The Complex Langevin method: When can it be trusted?

We analyze to what extent the complex Langevin method, which is in principle capable of solving the so-called sign problems, can be considered as reliable. We give a formal derivation of the correctness and then point out various mathematical loopholes. The detailed study of some simple examples leads to practical suggestions about the application of the method.Comment: 14 pages, including several eps figures and tables; clarification and minor corrections added, to appear in PR

Determinantal Characterization of Canonical Curves and Combinatorial Theta Identities

We characterize genus g canonical curves by the vanishing of combinatorial products of g+1 determinants of Brill-Noether matrices. This also implies the characterization of canonical curves in terms of (g-2)(g-3)/2 theta identities. A remarkable mechanism, based on a basis of H^0(K_C) expressed in terms of Szego kernels, reduces such identities to a simple rank condition for matrices whose entries are logarithmic derivatives of theta functions. Such a basis, together with the Fay trisecant identity, also leads to the solution of the question of expressing the determinant of Brill-Noether matrices in terms of theta functions, without using the problematic Klein-Fay section sigma.Comment: 35 pages. New results, presentation improved, clarifications added. Accepted for publication in Math. An

The kernel of the edth operators on higher-genus spacelike two-surfaces

The dimension of the kernels of the edth and edth-prime operators on closed, orientable spacelike 2-surfaces with arbitrary genus is calculated, and some of its mathematical and physical consequences are discussed.Comment: 12 page

On Holomorphic Factorization in Asymptotically AdS 3D Gravity

This paper studies aspects of ``holography'' for Euclidean signature pure gravity on asymptotically AdS 3-manifolds. This theory can be described as SL(2,C) CS theory. However, not all configurations of CS theory correspond to asymptotically AdS 3-manifolds. We show that configurations that do have the metric interpretation are parameterized by the so-called projective structures on the boundary. The corresponding asymptotic phase space is shown to be the cotangent bundle over the Schottky space of the boundary. This singles out a ``gravitational'' sector of the SL(2,C) CS theory. It is over this sector that the path integral has to be taken to obtain the gravity partition function. We sketch an argument for holomorphic factorization of this partition function.Comment: 32+1 pages, no figures; (v2) one reference added, a statement regarding priorities modified; (v3) presentational changes, an important sign mistake correcte

A Search for Non-Perturbative Dualities of Local N=2N=2 Yang--Mills Theories from Calabi--Yau Threefolds

The generalisation of the rigid special geometry of the vector multiplet quantum moduli space to the case of supergravity is discussed through the notion of a dynamical Calabi--Yau threefold. Duality symmetries of this manifold are connected with the analogous dualities associated with the dynamical Riemann surface of the rigid theory. N=2 rigid gauge theories are reviewed in a framework ready for comparison with the local case. As a byproduct we give in general the full duality group (quantum monodromy) for an arbitrary rigid $SU(r+1)$ gauge theory, extending previous explicit constructions for the $r=1,2$ cases. In the coupling to gravity, R--symmetry and monodromy groups of the dynamical Riemann surface, whose structure we discuss in detail, are embedded into the symplectic duality group $\Gamma_D$ associated with the moduli space of the dynamical Calabi--Yau threefold.Comment: Latex. Version of previous paper with enlarged and revised appendix 35 pages, plain LaTe

Wave Solutions of Evolution Equations and Hamiltonian Flows on Nonlinear Subvarieties of Generalized Jacobians

The algebraic-geometric approach is extended to study solutions of N-component systems associated with the energy dependent Schrodinger operators having potentials with poles in the spectral parameter, in connection with Hamiltonian flows on nonlinear subvariaties of Jacobi varieties. The systems under study include the shallow water equation and Dym type equation. The classes of solutions are described in terms of theta-functions and their singular limits by using new parameterizations. A qualitative description of real valued solutions is provided

Science and Film-making

The essay reviews the literature, mostly historical, on the relationship between science and film-making, with a focus on the science documentary. It then discusses the circumstances of the emergence of the wildlife making-of documentary genre. The thesis examined here is that since the early days of cinema, film-making has evolved from being subordinate to science, to being an equal partner in the production of knowledge, controlled by non-scientists