Bombacigno, F., Boudet, S., & Montani, G. (2021). Generalized Ashtekar variables for Palatini f(R) models. Nucl. Phys. B, 963, 115281–21pp.
Abstract: We consider special classes of Palatini f(R) theories, featured by additional Loop Quantum Gravity inspired terms, with the aim of identifying a set of modified Ashtekar canonical variables, which still preserve the SU(2) gauge structure of the standard theory. In particular, we allow for affine connection to be endowed with torsion, which turns out to depend on the additional scalar degree affecting Palatini f( R) gravity, and in this respect we successfully construct a novel Gauss constraint. We analyze the role of the additional scalar field, outlining as it acquires a dynamical character by virtue of a non vanishing Immirzi parameter, and we describe some possible effects on the area operator stemming from such a revised theoretical framework. Finally, we compare our results with earlier studies in literature, discussing differences between metric and Palatini approaches. It is worth noting how the Hamiltonian turns out to be different in the two cases. The results can be reconciled when the analysis is performed in the Einstein frame.
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Das, A., & Mandal, S. (2021). Bounds on the triplet fermions in type-III seesaw and implications for collider searches. Nucl. Phys. B, 966, 115374–33pp.
Abstract: Type-III seesaw is a simple extension of the Standard Model (SM) with the SU(2)(L) triplet fermion with zero hypercharge. It can explain the origin of the tiny neutrino mass and flavor mixing. After the electroweak symmetry breaking the light neutrino mass is generated by the seesaw mechanism which further ensures the mixings between the light neutrino and heavy neutral lepton mass eigenstates. If the triplet fermions are around the electroweak scale having sizable mixings with the SM sector allowed by the correct gauge symmetry, they can be produced at the high energy colliders leaving a variety of characteristic signatures. Based on a simple and concrete realizations of the model we employ a general parametrization for the neutrino Dirac mass matrix and perform a parameter scan to identify the allowed regions satisfying the experimental constraints from the neutrino oscillation data, the electroweak precision measurements and the lepton-flavor violating processes, respectively considering the normal and inverted neutrino mass hierarchies. These parameter regions can be probed at the different collider experiments.
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Polettini, M. et al, & Algora, A. (2021). DESPEC Phase-0 campaign at GSI. Nuovo Cim. C, 44(2-3), 67–4pp.
Abstract: This paper reports preliminary results of the DESPEC campaign at GSI, focused on the study of neutron-deficient nuclei approaching Sn-100. The results presented show the isomeric decays of excited states with I-pi = 14(+) and 8(+) in Pd-96 and Pd-94, respectively. The detailed characterisation of the DESPEC set-up and analysis methodologies, proven in this experimental run, are crucial for the future campaigns.
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Yang, W. Q., Di Valentino, E., Pan, S., & Mena, O. (2021). Emergent Dark Energy, neutrinos and cosmological tensions. Phys. Dark Universe, 31, 100762–9pp.
Abstract: The Phenomenologically Emergent Dark Energy model, a dark energy model with the same number of free parameters as the flat Lambda CDM, has been proposed as a working example of a minimal model which can avoid the current cosmological tensions. A straightforward question is whether or not the inclusion of massive neutrinos and extra relativistic species may spoil such an appealing phenomenological alternative. We present the bounds on M-nu and N-eff and comment on the long standing H-0 and sigma(8) tensions within this cosmological framework with a wealth of cosmological observations. Interestingly, we find, at 95% confidence level, and with the most complete set of cosmological observations, M-nu similar to 0.21(-0.14)(+0.15) eV and N-eff = 3.03 +/- 0.32 i.e. an indication for a non-zero neutrino mass with a significance above 2 sigma. The well known Hubble constant tension is considerably easened, with a significance always below the 2 sigma level. (C) 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
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Vagnozzi, S., Di Valentino, E., Gariazzo, S., Melchiorri, A., Mena, O., & Silk, J. (2021). The galaxy power spectrum take on spatial curvature and cosmic concordance. Phys. Dark Universe, 33, 100851–17pp.
Abstract: The concordance of the ACDM cosmological model in light of current observations has been the subject of an intense debate in recent months. The 2018 Planck Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) temperature anisotropy power spectrum measurements appear at face value to favour a spatially closed Universe with curvature parameter Omega(K) < 0. This preference disappears if Baryon Acoustic Oscillation (BAO) measurements are combined with Planck data to break the geometrical degeneracy, although the reliability of this combination has been questioned due to the strong tension present between the two datasets when assuming a curved Universe. Here, we approach this issue from yet another point of view, using measurements of the full-shape (FS) galaxy power spectrum, P(k), from the Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey DR12 CMASS sample. By combining Planck data with FS measurements, we break the geometrical degeneracy and find Omega(K) = 0.0023 +/- 0.0028. This constrains the Universe to be spatially flat to sub-percent precision, in excellent agreement with results obtained using BAO measurements. However, as with BAO, the overall increase in the best-fit chi(2) suggests a similar level of tension between Planck and P(k) under the assumption of a curved Universe. While the debate on spatial curvature and the concordance between cosmological datasets remains open, our results provide new perspectives on the issue, highlighting the crucial role of FS measurements in the era of precision cosmology.
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