A monopole solution from noncommutative multi-instantons

We extend the relation between instanton and monopole solutions of the selfduality equations in SU(2) gauge theory to noncommutative space-times. Using this approach and starting from a noncommutative multi-instanton solution we construct a U(2) monopole configuration which lives in 3 dimensional ordinary space. This configuration resembles the Wu-Yang monopole and satisfies the selfduality (Bogomol'nyi) equations for a U(2) Yang-Mills-Higgs system.Comment: 19 pages; title and abstract changed, brane interpretation corrected. Version to appear in JHE

Universal Asymptotic Statistics of Maximal Relative Height in One-dimensional Solid-on-solid Models

We study the probability density function $P(h_m,L)$ of the maximum relative height $h_m$ in a wide class of one-dimensional solid-on-solid models of finite size $L$. For all these lattice models, in the large $L$ limit, a central limit argument shows that, for periodic boundary conditions, $P(h_m,L)$ takes a universal scaling form $P(h_m,L) \sim (\sqrt{12}w_L)^{-1}f(h_m/(\sqrt{12} w_L))$, with $w_L$ the width of the fluctuating interface and $f(x)$ the Airy distribution function. For one instance of these models, corresponding to the extremely anisotropic Ising model in two dimensions, this result is obtained by an exact computation using transfer matrix technique, valid for any $L>0$. These arguments and exact analytical calculations are supported by numerical simulations, which show in addition that the subleading scaling function is also universal, up to a non universal amplitude, and simply given by the derivative of the Airy distribution function $f'(x)$.Comment: 13 pages, 4 figure

New axially symmetric Yang-Mills-Higgs solutions with negative cosmological constant

We construct numerically new axially symmetric solutions of SU(2) Yang-Mills-Higgs theory in $(3+1)$ anti-de Sitter spacetime. Two types of finite energy, regular configurations are considered: multimonopole solutions with magnetic charge $n>1$ and monopole-antimonopole pairs with zero net magnetic charge. A somewhat detailed analysis of the boundary conditions for axially symmetric solutions is presented. The properties of these solutions are investigated, with a view to compare with those on a flat spacetime background. The basic properties of the gravitating generalizations of these configurations are also discussed.Comment: 18 pages, 7 figures; v2: typos correcte

Non-locality and short-range wetting phenomena

We propose a non-local interfacial model for 3D short-range wetting at planar and non-planar walls. The model is characterized by a binding potential \emph{functional} depending only on the bulk Ornstein-Zernike correlation function, which arises from different classes of tube-like fluctuations that connect the interface and the substrate. The theory provides a physical explanation for the origin of the effective position-dependent stiffness and binding potential in approximate local theories, and also obeys the necessary classical wedge covariance relationship between wetting and wedge filling. Renormalization group and computer simulation studies reveal the strong non-perturbative influence of non-locality at critical wetting, throwing light on long-standing theoretical problems regarding the order of the phase transition.Comment: 4 pages, 2 figures, accepted for publication in Phys. Rev. Let

A Monopole-Antimonopole Solution of the SU(2) Yang-Mills-Higgs Model

As shown by Taubes, in the Bogomol'nyi-Prasad-Sommerfield limit the SU(2) Yang-Mills-Higgs model possesses smooth finite energy solutions, which do not satisfy the first order Bogomol'nyi equations. We construct numerically such a non-Bogomol'nyi solution, corresponding to a monopole-antimonopole pair, and extend the construction to finite Higgs potential.Comment: 11 pages, including 4 eps figures, LaTex format using RevTe

Inflaton field governed universe from NKK theory of gravity: stochastic approach

We study a nonperturbative single field (inflaton) governed cosmological model from a 5D Noncompact Kaluza-Klein (NKK) theory of gravity. The inflaton field fluctuations are estimated for different epochs of the evolution of the universe. We conclude that the inflaton field has been sliding down its (quadratic) potential hill along all the evolution of the universe and a mass of the order of the Hubble parameter. In the model here developed the only free parameter is the Hubble parameter, which could be reconstructed in future from Super Nova Acceleration Probe (SNAP) data.Comment: accepted in European Physical Journal

Static axially symmetric solutions of Einstein-Yang-Mills equations with a negative cosmological constant: black hole solutions

We investigate static axially symmetric black hole solutions in a four-dimensional Einstein-Yang-Mills-SU(2) theory with a negative cosmological constant $\Lambda$. These solutions approach asymptotically the anti-de Sitter spacetime and possess a regular event horizon. A discussion of the main properties of the solutions and the differences with respect to the asymptotically flat case is presented. The mass of these configurations is computed by using a counterterm method. We note that the $\Lambda=-3$ configurations have an higher dimensional interpretation in context of $d=11$ supergravity. The existence of axially symmetric monopole and dyon solutions in a fixed Schwarzschild-anti-de Sitter background is also discussed. An exact solution of the Einstein-Yang-Mills equations is presented in Appendix.Comment: 47 pages, 47 figure

Education and articulation: Laclau and Mouffe’s radical democracy in school

This paper outlines a theory of radical democratic education by addressing a key concept in Laclau and Mouffe’s Hegemony and Socialist Strategy: articulation. Through their concept of articulation, Laclau and Mouffe attempt to liberate Gramsci’s theory of hegemony from Marxist economism, and adapt it to a political sphere inhabited by a plurality of struggles and agents none of which is predominant. However, while for Gramsci the political process of hegemony formation has an explicit educational dimension, Laclau and Mouffe ignore this dimension altogether. My discussion starts with elaborating the concept of articulation and analysing it in terms of three dimensions: performance, connection and transformation. I then address the role of education in Gramsci’s politics, in which the figure of the intellectual is central, and argue that radical democratic education requires renouncing that figure. In the final section, I offer a theory of such education, in which both teacher and students articulate their political differences and identities

Vortex solutions in the noncommutative torus

Vortex configurations in the two-dimensional torus are considered in noncommutative space. We analyze the BPS equations of the Abelian Higgs model. Numerical solutions are constructed for the self-dual and anti-self dual cases by extending an algorithm originally developed for ordinary commutative space. We work within the Fock space approach to noncommutative theories and the Moyal-Weyl connection is used in the final stage to express the solutions in configuration space.Comment: 18 pages, 5 figure