An example of optimal field cut in lattice gauge perturbation theory

We discuss the weak coupling expansion of a one plaquette SU(2) lattice gauge theory. We show that the conventional perturbative series for the partition function has a zero radius of convergence and is asymptotic. The average plaquette is discontinuous at g^2=0. However, the fact that SU(2) is compact provides a perturbative sum that converges toward the correct answer for positive g^2. This alternate methods amounts to introducing a specific coupling dependent field cut, that turns the coefficients into g-dependent quantities. Generalizing to an arbitrary field cut, we obtain a regular power series with a finite radius of convergence. At any order in the modified perturbative procedure, and for a given coupling, it is possible to find at least one (and sometimes two) values of the field cut that provide the exact answer. This optimal field cut can be determined approximately using the strong coupling expansion. This allows us to interpolate accurately between the weak and strong coupling regions. We discuss the extension of the method to lattice gauge theory on a D-dimensional cubic lattice.Comment: 9 pages, 11 figs., uses revtex4, modified presentatio

A New Phase Time Formula for Opaque Barrier Tunneling

After a brief review of the derivation of the standard phase time formula, based on the use of the stationary phase method, we propose, in the opaque limit, an alternative method to calculate the phase time. The new formula for the phase time is in excellent agreement with the numerical simulations and shows that for wave packets whose upper limit of the momentum distribution is very close to the barrier height, the transit time is proportional to the barrier width.Comment: 9 pages, 2 figure

Molecular Feshbach dissociation as a source for motionally entangled atoms

We describe the dissociation of a diatomic Feshbach molecule due to a time-varying external magnetic field in a realistic trap and guide setting. An analytic expression for the asymptotic state of the two ultracold atoms is derived, which can serve as a basis for the analysis of dissociation protocols to generate motionally entangled states. For instance, the gradual dissociation by sequences of magnetic field pulses may delocalize the atoms into macroscopically distinct wave packets, whose motional entanglement can be addressed interferometrically. The established relation between the applied magnetic field pulse and the generated dissociation state reveals that square-shaped magnetic field pulses minimize the momentum spread of the atoms. This is required to control the detrimental influence of dispersion in a recently proposed experiment to perform a Bell test in the motion of the two atoms [C. Gneiting and K. Hornberger, Phys. Rev. Lett. 101, 260503 (2008)].Comment: 12 pages, 3 figures; corresponds to published versio

The effect of dressing on high-order harmonic generation in vibrating H2_2 molecules

We develop the strong-field approximation for high-order harmonic generation in hydrogen molecules, including the vibrational motion and the laser-induced coupling of the lowest two Born-Oppenheimer states in the molecular ion that is created by the initial ionization of the molecule. We show that the field dressing becomes important at long laser wavelengths ($\approx 2 \mu$m), leading to an overall reduction of harmonic generation and modifying the ratio of harmonic signals from different isotopes.Comment: 23 pages, 11 figures, submitted to PR

Regularization of fluctuations near the sonic horizon due to the quantum potential and its influence on the Hawking radiation

We consider dynamics of fluctuations in transonically accelerating Bose-Einstein condensates and luminous liquids (coherent light propagating in a Kerr nonlinear medium) using the hydrodynamic approach. It is known that neglecting the quantum potential (QP) leads to a singular behavior of quantum and classical fluctuations in the vicinity of the Mach (sonic) horizon, which in turn gives rise to the Hawking radiation. The neglect of QP is well founded at not too small distances $|x| \gg l_h$ from the horizon, where $l_h$ is the healing length. Taking the QP into account we show that a second characteristic length $l_r > l_h$ exists, such that the linear fluctuation modes become regularized for $|x| \ll l_r$. At $|x| \gg l_r$ the modes keep their singular behavior, which however is influenced by the QP. As a result we find a deviation of the high frequency tail of the spectrum of Hawking radiation from Planck's black body radiation distribution. Similar results hold for the wave propagation in Kerr nonlinear media where the length $l_h$ and $l_r$ exist due to the nonlinearity.Comment: 23 pages, 2 figure

Aperture Integral Ultrasonic Pulse Transmission Model

This paper discusses a numerical algorithm and supporting formulation for evaluating ultrasonic pulse transmission through non-planar component geometries. The algorithm is engineered to model experimental configurations where irregularities in surface geometry preclude the use of less rigorous approaches, such as a field expansion about a single entry point. The algorithm formulation represents the transmitted pulse as a surface integral coinciding with a pulse origin aperture, employing the Green function for the water-component system. The model explicitly considers the component surface geometry over the footprint of the incident pulse, thus allowing consideration of smooth yet non-expandable (i.e. in power series about a single point) geometries, such as adjoining flat and fillet surfaces. A computationally efficient algorithm results from use of asymptotic Green function approximations. Approaches are also discussed under conditions where the asymptotic Green function expressions are singular or invalid, due to focusing by surface concavity or transmission near critical angles. Consideration of pulse time dependence represents an extension of previous work [1], as also does treatment of surface concavity and critical angle transmission. The following sections summarize theoretical formulation and algorithmic implementation, followed by the presentation of illustrative computations

Echolocation by Quasiparticles

It is shown that the local density of states (LDOS), measured in an Scanning Tunneling Microscopy (STM) experiment, at a single tip position contains oscillations as a function of Energy, due to quasiparticle interference, which is related to the positions of nearby scatterers. We propose a method of STM data analysis based on this idea, which can be used to locate the scatterers. In the case of a superconductor, the method can potentially distinguish the nature of the scattering by a particular impurity.Comment: 4+ page

Probing Quantized Einstein-Rosen Waves with Massless Scalar Matter

The purpose of this paper is to discuss in detail the use of scalar matter coupled to linearly polarized Einstein-Rosen waves as a probe to study quantum gravity in the restricted setting provided by this symmetry reduction of general relativity. We will obtain the relevant Hamiltonian and quantize it with the techniques already used for the purely gravitational case. Finally we will discuss the use of particle-like modes of the quantized fields to operationally explore some of the features of quantum gravity within this framework. Specifically we will study two-point functions, the Newton-Wigner propagator, and radial wave functions for one-particle states.Comment: Accepted for publication in Physical Review