Discrete Symmetry Group Research Articles

An Image Registration Model in Electron Backscatter Diffraction

Recently, variational methods were successfully applied for computing the optical flow in gray and RGB-valued image sequences. A crucial assumption in these models is that pixel-values do not change under transformations. Nowadays, modern image acquisition techniques such as electron backscatter tomography (EBSD), which is used in material sciences, can capture images with values in nonlinear spaces. Here, the image values belong to the quotient space $\text{SO}(3)/ \mathcal S$ of the special orthogonal group modulo the discrete symmetry group of the crystal. For such data, the assumption that pixel-values remain unchanged under transformations appears to be no longer valid. Hence, we propose a variational model for determining the optical flow in $\text{SO}(3)/\mathcal S$-valued image sequences, taking the dependence of pixel-values on the transformation into account. More precisely, the data is transformed according to the rotation part in the polar decomposition of the Jacobian of the transformation. To model non-smooth transformations without obtaining so-called staircasing effects, we propose to use a total generalized variation like prior. Then, we prove existence of a minimizer for our model and explain how it can be discretized and minimized by a primal-dual algorithm. Numerical examples illustrate the performance of our method.

Computing Classification of Interacting Fermionic Symmetry-Protected Topological Phases Using Topological Invariants* Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 11874115), the Hong Kong Research Grants Council (Grant No. GRF 14306918), and ANR/RGC Joint Research Scheme (Grant No. A-CUHK402/18).

In recent years, great success has been achieved on the classification of symmetry-protected topological (SPT) phases for interacting fermion systems by using generalized cohomology theory. However, the explicit calculation of generalized cohomology theory is extremely hard due to the difficulty of computing obstruction functions. Based on the physical picture of topological invariants and mathematical techniques in homotopy algebra, we develop an algorithm to resolve this hard problem. It is well known that cochains in the cohomology of the symmetry group, which are used to enumerate the SPT phases, can be expressed equivalently in different linear bases, known as the resolutions. By expressing the cochains in a reduced resolution containing much fewer basis than the choice commonly used in previous studies, the computational cost is drastically reduced. In particular, it reduces the computational cost for infinite discrete symmetry groups, like the wallpaper groups and space groups, from infinity to finity. As examples, we compute the classification of two-dimensional interacting fermionic SPT phases, for all 17 wallpaper symmetry groups.

Exploring multi-Higgs models with softly broken large discrete symmetry groups

We develop methods to study the scalar sector of multi-Higgs models with large discrete symmetry groups that are softly broken. While in the exact symmetry limit, the model has very few parameters and can be studied analytically, proliferation of quadratic couplings in the most general softly broken case makes the analysis cumbersome. We identify two sets of soft breaking terms which play different roles: those which preserve the symmetric vacuum expectation value alignment, and the remaining terms which shift it. Focusing on alignment preserving terms, we check which structural features of the symmetric parent model are conserved and which are modified. We find remarkable examples of structural features which are inherited from the parent symmetric model and which persist even when no exact symmetry is left. The general procedure is illustrated with the example of the three-Higgs-doublet model with the softly broken symmetry group Sigma (36).

Anomalies in bosonic symmetry-protected topological edge theories: Connection to F symbols and a method of calculation

We describe a systematic procedure for determining the identity of a 2D bosonic symmetry protected topological (SPT) phase from the properties of its edge excitations. Our approach applies to general bosonic SPT phases with either unitary or antiunitary symmetries, and with either continuous or discrete symmetry groups, with the only restriction being that the symmetries must be on-site. Concretely, our procedure takes a bosonic SPT edge theory as input, and produces an element $\omega$ of the cohomology group $H^3(G, U_T(1))$. This element $\omega \in H^3(G, U_T(1))$ can be interpreted as either a label for the bulk 2D SPT phase or a label for the anomaly carried by the SPT edge theory. The basic idea behind our approach is to compute the $F$-symbol associated with domain walls in a symmetry broken edge theory; this domain wall $F$-symbol is precisely the anomaly we wish to compute. We demonstrate our approach with several SPT edge theories including both lattice models and continuum field theories.

