Simulating nonequilibrium quantum fields with stochastic quantization techniques

We present lattice simulations of nonequilibrium quantum fields in Minkowskian space-time. Starting from a non-thermal initial state, the real-time quantum ensemble in 3+1 dimensions is constructed by a stochastic process in an additional (5th) ``Langevin-time''. For the example of a self-interacting scalar field we show how to resolve apparent unstable Langevin dynamics, and compare our quantum results with those obtained in classical field theory. Such a direct simulation method is crucial for our understanding of collision experiments of heavy nuclei or other nonequilibrium phenomena in strongly coupled quantum many-body systems.Comment: 4 pages, 4 figures, PRL version, minor change

Cell death and degeneration in the symbiotic dinoflagellates of the coral Stylophora pistillata during bleaching

Rising sea temperatures are increasing the incidences of mass coral bleaching (the dissociation of the coral–algal symbiosis) and coral mortality. In this study, the effects of bleaching (induced by elevated light and temperature) on the condition of symbiotic dinoflagellates (Symbiodinium sp.) within the tissue of the hard coral Stylophora pistillata (Esper) were assessed using a suite of techniques. Bleaching of S. pistillata was accompanied by declines in the maximum potential quantum yield of photosynthesis (Fv/Fm, measured using pulse amplitude modulated [PAM] fluorometry), an increase in the number of Sytox-green-stained algae (indicating compromised algal membrane integrity and cell death), an increase in 2’,7’-dichlorodihydrofluroscein diacetate (H2DCFDA)- stained algae (indicating increased oxidative stress), as well as ultrastructural changes (vacuolisation, losses of chlorophyll, and an increase in accumulation bodies). Algae expelled from S. pistillata exhibited a complete disorganisation of cellular contents; expelled cells contained only amorphous material. In situ samples taken during a natural mass coral bleaching event on the Great Barrier Reef in February 2002 also revealed a high number of Sytox-labelled algae cells in symbio. Dinoflagellate\ud degeneration during bleaching seems to be similar to the changes resulting from senescence-phase cell death in cultured algae. These data support a role for oxidative stress in the mechanism of coral bleaching and highlight the importance of algal degeneration during the bleaching of a reef coral

2PI Effective Action and Evolution Equations of N = 4 super Yang-Mills

We employ nPI effective action techniques to study N = 4 super Yang-Mills, and write down the 2PI effective action of the theory. We also supply the evolution equations of two-point correlators within the theory.Comment: 16 pages, 6 figures. Figure 2 replaced, approximation scheme clarified, references adde

Klein-Gordon Equation for Quark Pairs in Color Superconductor

The wave equation is derived for quark pairs in color superconductor in the regime of low density / strong coupling.Comment: 4 pages, no figure

Lattice simulations of real-time quantum fields

We investigate lattice simulations of scalar and nonabelian gauge fields in Minkowski space-time. For SU(2) gauge-theory expectation values of link variables in 3+1 dimensions are constructed by a stochastic process in an additional (5th) ``Langevin-time''. A sufficiently small Langevin step size and the use of a tilted real-time contour leads to converging results in general. All fixed point solutions are shown to fulfil the infinite hierarchy of Dyson-Schwinger identities, however, they are not unique without further constraints. For the nonabelian gauge theory the thermal equilibrium fixed point is only approached at intermediate Langevin-times. It becomes more stable if the complex time path is deformed towards Euclidean space-time. We analyze this behavior further using the real-time evolution of a quantum anharmonic oscillator, which is alternatively solved by diagonalizing its Hamiltonian. Without further optimization stochastic quantization can give accurate descriptions if the real-time extend of the lattice is small on the scale of the inverse temperature.Comment: 36 pages, 15 figures, Late

Bose-Einstein condensation in dense quark matter

We consider the problem of Bose condensation of charged pions in QCD at finite isospin chemical potential $\mu_I$ using the O(4)-symmetric linear sigma model as an effective field theory for two-flavor QCD. Using the 2PI $1/N$-expansion, we determine the quasiparticle masses as well as the pion and chiral condensates as a function of the temperature and isospin chemical potential in the chiral limit and at the physical point. At T=0, Bose condensation takes place for chemical potentials larger than $m_{\pi}$. In the chiral limit, the chiral condensate vanishes for any finite value of $\mu_I$.Comment: Talk given at Strong and Electroweak matter 2008, Amsterdam August 25-29 2008. Four pages and two figures. 2nd version: typos fixed and updated list of ref

Contraints on Matter from Asymptotic Safety

Recent studies of the ultraviolet behaviour of pure gravity suggest that it admits a non-Gaussian attractive fixed point, and therefore that the theory is asymptotically safe. We consider the effect on this fixed point of massless minimally coupled matter fields. The existence of a UV attractive fixed point puts bounds on the type and number of such fields.Comment: 5 pages, 2 figures, revtex4; introduction expande