Abstract: The density-density correlation function is computed for the Bogoliubov pseudoparticles created in a Bose-Einstein condensate undergoing a black hole flow. On the basis of the gravitational analogy, the method used relies only on quantum field theory in curved spacetime techniques. A comparison with the results obtained by ab initio full condensed matter calculations is given, confirming the validity of the approximation used, provided the profile of the flow varies smoothly on scales compared to the condensate healing length.

Abstract: In this article we study in detail the prospects of determining the infrared finite QCD effective charge from a special kinematic limit of the vertex function corresponding to three background gluons. This particular Green's function satisfies a QED-like Ward identity, relating it to the gluon propagator, with no reference to the ghost sector. Consequently, its longitudinal form factors may be expressed entirely in terms of the corresponding gluon wave function, whose inverse is proportional to the effective charge. After reviewing certain important theoretical properties, we consider a typical lattice quantity involving this vertex, and derive its exact dependence on the various form factors, for arbitrary momenta. We then focus on the particular momentum configuration that eliminates any dependence on the (unknown) transverse form factors, projecting out only the desired quantity. A preliminary numerical analysis indicates that the effective charge is relatively insensitive to the numerical uncertainties that may afflict future simulations of the aforementioned lattice quantity. The numerical difficulties associated with a parallel determination of the dynamical gluon mass are briefly discussed.

Abstract: We present results for a time-dependent Dalitz plot measurement of CP-violating asymmetries in the mode B-0 -> pi(+)pi(-)pi(0). The data set is derived from the complete sample of 471 x 10(6) B (B) over bar meson pairs collected with the BABAR detector at the PEP-II asymmetric-energy e(+)e(-) collider at the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory operating on the Upsilon(4S) resonance. We extract parameters describing the time-dependent B-0 -> rho pi decay probabilities and CP asymmetries, including C = 0.016 +/- 0.059 +/- 0.036, Delta C = 0.234 +/- 0.061 +/- 0.048, S = 0.053 +/- 0.081 +/- 0.034, and Delta S = 0.054 +/- 0.082 +/- 0.039, where the uncertainties are statistical and systematic, respectively. We perform a two-dimensional likelihood scan of the direct CP-violation asymmetry parameters for B-0 -> rho(+/-)pi(-/+) decays, finding the change in chi(2) between the minimum and the origin (corresponding to no direct CP violation) to be Delta chi(2) = 6.42. We present information on the CP-violating parameter alpha in a likelihood scan that incorporates B-+/- -> rho pi measurements. To aid in the interpretation of our results, statistical robustness studies are performed to assess the reliability with which the true values of the physics parameters can be extracted. Significantly, these studies indicate that alpha cannot be reliably extracted with our current sample size, though the other physics parameters are robustly extracted.

Abstract: In order to study the Gamow-Teller (GT) transitions from the T-z = +2 nucleus Ca-44 to the T-z = +1 nucleus Sc-44, where T-z is the z component of isospin T, we performed the (p, n)-type (He-3, t) charge-exchange (CE) reaction at 140 MeV/nucleon and the scattering angles 0 degrees and 2.5 degrees. An energy resolution of 28 keV, that was realized by applying matching techniques to the magnetic spectrometer system, allowed the study of fragmented states. The GT transition strengths, B(GT), were derived up to the excitation energy (E-x) of 13.7 MeV assuming the proportionality between cross sections and B(GT) values. The total sum of B(GT) values in discrete states was 3.7, which was 31% of the sum-rule-limit value of 12. Shell model calculations using the GXPF1J interaction could reproduce the gross features of the experimental B(GT) distribution, but not the fragmentation of the strength. By introducing the concepts of isospin, properties of isospin analogous transitions and states were investigated. (i) Assuming isospin symmetry, the T-z = +2 -> +1 and T-z = -2 -> -1 mirror GT transitions should have the same properties, where the latter can be studied in the beta decay of Cr-44 to V-44. First, we confirmed that the beta-decay half-life T-1/2 of Cr-44 can be reproduced using the B(GT) distribution from the Ca-44(He-3, t) measurement. Then, the 0 degrees, (3He, t) spectrum was modified to deduce the “beta-decay spectrum” and it was compared with the delayed-proton spectrum from the Cr-44 beta decay. The two spectra were mostly in agreement for the GT excitations, but suppression of the proton decay was found for the T = 2 isobaric analog state (IAS). (ii) Starting from the T = 2 ground state of 44Ca, the (3He, t) can excite GT states (state populated by GT transitions) with T = 1, 2, and 3. On the other hand, the Ca-44(p, p') reaction can excite spin-M1 states (states populated by spin-M1 transitions) with T = 2 and 3 that are analogous to the T = 2 and 3 GT states, respectively. By comparing the spectra from these two reactions, a T value of 2 is suggested for several GT states in the E-x = 11.5-13.7 MeV region. (iii) It has been suggested that the T = 2, J(pi) = 0(+) double isobaric analog state (DIAS) at 9.338 MeV in the T-z = 0 nucleus Ti-44 forms an isospin-mixed doublet with a subsidiary 0(+) state at 9.298 MeV. Since no corresponding state was found in the T-z = +1 nucleus Sc-44, we suggest T = 0 for the subsidiary state.

Abstract: We derive lower bounds on the density of sources of ultra-high energy cosmic rays from the lack of significant clustering in the arrival directions of the highest energy events detected at the Pierre Auger Observatory. The density of uniformly distributed sources of equal intrinsic intensity was found to be larger than similar to (0.06 – 5) x 10(-4) Mpc(-3) at 95% CL, depending on the magnitude of the magnetic defections. Similar bounds, in the range (0.2 – 7) x 10(-4) Mpc(-3), were obtained for sources following the local matter distribution.