Tensor Perturbations in Anisotropically Curved Cosmologies

Besides expanding anisotropically, the universe can also be anisotropic at the level of its (spatial) curvature. In particular, models with anisotropic curvature and isotropic expansion leads both to a $\Lambda$CDM-like phenomenology and to an isotropic and homogeneous CMB at the background level. Thus, they offer an interesting and viable example where the cosmological principle does not follow from the isotropy of observational data. In this paper we extract the linear dynamics of tensor perturbations in two classes of cosmologies with anisotropic spatial curvature. Two difficulties arise in comparison to the same computation in isotropic cosmologies. First, the two tensor polarizations do not behave as a spin-2 field, but rather as the spin-0 and spin-1 irreducible components of a symmetric, traceless and transverse tensor field, each with its own dynamics. Second, because metric perturbations are algebraically coupled, one cannot ignore scalar and vector modes and focus just on tensors --- even if one is only interested in the latter --- under the penalty of obtaining the wrong equations of motion. We illustrate our results by finding analytical solutions and evaluating the power-spectra of tensor polarizations in a radiation dominated universe. We conclude with some comments on how these models could be constrained with future experiments on CMB polarization.Comment: 29 pages, 7 figures. This version matches the published on

No radiative generation of Chern-Simons-like term in Lorentz-violating QED: dealing with IR divergences

The issue intensively claimed in the literature on the generation of a CPT-odd and Lorentz violating Chern-Simons-like term by radiative corrections owing to a CPT violating interaction -- the axial coupling of fermions with a constant vector field b_\m -- is mistaken. The presence of massless gauge field triggers IR divergences that might show up from the UV subtractions, therefore, so as to deal with the (actual physical) IR divergences, the Lowenstein-Zimmermann subtraction scheme, in the framework of BPHZL renormalization method, has to be adopted. The proof on the non generation of such a Chern-Simons-like term is done, independent of any kind of regularization scheme, at all orders in perturbation theory.Comment: In honor of Prof. Manfred Schweda (1939-2017). Work presented at the XXXVIII National Meeting on Particle Physics and Fields, September 18-22, 2017 - Passa Quatro - Minas Gerais - Brazil. Reference [46] correcte

Algebraic Renormalization of Parity-Preserving QED_3 Coupled to Scalar Matter II: Broken Case

In this letter the algebraic renormalization method, which is independent of any kind of regularization scheme, is presented for the parity-preserving QED_3 coupled to scalar matter in the broken regime, where the scalar assumes a finite vacuum expectation value, $= v$. The model shows to be stable under radiative corrections and anomaly free.Comment: 9 pages, latex, no figure

Geometry of unsteady fluid transport during fluid–structure interactions

We describe the application of tools from dynamical systems to define and quantify the unsteady fluid transport that occurs during fluid–structure interactions and in unsteady recirculating flows. The properties of Lagrangian coherent structures (LCS) are used to enable analysis of flows with arbitrary time-dependence, thereby extending previous analytical results for steady and time-periodic flows. The LCS kinematics are used to formulate a unique, physically motivated definition for fluid exchange surfaces and transport lobes in the flow. The methods are applied to numerical simulations of two-dimensional flow past a circular cylinder at a Reynolds number of 200; and to measurements of a freely swimming organism, the Aurelia aurita jellyfish. The former flow provides a canonical system in which to compare the present geometrical analysis with classical, Eulerian (e.g. vortex shedding) perspectives of fluid–structure interactions. The latter flow is used to deduce the physical coupling that exists between mass and momentum transport during self-propulsion. In both cases, the present methods reveal a well-defined, unsteady recirculation zone that is not apparent in the corresponding velocity or vorticity fields. Transport rates between the ambient flow and the recirculation zone are computed for both flows. Comparison of fluid transport geometry for the cylinder crossflow and the self-propelled swimmer within the context of existing theory for two-dimensional lobe dynamics enables qualitative localization of flow three-dimensionality based on the planar measurements. Benefits and limitations of the implemented methods are discussed, and some potential applications for flow control, unsteady propulsion, and biological fluid dynamics are proposed

Phase separation of antiferromagnetic ground states in systems with imperfect nesting

We analyze the phase diagram for a system of weakly-coupled electrons having an electron- and a hole-band with imperfect nesting. Namely, both bands have spherical Fermi surfaces, but their radii are slightly different, with a mismatch proportional to the doping. Such a model is used to describe: the antiferromagnetism of chromium and its alloys, pnictides, AA-stacked graphene bilayers, as well as other systems. Here we show that the uniform ground state of this model is unstable with respect to electronic phase separation in a wide range of model parameters. Physically, this instability occurs due to the competition between commensurate and incommensurate antiferromagnetic states and could be of importance for other models with imperfect nesting.Comment: 7 pages, 4 eps figures, in this version minor misprints are corrected, new references are adde

Phase separation of hydrogen atoms adsorbed on graphene and the smoothness of the graphene-graphane interface

The electronic properties of a graphene sheet with attached hydrogen atoms is studied using a modified Falicov-Kimball model on the honeycomb lattice. It is shown that in the ground state this system separates into two phases: fully hydrogenated graphene (graphane) and hydrogen-free graphene. The graphene-graphane boundary acquires a positive interface tension. Therefore, the graphene-graphane interface becomes a straight line, slightly rippled by thermal fluctuations. A smooth interface may be useful for the fabrication of mesoscopic graphene-based devices.Comment: 7 pages, 4 eps figures, submitted to Phys. Rev.