Finite size effects in perturbed boundary conformal field theories

We discuss the finite-size properties of a simple integrable quantum field theory in 1+1 dimensions with non-trivial boundary conditions. Novel off-critical identities between cylinder partition functions of models with differing boundary conditions are derived.Comment: 7 pages, 11 figures, JHEP proceedings style. Uses epsfig, amssymb. Talk given at the conference `Nonperturbative Quantum Effects 2000', Pari

On the deformability of Heisenberg algebras

Based on the vanishing of the second Hochschild cohomology group of the enveloping algebra of the Heisenberg algebra it is shown that differential algebras coming from quantum groups do not provide a non-trivial deformation of quantum mechanics. For the case of a q-oscillator there exists a deforming map to the classical algebra. It is shown that the differential calculus on quantum planes with involution, i.e. if one works in position-momentum realization, can be mapped on a q-difference calculus on a commutative real space. Although this calculus leads to an interesting discretization it is proved that it can be realized by generators of the undeformed algebra and does not posess a proper group of global transformations.Comment: 16 pages, latex, no figure

Hilbert Space Representation of an Algebra of Observables for q-Deformed Relativistic Quantum Mechanics

Using a representation of the q-deformed Lorentz algebra as differential operators on quantum Minkowski space, we define an algebra of observables for a q-deformed relativistic quantum mechanics with spin zero. We construct a Hilbert space representation of this algebra in which the square of the mass $p^2$ is diagonal.Comment: 13 pages, LMU-TPW 94-

On the Quantum Lorentz Group

The quantum analogues of Pauli matrices are introduced and investigated. From these matrices and an appropriate trace over spinorial indiceswe construct a quantum Minkowsky metric. In this framework, we show explicitely the correspondance between the SL(2,C) and Lorentz quantum groups.Comment: 17 page

so(4) Plebanski Action and Relativistic Spin Foam Model

In this note we study the correspondence between the ``relativistic spin foam'' model introduced by Barrett, Crane and Baez and the so(4) Plebanski action. We argue that the $so(4)$ Plebanski model is the continuum analog of the relativistic spin foam model. We prove that the Plebanski action possess four phases, one of which is gravity and outline the discrepancy between this model and the model of Euclidean gravity. We also show that the Plebanski model possess another natural dicretisation and can be associate with another, new, spin foam model that appear to be the $so(4)$ counterpart of the spin foam model describing the self dual formulation of gravity.Comment: 12 pages, REVTeX using AMS fonts. Some minor corrections and improvement

Reflection equations and q-Minkowski space algebras

We express the defining relations of the $q$-deformed Minkowski space algebra as well as that of the corresponding derivatives and differentials in the form of reflection equations. This formulation encompasses the covariance properties with respect the quantum Lorentz group action in a straightforward way.Comment: 10 page

Solutions of Klein--Gordon and Dirac equations on quantum Minkowski spaces

Covariant differential calculi and exterior algebras on quantum homogeneous spaces endowed with the action of inhomogeneous quantum groups are classified. In the case of quantum Minkowski spaces they have the same dimensions as in the classical case. Formal solutions of the corresponding Klein--Gordon and Dirac equations are found. The Fock space construction is sketched.Comment: 21 pages, LaTeX file, minor change

Ultraviolet cut off and Bosonic Dominance

We rederive the thermodynamical properties of a non interacting gas in the presence of a minimal uncertainty in length. Apart from the phase space measure which is modified due to a change of the Heisenberg uncertainty relations, the presence of an ultraviolet cut-off plays a tremendous role. The theory admits an intrinsic temperature above which the fermion contribution to energy density, pressure and entropy is negligible.Comment: 12 pages in revtex, 2 figures. Some coefficients have been changed in the A_2 model and two references adde

Observation of a red-blue detuning asymmetry in matter-wave superradiance

We report the first experimental observations of strong suppression of matter-wave superradiance using blue-detuned pump light and demonstrate a pump-laser detuning asymmetry in the collective atomic recoil motion. In contrast to all previous theoretical frameworks, which predict that the process should be symmetric with respect to the sign of the pump-laser detuning, we find that for condensates the symmetry is broken. With high condensate densities and red-detuned light, the familiar distinctive multi-order, matter-wave scattering pattern is clearly visible, whereas with blue-detuned light superradiance is strongly suppressed. In the limit of a dilute atomic gas, however, symmetry is restored.Comment: Accepted by Phys. Rev. Let