contain low intensities, these play an important role in autofocusing. A sectorially blocked CADB possesses an abrupt autofocusing, and maximum k-value depends on the amount of blocking. The CADB blocked with different types possesses good self-healing abilities, where blocked parts reappear as a result of redistribution of intensity. The maximum self-healing occurs at $z_{af}$, where an overlap integral approaches a maximum value. Finally, we have compared ideal CADB and partially blocked CADB having the same radii, and found that an ideal CADB possesses better abrupt autofocusing. We have found a good agreement between the numerical simulations and experimental results.Comment: 16 pages, 20 figure

Introducing symplectic billiards

In this article we introduce a simple dynamical system called symplectic billiards. As opposed to usual/Birkhoff billiards, where length is the generating function, for symplectic billiards symplectic area is the generating function. We explore basic properties and exhibit several similarities, but also differences of symplectic billiards to Birkhoff billiards.Comment: 41 pages, 16 figure