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BABAR Collaboration(del Amo Sanchez, P. et al), Lopez-March, N., Martinez-Vidal, F., Milanes, D. A., & Oyanguren, A. (2010). Search for b -> u transitions in B- -> DK- and D*K- decays. Phys. Rev. D, 82(7), 072006–18pp.
Abstract: We report results from an updated study of the suppressed decays We report results from an updated study of the suppressed decays B- -> DK- and B- -> D*K- followed by D -> K+ pi(-), where D-(*()0) indicates a D-(*()0)or a (D) over bar (()*()0) meson, and D* -> D pi(0) or D* -> D gamma. These decays are sensitive to the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa unitarity triangle angle gamma due to interference between the b -> c transition B- -> D-(*K-)0(-) followed by the doubly Cabibbo-suppressed decay D-0 -> K+ pi(-), and the b -> u transition B- -> (D) over bar (()*()0) K- followed by the Cabibbo-favored decay (D) over bar (0) -> K+ pi(-). We also report an analysis of the decay B- -> D-(*())pi(-) with the D decaying into the doubly Cabibbo-suppressed mode D -> K+ pi(-). Our results are based on 467 x 10(6) Gamma(4S) -> BB- decays collected with the BABAR detector at SLAC. We measure the ratios R-(*()) of the suppressed ([K+ pi(-)](D)K- / pi(-)) to favored ([K+ pi(-)](D)K- / pi(-)) branching fractions as well as the CP asymmetries A(()*()) of those modes. We see indications of signals for the B- -> DK- and B- -> D-D pi 0(()*()) K- suppressed modes, with statistical significances of 2.1 and 2.2 sigma, respectively, and we measure: R-DK = (1.1 +/- 0: 6 +/- 0.2) x 10(-2); A(DK) = -0.86 +/- 0: 47(-0.16)(+0.12), R-(D pi 0)K* = (1.8 +/- 0: 9 +/- 0: 4) x 10(-2); A ((D pi 0)K)* = +0.77 +/- 0: 35 +/- 0.12; R-(D gamma)K* = (1.3 +/- 1.4 +/- 0.8) x 10(-2); A((D gamma)K)* = +0.36 +/- 0: 94(-0.41)(+0.25), where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second is systematic. We use a frequentist approach to obtain the magnitude of the ratio r(B) equivalent to vertical bar A(B- -> (D) over bar 0K(-))/A(B- -> (DK-)-K-0)vertical bar = (9.5(-4.1)(+5.1))%, with r(B) < 16: 7% at 90% confidence level. In the case of B- -> D*K- we find r(B) equivalent to vertical bar A(B- -> <(D)over bar>0K(-))/A(B- -> (DK-)-K-0)vertical bar = (9.6(-5.1)(+3.5))%, with r(B)* < 15.0% at 90% confidence level.
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Tolos, L., Molina, R., Oset, E., & Ramos, A. (2010). (K)over-bar* mesons in dense matter. Phys. Rev. C, 82(4), 045210–12pp.
Abstract: We study the properties of (K) over bar* mesons in nuclear matter using a unitary approach in coupled channels within the framework of the local hidden gauge formalism and incorporating the (K) over bar pi decay channel in matter. The in-medium (K) over bar *N interaction accounts for Pauli blocking effects and incorporates the (K) over bar* self-energy in a self-consistent manner. We also obtain the (K) over bar* (off-shell) spectral function and analyze its behavior at finite density and momentum. At a normal nuclear matter density, the (K) over bar* meson feels a moderately attractive potential, while the (K) over bar* width becomes five times larger than in free space. We estimate the transparency ratio of the gamma A -> K+K*(-) A` reaction, which we propose as a feasible scenario at the present facilities to detect changes in the properties of the (K) over bar* meson in nuclear medium.
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Borja, E. F., Diaz-Polo, J., Garay, I., & Livine, E. R. (2010). Dynamics for a 2-vertex quantum gravity model. Class. Quantum Gravity, 27(23), 235010–34pp.
