Bernabeu, J., & Navarro-Salas, J. (2019). A Non-Local Action for Electrodynamics: Duality Symmetry and the Aharonov-Bohm Effect, Revisited. Symmetry-Basel, 11(10), 1191–13pp.
Abstract: A non-local action functional for electrodynamics depending on the electric and magnetic fields, instead of potentials, has been proposed in the literature. In this work we elaborate and improve this proposal. We also use this formalism to confront the electric-magnetic duality symmetry of the electromagnetic field and the Aharonov-Bohm effect, two subtle aspects of electrodynamics that we examine in a novel way. We show how the former can be derived from the simple harmonic oscillator character of vacuum electrodynamics, while also demonstrating how the magnetic version of the latter naturally arises in an explicitly non-local manner.
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Muñoz, E., Barrientos, L., Bernabeu, J., Borja-Lloret, M., Llosa, G., Ros, A., et al. (2020). A spectral reconstruction algorithm for two-plane Compton cameras. Phys. Med. Biol., 65(2), 025011–17pp.
Abstract: One factor limiting the current applicability extent of hadron therapy is the lack of a reliable method for real time treatment monitoring. The use of Compton imaging systems as monitors requires the correct reconstruction of the distribution of prompt gamma productions during patient irradiation. In order to extract the maximum information from all the measurable events, we implemented a spectral reconstruction method that assigns to all events a probability of being either partial or total energy depositions. The method, implemented in a list-mode maximum likelihood expectation maximization algorithm, generates a four dimensional image in the joint spatial-spectral domain, in which the voxels containing the emission positions and energies are obtained. The analytical model used for the system response function is also employed to derive an analytical expression for the sensitivity, which is calculated via Monte Carlo integration. The performance of the method is evaluated through reconstruction of various experimental and simulated sources with different spatial and energy distributions. The results show that the proposed method can recover the spectral and spatial information simultaneously, but only under the assumption of ideal measurements. The analysis of the Monte Carlo simulations has led to the identification of two important degradation sources: the mispositioning of the gamma interaction point and the missing energy recorded in the interaction. Both factors are related to the high energy transferred to the recoil electrons, which can travel far from the interaction point and even escape the detector. These effects prevent the direct application of the current method in more realistic scenarios. Nevertheless, experimental point-like sources have been accurately reconstructed and the spatial distributions and spectral emission of complex simulated phantoms can be identified.
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Segarra, A., & Bernabeu, J. (2020). Absolute neutrino mass and the Dirac/Majorana distinction from the weak interaction of aggregate matter. Phys. Rev. D, 101(9), 093004–6pp.
Abstract: The 2 nu-mediated force has a range of microns, well beyond the atomic scale. The effective potential is built from the t-channel absorptive part of the scattering amplitude and depends on neutrino properties on shell. We demonstrate that neutral aggregate matter has a weak charge and calculate the matrix of six coherent charges for its interaction with definite-mass neutrinos. Near the range of the potential the neutrino pair is nonrelativistic, leading to observable absolute mass and Dirac/Majorana distinction via different r-dependence and violation of the weak equivalence principle.
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El-Neaj, Y. A. et al, & Bernabeu, J. (2020). AEDGE: Atomic Experiment for Dark Matter and Gravity Exploration in Space. EPJ Quantum Technol., 7(1), 6–27pp.
Abstract: We propose in this White Paper a concept for a space experiment using cold atoms to search for ultra-light dark matter, and to detect gravitational waves in the frequency range between the most sensitive ranges of LISA and the terrestrial LIGO/Virgo/KAGRA/INDIGO experiments. This interdisciplinary experiment, called Atomic Experiment for Dark Matter and Gravity Exploration (AEDGE), will also complement other planned searches for dark matter, and exploit synergies with other gravitational wave detectors. We give examples of the extended range of sensitivity to ultra-light dark matter offered by AEDGE, and how its gravitational-wave measurements could explore the assembly of super-massive black holes, first-order phase transitions in the early universe and cosmic strings. AEDGE will be based upon technologies now being developed for terrestrial experiments using cold atoms, and will benefit from the space experience obtained with, e.g., LISA and cold atom experiments in microgravity. KCL-PH-TH/2019-65, CERN-TH-2019-126
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Bach, E. et al, Bernabeu, J., Lacasta, C., Solaz, C., & Soldevila, U. (2024). Analysis of the quality assurance results from the initial part of production of the ATLAS18 ITK strip sensors. Nucl. Instrum. Methods Phys. Res. A, 1064, 169435–8pp.
Abstract: The production of strip sensors for the ATLAS Inner Tracker (ITk) started in 2021. Since then, a Quality Assurance (QA) program has been carried out continuously, by using specific test structures, in parallel to the Quality Control (QC) inspection of the sensors. The QA program consists of monitoring sensor-specific characteristics and the technological process variability, before and after the irradiation with gammas, neutrons, and protons. After two years, half of the full production volume has been reached and we present an analysis of the parameters measured as part of the QA process. The main devices used for QA purposes are miniature strip sensors, monitor diodes, and the ATLAS test chip, which contains several test structures. Such devices are tested by several sites across the collaboration depending on the type of samples (non-irradiated components or irradiated with protons, neutrons, or gammas). The parameters extracted from the tests are then uploaded to a database and analyzed by Python scripts. These parameters are mainly examined through histograms and timeevolution plots to obtain parameter distributions, production trends, and meaningful parameter-to-parameter correlations. The purpose of this analysis is to identify possible deviations in the fabrication or the sensor quality, changes in the behavior of the test equipment at different test sites, or possible variability in the irradiation processes. The conclusions extracted from the QA program have allowed test optimization, establishment of control limits for the parameters, and a better understanding of device properties and fabrication trends. In addition, any abnormal results prompt immediate feedback to a vendor.
