From sine-Gordon to vacuumless systems in flat and curved spacetimes

In this work we start from the Higgs prototype model to introduce a new model, which makes a smooth transition between systems with well located minima and systems that support no minima at all. We implement this possibility using the deformation procedure, which allows the obtention of a sine-Gordon-like model, controlled by a real parameter that gives rise to a family of models, reproducing the sine-Gordon and the so-called vacuumless models. We also study the thick brane scenarios associated with these models and investigate their stability and renormalization group flow. In particular, one shows how gravity can change from the 5-dimensional warped geometry with a single extra dimension of infinite extent to the conventional 5-dimensional Minkowski geometry.Comment: 11 pages, 12 figures. Version to appear in EPJ

Probing the X(4350)X(4350) in γγ\gamma \gamma interactions at the LHC

The production of $X(4350)$ in the $\gamma \gamma$ interactions that occur in proton-proton, proton-nucleus and nucleus-nucleus collisions at the CERN Large Hadron Collider (LHC) is investigated and predictions for the kinematical ranges probed by the ALICE and LHCb Collaborations are presented. We focus on the $\gamma \gamma \rightarrow \phi J/\Psi$ process, which have been measured by the Belle Collaboration, and present parameter free predictions for the total cross sections at the LHC energies. Our results demonstrate that the experimental study of this process is feasible and can be used to confirm or not the existence of the $X(4350)$ state. Finally, for completeness, we present predictions for the production of the $X(3915)$ state in the $\gamma \gamma \rightarrow \omega J/\Psi$ process and show that this exotic state can also be probed in $\gamma \gamma$ interactions at the LHC.Comment: 5 pages, 2 figures, 2 table

Exclusive vector meson production with a leading neutron in photon - hadron interactions at hadronic colliders

In this paper we study leading neutron production in photon - hadron interactions which take place in $pp$ and $pA$ collisions at large impact parameters. Using a model that describes the recent leading neutron data at HERA, we consider exclusive vector meson production in association with a leading neutron in $pp/pA$ collisions at RHIC and LHC energies. The total cross sections and rapidity distributions of $\rho$, $\phi$ and $J/\Psi$ produced together with a leading neutron are computed. Our results indicate that the study of these processes is feasible and that it can be used to improve the understanding of leading neutron processes and of exclusive vector meson production.Comment: 8 pages, 3 figures, 2 table

Counterions at charge-modulated substrates

We consider counterions in the presence of a single planar surface with a spatially inhomogeneous charge distribution using Monte-Carlo simulations and strong-coupling theory. For high surface charges, multivalent counterions, or pronounced substrate charge modulation the counterions are laterally correlated with the surface charges and their density profile deviates strongly from the limit of a smeared-out substrate charge distribution, in particular exhibiting a much increased laterally averaged density at the surface.Comment: 7 page