Discrete scale invariance and complex dimensions

We discuss the concept of discrete scale invariance and how it leads to complex critical exponents (or dimensions), i.e. to the log-periodic corrections to scaling. After their initial suggestion as formal solutions of renormalization group equations in the seventies, complex exponents have been studied in the eighties in relation to various problems of physics embedded in hierarchical systems. Only recently has it been realized that discrete scale invariance and its associated complex exponents may appear ``spontaneously'' in euclidean systems, i.e. without the need for a pre-existing hierarchy. Examples are diffusion-limited-aggregation clusters, rupture in heterogeneous systems, earthquakes, animals (a generalization of percolation) among many other systems. We review the known mechanisms for the spontaneous generation of discrete scale invariance and provide an extensive list of situations where complex exponents have been found. This is done in order to provide a basis for a better fundamental understanding of discrete scale invariance. The main motivation to study discrete scale invariance and its signatures is that it provides new insights in the underlying mechanisms of scale invariance. It may also be very interesting for prediction purposes.Comment: significantly extended version (Oct. 27, 1998) with new examples in several domains of the review paper with the same title published in Physics Reports 297, 239-270 (1998

Status of SM calculations of b > s transitions

We report recent progress in SM calculations of $b \to s$ transitions. We discuss the first NNLL prediction of the $\bar B \to X_s \gamma$ branching ratio, including important additional subtleties due to non-perturbative corrections and logarithmically-enhanced cut effects, and also recent results on the inclusive mode $\bar B \to X_s \ell^+ \ell^-$. Moreover, new results on the corresponding exclusive modes are reviewed. Finally, we comment on the present status of the so-called $B \to K \pi$ puzzle in hadronic $b \to s$ transitionsComment: 10 pages, 6 figures, minor changes, published versio

Reconciling the nonrelativistic QCD prediction and the J/ψ→3γJ/\psi\to 3\gamma data

It has been a long-standing problem that the rare electromagnetic decay process $J/\psi\to 3\gamma$ is plagued with both large and negative radiative and relativistic corrections. To date it remains futile to make a definite prediction to confront with the branching fraction of $J/\psi\to 3\gamma$ recently measured by the \textsf{CLEO-c} and \textsf{BESIII} Collaborations. In this work, we investigate the joint perturbative and relativistic correction (i.e. the ${\mathcal O}(\alpha_s v^2)$ correction, where $v$ denotes the characteristic velocity of the charm quark inside the $J/\psi$) for this decay process, which turns out to be very significant. After incorporating the contribution from this new ingredient, with the reasonable choice of the input parameters, we are able to account for the measured decay rates in a satisfactory degree.Comment: 7 pages, 1 figure, version accepted for publication in PRD R