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Bernabeu, J., Botella, F. J., Nebot, M., & Segarra, A. (2022). B-0 – (B)over-bar(0) entanglement for an ideal experiment for the direct CP violation phi(3)/gamma phase. Phys. Rev. D, 106(5), 054026–7pp.
Abstract: B-0-(B) over bar0 entanglement offers a conceptual alternative to the single charged B-decay asymmetry for the measurement of the direct CP-violating gamma/phi(3) phase. With f = J/Psi(L); J/Psi K-S and g = (pi pi)(0); (rho(L)rho(L))(0), the 16 time-ordered double-decay rate intensities to (f, g) depend on the relative phase between the f- and g-decay amplitudes given by gamma at tree level. Several constraining consistencies appear. An intrinsic accuracy of the method at the level of +/- 1 degrees could be achievable at Belle-II with an improved determination of the penguin amplitude to g channels from existing facilities.
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Estevez, E. et al, Algora, A., Rubio, B., Bernabeu, J., Nacher, E., Tain, J. L., et al. (2011). beta-decay study of (150)Er, (152)Yb, and (156)Yb: Candidates for a monoenergetic neutrino beam facility. Phys. Rev. C, 84(3), 034304–6pp.
Abstract: The beta decays of (150)Er, (152)Yb, and (156)Yb nuclei are investigated using the total absorption spectroscopy technique. These nuclei can be considered possible candidates for forming the beam of a monoenergetic neutrino beam facility based on the electron capture (EC) decay of radioactive nuclei. Our measurements confirm that for the cases studied the EC decay proceeds mainly to a single state in the daughter nucleus.
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Aguilar-Saavedra, J. A., & Bernabeu, J. (2016). Breaking down the entire W boson spin observables from its decay. Phys. Rev. D, 93(1), 011301–6pp.
Abstract: We discuss the eight independent spin observables for the W boson in terms of its vector and tensor polarizations and identify the angular distributions and asymmetries able to separate them in collider experiments. The results are applied to the study of polarized top quark decays and diboson resonances. These novel observables are of great value for disentangling new physics mechanisms in W boson production.
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Bernabeu, J., & Di Domenico, A. (2022). Can future observation of the living partner post-tag the past decayed state in entangled neutral K mesons? Phys. Rev. D, 105(11), 116004–8pp.
Abstract: Entangled neutral K mesons allow for the study of their correlated dynamics at interference and decoherence times not accessible in any other system. We find novel quantum phenomena associated to a correlation in time between the two partners: The past state of the first decayed kaon, when it was entangled before its decay, is post-tagged by the result and the time of the future observation of the second decay channel. This surprising “from future to past” effect is fully observable and leads to the unique experimental tag of the K-S state, an unsolved problem since the discovery of CP violation.
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Latonova, V. et al, Bernabeu, J., Lacasta, C., Solaz, C., & Soldevila, U. (2023). Characterization of the polysilicon resistor in silicon strip sensors for ATLAS inner tracker as a function of temperature, pre- and post-irradiation. Nucl. Instrum. Methods Phys. Res. A, 1050, 168119–5pp.
Abstract: The high luminosity upgrade of the Large Hadron Collider, foreseen for 2029, requires the replacement of the ATLAS Inner Detector with a new all-silicon Inner Tracker (ITk). The expected ultimate total integrated luminosity of 4000 fb(-1) means that the strip part of the ITk detector will be exposed to the total particle fluences and ionizing doses reaching the values of 1.6 center dot 10(15) MeVn(eq)/cm(2) and 0.66MGy, respectively, including a safety factor of 1.5. Radiation hard n(+)-in-p micro-strip sensors were developed by the ATLAS ITk strip collaboration and are produced by Hamamatsu Photonics K.K. The active area of each ITk strip sensor is delimited by the n-implant bias ring, which is connected to each individual n(+) implant strip by a polysilicon bias resistor. The total resistance of the polysilicon bias resistor should be within a specified range to keep all the strips at the same potential, prevent the signal discharge through the grounded bias ring and avoid the readout noise increase. While the polysilicon is a ubiquitous semiconductor material, the fluence and temperature dependence of its resistance is not easily predictable, especially for the tracking detector with the operational temperature significantly below the values typical for commercial microelectronics. Dependence of the resistance of polysilicon bias resistor on the temperature, as well as on the total delivered fluence and ionizing dose, was studied on the specially-designed test structures called ATLAS Testchips, both before and after their irradiation by protons, neutrons, and gammas to the maximal expected fluence and ionizing dose. The resistance has an atypical negative temperature dependence. It is different from silicon, which shows that the grain boundary has a significant contribution to the resistance. We discuss the contributions by parameterizing the activation energy of the polysilicon resistance as a function of the temperature for unirradiated and irradiated ATLAS Testchips.
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