Vacuum structure and effective potential at finite temperature: a variational approach

We compute the effective potential for $\phi^4$ theory with a squeezed coherent state type of construct for the ground state. The method essentially consists in optimising the basis at zero and finite temperatures. The gap equation becomes identical to resumming the infinite series of daisy and super daisy graphs while the effective potential includes multiloop effects and agrees with that obtained through composite operator formalism at finite temperature.Comment: 15 pages, Revtex, No figures, to appear in Jou. of Phys.G(Nucl. and Part. Phys.

λϕ4\lambda\phi^4 model and Higgs mass in standard model calculated by Gaussian effective potential approach with a new regularization-renormalization method

Basing on new regularization-renormalization method, the $\lambda\phi^4$ model used in standard model is studied both perturbatively and nonperturbatively (by Gaussian effective potential). The invariant property of two mass scales is stressed and the existence of a (Landau) pole is emphasized. Then after coupling with the SU(2)$\times$U(1) gauge fields, the Higgs mass in standard model (SM) can be calculated as $m_H\approx$138GeV. The critical temperature ($T_c$) for restoration of symmetry of Higgs field, the critical energy scale ($\mu_c$, the maximum energy scale under which the lower excitation sector of the GEP is valid) and the maximum energy scale ($\mu_{max}$, at which the symmetry of the Higgs field is restored) in the standard model are $T_c\approx$476 GeV, $\mu_c\approx 0.547\times 10^{15}$GeV and $\mu_{\max}\approx 0.873 \times 10^{15}$ GeVv respectively.Comment: 12 pages, LaTex, no figur

Non-Perturbative Mass Renormalization in Quenched QED from the Worldline Variational Approach

Following Feynman's successful treatment of the polaron problem we apply the same variational principle to quenched QED in the worldline formulation. New features arise from the description of fermions by Grassmann trajectories, the supersymmetry between bosonic and fermionic variables and the much more singular structure of a renormalizable gauge theory like QED in 3+1 dimensions. We take as trial action a general retarded quadratic action both for the bosonic and fermionic degrees of freedom and derive the variational equations for the corresponding retardation functions. We find a simple analytic, non-perturbative, solution for the anomalous mass dimension gamma_m(alpha) in the MS scheme. For small couplings we compare our result with recent four-loop perturbative calculations while at large couplings we find that gamma_m(alpha) becomes proportional to (alpha)^(1/2). The anomalous mass dimension shows no obvious sign of the chiral symmetry breaking observed in calculations based on the use of Dyson-Schwinger equations, however we find that a perturbative expansion of gamma_m(alpha) diverges for alpha > 0.7934. Finally, we investigate the behaviour of gamma_m(alpha) at large orders in perturbation theory.Comment: 18 pages, 1 Figure, RevTeX; the manuscript has been substantially revised and enlarged in order to make it selfcontained; accepted for publication in Phys. Rev.

Thermal variational principle and gauge fields

A Feynman-Jensen version of the thermal variational principle is applied to hot gauge fields, Abelian as well as non-Abelian: scalar electrodynamics (without scalar self-coupling) and the gluon plasma. The perturbatively known self-energies are shown to derive by variation from a free quadratic (''Gaussian'') trial Lagrangian. Independence of the covariant gauge fixing parameter is reached (within the order $g^3$ studied) after a reformulation of the partition function such that it depends on only even powers of the gauge field. Also static properties (Debye screening) are reproduced this way. But because of the present need to expand the variational functional, the method falls short of its potential nonperturbative power.Comment: 36 pages, LaTeX, no figures. Updated version: new title, section on static properties and some references adde

Self-Similar Interpolation in Quantum Mechanics

An approach is developed for constructing simple analytical formulae accurately approximating solutions to eigenvalue problems of quantum mechanics. This approach is based on self-similar approximation theory. In order to derive interpolation formulae valid in the whole range of parameters of considered physical quantities, the self-similar renormalization procedure is complimented here by boundary conditions which define control functions guaranteeing correct asymptotic behaviour in the vicinity of boundary points. To emphasize the generality of the approach, it is illustrated by different problems that are typical for quantum mechanics, such as anharmonic oscillators, double-well potentials, and quasiresonance models with quasistationary states. In addition, the nonlinear Schr\"odinger equation is considered, for which both eigenvalues and wave functions are constructed.Comment: 1 file, 30 pages, RevTex, no figure

