Quantum Particle on a Quantum Circle

We describe a $q$-deformed dynamical system corresponding to the quantum free particle moving along the circle. The algebra of observables is constructed and discussed. We construct and classify irreducible representations of the system.Comment: 11 pages, LaTe

Entanglement and Tensor Product Decomposition for Two Fermions

The problem of the choice of tensor product decomposition in a system of two fermions with the help of Bogoliubov transformations of creation and annihilation operators is discussed. The set of physical states of the composite system is restricted by the superselection rule forbidding the superposition of fermions and bosons. It is shown that the Wootters concurrence is not proper entanglement measure in this case. The explicit formula for the entanglement of formation is found and its dependence on tensor product decompositions of the Hilbert space is discussed. It is shown that the set of separable states is narrower than in two-qubit case. Moreover, there exist states which are separable with respect to all tensor product decompositions of the Hilbert space.Comment: 8pp, published versio

New varying speed of light theories

We review recent work on the possibility of a varying speed of light (VSL). We start by discussing the physical meaning of a varying $c$, dispelling the myth that the constancy of $c$ is a matter of logical consistency. We then summarize the main VSL mechanisms proposed so far: hard breaking of Lorentz invariance; bimetric theories (where the speeds of gravity and light are not the same); locally Lorentz invariant VSL theories; theories exhibiting a color dependent speed of light; varying $c$ induced by extra dimensions (e.g. in the brane-world scenario); and field theories where VSL results from vacuum polarization or CPT violation. We show how VSL scenarios may solve the cosmological problems usually tackled by inflation, and also how they may produce a scale-invariant spectrum of Gaussian fluctuations, capable of explaining the WMAP data. We then review the connection between VSL and theories of quantum gravity, showing how ``doubly special'' relativity has emerged as a VSL effective model of quantum space-time, with observational implications for ultra high energy cosmic rays and gamma ray bursts. Some recent work on the physics of ``black'' holes and other compact objects in VSL theories is also described, highlighting phenomena associated with spatial (as opposed to temporal) variations in $c$. Finally we describe the observational status of the theory. The evidence is currently slim -- redshift dependence in the atomic fine structure, anomalies with ultra high energy cosmic rays, and (to a much lesser extent) the acceleration of the universe and the WMAP data. The constraints (e.g. those arising from nucleosynthesis or geological bounds) are tight, but not insurmountable. We conclude with the observational predictions of the theory, and the prospects for its refutation or vindication.Comment: Final versio