49,281 research outputs found
Opening the Pandora's box of quantum spinor fields
Lounesto's classification of spinors is a comprehensive and exhaustive
algorithm that, based on the bilinears covariants, discloses the possibility of
a large variety of spinors, comprising regular and singular spinors and their
unexpected applications in physics and including the cases of Dirac, Weyl, and
Majorana as very particular spinor fields. In this paper we pose the problem of
an analogous classification in the framework of second quantization. We first
discuss in general the nature of the problem. Then we start the analysis of two
basic bilinear covariants, the scalar and pseudoscalar, in the second quantized
setup, with expressions applicable to the quantum field theory extended to all
types of spinors. One can see that an ampler set of possibilities opens up with
respect to the classical case. A quantum reconstruction algorithm is also
proposed. The Feynman propagator is extended for spinors in all classes.Comment: 18 page
Flag-Dipole Spinor Fields in ESK Gravities
We consider the Riemann-Cartan geometry as a basis for the
Einstein-Sciama-Kibble theory coupled to spinor fields: we focus on and
conformal gravities, regarding the flag-dipole spinor fields, type-(4) spinor
fields under the Lounesto classification. We study such theories in specific
cases given for instance by cosmological scenarios: we find that in such
background the Dirac equation admits solutions that are not Dirac spinor
fields, but in fact the aforementioned flag-dipoles ones. These solutions are
important from a theoretical perspective, as they evince that spinor fields are
not necessarily determined by their dynamics, but also a discussion on their
structural (algebraic) properties must be carried off. Furthermore, the
phenomenological point of view is shown to be also relevant, since for
isotropic Universes they circumvent the question whether spinor fields do
undergo the Cosmological Principle.Comment: 18 pages, improved versio
VSR symmetries in the DKP algebra: the interplay between Dirac and Elko spinor fields
VSR symmetries are here naturally incorporated in the DKP algebra on the
spin-0 and the spin-1 DKP sectors. We show that the Elko (dark) spinor fields
structure plays an essential role on accomplishing this aim, unravelling hidden
symmetries on the bosonic DKP fields under the action of discrete symmetries.Comment: 17 page
Black string corrections in variable tension braneworld scenarios
Braneworld models with variable tension are investigated, and the corrections
on the black string horizon along the extra dimension are provided. Such
corrections are encrypted in additional terms involving the covariant
derivatives of the variable tension on the brane, providing profound
consequences concerning the black string horizon variation along the extra
dimension, near the brane. The black string horizon behavior is shown to be
drastically modified by the terms corrected by the brane variable tension. In
particular, a model motivated by the phenomenological interesting case
regarding Eotvos branes is investigated. It forthwith provides further physical
features regarding variable tension braneworld scenarios, heretofore concealed
in all previous analysis in the literature. All precedent analysis considered
uniquely the expansion of the metric up to the second order along the extra
dimension, what is able to evince solely the brane variable tension absolute
value. Notwithstanding, the expansion terms aftermath, further accomplished in
this paper from the third order on, elicits the successive covariant
derivatives of the brane variable tension, and their respective coupling with
the extrinsic curvature, the Weyl tensor, and the Riemann and Ricci tensors, as
well as the scalar curvature. Such additional terms are shown to provide sudden
modifications in the black string horizon in a variable tension braneworld
scenarioComment: 12 pages, 5 figures, accepted in PR
Strategies for building pathology reports in an urban rehabilitation process: Project of the Old City Centre of Coimbra
The increasing interest on architectural heritage associated to the recognised building value, at economic, social and cultural levels have stimulated, in the recent decades, the urban rehabilitation and renovation o several cities in Europe.
Despite the strategy or method adopted in a city renovation process, its efficiency depends mainly on: type of buildings (structural systems, construction techniques and materials); intervention level (singular buildings, groups of buildings, urban zones, etc.); and, project objective (risk assessment, decision making to support future rehabilitation projects, definition of council maintenance policies, etc.).
In what concerns large renovation programs of old city centres, choosing the most adequate approach for inspection, appraisal and diagnosis is a complex task that can determine the success or failure of the project purpose.
This paper describes the preparation phase of the inspection of 700 buildings located in the old city centre of Coimbra (Portugal), where a global renovation process is planned for the forthcoming years.
In the scope of the renovation and rehabilitation process, the city council contract a complete identification and inspection survey of the buildings, directed on three different domains: (a) architectural typologies, (b) constructive and pathological condition of buildings, and (c) socio-demographic characterisation, of this part of the city. It will be present the check-lists developed and some of the obtained results on point (b), related to roofing systems, and exterior façades.
This diagnosis procedure shows that the inspection results quality is quite dependent on the items surveyed for each construction element (roof, façade, internal members, installation efficiency), as well as on the possibility of their correlation for a single building. The adopted method has been applied on 70% of the buildings inspected within the project perimeter.
Further treatment of the inspection and appraisal data will allow the developing pathology reports and list repair actions, and estimating rehabilitation costs. It will also help to produce defect level diagrams and seismic building risk maps, but, most important, to improve and guide a renewal strategy and intervention methodology for old buildings
Oxygen clamps in gold nanowires
We investigate how the insertion of an oxygen atom in an atomically thin gold
nanowire can affect its rupture. We find, using ab initio total energy density
functional theory calculations, that O atoms when inserted in gold nanowires
form not only stable but also very strong bonds, in such a way that they can
extract atoms from a stable tip, serving in this way as a clamp that could be
used to pull a string of gold atoms.Comment: 4 pages; 4 figure
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