Abstract: We use the recently introduced U(N) framework for loop quantum gravity to study the dynamics of spin network states on the simplest class of graphs: two vertices linked with an arbitrary number N of edges. Such graphs represent two regions, in and out, separated by a boundary surface. We study the algebraic structure of the Hilbert space of spin networks from the U(N) perspective. In particular, we describe the algebra of operators acting on that space and discuss their relation to the standard holonomy operator of loop quantum gravity. Furthermore, we show that it is possible to make the restriction to the isotropic/homogeneous sector of the model by imposing the invariance under a global U(N) symmetry. We then propose a U(N)-invariant Hamiltonian operator and study the induced dynamics. Finally, we explore the analogies between this model and loop quantum cosmology and sketch some possible generalizations of it.
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BABAR Collaboration(Aubert, B. et al), Azzolini, V., Lopez-March, N., Martinez-Vidal, F., Milanes, D. A., & Oyanguren, A. (2010). Correlated leading baryon-antibaryon production in e(+)e(-) -> c(c)over-bar -> Lambda(+)(c)(Lambda)over-bar(c)(-)X. Phys. Rev. D, 82(9), 091102–8pp.
Abstract: We present a study of 649 +/- 35 e(+)e(-) -> c (c) over bar events produced at root s approximate to 10.6 GeV containing both Lambda(+)(c) baryon and a (Lambda) over bar (-)(c) antibaryon. The number observed is roughly 4 times that expected if the leading charmed hadron types are uncorrelated, confirming an observation by the CLEO Collaboration. We find a 2-jet topology in these events but very few additional baryons, demonstrating that the primary c and (c) over bar are predominantly contained in a correlated baryon-antibaryon system. In addition to the charmed baryons we observe on average 2.6 +/- 0.2 charged intermediate mesons, predominantly pions, carrying 65% of the remaining energy.
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HARP Collaboration(Apollonio, M. et al), Burguet-Castell, J., Cervera-Villanueva, A., Gomez-Cadenas, J. J., Martin-Albo, J., Novella, P., et al. (2010). Measurements of forward proton production with incident protons and charged pions on nuclear targets at the CERN Proton Synchroton. Phys. Rev. C, 82(4), 045208–33pp.
Abstract: Measurements of the double-differential proton production cross-section d(2 sigma)/dpd Omega in the range of momentum 0.5 GeV/c <= p < 8.0 GeV/c and angle 0.05 rad <= theta < 0.25 rad in collisions of charged pions and protons on beryllium, carbon, aluminium, copper, tin, tantalum, and lead are presented. The data were taken with the large acceptance HARP detector in the T9 beam line of the CERN Proton Synchrotron. Incident particles were identified by an elaborate system of beam detectors and impinged on a target of 5% of a nuclear interaction length. The tracking and identification of the produced particles was performed using the forward spectrometer of the HARP experiment. Results are obtained for the double-differential cross-sections mainly at four incident beam momenta (3, 5, 8, and 12 GeV/c). Measurements are compared with predictions of the GEANT4 and MARS Monte Carlo generators.
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Fogli, G. L., Lisi, E., Palazzo, A., & Rotunno, A. M. (2010). Combined analysis of KamLAND and Borexino neutrino signals from Th and U decays in the Earth's interior. Phys. Rev. D, 82(9), 093006–9pp.
Abstract: The KamLAND and Borexino experiments have detected electron antineutrinos produced in the decay chains of natural thorium and uranium (Th and U geoneutrinos). We analyze the energy spectra of current geoneutrino data in combination with solar and long-baseline reactor neutrino data, with marginalized three-neutrino oscillation parameters. We consider the case with unconstrained Th and U event rates in KamLAND and Borexino, as well as cases with fewer degrees of freedom, as obtained by successively assuming for both experiments a common Th/U ratio, a common scaling of Th + U event rates, and a chondritic Th/U value. In combination, KamLAND and Borexino can reject the null hypothesis (no geoneutrino signal) at 5 sigma. Interesting bounds or indications emerge on the Th + U geoneutrino rates and on the Th/U ratio, in broad agreement with typical Earth model expectations. Conversely, the results disfavor the hypothesis of a georeactor in the Earth's core, if its power exceeds a few TW. The interplay of KamLAND and Borexino geoneutrino data is highlighted.
