Publications

Order by: publication date number of citations

• Mixmasters in Wonderland: Chaotic dynamics from Carroll limits of gravity

  Gerben Oling, Juan F. Pedraza

  SciPost Phys. Core 8, 025 (2025) · published 27 February 2025 | Toggle abstract · pdf

  We demonstrate that the Carroll limit of general relativity coupled to matter captures the chaotic mixmaster dynamics of near-singularity limits. Zooming in on the behavior of general relativity close to spacelike singularities reveals rich and solvable ultra-local Belinski-Khalatnikov-Lifshitz (BKL) dynamics, which we show to be captured by a Carroll limit. Specifically, building on recent work on geometric Carroll expansions of general relativity, we establish that leading-order Carroll gravity, with suitable matter coupling, accurately describes well-known cosmological billiards behavior. Since the Carroll limit implements the ultra-local limit off shell, this opens up the door to a wide range of possible tractable applications, including spatially inhomogeneous setups and the emergence of spikes at late times. This further suggests that Carroll gravity, along with its subleading corrections, could serve as a valuable tool for studying deep infrared physics in AdS/CFT.

• Measurement of exclusive $J/\psi$ and $\psi(2S)$ production at $\sqrt{s}=13$ TeV

  LHCb Collaboration

  SciPost Phys. 18, 071 (2025) · published 26 February 2025 | Toggle abstract · pdf

  Measurements are presented of the cross-section for the central exclusive production of $J/\psi\to\mu^+\mu^-$ and $\psi(2S)\to\mu^+\mu^-$ processes in proton-proton collisions at $\sqrt{s} = 13 \ \mathrm{TeV}$ with 2016–2018 data. They are performed by requiring both muons to be in the LHCb acceptance (with pseudorapidity $2<\eta_{\mu^{±}} < 4.5$) and mesons in the rapidity range $2.0 < y < 4.5$. The integrated cross-section results are \begin{align*} \sigma_{J/\psi\to\mu^+\mu^-}(2.0<y_{J/\psi}<4.5,2.0<\eta_{\mu^{±}} < 4.5) &= 400 ± 2 ± 5 ± 12 \ \mathrm{pb}\,,\\ \sigma_{\psi(2S)\to\mu^+\mu^-}(2.0<y_{\psi(2S)}<4.5,2.0<\eta_{\mu^{±}} < 4.5) &= 9.40 ± 0.15 ± 0.13 ± 0.27 \ \mathrm{pb}\,, \end{align*} where the uncertainties are statistical, systematic and due to the luminosity determination. In addition, a measurement of the ratio of $\psi(2S)$ and $J/\psi$ cross-sections, at an average photon-proton centre-of-mass energy of $1\ \mathrm{TeV}$, is performed, giving \begin{equation*} \frac{\sigma_{\psi(2S)}}{\sigma_{J/\psi}} = 0.1763 ± 0.0029 ± 0.0008 ± 0.0039 \,, \end{equation*} where the first uncertainty is statistical, the second systematic and the third due to the knowledge of the involved branching fractions. For the first time, the dependence of the $J/\psi$ and $\psi(2S)$ cross-sections on the total transverse momentum transfer is determined in $pp$ collisions and is found consistent with the behaviour observed in electron-proton collisions.

• Codebase release 1.2 for YASTN

  Marek M. Rams, Gabriela Wójtowicz, Aritra Sinha, Juraj Hasik

  SciPost Phys. Codebases 52-r1.2 (2025) · published 26 February 2025 | Toggle abstract · src

  We present an open-source tensor network Python library for quantum many-body simulations. At its core is an Abelian-symmetric tensor, implemented as a sparse block structure managed by a logical layer on top of a dense multidimensional array backend. This serves as the basis for higher-level tensor network algorithms operating on matrix product states and projected entangled pair states. An appropriate backend, such as PyTorch, gives direct access to automatic differentiation (AD) for cost-function gradient calculations and execution on GPU and other supported accelerators. We show the library performance in simulations with infinite projected entangled-pair states, such as finding the ground states with AD and simulating thermal states of the Hubbard model via imaginary time evolution. For these challenging examples, we identify and quantify sources of the numerical advantage exploited by the symmetric-tensor implementation.

