Abstract: In this work, we analyze the spatial and time variation of the fine structure constant (alpha) upon the theoretical framework developed by Bekenstein (Phys. Rev. D 66, 123514 (2002)). We have computed the field psi related to alpha at first order of the weak-field approximation and have also improved the estimation of the nuclear magnetic energy and, therefore, their contributions to the source term in the equation of motion of psi. We obtained that the results are similar to the ones published in L. Kraiselburd and H. Vucetich, Int. J. Mod. Phys. E 20, 101 (2011) which were computed using the zero order of the approximation, showing that one can neglect the first order contribution to the variation of the fine structure constant. Through the comparison between our theoretical results and the observational data of the Eotvos-type experiments or the time variation of alpha over the cosmological time scale, we set constraints on the free parameter of the Bekenstein model, namely the Bekenstein length.

Abstract: A search is presented for the pair production of heavy vector-like B quarks, primarily targeting B quark decays into a W boson and a top quark. The search is based on 36.1 fb(-1) of pp collisions at root s = 13 TeV recorded in 2015 and 2016 with the ATLAS detector at the CERN Large Hadron Collider. Data are analysed in the lepton-plus-jets final state, characterised by a high-transverse-momentum isolated electron or muon, large missing transverse momentum, and multiple jets, of which at least one is b-tagged. No significant deviation from the Standard Model expectation is observed. The 95% confidence level lower limit on the B mass is 1350 GeV assuming a 100% branching ratio to Wt. In the SU(2) singlet scenario, the lower mass limit is 1170 GeV. The 100% branching ratio limits are found to be also applicable to heavy vector-like X production, with charge +5/3, that decay into Wt. This search is also sensitive to a heavy vector-like B quark decaying into other final states (Zb and Hb) and thus mass limits on B production are set as a function of the decay branching ratios.

Abstract: This paper presents a measurement of jet fragmentation functions in 0.49 nb(-1) of Pb +Pb collisions and 25 pb(-1) of pp collisions at root S-NN = 5.02 TeV collected in 2015 with the ATLAS detector at the LHC. These measurements provide insight into the jet quenching process in the quark-gluon plasma created in the aftermath of ultrarelativistic collisions between two nuclei. The modifications to the jet fragmentation functions are quantified by dividing the measurements in Pb+Pb collisions by baseline measurements in pp collisions. This ratio is studied as a function of the transverse momentum of the jet, the jet rapidity, and the centrality of the collision. In both collision systems, the jet fragmentation functions are measured for jets with transverse momentum between 126 and 398 GeV and with an absolute value of jet rapidity less than 2.1. An enhancement of particles carrying a small fraction of the jet momentum is observed, which increases with centrality and with increasing jet transverse momentum. Yields of particles carrying a very large fraction of the jet momentum are also observed to be enhanced. Between these two enhancements of the fragmentation functions a suppression of particles carrying an intermediate fraction of the jet momentum is observed in Pb+Pb collisions. A small dependence of the modifications on jet rapidity is observed.

Abstract: Searches for new heavy resonances decaying into different pairings of W, Z, or Higgs bosons, as well as directly into leptons, are presented using a data sample corresponding to 36.1 fb(-1) of pp collisions at root s = 13 TeV collected during 2015 and 2016 with the ATLAS detector at the CERN Large Hadron Collider. Analyses selecting bosonic decay modes in the qqqq, vvqq, evqq, eeqq, evev, eevv, evee, eeee, qqbb, vvbb, evbb, and eebb final states are combined, searching for a narrow-width resonance. Likewise, analyses selecting the leptonic ev and ee final states are also combined. These two sets of analyses are then further combined. No significant deviation from the Standard Model predictions is observed. Three benchmark models are tested: a model predicting the existence of a new heavy scalar singlet, a simplified model predicting a heavy vector-boson triplet, and a bulk Randall-Sundrum model with a heavy spin-2 Kaluza-Klein excitation of the graviton. Cross section limits are set at the 95% confidence level using an asymptotic approximation and are compared with predictions for the benchmark models. These limits are also expressed in terms of constraints on couplings of the heavy vector-boson triplet to quarks, leptons, and the Higgs boson. The data exclude a heavy vector-boson triplet with mass below 5.5 TeV in a weakly coupled scenario and 4.5 TeV in a strongly coupled scenario, as well as a Kaluza-Klein graviton with mass below 2.3 TeV.

Abstract: The elliptic flow of prompt and non-prompt J/psi was measured in the dimuon decay channel in Pb+Pb collisions at root S-NN = 5.02 TeV with an integrated luminosity of 0.42 nb(-1) with the ATLAS detector at the LHC. The prompt and non-prompt signals are separated using a two-dimensional simultaneous fit of the invariant mass and pseudo-proper decay time of the dimuon system from the J/psi decay. The measurement is performed in the kinematic range of dimuon transverse momentum and rapidity 9 < p(T) < 30 GeV, vertical bar y vertical bar < 2, and 0-60% collision centrality. The elliptic flow coefficient, v(2), is evaluated relative to the event plane and the results are presented as a function of transverse momentum, rapidity and centrality. It is found that prompt and non-prompt J/psi mesons have non-zero elliptic flow. Prompt J/psi v(2 )decreases as a function of p(T), while for non-prompt J/psi it is, with limited statistical significance, consistent with a flat behaviour over the studied kinematic region. There is no observed dependence on rapidity or centrality.