Chiral Extrapolations of the ρ(770)\boldsymbol{\rho(770)} Meson in Nf=2+1\mathbf{N_f=2+1} Lattice QCD Simulations

Recent $N_f=2+1$ lattice data for meson-meson scattering in $p$-wave and isospin $I=1$ are analyzed using a unitarized model inspired by Chiral Perturbation Theory in the inverse-amplitude formulation for two and three flavors. Chiral extrapolations are performed that postdict phase shifts extracted from experiment quite well. In addition, the low-energy constants are compared to the ones from a recent analysis of $N_f=2$ lattice QCD simulations to check for the consistency of the hadronic model used here. Some inconsistencies are detected in the fits to $N_f=2+1$ data, in contrast to the previous analysis of $N_f=2$ data.Comment: 13 pages, 10 figure

The s-wave pion-nucleus optical potential

We calculate the s-wave part of the pion-nucleus optical potential using a unitarized chiral approach that has been previously used to simultaneously describe pionic hydrogen and deuterium data as well as low energy pi N scattering in the vacuum. This energy dependent model allows for additional isoscalar parts in the potential from multiple rescattering. We consider Pauli blocking and pion polarization in an asymmetric nuclear matter environment. Also, higher order corrections of the pi N amplitude are included. The model can accommodate the repulsion required by phenomenological fits, though the theoretical uncertainties are bigger than previously thought. At the same time, we also find an enhancement of the isovector part compatible with empirical determinations.Comment: 31 pages, 27 figure

Role of the N∗N^*(1535) in the J/ψ→pˉηpJ/\psi\to \bar{p}\eta p and J/ψ→pˉK+ΛJ/\psi\to \bar{p}K^+\Lambda reactions

We study the $J/\psi\to \bar{p}\eta p$ and $J/\psi\to \bar{p}K^+\Lambda$ reactions with a unitary chiral approach. We find that the unitary chiral approach, which generates the $N^*(1535)$ dynamically, can describe the data reasonably well, particularly the ratio of the integrated cross sections. This study provides further support for the unitary chiral description of the $N^*(1535)$. We also discuss some subtle differences between the coupling constants determined from the unitary chiral approach and those determined from phenomenological studies.Comment: version to appear in PRC; certain features of the approach clarifie

Magnetic hopfions in solids

Hopfions are an intriguing class of string-like solitons, named according to a classical topological concept classifying three-dimensional direction fields. The search of hopfions in real physical systems is going on for nearly half a century, starting with the seminal work of Faddeev. But so far realizations in solids are missing. Here, we present a theory that identifies magnetic materials featuring hopfions as stable states without the assistance of confinement or external fields. Our results are based on an advanced micromagnetic energy functional derived from a spin-lattice Hamiltonian. Hopfions appear as emergent particles of the classical Heisenberg model. Magnetic hopfions represent three-dimensional particle-like objects of nanometre-size dimensions opening the gate to a new generation of spintronic devices in the framework of a truly three-dimensional architecture. Our approach goes beyond the conventional phenomenological models. We derive material-realistic parameters that serve as concrete guidance in the search of magnetic hopfions bridging computational physics with materials science

Helicity Amplitudes of the Lambda(1670) and two Lambda(1405) as dynamically generated resonances

We determine the helicity amplitudes A_1/2 and radiative decay widths in the transition Lambda(1670) to gamma Y (Y=Lambda or Sigma^0). The Lambda(1670) is treated as a dynamically generated resonance in meson-baryon chiral dynamics. We obtain the radiative decay widths of the Lambda(1670) to gamma Lambda as 3 \pm 2 keV and to gamma Sigma^0 as 120 \pm 50 keV. Also, the Q^2 dependence of the helicity amplitudes A_1/2 is calculated. We find that the K Xi component in the Lambda(1670) structure, mainly responsible for the dynamical generation of this resonance, is also responsible for the significant suppression of the decay ratio Gamma_{gamma Lambda}/Gamma_{gamma Sigma^0}. A measurement of the ratio would, thus, provide direct access to the nature of the Lambda(1670). To compare the result for the Lambda(1670), we calculate the helicity amplitudes A_1/2 for the two states of the Lambda(1405). Also, the analytic continuation of Feynman parameterized integrals of more complicated loop amplitudes to the complex plane is developed which allows for an internally consistent evaluation of A_1/2.Comment: 15 pages, 8 figure

One-Loop Determinant of Dirac Operator in Non-Renormalizable Models

We use proper-time regularizations to define the one-loop fermion determinant in the form suggested by Gasser and Leutwyler some years ago. We show how to obtain the polynomial by which this definition of ln det D needs to be modified in order to arrive at the fermion determinant whose modulus is invarinat under chiral transformations. As an example it is shown how the fundamental symmetries associated with the NJL model are preserved in a consistent way.Comment: 8 pages, LaTe

Scalar mesons moving in a finite volume and the role of partial wave mixing

Phase shifts and resonance parameters can be obtained from finite-volume lattice spectra for interacting pairs of particles, moving with nonzero total momentum. We present a simple derivation of the method that is subsequently applied to obtain the pi pi and pi K phase shifts in the sectors with total isospin I=0 and I=1/2, respectively. Considering different total momenta, one obtains extra data points for a given volume that allow for a very efficient extraction of the resonance parameters in the infinite-volume limit. Corrections due to the mixing of partial waves are provided. We expect that our results will help to optimize the strategies in lattice simulations, which aim at an accurate determination of the scattering and resonance properties.Comment: 19 pages, 12 figure

The role of the N*(1535) resonance and the pi^- p --> KY amplitudes in the OZI forbidden pi N --> phi N reaction

We study the pi N --> phi N reaction close to the phi N threshold within the chiral unitary approach, by combining the pi^- p --> K^+ Sigma^-, pi^- p --> K^0 Sigma^0 and pi^- p --> K^0 Lambda amplitudes with the coupling of the phi to the K components of the final states of these reactions via quantum loops. We obtain a good agreement with experiment when the dominant pi^- p --> K^0 Lambda amplitude is constrained with its experimental cross section. We also evaluate the coupling of the N*(1535) to phi N and find a moderate coupling as a consequence of partial cancellation of the large KY components of the N*(1535). We also show that the N*(1535) pole approximation is too small to reproduce the measured cross section for the pi N --> phi N reaction.Comment: 10 pages, 6 figure

BaFe_{1.8}Co_{0.2}As_2 thin film hybrid Josephson junctions

Josephson junctions with iron pnictides open the way for fundamental experiments on superconductivity in these materials and their application in superconducting devices. Here, we present hybrid Josephson junctions with a BaFe_{1.8}Co_{0.2}As_2 thin film electrode, an Au barrier and a PbIn counter electrode. The junctions show RSJ-like current-voltage characteristics up to the critical temperature of the counter electrode of about 7.2K. The temperature dependence of the critical current, IC, does not show an Ambegaokar-Baratoff behavior. Well-pronounced Shapiro steps are observed at microwave frequencies of 10-18GHz. Assuming an excess current, I_ex, of 200 {\mu}A at 4.2K we get an effective I_C R_N product of 6 {\mu}V.Comment: submitted to Appl. Phys. Let