  1 citation

• YASTN: Yet another symmetric tensor networks; A Python library for Abelian symmetric tensor network calculations

  Marek M. Rams, Gabriela Wójtowicz, Aritra Sinha, Juraj Hasik

  SciPost Phys. Codebases 52 (2025) · published 26 February 2025 | Toggle abstract · pdf

  We present an open-source tensor network Python library for quantum many-body simulations. At its core is an Abelian-symmetric tensor, implemented as a sparse block structure managed by a logical layer on top of a dense multidimensional array backend. This serves as the basis for higher-level tensor network algorithms operating on matrix product states and projected entangled pair states. An appropriate backend, such as PyTorch, gives direct access to automatic differentiation (AD) for cost-function gradient calculations and execution on GPU and other supported accelerators. We show the library performance in simulations with infinite projected entangled-pair states, such as finding the ground states with AD and simulating thermal states of the Hubbard model via imaginary time evolution. For these challenging examples, we identify and quantify sources of the numerical advantage exploited by the symmetric-tensor implementation.

  2 citations

• The landscape of unfolding with machine learning

  Nathan Huetsch, Javier Mariño Villadamigo, Alexander Shmakov, Sascha Diefenbacher, Vinicius Mikuni, Theo Heimel, Michael Fenton, Kevin Greif, Benjamin Nachman, Daniel Whiteson, Anja Butter, Tilman Plehn

  SciPost Phys. 18, 070 (2025) · published 25 February 2025 | Toggle abstract · pdf

  Recent innovations from machine learning allow for data unfolding, without binning and including correlations across many dimensions. We describe a set of known, upgraded, and new methods for ML-based unfolding. The performance of these approaches are evaluated on the same two datasets. We find that all techniques are capable of accurately reproducing the particle-level spectra across complex observables. Given that these approaches are conceptually diverse, they offer an exciting toolkit for a new class of measurements that can probe the Standard Model with an unprecedented level of detail and may enable sensitivity to new phenomena.

  2 citations

• InP/GaSb core-shell nanowires: A novel hole-based platform with strong spin-orbit coupling for full-shell hybrid devices

  Andrea Vezzosi, Carlos Payá, Paweł Wójcik, Andrea Bertoni, Guido Goldoni, Elsa Prada, Samuel D. Escribano

  SciPost Phys. 18, 069 (2025) · published 25 February 2025 | Toggle abstract · pdf

  Full-shell hybrid nanowires (NWs), structures comprising a superconductor shell that encapsulates a semiconductor (SM) core, have attracted considerable attention in the search for Majorana zero modes (MZMs). However, the predicted Rashba spin-orbit coupling (SOC) in the SM is too small to achieve substantial topological minigaps. In addition, the SM wavefunction spreads all across the section of the nanowire, leading typically to a finite background of trivial subgap states with which MZMs may coexist. To overcome both problems, we explore the advantages of utilizing core-shell hole-band NWs as the SM part of a full-shell hybrid, with an insulating core and an active SM shell. In particular, we consider InP/GaSb core-shell NWs, which allow to exploit the unique characteristics of the III-V compound SM valence bands. We demonstrate that they exhibit a robust hole SOC that emerges from the combination of the intrinsic spin-orbit interaction of the SM active shell and the confinement effects of the nanostructure, thus depending mainly on SM and geometrical parameters. In other words, the SOC is intrinsic and does not rely on red electric fields, which are non-tunable in a full-shell hybrid geometry. As a result, core-shell SM hole-band NWs are found to be a promising candidate to explore Majorana physics in full-hell hybrid devices, addressing several challenges in the field.

• Two-dimensional topological paramagnets protected by $\mathbb{Z}_3$ symmetry: Properties of the boundary Hamiltonian

  Hrant Topchyan, Vasilii Iugov, Mkhitar Mirumyan, Tigran Hakobyan, Tigran A. Sedrakyan, Ara G. Sedrakyan

  SciPost Phys. 18, 068 (2025) · published 25 February 2025 | Toggle abstract · pdf

  We systematically study gapless edge modes corresponding to $\mathbb{Z}_3$ symmetry-protected topological (SPT) phases of two-dimensional three-state Potts paramagnets on a triangular lattice. First, we derive microscopic lattice models for the gapless edge and, using the density-matrix renormalization group (DMRG) approach, investigate the finite-size scaling of the low-lying excitation spectrum and the entanglement entropy. Based on the obtained results, we identify the universality class of the critical edge, namely the corresponding conformal field theory and the central charge. Finally, we discuss the inherent symmetries of the edge models and the emergent winding number symmetry. As a result, one-dimensional chains with this symmetry form a model that supports gapless excitations due to its tricritical symmetry. Numerically, we show that low-energy states in the continuous limit of the edge model can be described by conformal field theory (CFT) with central charge $c=1$, given by the coset $SU_k(3)/SU_k(2)$ CFT at level k=1.

