118 research outputs found
Astrophysical Supercomputing with GPUs: Critical Decisions for Early Adopters
General purpose computing on graphics processing units (GPGPU) is
dramatically changing the landscape of high performance computing in astronomy.
In this paper, we identify and investigate several key decision areas, with a
goal of simplyfing the early adoption of GPGPU in astronomy. We consider the
merits of OpenCL as an open standard in order to reduce risks associated with
coding in a native, vendor-specific programming environment, and present a GPU
programming philosophy based on using brute force solutions. We assert that
effective use of new GPU-based supercomputing facilities will require a change
in approach from astronomers. This will likely include improved programming
training, an increased need for software development best-practice through the
use of profiling and related optimisation tools, and a greater reliance on
third-party code libraries. As with any new technology, those willing to take
the risks, and make the investment of time and effort to become early adopters
of GPGPU in astronomy, stand to reap great benefits.Comment: 13 pages, 5 figures, accepted for publication in PAS
Correlation functions in a c=1 boundary conformal field theory
We obtain exact results for correlation functions of primary operators in the
two-dimensional conformal field theory of a scalar field interacting with a
critical periodic boundary potential. Amplitudes involving arbitrary bulk
discrete primary fields are given in terms of SU(2) rotation coefficients while
boundary amplitudes involving discrete boundary fields are independent of the
boundary interaction. Mixed amplitudes involving both bulk and boundary
discrete fields can also be obtained explicitly. Two- and three-point boundary
amplitudes involving fields at generic momentum are determined, up to
multiplicative constants, by the band spectrum in the open-string sector of the
theory.Comment: 33 pages, 6 figure
Scalar Solitons on the Fuzzy Sphere
We study scalar solitons on the fuzzy sphere at arbitrary radius and
noncommutativity. We prove that no solitons exist if the radius is below a
certain value. Solitons do exist for radii above a critical value which depends
on the noncommutativity parameter. We construct a family of soliton solutions
which are stable and which converge to solitons on the Moyal plane in an
appropriate limit. These solutions are rotationally symmetric about an axis and
have no allowed deformations. Solitons that describe multiple lumps on the
fuzzy sphere can also be constructed but they are not stable.Comment: 24 pages, 2 figures, typo corrected and stylistic changes. v3:
reference adde
Thermal Correlators in Holographic Models with Lifshitz scaling
We study finite temperature effects in two distinct holographic models that
exhibit Lifshitz scaling, looking to identify model independent features in the
dual strong coupling physics. We consider the thermodynamics of black branes
and find different low-temperature behavior of the specific heat. Deformation
away from criticality leads to non-trivial temperature dependence of
correlation functions and we study how the characteristic length scale in the
two point function of scalar operators varies as a function of temperature and
deformation parameters.Comment: 28 pages, 8 figures; typos corrected, references added, published
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