Particle theory

Abstract:

Models of leptogenesis often invoke the out-of-equilibrium decays of heavy right-handed neutrinos in order to create a baryon asymmetry of the universe through the electroweak phase transition. Their presumed existence argues strongly for the presence of an SU(2)R gauge symmetry. We study the equilibrating effects of the resulting additional right-handed interactions and find that successful leptogenesis requires that mN≳1016 GeV if mN>mWR, and mWRR≳2× 105 GeV(mN/102 GeV)3//4 if mNmwR. We show also that the mN>mwR option is excluded in a supersymmetric theory with gravitinos. © 1999 Published by Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

Abstract:

We investigate the contribution of instantons to the eigenvalue spectrum of the Dirac operator in quenched QCD. The instanton configurations that we use have been derived, elsewhere, from cooled SU(3) lattice gauge fields and, for comparison, we also analyze a random “gas” of instantons. Using a set of simplifying approximations, we find a non-zero chiral condensate. However, we also find that the spectral density diverges for small eigenvalues, so that the chiral condensate, at zero quark mass, diverges in quenched QCD. The degree of divergence decreases with the instanton density, so that it is negligible for the smallest number of cooling sweeps but becomes substantial for larger number of cools. We show that the spectral density scales, that finite volume corrections are small and we see evidence for the screening of topological charges. However, we also find that the spectral density and chiral condensate vary rapidly with the number of cooling sweeps — unlike, for example, the topological susceptibility. Whether the problem lies with the cooling or with the identification of the topological charges is an open question. This problem needs to be resolved before one can determine how important the divergence we have found is for quenched QCD. © 1999 The American Physical Society.

Abstract:

We apply smoothing to SU(2) lattice field configurations in 3+1 dimensions before fixing to the maximally Abelian gauge. The Abelian projected string tension is shown to be stable under this, whilst the monopole string tension declines by O (30%). Blocking of the SU(2) fields reduces this effect, but the use of extended monopole definitions does not. We discuss these results in the context of additional confining excitations in the U(1) vacuum.

Abstract:

Recent observational and theoretical developments concerning the primordial synthesis of the light elements are reviewed, and the implications for dark matter mentioned.