Abstract: We propose a minimal extension of the Standard Model where an up-type vector-like quark, denoted T, is introduced and provides a simple solution to the CKM unitarity problem. We adopt the Botella-Chau parametrization in order to extract the 4 x 3 quark mixing matrix which contains the three angles of the 3 x 3 CKM matrix plus three new angles denoted theta(14), theta(24), theta(34). It is assumed that the mixing of T with standard quarks is dominated by theta(14). Imposing a recently derived, and much more restrictive, upper-bound on the New Physics contributions to epsilon(K) , we find, in the limit of exact theta(14) dominance where the other extra angles vanish, that epsilon(NP)(K) is too large. However, if one relaxes the exact theta(14) dominance limit, there exists a parameter region, where one may obtain epsilon(NP)(K) in agreement with experiment while maintaining the novel pattern of T decays with the heavy quark decaying predominantly to the light quarks d and u. We also find a reduction in the decay rate of K-L -> pi(0)nu(nu) over bar.

Abstract: With the increasing interest in dark matter axion detection through haloscopes, in which different international groups are currently involved, the RADES group was established in 2016 with the goal of developing very sensitive detection systems to be operated in dipole magnets. This review deals with the work developed by this collaboration during its first five years: from the first designs-based on the multi-cavity concept, aiming to increase the haloscope volume, and thereby improve sensitivity-to their evolution, data acquisition design, and finally, the first experimental run. Moreover, the envisaged work within RADES for both dipole and solenoid magnets in the short and medium term is also presented.

Abstract: The structure of the unbound F-15 nucleus is investigated using the inverse kinematics resonant scattering of a radioactive O-14 beam impinging on a CH2 target. The analysis of H-1(O-14, p) O-14 and H-1(O-14, 2p) N-13 reactions allowed the confirmation of the previously observed narrow 1/2(-) resonance, near the two-proton decay threshold, and the identification of two new narrow 5/2(-) and 3/2(-) resonances. The newly observed levels decay by 1p emission to the ground of O-14, and by sequential 2p emission to the ground state of N-13 via the 1(-) resonance of O-14. Gamow shell model (GSM) analysis of the experimental data suggests that the wave functions of the 5/2(-) and 3/2(-) resonances may be collectivized by the continuum coupling to nearby 2p- and 1p-decay channels. The observed excitation function H-1(O-14, p) O-14 and resonance spectrum in F-15 are well reproduced in the unified framework of the GSM.

Abstract: Using PREM as a reference model for the Earth density distribution we investigate the sensitivity of ORCA detector to deviations of the Earth (i) outer core (OC) density, (ii) inner core (IC) density, (iii) total core density, and (iv) mantle density, from their respective PREM densities. The analysis is performed by studying the effects of the Earth matter on the oscillations of atmospheric nu(mu), nu(e), (nu) over bar (mu) and (nu) over bar (e). We present results which illustrate the dependence of the ORCA sensitivity to the OC, IC, core and mantle densities on the type of systematic uncertainties used in the analysis, on the value of the atmospheric neutrino mixing angle theta(23), on whether the Earth mass constraint is implemented or not, and on the way it is implemented, and on the type – with normal ordering (NO) or inverted ordering (IO) – of the light neutrino mass spectrum. We show, in particular, that in the “most favorable” NO case of implemented Earth mass constraint, “minimal” systematic errors and sin(2) theta(23) = 0.58, ORCA can determine, e.g., the OC (mantle) density at 3 sigma C.L. after 10 years of operation with an uncertainty of (- 18%)/+ 15% (of (- 6%)/+ 8%). In the “most disfavorable” NO case of “conservative” systematic errors and sin(2) theta(23) = 0.42, the uncertainty on OC (mantle) density reads (- 43%)/+ 39% ((- 17%/+ 20%), while for for sin(2) theta(23) = 0.50 and 0.58 it is noticeably smaller: (- 37)%/+ 30% and (- 30%)/+ 24% ((- 13%)/+ 16% and (- 11%/+ 14%)). We find also that the sensitivity of ORCA to the OC, core and mantle densities is significantly worse for IO neutrino mass spectrum.

Abstract: We build an infinite class of exact axisymmetric solutions of a metric-affine gravity theory, namely, Eddington-inspired Born-Infeld gravity, coupled to an anisotropic fluid as a matter source. The solution-generating method employed is not unique of this theory but can be extended to other Ricci-Based Gravity theories (RBGs), a class of theories built out of contractions of the Ricci tensor with the metric. This method exploits a correspondence between the space of solutions of General Relativity and that of RBGs, and is independent of the symmetries of the problem. For the particular case in which the fluid is identified with non-linear electromagnetic fields we explicitly derive the corresponding axisymmetric solutions. Finally, we use this result to work out the counterpart of the Kerr-Newman black hole when Maxwell electrodynamics is set on the metric-affine side. Our results open up an exciting new avenue for testing new gravitational phenomenology in the fields of gravitational waves and shadows out of rotating black holes.