  1 citation

• Bilateral photon emission from a vibrating mirror and multiphoton entanglement generation

  Alberto Mercurio, Enrico Russo, Fabio Mauceri, Salvatore Savasta, Franco Nori, Vincenzo Macrì, Rosario Lo Franco

  SciPost Phys. 18, 067 (2025) · published 24 February 2025 | Toggle abstract · pdf

  Entanglement plays a crucial role in the development of quantum-enabled devices. One significant objective is the deterministic creation and distribution of entangled states, achieved, for example, through a mechanical oscillator interacting with confined electromagnetic fields. In this study, we explore a cavity resonator containing a two-sided perfect mirror. Although the mirror separates the cavity modes into two independent confined electromagnetic fields, the radiation pressure interaction gives rise to high-order effective interactions across all subsystems. Depending on the chosen resonant conditions, which are also related to the position of the mirror, we study $2n$-photon entanglement generation and bilateral photon pair emission. Demonstrating the non-classical nature of the mechanical oscillator, we provide a pathway to control these phenomena, opening potential applications in quantum technologies. Looking ahead, similar integrated devices could be used to entangle subsystems across vastly different energy scales, such as microwave and optical photons.

  2 citations

• One-form symmetries and the 3d $\mathcal{N}=2$ $A$-model: Topologically twisted indices and CS theories

  Cyril Closset, Elias Furrer, Osama Khlaif

  SciPost Phys. 18, 066 (2025) · published 24 February 2025 | Toggle abstract · pdf

  We study three-dimensional $\mathcal{N}=2$ supersymmetric Chern–Simons-matter gauge theories with a one-form symmetry in the $A$-model formalism on $\Sigma_g× S^1$. We explicitly compute expectation values of topological line operators that implement the one-form symmetry. This allows us to compute the topologically twisted index on the closed Riemann surface $\Sigma_g$ for any real compact gauge group $G$ as long as the ground states are all bosonic. All computations are carried out in the effective $A$-model on $\Sigma_g$, whose $S^1$ ground states are the so-called Bethe vacua. We discuss how the 3d one-form symmetry acts on the Bethe vacua, and also how its 't Hooft anomaly constrains the vacuum structure. In the special case of the $SU(N)_K$ $\mathcal{N}=2$ Chern–Simons theory, we obtain results for the $(SU(N)/\mathbb{Z}_r)^{\theta}_K$ $\mathcal{N}=2$ Chern–Simons theories, for all non-anomalous $\mathbb{Z}_r \subseteq \mathbb{Z}_N$ subgroups of the centre of the gauge group, and with a $\mathbb{Z}_r$ $\theta$-angle turned on. In the special cases with $N$ even, ${N\over r}$ odd and ${K\over r}$ even, we find a mixed 't Hooft anomaly between gravity and the $\mathbb{Z}_r^{(1)}$ one-form symmetry of the $SU(N)_K$ theory, and the infrared 3d TQFT after gauging is spin. In all cases, we count the Bethe states and the higher-genus states in terms of refinements of Jordan's totient function. This counting gives us the twisted indices if and only if the infrared 3d TQFT is bosonic. Our results lead to precise conjectures about integrality of indices, which appear to have a strong number-theoretic flavour. Note: this paper directly builds upon unpublished notes by Brian Willett from 2020.

• Systematic analysis of relative phase extraction in one-dimensional Bose gases interferometry

  Taufiq Murtadho, Marek Gluza, Khatee Zathul Arifa, Sebastian Erne, Jörg Schmiedmayer, Nelly Huei Ying Ng

  SciPost Phys. 18, 065 (2025) · published 24 February 2025 | Toggle abstract · pdf

  Interference upon free expansion gives access to the relative phase between two interfering matter waves. Such measurements can be used to reconstruct the spatially-resolved relative phase, which is a key observable in many quantum simulations of quantum field theory and non-equilibrium experiments. However, in 1D systems, longitudinal dynamics is typically ignored in the analysis of experimental data. In our work, we give a detailed account of various effects and corrections that occur in finite temperatures due to longitudinal expansion. We provide an analytical formula showing a correction to the readout of the relative phase due to longitudinal expansion and mixing with the common phase. Furthermore, we numerically assess the error propagation to the estimation of the gases' physical quantities such as correlation functions and temperature. We also incorporate systematic errors arising from experimental imaging devices. Our work characterizes the reliability and robustness of interferometric measurements, directing us to the improvement of existing phase extraction methods necessary to observe new physical phenomena in cold-atomic quantum simulators.

  1 citation