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de Vega, I., Bañuls, M. C., & Perez, A. (2010). Effects of dissipation on an adiabatic quantum search algorithm. New J. Phys., 12, 123010–19pp.
Abstract: According to recent studies (Amin et al 2008 Phys. Rev. Lett. 100 060503), the effect of a thermal bath may improve the performance of a quantum adiabatic search algorithm. In this paper, we compare the effects of such a thermal environment on the algorithm performance with those of a structured environment similar to the one encountered in systems coupled to an electromagnetic field that exists within a photonic crystal. Whereas for all the parameter regimes explored here, the algorithm performance is worsened by contact with a thermal environment, the picture appears to be different when one considers a structured environment. In this case we show that by tuning the environment parameters to certain regimes, the algorithm performance can actually be improved with respect to the closed system case. Additionally, the relevance of considering the dissipation rates as complex quantities is discussed in both cases. More specifically, we find that the imaginary part of the rates cannot be neglected with the usual argument that it simply amounts to an energy shift and in fact influences crucially the system dynamics.
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Taoso, M., Iocco, F., Meynet, G., Bertone, G., & Eggenberger, P. (2010). Effect of low mass dark matter particles on the Sun. Phys. Rev. D, 82(8), 083509–14pp.
Abstract: We study the effect of dark matter (DM) particles in the Sun, focusing, in particular, on the possible reduction of the solar neutrinos flux due to the energy carried away by DM particles from the innermost regions of the Sun, and to the consequent reduction of the temperature of the solar core. We find that in the very low-mass range between 4 and 10 GeV, recently advocated to explain the findings of the DAMA and CoGent experiments, the effects on neutrino fluxes are detectable only for DM models with a very small, or vanishing, self-annihilation cross section, such as the so-called asymmetric DM models, and we study the combination of DM masses and spin-dependent cross sections which can be excluded with current solar neutrino data. Finally, we revisit the recent claim that DM models with large self-interacting cross sections can lead to a modification of the position of the convective zone, alleviating or solving the solar composition problem. We show that when the "geometric'' upper limit on the capture rate is correctly taken into account, the effects of DM are reduced by orders of magnitude, and the position of the convective zone remains unchanged.
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Aguilar-Saavedra, J. A., & Bernabeu, J. (2010). W polarisation beyond helicity fractions in top quark decays. Nucl. Phys. B, 840(1-2), 349–378.
Abstract: We calculate the density matrix for the decay of a polarised top quark into a polarised W boson and a massive 17 quark, for the most general Wth vertex arising from dimension-six gauge-invariant effective operators. We show that, in addition to the well-known W helicity fractions, for polarised top decays it is worth defining and studying the transverse and normal W polarisation fractions, that is, the W polarisation alone two directions orthogonal to its momentum. In particular, a rather simple forward-backward asymmetry in the normal direction is found to be very sensitive to complex phases in one of the Wth anomalous couplings. This asymmetry, which indicates a normal W polarisation, can be generated for example by a P-odd. T-odd transition electric dipole moment. We also investigate the angular distribution of decay products in the top quark rest frame, calculating the spin analysing powers for a general Wth vertex. Finally we show that, using a combined fit to top decay observables and the t W cross section, at LHC it will be possible to obtain model-independent measurements of all the (complex) Wth couplings as well as the single top polarisation. Implications for spin correlations in top pair production are also discussed.
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ATLAS Collaboration(Aad, G. et al), Amoros, G., Cabrera Urban, S., Castillo Gimenez, V., Costa, M. J., Escobar, C., et al. (2010). Performance of the ATLAS detector using first collision data. J. High Energy Phys., 09(9), 056–66pp.
Abstract: More than half a million minimum-bias events of LHC collision data were collected by the ATLAS experiment in December 2009 at centre-of-mass energies of 0.9 TeV and 2.36 TeV. This paper reports on studies of the initial performance of the ATLAS detector from these data. Comparisons between data and Monte Carlo predictions are shown for distributions of several track- and calorimeter-based quantities. The good performance of the ATLAS detector in these first data gives confidence for successful running at higher energies.
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