The Globular Cluster System of NGC 5128: Ages, Metallicities, Kinematics, and Structural Parameters

Abstract: We review our recent studies of the globular cluster system of NGC 5128. First, we have obtained low-resolution, high signal-to-noise spectroscopy of 72 globular clusters using Gemini-S/GMOS to obtain the ages, metallicities, and the level of alpha enrichment of the metal-poor and metal-rich globular cluster subpopulations. Second, we have explored the rotational signature and velocity dispersion of the galaxy’s halo using over 560 globular clusters with radial velocity measurements. We have also compared the dependence of these properties on galactocentric distance and globular cluster age and metallicity. Using globular clusters as tracer objects, we have analyzed the mass, and M/L ratio of NGC 5128. Last, we have measured the structural parameters, such as half-light radii, of over 570 globular clusters from a superb 1.2 square degree Magellan/IMACS image. We will present the findings of these studies and discuss the connection to the formation and evolution of NGC 512

Binding-energy independence of reduced spectroscopic strengths derived from (p, 2p) and (p, pn) reactions with nitrogen and oxygen isotopes

A campaign of intermediate energy (300-450 MeV/u) proton-induced nucleon knockout measurements in inverse kinematics has been recently undertaken at the R 3 B/LAND setup at GSI. We present a systematic theoretical analysis of these data with the aim of studying the quenching of the single-particle strengths and its binding-energy dependence. For that, the measured semi-inclusive (p, 2p) and (p, pn) cross sections are compared with theoretical predictions based on single-particle cross sections derived from a novel coupled-channels formalism and shell-model spectroscopic factors. A systematic reduction of about 20-30% is found, with a very limited dependence on proton-neutron asymmetry.Comment: 8 pages, 3 figure

The Quark Flavor Violating Higgs Decay h→bˉs+bsˉh \rightarrow \bar b s + b \bar s in the MSSM

We study the quark flavor violating Higgs-boson decay $h \rightarrow \bar b s + b \bar s$ in the Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model (MSSM). The decay is analyzed first in a model independent, and in a second step in the minimal flavor violationg (MFV) Constrained MSSM. The experimental constraints from $B$-Physics observables (BPO) and electroweak precision observables (EWPO) are also calculated and imposed on the parameter space. It is shown that in some cases the EWPO restrict the flavor violating parameter space stronger than the BPO. In the model independent analysis values of ${\cal O}(10^{-4})$ can be found for ${\rm BR}(h \rightarrow \bar b s + b \bar s)$. In the MFV CMSSM such results can only be obtained in very restricted parts of the parameter space. The results show that it is not excluded to observe the decay $h \rightarrow \bar b s + b \bar s$ in the MSSM at future $e^+e^-$ colliders.Comment: arXiv admin note: text overlap with arXiv:1501.02258; text overlap with arXiv:hep-ph/9909325 by other author

Description of the 11^{11}Li(p,d)10(p,d){^{10}}Li transfer reaction using structure overlaps from a full three-body model

Recent data on the differential angular distribution for the transfer reaction $^{11}$Li(p,d)$^{10}$Li at $E/A=5.7$ MeV in inverse kinematics are analysed within the DWBA reaction framework, using the overlap functions calculated within a three-body model of $^{11}$Li. The weight of the different $^{10}$Li configurations in the system's ground state is obtained from the structure calculations unambiguously. The effect of the $^{9}$Li spin in the calculated observables is also investigated. We find that, although all the considered models succeed in reproducing the shape of the data, the magnitude is very sensitive to the content of $p_{1/2}$ wave in the $^{11}$Li ground-state wave function. Among the considered models, the best agreement with the data is obtained when the $^{11}$Li ground state contains a $\sim$31\% of $p_{1/2}$ wave in the $n$-$^9$Li subsystem. Although this model takes into account explicitly the splitting of the $1^+$ and $2^+$ resonances due to the coupling of the $p_{1/2}$ wave to the $3/2^-$ spin of the core, a similar degree of agreement can be achieved with a model in which the $^{9}$Li spin is ignored, provided that it contains a similar p-wave content.Comment: 8 pages, 3 figures. Final versio

Feeling crowded yet?: Crowd simulations for VR

With advances in virtual reality technology and its multiple applications, the need for believable, immersive virtual environments is increasing. Even though current computer graphics methods allow us to develop highly realistic virtual worlds, the main element failing to enhance presence is autonomous groups of human inhabitants. A great number of crowd simulation techniques have emerged in the last decade, but critical details in the crowd's movements and appearance do not meet the standards necessary to convince VR participants that they are present in a real crowd. In this paper, we review recent advances in the creation of immersive virtual crowds and discuss areas that require further work to turn these simulations into more fully immersive and believable experiences.Peer ReviewedPostprint (author's final draft

Linking structure and dynamics in (p,pn)(p,pn) reactions with Borromean nuclei: the 11^{11}Li(p,pn)10(p,pn){^{10}}Li case

One-neutron removal $(p,pn)$ reactions induced by two-neutron Borromean nuclei are studied within a Transfer-to-the-Continuum (TC) reaction framework, which incorporates the three-body character of the incident nucleus. The relative energy distribution of the residual unbound two-body subsystem, which is assumed to retain information on the structure of the original three-body projectile, is computed by evaluating the transition amplitude for different neutron-core final states in the continuum. These transition amplitudes depend on the overlaps between the original three-body ground-state wave function and the two-body continuum states populated in the reaction, thus ensuring a consistent description of the incident and final nuclei. By comparing different $^{11}$Li three-body models, it is found that the $^{11}$Li$(p,pn){^{10}}$Li relative energy spectrum is very sensitive to the position of the $p_{1/2}$ and $s_{1/2}$ states in $^{10}$Li and to the partial wave content of these configurations within the $^{11}$Li ground-state wave function. The possible presence of a low-lying $d_{5/2}$ resonance is discussed. The coupling of the single particle configurations with the non-zero spin of the $^{9}$Li core, which produces a spin-spin splitting of the states, is also studied. Among the considered models, the best agreement with the available data is obtained with a $^{11}$Li model that incorporates the actual spin of the core and contains $\sim$31\% of $p_{1/2}$-wave content in the $n$-$^9$Li subsystem, in accord with our previous findings for the $^{11}$Li(p,d)$^{10}$Li transfer reaction, and a near-threshold virtual state.Comment: 7 pages, 4 figures, submitted to PL

Heuristic Classification of Physical Theories based on Quantum Correlations

Taking quantum formalism as a point of reference and connection, we explore the various possibilities that arise in the construction of physical theories. Analyzing the distinct physical phenomena that each of them may describe, we introduce the different types of hidden variables theories that correspond to these physical phenomena. A hierarchical classification of the offered theories, based on the degree of correlation between dichotomic observables in bipartite systems, as quantified by a Bell type inequality, is finally proposed.Comment: 13 pages, 2 figure

On a problem of Pillai with k-generalized Fibonacci numbers and powers of 2

For an integer $k\geq 2$, let $\{F^{(k)}_{n} \}_{n\geq 0}$ be the $k$--generalized Fibonacci sequence which starts with $0, \ldots, 0, 1$ ($k$ terms) and each term afterwards is the sum of the $k$ preceding terms. In this paper, we find all integers $c$ having at least two presentations as a difference between a $k$--generalized Fibonacci number and a powers of 2 for any fixed $k \geqslant 4$. This paper extends previous work from [9] for the case $k=2$ and [6] for the case $k=3$