Self-gravitating stringlike configurations from nonlinear electodynamics

We consider static, cylindrically symmetric configurations in general relativity coupled to nonlinear electrodynamics (NED) with an arbitrary gauge-invariant Lagrangian of the form $L_{em}= \Phi(F)$, $F =F_{mn}F^{mn}$. We study electric and magnetic fields with three possible orientations: radial (R), longitudinal (L) and azimuthal (A), and try to find solitonic stringlike solutions, having a regular axis and a flat metric at large $r$, with a possible angular defect. Assuming the function $\Phi(F)$ to be regular at small $F$, it is shown that a regular axis is impossible in R-fields if there is a nonzero effective electric charge and in A-fields if there is a nonzero effective electric current along the axis. Solitonic solutions are only possible for purely magnetic R-fields and purely electric A-fields, in cases when $\Phi(F)$ tends to a finite limit at large $F$. For both R- and A-fields, the desired large $r$ asymptotic is only possible with a non- Maxwell behaviour of $\Phi(F)$ at small $F$. For L-fields, solutions with a regular axis are easily obtained (and can be found by quadratures) whereas a desired large $r$ asymptotic is only possible in an exceptional solution; the latter gives rise to solitonic configurations in case \Phi(F) = \const \cdot \sqrt{F}. We give an explicit example of such a solution.Comment: 7 pages, Latex-2e,gc.sty, to appear in Grav. & Cosmo

Possible eta-mesic 3He states within the finite rank approximation

We extend the method of time delay proposed by Eisenbud and Wigner, to search for unstable states formed by eta mesons and the 3He nucleus. Using few body equations to describe eta-3He elastic scattering, we predict resonances and unstable bound states within different models of the eta-N interaction. The eta-3He states predicted within this novel approach are in agreement with the recent claim of the evidence of eta-mesic 3He made by the TAPS collaboration.Comment: 10 pages LaTex, 3 figure

Catalysis of chiral symmetry breaking by external magnetic fields in three-dimensional lattice QED

The enhancement of the fermionic condensate due to the presence of both homogeneous and non-homogeneous external magnetic fields is studied for three-dimensional QED.Comment: 5 pages, contribution to "Strong and electroweak matter 98", Copenhagen, December 199