Wrapped NS5-branes, consistent truncations and In\xf6n\xfc-Wigner contractions

We construct consistent Kaluza-Klein truncations of type IIA supergravity on (i) Σ2 × S3 and (ii) Σ3 × S3, where Σ2 = S2/Γ, ℝ2/Γ, or ℍ2/Γ, and Σ3 = S3/Γ, ℝ3/Γ, or ℍ3/Γ, with Γ a discrete group of symmetries, corresponding to NS5-branes wrapped on Σ2 and Σ3. The resulting theories are a D = 5, mathcal{N} = 4 gauged supergravity coupled to three vector multiplets with scalar manifold SO(1, 1) × SO(5, 3)/(SO(5) × SO(3)) and gauge group SO(2) × (SO(2) {ltimes}_{Sigma_2} ℝ4) which depends on the curvature of Σ2, and a D = 4, mathcal{N} = 2 gauged supergravity coupled to one vector multiplet and two hypermultiplets with scalar manifold SU(1, 1)/U(1) × G2(2)/SO(4) and gauge group ℝ+ × ℝ+ for truncations (i) and (ii) respectively. Instead of carrying out the truncations at the 10-dimensional level, we show that they can be obtained directly by performing Inönü-Wigner contractions on the 5 and 4-dimensional gauged supergravity theories that come from consistent truncations of 11-dimensional supergravity associated with M5-branes wrapping Σ2 and Σ3. This suggests the existence of a broader class of lower-dimensional gauged supergravity theories related by group contractions that have a 10 or 11-dimensional origin.

Computing nucleon charges with highly improved staggered quarks

This work continues our program of lattice-QCD baryon physics using staggered fermions for both the sea and the valence quarks. We present a proof-of-concept study that demonstrates, for the first time, how to calculate baryon matrix elements using staggered quarks for the valence sector. We show how to relate the representations of the continuum staggered flavor-taste group $\mathrm{SU}(8{)}_{\mathrm{FT}}$ to those of the discrete lattice symmetry group. The resulting calculations yield the normalization factors relating staggered baryon matrix elements to their physical counterparts. We verify this methodology by calculating the isovector vector and axial-vector charges ${g}_{V}$ and ${g}_{A}$. We use a single ensemble from the MILC Collaboration with $2+1+1$ flavors of sea quark, lattice spacing $a\ensuremath{\approx}0.12\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{fm}$, and a pion mass ${M}_{\ensuremath{\pi}}\ensuremath{\approx}305\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{MeV}$. On this ensemble, we find results consistent with expectations from current conservation and neutron beta decay. Thus, this work demonstrates how highly improved staggered quarks can be used for precision calculations of baryon properties and, in particular, the isovector nucleon charges.

Finite-size corrections in critical symmetry-resolved entanglement

In the presence of a conserved quantity, symmetry-resolved entanglement entropies are a refinement of the usual notion of entanglement entropy of a subsystem. For critical 1d quantum systems, it was recently shown in various contexts that these quantities generally obey entropy equipartition in the scaling limit, i.e. they become independent of the symmetry sector. In this paper, we examine the finite-size corrections to the entropy equipartition phenomenon, and show that the nature of the symmetry group plays a crucial role. In the case of a discrete symmetry group, the corrections decay algebraically with system size, with exponents related to the operators' scaling dimensions. In contrast, in the case of a U(1) symmetry group, the corrections only decay logarithmically with system size, with model-dependent prefactors. We show that the determination of these prefactors boils down to the computation of twisted overlaps.

Detecting symmetries with neural networks

Identifying symmetries in data sets is generally difficult, but knowledge about them is crucial for efficient data handling. Here we present a method how neural networks can be used to identify symmetries. We make extensive use of the structure in the embedding layer of the neural network which allows us to identify whether a symmetry is present and to identify orbits of the symmetry in the input. To determine which continuous or discrete symmetry group is present we analyse the invariant orbits in the input. We present examples based on rotation groups SO(n) and the unitary group SU(2). Further we find that this method is useful for the classification of complete intersection Calabi-Yau manifolds where it is crucial to identify discrete symmetries on the input space. For this example we present a novel data representation in terms of graphs.

Discrete Symmetry Group Approach for Numerical Solution of the Heat Equation

In this article, an invariantized finite difference scheme to find the solution of the heat equation, is developed. The scheme is based on a discrete symmetry transformation. A comparison of the results obtained by the proposed scheme and the Crank Nicolson method is carried out with reference to the exact solutions. It is found that the proposed invariantized scheme for the heat equation improves the efficiency and accuracy of the existing Crank Nicolson method.