Search for supersymmetry at √s=13 TeV in final states with jets and two same-sign leptons or three leptons with the ATLAS detector

A search for strongly produced supersymmetric particles is conducted using signatures involving multiple energetic jets and either two isolated leptons (e or μ μ) with the same electric charge or at least three isolated leptons. The search also utilises b-tagged jets, missing transverse momentum and other observables to extend its sensitivity. The analysis uses a data sample of proton–proton collisions at √s=13 TeV recorded with the ATLAS detector at the Large Hadron Collider in 2015 corresponding to a total integrated luminosity of 3.2 fb −1. No significant excess over the Standard Model expectation is observed. The results are interpreted in several simplified supersymmetric models and extend the exclusion limits from previous searches. In the context of exclusive production and simplified decay modes, gluino masses are excluded at 95% 95% confidence level up to 1.1–1.3 TeV for light neutralinos (depending on the decay channel), and bottom squark masses are also excluded up to 540 GeV. In the former scenarios, neutralino masses are also excluded up to 550–850 GeV for gluino masses around 1 TeV

ATLAS Run 1 searches for direct pair production of third-generation squarks at the Large Hadron Collider

This paper reviews and extends searches for the direct pair production of the scalar supersymmetric partners of the top and bottom quarks in proton-proton collisions collected by the ATLAS collaboration during the LHC Run 1. Most of the analyses use 20 fb$^{-1}$ of collisions at a centre-of-mass energy of $\sqrt{s}$ = 8 TeV, although in some case an additional 4.7 fb$^{-1}$ of collision data at $\sqrt{s}$ = 7 TeV are used. New analyses are introduced to improve the sensitivity to specific regions of the model parameter space. Since no evidence of third-generation squarks is found, exclusion limits are derived by combining several analyses and are presented in both a simplified model framework, assuming simple decay chains, as well as within the context of more elaborate phenomenological supersymmetric models.Comment: 53 pages plus author list + cover page (70 pages total), 24 figures, 10 tables, submitted to Eur. Phys. J., All figures including auxiliary figures are available at http://atlas.web.cern.ch/Atlas/GROUPS/PHYSICS/PAPERS/SUSY-2014-07

Global patient outcomes after elective surgery: prospective cohort study in 27 low-, middle- and high-income countries.

BACKGROUND: As global initiatives increase patient access to surgical treatments, there remains a need to understand the adverse effects of surgery and define appropriate levels of perioperative care. METHODS: We designed a prospective international 7-day cohort study of outcomes following elective adult inpatient surgery in 27 countries. The primary outcome was in-hospital complications. Secondary outcomes were death following a complication (failure to rescue) and death in hospital. Process measures were admission to critical care immediately after surgery or to treat a complication and duration of hospital stay. A single definition of critical care was used for all countries. RESULTS: A total of 474 hospitals in 19 high-, 7 middle- and 1 low-income country were included in the primary analysis. Data included 44 814 patients with a median hospital stay of 4 (range 2-7) days. A total of 7508 patients (16.8%) developed one or more postoperative complication and 207 died (0.5%). The overall mortality among patients who developed complications was 2.8%. Mortality following complications ranged from 2.4% for pulmonary embolism to 43.9% for cardiac arrest. A total of 4360 (9.7%) patients were admitted to a critical care unit as routine immediately after surgery, of whom 2198 (50.4%) developed a complication, with 105 (2.4%) deaths. A total of 1233 patients (16.4%) were admitted to a critical care unit to treat complications, with 119 (9.7%) deaths. Despite lower baseline risk, outcomes were similar in low- and middle-income compared with high-income countries. CONCLUSIONS: Poor patient outcomes are common after inpatient surgery. Global initiatives to increase access to surgical treatments should also address the need for safe perioperative care. STUDY REGISTRATION: ISRCTN5181700