Bringmann, T., Donato, F., & Lineros, R. A. (2012). Radio data and synchrotron emission in consistent cosmic ray models. J. Cosmol. Astropart. Phys., 01(1), 049–12pp.
Abstract: It is well established that phenomenological two-zone diffusion models of the galactic halo can very well reproduce cosmic-ray nuclear data and the observed antiproton flux. Here, we consider lepton propagation in such models and compute the expected galactic population of electrons, as well as the diffuse synchrotron emission that results from their interaction with galactic magnetic fields. We find models in agreement not only with cosmic ray data but also with radio surveys at essentially all frequencies. Requiring such a globally consistent description strongly disfavors very large (L greater than or similar to 15 kpc) and, even stronger, small (L less than or similar to 1 kpc) effective diffusive halo sizes. This has profound implications for, e.g., in direct dark matter searches.
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Fornengo, N., Lineros, R. A., Regis, M., & Taoso, M. (2012). Galactic synchrotron emission from WIMPs at radio frequencies. J. Cosmol. Astropart. Phys., 01(1), 005–25pp.
Abstract: Dark matter annihilations in the Galactic halo inject relativistic electrons and positrons which in turn generate a synchrotron radiation when interacting with the galactic magnetic field. We calculate the synchrotron flux for various dark matter annihilation channels, masses, and astrophysical assumptions in the low-frequency range and compare our results with radio surveys from 22 MHz to 1420 MHz. We find that current observations are able to constrain particle dark matter with “thermal” annihilation cross-sections, i.e. (sigma v) = 3 x 10(-26) cm(3) s(-1); and masses M-DM less than or similar to 10 GeV. We discuss the dependence of these bounds on the astrophysical assumptions, namely galactic dark matter distribution, cosmic rays propagation parameters, and structure of the galactic magnetic field. Prospects for detection in future radio surveys are outlined.
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de Angelis, G. et al, & Gadea, A. (2012). Shape isomerism and shape coexistence effects on the Coulomb energy differences in the N = Z nucleus As-66 and neighboring T=1 multiplets. Phys. Rev. C, 85(3), 034320–7pp.
Abstract: Excited states of the N = Z = 33 nucleus As-66 have been populated in a fusion-evaporation reaction and studied using gamma-ray spectroscopic techniques. Special emphasis was put into the search for candidates for the T = 1 states. A new 3(+) isomer has been observed with a lifetime of 1.1(3) ns. This is believed to be the predicted oblate shape isomer. The excited levels are discussed in terms of the shell model and of the complex excited Vampir approaches. Coulomb energy differences are determined from the comparison of the T = 1 states with their analog partners. The unusual behavior of the Coulomb energy differences in the A = 70 mass region is explained through different shape components (oblate and prolate) within the members of the same isospin multiplets. This breaking of the isospin symmetry is attributed to the correlations induced by the Coulomb interaction.
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Roca, L., & Oset, E. (2012). Scattering of unstable particles in a finite volume: The case of pi rho scattering and the a(1)(1260) resonance. Phys. Rev. D, 85(5), 054507–13pp.
Abstract: We present a way to evaluate the scattering of unstable particles quantized in a finite volume with the aim of extracting physical observables for infinite volume from lattice data. We illustrate the method with the pi rho scattering which generates dynamically the axial-vector a(1)(1260) resonance. Energy levels in a finite box are evaluated both considering the rho as a stable and unstable resonance and we find significant differences between both cases. We discuss how to solve the problem to get the physical scattering amplitudes in the infinite volume, and hence phase shifts, from possible lattice results on energy levels quantized inside a finite box.
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Gomez-Cadenas, J. J., Martin-Albo, J., Mezzetto, M., Monrabal, F., & Sorel, M. (2012). The search for neutrinoless double beta decay. Riv. Nuovo Cimento, 35(2), 29–98.
Abstract: In the last two decades the search for neutrinoless double beta decay has evolved into one of the highest priorities for understanding neutrinos and the origin of mass. The main reason for this paradigm shift has been the discovery of neutrino oscillations, which clearly established the existence of massive neutrinos. An additional motivation for conducting such searches comes from the existence of an unconfirmed, but not refuted, claim of evidence for neutrinoless double decay in Ge-76. As a consequence, a new generation of experiments, employing different detection techniques and beta beta isotopes, is being actively promoted by experimental groups across the world. In addition, nuclear theorists are making remarkable progress in the calculation of the neutrinoless double beta. decay nuclear matrix elements, thus eliminating a substantial part of the theoretical uncertainties affecting the particle physics interpretation of this process. In this report, we review the main aspects of the double beta decay process and some of the most relevant experiments. The picture that emerges is one where searching for neutrinoless double beta decay is recognized to have both far-reaching theoretical implications and promising prospects for experimental observation in the near future.
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