Quantum Fields on Star Graphs

We construct canonical quantum fields which propagate on a star graph modeling a quantum wire. The construction uses a deformation of the algebra of canonical commutation relations, encoding the interaction in the vertex of the graph. We discuss in this framework the Casimir effect and derive the correction to the Stefan-Boltzmann law induced by the vertex interaction. We also generalize the algebraic setting for covering systems with integrable bulk interactions and solve the quantum non-linear Schroedinger model on a star graph.Comment: LaTex 23+1 pages, 4 figure

Interplay between Zamolodchikov-Faddeev and Reflection-Transmission algebras

We show that a suitable coset algebra, constructed in terms of an extension of the Zamolodchikov-Faddeev algebra, is homomorphic to the Reflection-Transmission algebra, as it appears in the study of integrable systems with impurity.Comment: 8 pages; a misprint in eq. (2.14) and (2.15) has been correcte

The quantum non-linear Schrodinger model with point-like defect

We establish a family of point-like impurities which preserve the quantum integrability of the non-linear Schrodinger model in 1+1 space-time dimensions. We briefly describe the construction of the exact second quantized solution of this model in terms of an appropriate reflection-transmission algebra. The basic physical properties of the solution, including the space-time symmetry of the bulk scattering matrix, are also discussed.Comment: Comments on the integrability and the impurity free limit adde

Bosonization and Scale Invariance on Quantum Wires

We develop a systematic approach to bosonization and vertex algebras on quantum wires of the form of star graphs. The related bosonic fields propagate freely in the bulk of the graph, but interact at its vertex. Our framework covers all possible interactions preserving unitarity. Special attention is devoted to the scale invariant interactions, which determine the critical properties of the system. Using the associated scattering matrices, we give a complete classification of the critical points on a star graph with any number of edges. Critical points where the system is not invariant under wire permutations are discovered. By means of an appropriate vertex algebra we perform the bosonization of fermions and solve the massless Thirring model. In this context we derive an explicit expression for the conductance and investigate its behavior at the critical points. A simple relation between the conductance and the Casimir energy density is pointed out.Comment: LaTex 31+1 pages, 2 figures. Section 3.6 and two references added. To appear in J. Phys. A: Mathematical and Theoretica

Quantum field theory on quantum graphs and application to their conductance

We construct a bosonic quantum field on a general quantum graph. Consistency of the construction leads to the calculation of the total scattering matrix of the graph. This matrix is equivalent to the one already proposed using generalized star product approach. We give several examples and show how they generalize some of the scattering matrices computed in the mathematical or condensed matter physics litterature. Then, we apply the construction for the calculation of the conductance of graphs, within a small distance approximation. The consistency of the approximation is proved by direct comparison with the exact calculation for the `tadpole' graph.Comment: 32 pages; misprints in tree graph corrected; proofs of consistency and unitarity adde

Spontaneous symmetry breaking in the non-linear Schrodinger hierarchy with defect

We introduce and solve the one-dimensional quantum non-linear Schrodinger (NLS) equation for an N-component field defined on the real line with a defect sitting at the origin. The quantum solution is constructed using the quantum inverse scattering method based on the concept of Reflection-Transmission (RT) algebras recently introduced. The symmetry of the model is generated by the reflection and transmission defect generators defining a defect subalgebra. We classify all the corresponding reflection and transmission matrices. This provides the possible boundary conditions obeyed by the canonical field and we compute these boundary conditions explicitly. Finally, we exhibit a phenomenon of spontaneous symmetry breaking induced by the defect and identify the unbroken generators as well as the exact remaining symmetry.Comment: discussion on symmetry breaking has been improved and examples adde

Britain, Bulgaria and benefits:the political rhetoric of European (dis)integration

This chapter considers the political controversy in Britain over the lifting of restrictions of freedom of movement on European Union (EU) citizens from Bulgaria and Romania in January 2014. The response of the then Conservative-Liberal Democrat Coalition Government centred on altering the rules on the payment of welfare benefits to potential new EU immigrants such that they would not be entitled to claim these benefits for 3 months after entry to the United Kingdom. This policy led to a split in the coalition, with the Liberal Democrat leadership claiming that it was a panicked move by the majority Conservative coalition partner, and moreover that it was a blatant attempt to appeal the electorate in an effort to be seen to be doing something to stop the welfare benefit system from being abused by ‘foreigners’. The backdrop to this political fracas centred on the economic contribution of East European immigrants to Britain and the claim and counterclaim over the issues jobs, welfare benefits and services such as English language support in schools. These contentious issues are examined in terms of an analysis of online comments to posted in reaction to a political interview with Vince Cable, the Liberal Democrat business secretary, who claimed that the Conservatives were attempting to placate public disquiet over immigration as a response to the rising popularity of the United Kingdom Independence Party

Factorization in integrable systems with impurity

This article is based on recent works done in collaboration with M. Mintchev, E. Ragoucy and P. Sorba. It aims at presenting the latest developments in the subject of factorization for integrable field theories with a reflecting and transmitting impurity.Comment: 7 pages; contribution to the XIVth International Colloquium on Integrable systems, Prague, June 200

Yang-Baxter and reflection maps from vector solitons with a boundary

Based on recent results obtained by the authors on the inverse scattering method of the vector nonlinear Schr\"odinger equation with integrable boundary conditions, we discuss the factorization of the interactions of N-soliton solutions on the half-line. Using dressing transformations combined with a mirror image technique, factorization of soliton-soliton and soliton-boundary interactions is proved. We discover a new object, which we call reflection map, that satisfies a set-theoretical reflection equation which we also introduce. Two classes of solutions for the reflection map are constructed. Finally, basic aspects of the theory of set-theoretical reflection equations are introduced.Comment: 29 pages. Featured article in Nonlinearit