Corrections to Fermi's Golden Rule in ϕ→KKˉ\phi \to K\bar{K} Decays

We analyze the decays $\phi \to K\bar{K}$ utilizing a formulation of transition rates which explicitly exhibits corrections to Fermi's Golden Rule. These corrections arise in systems in which the phase space and/or matrix element varies rapidly with energy, as happens in $\phi \to K\bar{K}$, which is just above threshold. We show that the theoretical corrections resolve a puzzling $5\sigma$ discrepancy between theory and experiment for the branching ratio $R = \Gamma (\phi \to K^+K^-)/\Gamma(\phi \to K^0\bar{K}^0)$

Prosthetic Avian vocal organ controlled by a freely behaving bird based on a low dimensional model of the biomechanical periphery

pre-printBecause of the parallels found with human language production and acquisition, birdsong is an ideal animal model to study general mechanisms underlying complex, learned motor behavior. The rich and diverse vocalizations of songbirds emerge as a result of the interaction between a pattern generator in the brain and a highly nontrivial nonlinear periphery. Much of the complexity of this vocal behavior has been understood by studying the physics of the avian vocal organ, particularly the syrinx. A mathematical model describing the complex periphery as a nonlinear dynamical system leads to the conclusion that nontrivial behavior emerges even when the organ is commanded by simple motor instructions: smooth paths in a low dimensional parameter space. An analysis of the model provides insight into which parameters are responsible for generating a rich variety of diverse vocalizations, and what the physiological meaning of these parameters is. By recording the physiological motor instructions elicited by a spontaneously singing muted bird and computing the model on a Digital Signal Processor in real-time, we produce realistic synthetic vocalizations that replace the bird's own auditory feedback. In this way, we build a bio-prosthetic avian vocal organ driven by a freely behaving bird via its physiologically coded motor commands. Since it is based on a low-dimensional nonlinear mathematical model of the peripheral effector, the emulation of the motor behavior requires light computation, in such a way that our bio-prosthetic device can be implemented on a portable platform

Searches for Stable Strangelets in Ordinary Matter: Overview and a Recent Example

Our knowledge on the possible existence in nature of stable exotic particles depends solely upon experimental observation. Guided by this general principle and motivated by theoretical hypotheses on the existence of stable particles of strange quark matter, a variety of experimental searches have been performed. We provide an introduction to the theoretical hypotheses, an overview of the past searches, and a more detailed description of a recent search for helium-like strangelets in the Earth's atmosphere using a sensitive laser spectroscopy method

Narrowing the window for millicharged particles by CMB anisotropy

We calculate the cosmic microwave background (CMB) anisotropy spectrum in models with millicharged particles of electric charge q\sim 10^{-6}-10^{-1} in units of electron charge. We find that a large region of the parameter space for the millicharged particles exists where their effect on the CMB spectrum is similar to the effect of baryons. Using WMAP data on the CMB anisotropy and assuming Big Bang nucleosynthesis value for the baryon abundance we find that only a small fraction of cold dark matter, Omega_{mcp}h_0^2 < 0.007 (at 95% CL), may consists of millicharged particles with the parameters (charge and mass) from this region. This bound significantly narrows the allowed range of the parameters of millicharged particles. In models without paraphoton millicharged particles are now excluded as a dark matter candidate. We also speculate that recent observation of 511 keV gamma-rays from the Galactic bulge may be an indication that a (small) fraction of CDM is comprised of the millicharged particles.Comment: 10 pages, 3 figures; v2: journal version, references adde

A terrestrial search for dark contents of the vacuum, such as dark energy, using atom interferometry

We describe the theory and first experimental work on our concept for searching on earth for the presence of dark content of the vacuum (DCV) using atom interferometry. Specifically, we have in mind any DCV that has not yet been detected on a laboratory scale, but might manifest itself as dark energy on the cosmological scale. The experimental method uses two atom interferometers to cancel the effect of earth's gravity and diverse noise sources. It depends upon two assumptions: first, that the DCV possesses some space inhomogeneity in density, and second that it exerts a sufficiently strong non-gravitational force on matter. The motion of the apparatus through the DCV should then lead to an irregular variation in the detected matter-wave phase shift. We discuss the nature of this signal and note the problem of distinguishing it from instrumental noise. We also discuss the relation of our experiment to what might be learned by studying the noise in gravitational wave detectors such as LIGO.The paper concludes with a projection that a future search of this nature might be carried out using an atom interferometer in an orbiting satellite. The apparatus is now being constructed

Is the Top Quark Really Heavier than the WW Boson?

Scalar induced top decays may drastically suppress $B(t\to \ell\nu + jet)$ and still hide the top below $M_W$. The $p\bar p$ collider experiments should enlarge the scope and study the $m_t - B(t\to\ell\nu j)$ plane. Specific model signatures such as $t\to ch^0\to cb\bar b$ (multiple high $p_T$ $b$-jets) and $t\to bH^+\to bc\bar s$, $b\tau^+\nu$ (with $B(t\to b\tau\nu) \ \raisebox{-.5ex}{\rlap{$\sim$}} \raisebox{.4ex}{$<$}\ 1/3$) should be explored. Without ruling out these possibilities, isolated lepton signals in the future might actually be due to the 4th generation$t^\prime$or$b^\prime$ quark, while top quark and toponium physics could still turn up at LEP-II.Comment: 11 pages (RevTex), 3 figures (not included), NTUTH-93-0

Asymmetric Gepner Models II. Heterotic Weight Lifting

A systematic study of "lifted" Gepner models is presented. Lifted Gepner models are obtained from standard Gepner models by replacing one of the N=2 building blocks and the $E_8$ factor by a modular isomorphic $N=0$ model on the bosonic side of the heterotic string. The main result is that after this change three family models occur abundantly, in sharp contrast to ordinary Gepner models. In particular, more than 250 new and unrelated moduli spaces of three family models are identified. We discuss the occurrence of fractionally charged particles in these spectra.Comment: 46 pages, 17 figure