Higher Gauge Theory and Gravity in (2+1) Dimensions

Non-abelian higher gauge theory has recently emerged as a generalization of standard gauge theory to higher dimensional (2-dimensional in the present context) connection forms, and as such, it has been successfully applied to the non-abelian generalizations of the Yang-Mills theory and 2-form electrodynamics. (2+1)-dimensional gravity, on the other hand, has been a fertile testing ground for many concepts related to classical and quantum gravity, and it is therefore only natural to investigate whether we can find an application of higher gauge theory in this latter context. In the present paper we investigate the possibility of applying the formalism of higher gauge theory to gravity in (2+1) dimensions, and we show that a nontrivial model of (2+1)-dimensional gravity coupled to scalar and tensorial matter fields - the $\Sigma\Phi EA$ model - can be formulated both as a standard gauge theory and as a higher gauge theory. Since the model has a very rich structure - it admits as solutions black-hole BTZ-like geometries, particle-like geometries as well as Robertson-Friedman-Walker cosmological-like expanding geometries - this opens a wide perspective for higher gauge theory to be tested and understood in a relevant gravitational context. Additionally, it offers the possibility of studying gravity in (2+1) dimensions coupled to matter in an entirely new framework.Comment: 22 page

The economic and social dimensions of Romania’s metallurgical industry

The purpose of this paper is to enhance the understanding of both the economic and social dimensions belonging to Romania’s metallurgical industry and how they contribute to generating business value. The approach of this subject became of utmost necessity in turbulent times such as the one Romania is facing nowadays

Scalar and tensorial topological matter coupled to (2+1)-dimensional gravity:A.Classical theory and global charges

We consider the coupling of scalar topological matter to (2+1)-dimensional gravity. The matter fields consist of a 0-form scalar field and a 2-form tensor field. We carry out a canonical analysis of the classical theory, investigating its sectors and solutions. We show that the model admits both BTZ-like black-hole solutions and homogeneous/inhomogeneous FRW cosmological solutions.We also investigate the global charges associated with the model and show that the algebra of charges is the extension of the Kac-Moody algebra for the field-rigid gauge charges, and the Virasoro algebrafor the diffeomorphism charges. Finally, we show that the model can be written as a generalized Chern-Simons theory, opening the perspective for its formulation as a generalized higher gauge theory.Comment: 40 page

Non-local Correlations are Generic in Infinite-Dimensional Bipartite Systems

It was recently shown that the nonseparable density operators for a bipartite system are trace norm dense if either factor space has infinite dimension. We show here that non-local states -- i.e., states whose correlations cannot be reproduced by any local hidden variable model -- are also dense. Our constructions distinguish between the cases where both factor spaces are infinite-dimensional, where we show that states violating the CHSH inequality are dense, and the case where only one factor space is infinite-dimensional, where we identify open neighborhoods of nonseparable states that do not violate the CHSH inequality but show that states with a subtler form of non-locality (often called "hidden" non-locality) remain dense.Comment: 8 pages, RevTe

Polarization-squeezed light formation in a medium with electronic Kerr nonlinearity

We analyze the formation of polarization-squeezed light in a medium with electronic Kerr nonlinearity. Quantum Stokes parameters are considered and the spectra of their quantum fluctuations are investigated. It is established that the frequency at which the suppression of quantum fluctuations is the greatest can be controlled by adjusting the linear phase difference between pulses. We shown that by varying the intensity or the nonlinear phase shift per photon for one pulse, one can effectively control the suppression of quantum fluctuations of the quantum Stokes parameters.Comment: final version, RevTeX, 10 pages, 5 eps figure

Nonsequential positive-operator-valued measurements on entangled mixed states do not always violate a Bell inequality

We present a local-hidden-variable model for positive-operator-valued measurements (an LHVPOV model) on a class of entangled generalized Werner states, thus demonstrating that such measurements do not always violate a Bell-type inequality. We also show that, in general, if the state $\rho'$ can be obtained from $\rho$ with certainty by local quantum operations without classical communication then an LHVPOV model for the state $\rho$ implies the existence of such a model for $\rho'$.Comment: 4 pages, no figures. Title changed to accord with Phys. Rev. A version. Journal reference adde

The first detection of Far-Infrared emission associated with an extended HI disk. The case of NGC 891

Spiral galaxies in the Local Universe are commonly observed to be embedded in extended disks of neutral hydrogen - the so called ``extended HI disks''. Based on observations made using the ISOPHOT instrument on board the Infrared Space Observatory, we report the first detection of cold dust in the extended HI disk of a spiral galaxy. The detection was achieved through a dedicated deep Far-Infrared observation of a large field encompassing the entire HI disk of the edge-on spiral galaxy NGC 891. Our discovery indicates that the extended HI disk of NGC 891 is not primordial in origin.Comment: accepted for publication in Astronomy and Astrophysics Letter