Phase transitions in a gas of anyons

We continue our numerical Monte Carlo simulation of a gas of closed loops on a 3 dimensional lattice, however now in the presence of a topological term added to the action corresponding to the total linking number between the loops. We compute the linking number using certain notions from knot theory. Adding the topological term converts the particles into anyons. Using the correspondence that the model is an effective theory that describes the 2+1-dimensional Abelian Higgs model in the asymptotic strong coupling regime, the topological linking number simply corresponds to the addition to the action of the Chern-Simons term. We find the following new results. The system continues to exhibit a phase transition as a function of the anyon mass as it becomes small \cite{mnp}, although the phases do not change the manifestation of the symmetry. The Chern-Simons term has no effect on the Wilson loop, but it does affect the {\rm '}t Hooft loop. For a given configuration it adds the linking number of the 't Hooft loop with all of the dynamical vortex loops to the action. We find that both the Wilson loop and the 't Hooft loop exhibit a perimeter law even though there are no massless particles in the theory, which is unexpected.Comment: 6 pages, 5 figure

Maxwell-Chern-Simons Q-balls

We examine the energetics of $Q$-balls in Maxwell-Chern-Simons theory in two space dimensions. Whereas gauged $Q$-balls are unallowed in this dimension in the absence of a Chern-Simons term due to a divergent electromagnetic energy, the addition of a Chern-Simons term introduces a gauge field mass and renders finite the otherwise-divergent electromagnetic energy of the $Q$-ball. Similar to the case of gauged $Q$-balls, Maxwell-Chern-Simons $Q$-balls have a maximal charge. The properties of these solitons are studied as a function of the parameters of the model considered, using a numerical technique known as relaxation. The results are compared to expectations based on qualitative arguments.Comment: 6 pages. Talk given at Theory CANADA 2, Perimeter Institut

Field theoretic description of the abelian and non-abelian Josephson effect

We formulate the Josephson effect in a field theoretic language which affords a straightforward generalization to the non-abelian case. Our formalism interprets Josephson tunneling as the excitation of pseudo-Goldstone bosons. We demonstrate the formalism through the consideration of a single junction separating two regions with a purely non-abelian order parameter and a sandwich of three regions where the central region is in a distinct phase. Applications to various non-abelian symmetry breaking systems in particle and condensed matter physics are given.Comment: 10 pages no figure

Not all surveillance data are created equal—A multi‐method dynamic occupancy approach to determine rabies elimination from wildlife

1. A necessary component of elimination programmes for wildlife disease is effective surveillance. The ability to distinguish between disease freedom and non‐detection can mean the difference between a successful elimination campaign and new epizootics. Understanding the contribution of different surveillance methods helps to optimize and better allocate effort and develop more effective surveillance programmes. 2. We evaluated the probability of rabies virus elimination (disease freedom) in an enzootic area with active management using dynamic occupancy modelling of 10 years of raccoon rabies virus (RABV) surveillance data (2006–2015) collected from three states in the eastern United States. We estimated detection probability of RABV cases for each surveillance method (e.g. strange acting reports, roadkill, surveillance‐trapped animals, nuisance animals and public health samples) used by the USDA National Rabies Management Program. 3. Strange acting, found dead and public health animals were the most likely to detect RABV when it was present, and generally detectability was higher in fall– winter compared to spring–summer. Found dead animals in fall–winter had the highest detection at 0.33 (95% CI: 0.20, 0.48). Nuisance animals had the lowest detection probabilities (~0.02). 4. Areas with oral rabies vaccination (ORV) management had reduced occurrence probability compared to enzootic areas without ORV management. RABV occurrence was positively associated with deciduous and mixed forests and medium to high developed areas, which are also areas with higher raccoon (Procyon lotor) densities. By combining occupancy and detection estimates we can create a probability of elimination surface that can be updated seasonally to provide guidance on areas managed for wildlife disease. 5. Synthesis and applications. Wildlife disease surveillance is often comprised of a combination of targeted and convenience‐based methods. Using a multi‐method analytical approach allows us to compare the relative strengths of these methods, providing guidance on resource allocation for surveillance actions. Applying this multi‐method approach in conjunction with dynamic occupancy analyses better informs management decisions by understanding ecological drivers of disease occurrence

f_K/f_pi in Full QCD with Domain Wall Valence Quarks

We compute the ratio of pseudoscalar decay constants f_K/f_pi using domain-wall valence quarks and rooted improved Kogut-Susskind sea quarks. By employing continuum chiral perturbation theory, we extract the Gasser-Leutwyler low-energy constant L_5, and extrapolate f_K/f_pi to the physical point. We find: f_K/f_pi = 1.218 (+- 0.002) (+0.011 -0.024) where the first error is statistical and the second error is an estimate of the systematic due to chiral extrapolation and fitting procedures. This value agrees within the uncertainties with the determination by the MILC collaboration, calculated using Kogut-Susskind valence quarks, indicating that systematic errors arising from the choice of lattice valence quark are small.Comment: 14 pages, 9 figure

Statistical Interparticle Potential between Two Anyons

The density matrix of a two-anyon system is evaluated and used to investigate the "statistical interparticle potential" following the theory of Uhlenbeck. The main purpose is to see how the statistical potential will depend on the fractional statistical parameter $\alpha$. The result shows that the statistical potential for a two-anyon system with $\alpha\ge {1\over2}$ is always repulsive. For the system with $0<\alpha< {1\over2}$, the potential is repulsive at short distances and becomes attractive at long distances. It remains only in the boson system ($\alpha=0$) that the repulsive potential arising from the exclusion principle can disappear and lead to an attractive potential at all distances.Comment: Latex 5 pages, correct typos and figur

Solitons in a Baby-Skyrme model with invariance under area preserving diffeomorphisms

We study the properties of soliton solutions in an analog of the Skyrme model in 2+1 dimensions whose Lagrangian contains the Skyrme term and the mass term, but no usual kinetic term. The model admits a symmetry under area preserving diffeomorphisms. We solve the dynamical equations of motion analytically for the case of spinning isolated baryon type solitons. We take fully into account the induced deformation of the spinning Skyrmions and the consequent modification of its moment of inertia to give an analytical example of related numerical behaviour found by Piette et al.. We solve the equations of motion also for the case of an infinite, open string, and a closed annular string. In each case, the solitons are of finite extent, so called "compactons", being exactly the vacuum outside a compact region. We end with indications on the scattering of baby-Skyrmions, as well as some considerations as the properties of solitons on a curved space.Comment: 30 pages, 5 figures, revtex, major modifications, conclusions modifie

Elucidating the crystal-chemistry of Jbel Rhassoul stevensite (Morocco) by advanced analytical techniques

The composition of Rhassoul clay is controversial regarding the nature of the puremineral clay fraction which is claimed to be stevensite rather than saponite. In this study, the raw and mineral fractions were characterized using various techniques including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (MAS NMR). The isolated fine clay mineral fraction contained a larger amount of Al (>1 wt.%) than that reported for other stevensite occurrences. The 27Al MAS NMR technique confirmed that the mineral is stevensite in which the Al is equally split between the tetrahedral and octahedral coordination sites. The 29Si NMR spectrum showed a single unresolved resonance indicating little or no short-range ordering of silicon. The chemical composition of the stevensite from Jbel Rhassoul was determined to be ((Na0.25K0.20 (Mg5.04Al0.37Fe0.20&0.21)5.61(Si7.76Al0.24)8O20(OH)4). This formula differs from previous compositions described from this locality and shows it to be an Al-bearing lacustrine clay mineral