Abstract: Recently, the formalism needed to relate the finite-volume spectrum of systems of nondegenerate spinless particles has been derived. In this work we discuss a range of issues that arise when implementing this formalism in practice, provide further theoretical results that can be used to check the implementation, and make available codes for implementing the three-particle quantization condition. Specifically, we discuss the need to modify the upper limit of the cutoff function due to the fact that the left-hand cut in the scattering amplitudes for two nondegenerate particles moves closer to threshold; we describe the decomposition of the three-particle amplitude K-df,K-3 into the matrix basis used in the quantization condition, including both s and p waves, with the latter arising in the amplitude for two nondegenerate particles; we derive the threshold expansion for the lightest three-particle state in the rest frame up to O(1/L-5); and we calculate the leading-order predictions in chiral perturbation theory for K-df,K-3 in the pi(+)pi K-+(+) and pi+K+K+ systems. We focus mainly on systems with two identical particles plus a third that is different (“2+1” systems). We describe the formalism in full detail, and present numerical explorations in toy models, in particular checking that the results agree with the threshold expansion, and making a prediction for the spectrum of pi(+)pi K-+(+) levels using the two- and three-particle interactions predicted by chiral perturbation theory.

Abstract: Haloscopes are resonant cavities that serve as detectors of dark matter axions when they are immersed in a strong static magnetic field. In order to increase the volume and improve space compatibility with dipole or solenoid magnets for axion searches, various haloscope design techniques for rectangular geometries are discussed in this study. The volume limits of two types of haloscopes are explored: those based on single cavities and those based on multicavities. In both cases, possibilities for increasing the volume of long and/or tall structures are presented. For multicavities, 1D geometries are explored to optimise the space in the magnets. Also, 2D and 3D geometries are introduced as a first step in laying the foundations for the development of these kinds of topologies. The results prove the usefulness of the developed methods, evidencing the ample room for improvement in rectangular haloscope designs nowadays. A factor of three orders of magnitude improvement in volume compared with a single cavity based on the WR-90 standard waveguide is obtained with the design of a long and tall single cavity. Similar procedures have been applied for long and tall multicavities. Experimental measurements are shown for prototypes based on tall multicavities and 2D structures, demonstrating the feasibility of using these types of geometries to increase the volume of real haloscopes.

Abstract: A search for the B-s(0) -> D*(+/-) D--/+ decay is performed using proton-proton collision data at centre-of-mass energies of 7, 8 and 13TeV collected by the LHCb experiment, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 9 fb(-1). The decay is observed with a high significance and its branching fraction relative to the B-0 -> D*(+/-) D--/+ decay is measured to be B(B-s(0) -> D*D-+/-(-/+))/B(B-0 -> D*D-+/-(-/+)) = 0.137 +/- 0.017 +/- 0.002 +/- 0.006, where the first uncertainty is statistical, the second systematic and the third is due to the uncertainty on the ratio of the B-s(0) and B-0 hadronisation fractions.

Abstract: A data sample collected with the LHCb detector corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 9 fb(-1) is used to measure eleven CP violation observables in B-+/- -> Dh(+/-) decays, where h is either a kaon or a pion. The neutral D meson decay is reconstructed in the three-body final states: K-+/-pi(-/+)pi(0); pi(+)pi(-)pi(0); K+ K- pi(0) and the suppressed pi K-+(-/+)pi(0) combination. The mode where a large CP asymmetry is expected, B-+/- -> [K-+/-pi(-/+)pi(0)] K-D(+/-), is observed with a significance greater than seven standard deviations. The ratio of the partial width of this mode relative to that of the favoured mode, B-+/- -> [K-+/-pi(-/+)pi(0)] K-D(+/-), is R-ADS(K) = (1.27 +/- 0.16 +/- 0.02) x 10(-2). Evidence for a large CP asymmetry is also seen: A(ADS(K)) = – 0.38 +/- 0.12 +/- 0.02. Constraints on the CKM angle gamma are calculated from the eleven reported observables.

Abstract: In the last 20 years, the neutron time-of-flight facility nTOF at CERN has been providing relevant data for the astrophysical slow neutron capture process (s process). At nTOF, neutron-induced radiative capture (n,gamma) as well as (n,p) and (n,alpha) reaction cross sections are measured as a function of energy, using the time-of-flight method. Improved detection systems, innovative ideas and collaborations with other neutron facilities have lead to a considerable contribution of the n_TOF collaboration to studying the s process in asymptotic giant branch stars. Results have been reported for stable and radioactive samples, i.e.,Mg- 24,Mg-25,Mg-26, Al-26, S-33,Fe- 54,Fe-57, Ni-58,Ni-59,Ni-62,Ni-63, Ge-70,Ge-72,Ge-73, Zr-90,Zr-91,Zr-92,Zr-93,Zr-94,Zr-96, La-139, Ce-140, Pm-147, Sm-151,Gd- 154,Gd-155,Gd-157, Tm-171, Os-186,Os-187,Os-188, Au-197, Tl-203,Tl-204,Pb- 204,Pb-206,Pb-207 and Bi-209 isotopes, while others are being studied or planned to be studied in the near future. In this contribution, we present an overview of the most successful achievements, and an outlook of future challenging measurements, including ongoing detection system developments.