Combinatorics of lattice paths with and without spikes

We derive a series of results on random walks on a d-dimensional hypercubic lattice (lattice paths). We introduce the notions of terse and simple paths corresponding to the path having no backtracking parts (spikes). These paths label equivalence classes which allow a rearrangement of the sum over paths. The basic combinatorial quantities of this construction are given. These formulas are useful when performing strong coupling (hopping parameter) expansions of lattice models. Some applications are described.Comment: Latex. 25 page

Large NN reduction with the Twisted Eguchi-Kawai model

We examine the breaking of $Z_N$ symmetry recently reported for the Twisted Eguchi-Kawai model (TEK). We analyse the origin of this behaviour and propose simple modifications of twist and lattice action that could avoid the problem. Our results show no sign of symmetry breaking and allow us to obtain values of the large $N$ infinite volume string tension in agreement with extrapolations from results based upon straightforward methods.Comment: latex file 14 pages, 4 figure

Calorons on the lattice - a new perspective

We discuss the manifestation of instanton and monopole solutions on a periodic lattice at finite temperature and their relation to the infinite volume analytic caloron solutions with asymptotic non-trivial Polyakov loops. As a tool we use improved cooling and twisted boundary conditions. Typically we find 2Q lumps for topological charge Q. These lumps are BPS monopoles.Comment: Latex. 16 pages, 9 figure

Anomalous magnetic and weak magnetic dipole moments of the τ\tau lepton in the simplest little Higgs model

We obtain analytical expressions, both in terms of parametric integrals and Passarino-Veltman scalar functions, for the one-loop contributions to the anomalous weak magnetic dipole moment (AWMDM) of a charged lepton in the framework of the simplest little Higgs model (SLHM). Our results are general and can be useful to compute the weak properties of a charged lepton in other extensions of the standard model (SM). As a by-product we obtain generic contributions to the anomalous magnetic dipole moment (AMDM), which agree with previous results. We then study numerically the potential contributions from this model to the $\tau$ lepton AMDM and AWMDM for values of the parameter space consistent with current experimental data. It is found that they depend mainly on the energy scale $f$ at which the global symmetry is broken and the $t_\beta$ parameter, whereas there is little sensitivity to a mild change in the values of other parameters of the model. While the $\tau$ AMDM is of the order of $10^{-9}$, the real (imaginary) part of its AWMDM is of the order of $10^{-9}$ ($10^{-10}$). These values seem to be out of the reach of the expected experimental sensitivity of future experiments.Comment: 23 pages, 11 figures, new analysis and References adde

Non-Abelian Vortices on the Torus

We study periodic arrays of non-Abelian vortices in an $SU(N) \times U(1)$ gauge theory with $N_f$ flavors of fundamental matter multiplets. We carefully discuss the corresponding twisted boundary conditions on the torus and propose an ansatz to solve the first order Bogomolnyi equations which we find by looking to a bound of the energy. We solve the equations numerically and construct explicit vortex solutions

Recent results on self-dual configurations on the torus

We review the recent progress on our understanding of self-dual SU(N) Yang-Mills configurations on the torus.Comment: Latex 3 pages, 1 figure. Contribution to the Lat99 Proceeding