Covariant Lagrangian Formulation of Chern-Simons and BF Theories

We investigate the covariant formulation of Chern-Simons theories in a general odd dimension which can be obtained by introducing a vacuum connection field as a reference. Field equations, Noether currents and superpotentials are computed so that results are easily compared with the well-known results in dimension 3. Finally we use this covariant formulation of Chern-Simons theories to investigate their relation with topological BF theories.Comment: 23 pages, refs. adde

Once again about quantum deformations of D=4 Lorentz algebra: twistings of q-deformation

This paper together with the previous one (arXiv:hep-th/0604146) presents the detailed description of all quantum deformations of D=4 Lorentz algebra as Hopf algebra in terms of complex and real generators. We describe here in detail two quantum deformations of the D=4 Lorentz algebra o(3,1) obtained by twisting of the standard q-deformation U_{q}(o(3,1)). For the first twisted q-deformation an Abelian twist depending on Cartan generators of o(3,1) is used. The second example of twisting provides a quantum deformation of Cremmer-Gervais type for the Lorentz algebra. For completeness we describe also twisting of the Lorentz algebra by standard Jordanian twist. By twist quantization techniques we obtain for these deformations new explicit formulae for the deformed coproducts and antipodes of the o(3,1)-generators.Comment: 17 page

Jordanian Twist Quantization of D=4 Lorentz and Poincare Algebras and D=3 Contraction Limit

We describe in detail two-parameter nonstandard quantum deformation of D=4 Lorentz algebra $\mathfrak{o}(3,1)$, linked with Jordanian deformation of $\mathfrak{sl} (2;\mathbb{C})$. Using twist quantization technique we obtain the explicit formulae for the deformed coproducts and antipodes. Further extending the considered deformation to the D=4 Poincar\'{e} algebra we obtain a new Hopf-algebraic deformation of four-dimensional relativistic symmetries with dimensionless deformation parameter. Finally, we interpret $\mathfrak{o}(3,1)$ as the D=3 de-Sitter algebra and calculate the contraction limit $R\to\infty$ ($R$ -- de-Sitter radius) providing explicit Hopf algebra structure for the quantum deformation of the D=3 Poincar\'{e} algebra (with masslike deformation parameters), which is the two-parameter light-cone $\kappa$-deformation of the D=3 Poincar\'{e} symmetry.Comment: 13 pages, no figure

Accelerated Cosmological Models in Ricci squared Gravity

Alternative gravitational theories described by Lagrangians depending on general functions of the Ricci scalar have been proven to give coherent theoretical models to describe the experimental evidence of the acceleration of universe at present time. In this paper we proceed further in this analysis of cosmological applications of alternative gravitational theories depending on (other) curvature invariants. We introduce Ricci squared Lagrangians in minimal interaction with matter (perfect fluid); we find modified Einstein equations and consequently modified Friedmann equations in the Palatini formalism. It is striking that both Ricci scalar and Ricci squared theories are described in the same mathematical framework and both the generalized Einstein equations and generalized Friedmann equations have the same structure. In the framework of the cosmological principle, without the introduction of exotic forms of dark energy, we thus obtain modified equations providing values of w_{eff}<-1 in accordance with the experimental data. The spacetime bi-metric structure plays a fundamental role in the physical interpretation of results and gives them a clear and very rich geometrical interpretation.Comment: New version: 26 pages, 1 figure (now included), Revtex

Scalar field propagation in the phi^4 kappa-Minkowski model

In this article we use the noncommutative (NC) kappa-Minkowski phi^4 model based on the kappa-deformed star product, ({*}_h). The action is modified by expanding up to linear order in the kappa-deformation parameter a, producing an effective model on commutative spacetime. For the computation of the tadpole diagram contributions to the scalar field propagation/self-energy, we anticipate that statistics on the kappa-Minkowski is specifically kappa-deformed. Thus our prescription in fact represents hybrid approach between standard quantum field theory (QFT) and NCQFT on the kappa-deformed Minkowski spacetime, resulting in a kappa-effective model. The propagation is analyzed in the framework of the two-point Green's function for low, intermediate, and for the Planckian propagation energies, respectively. Semiclassical/hybrid behavior of the first order quantum correction do show up due to the kappa-deformed momentum conservation law. For low energies, the dependence of the tadpole contribution on the deformation parameter a drops out completely, while for Planckian energies, it tends to a fixed finite value. The mass term of the scalar field is shifted and these shifts are very different at different propagation energies. At the Planckian energies we obtain the direction dependent kappa-modified dispersion relations. Thus our kappa-effective model for the massive scalar field shows a birefringence effect.Comment: 23 pages, 2 figures; To be published in JHEP. Minor typos corrected. Shorter version of the paper arXiv:1107.236

A covariant formalism for Chern-Simons gravity

Chern--Simons type Lagrangians in $d=3$ dimensions are analyzed from the point of view of their covariance and globality. We use the transgression formula to find out a new fully covariant and global Lagrangian for Chern--Simons gravity: the price for establishing globality is hidden in a bimetric (or biconnection) structure. Such a formulation allows to calculate from a global and simpler viewpoint the energy-momentum complex and the superpotential both for Yang--Mills and gravitational examples.Comment: 12 pages,LaTeX, to appear in Journal of Physics

Universality of Einstein Equations for the Ricci Squared Lagrangians

It has been recently shown that, in the first order (Palatini) formalism, there is universality of Einstein equations and Komar energy-momentum complex, in the sense that for a generic nonlinear Lagrangian depending only on the scalar curvature of a metric and a torsionless connection one always gets Einstein equations and Komar's expression for the energy-momentum complex. In this paper a similar analysis (also in the framework of the first order formalism) is performed for all nonlinear Lagrangians depending on the (symmetrized) Ricci square invariant. The main result is that the universality of Einstein equations and Komar energy-momentum complex also extends to this case (modulo a conformal transformation of the metric).Comment: 21 pages, Late

Operational experience with the LHC waveguide mode reflectometer

The LHC microwave mode reflectometer (assembly version) reached operational status by the autumn of 2005. It is now routinely used in the LHC tunnel and on the surface to take data on the beam screens of the individual LHC magnets and also groups of magnets with lengths up to 100 meters. The reflectometer operates in the frequency range from about 4 GHz to 10 GHz and employs mode selective launchers. This paper discusses the operational aspects of the system as well as methods for clutter (fake reflection) elimination and procedures for cross-checks in case of a suspected obstacle or other faul

The LHC Beam Pipe Waveguide Mode Reflectometer

The waveguide-mode reflectometer for obstacle detection in the LHC beam pipe has been intensively used for more than 18 months. The âﾜAssemblyâ version is based on the synthetic pulse method using a modern vector network analyzer. It has mode selective excitation couplers for the first TE and TM mode and uses a specially developed waveguide mode dispersion compensation algorithm with external software. In addition there is a similar âﾜIn Situâ version of the reflectometer which uses permanently installed microwave couplers at the end of each of the nearly 3 km long LHC arcs. During installation a considerable number of unexpected objects have been found in the beam pipes and subsequently removed. Operational statistics and lessons learned are presented and the overall performance is discussed