Bifurcations of Periodic Solutions of a Hamiltonian System with a Discrete Symmetry Group

An autonomous Hamiltonian system with two degrees of freedom that is invariant under the Klein four-group of linear canonical automorphisms of the extended phase space of the system is studied. A sequence of symplectic transformations of the monodromy matrix of the symmetric periodic solution of this system is constructed. Using these transformations, the structure and bifurcation of the phase flow in the vicinity of this solution is investigated. It is shown that the bifurcations corresponding to the multiple period increase are different for the solutions with double symmetry and the solutions with a single symmetry. An example of critical periodic solutions of the family of doubly symmetric orbits of the plane circular Hill problem is discussed. The majority of tedious analytical calculations are performed using packages for the computation of Grobner bases and for the work with polynomial ideals in the computer algebra system Maple.

Two-Higgs-doublet models with a flavored Z2 symmetry

Two Higgs-doublet models usually consider an ad-hoc $\mathbb{Z}_2$ discrete symmetry to avoid flavor changing neutral currents. We consider a new class of two Higgs-doublet models where $\mathbb{Z}_2$ is enlarged to the symmetry group ${\cal{F}}\rtimes \mathbb{Z}_2$, i.e. an inner semi-direct product of a discrete symmetry group ${\cal{F}}$ and $\mathbb{Z}_2$. In such a scenario the symmetry constrains the Yukawa interactions but goes unnoticed by the scalar sector. In the most minimal scenario, $\mathbb{Z}_3 \rtimes \mathbb{Z}_2 = D_3$, flavor changing neutral currents mediated by scalars are absent at tree and one-loop level, while at the same time predictions to quark and lepton mixing are obtained, namely a trivial CKM matrix and a PMNS matrix (upon introduction of three heavy right-handed neutrinos) containing maximal atmospheric mixing. Small extensions allow to fully reproduce mixing parameters, including cobimaximal mixing in the lepton sector (maximal atmospheric mixing and a maximal $CP$ phase).

Particular Solutions of Ordinary Differential Equations Using Discrete Symmetry Groups

This article explains how discrete symmetry groups can be directly applied to obtain the particular solutions of nonlinear ordinary differential equations (ODEs). The particular solutions of some nonlinear ordinary differential equations have been generated by means of their discrete symmetry groups.

Dihedral symmetry in SU(N) Yang-Mills theory

We point out that charge conjugation and coordinate reflection symmetries do not commute with the center symmetry of $SU(N)$ YM theory when $N>2$. As a result, for generic values of the $\theta$ angle, the group of discrete zero-form symmetries of YM theory on e.g. the spacetime manifold $\mathbb{R}^3\times S^1$ includes the dihedral group $D_{2N}$ which is non-Abelian for $N>2$. At $\theta = \pi$, the non-Abelian factor in the symmetry group is enhanced to $D_{4N}$ due to discrete 't Hooft anomaly considerations. We illustrate these results in YM theory as well as in a simple quantum mechanical model, where we study representation theory as a function of $\theta$ angle.

Braiding and Fusion of Non-Abelian Vortex Anyons.

We have studied topology and dynamics of quantum vortices in spin-2 Bose-Einstein condensates. By computationally modeling controllable braiding and fusion of these vortices, we have demonstrated that certain vortices in such spinor condensates behave as non-Abelian anyons. We identify these anyons as fluxon, chargeon, and dyon quasiparticles. The pertinent anyon models are defined by the quantum double of the underlying discrete non-Abelian symmetry group of the condensate ground state order parameter.

Understanding of two-zero textures of neutrino mass matrices in minimal extended seesaw mechanism and their symmetry realization

We study the texture zeros of [Formula: see text] neutrino mass matrices [Formula: see text] in the minimal extended type-I seesaw (MES) mechanism, incorporating one extra gauge singlet field “[Formula: see text]”. The [Formula: see text] MES model deals with [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] mass matrix [Formula: see text] which couples the right-handed neutrinos and the singlet field “[Formula: see text]”. We carry out the mapping of all possible zero textures of [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] with the restriction to phenomenologically predictive cases having total eight zeros of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] studied in the literature. If [Formula: see text], the sterile neutrino mass, is subject to any limit, further block diagonalization of [Formula: see text] shall not be allowed to reduce it to a [Formula: see text] matrix. In [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] scenario, the study of texture zero is totally different and interesting. With this motivation, we consider the [Formula: see text] scheme where the digits of the pair represent the number of zeros of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], respectively, along with the one/two-zero textures of [Formula: see text]. There are a large number of possibilities of zeros of fermion mass matrices, but the implementation of [Formula: see text] transformations reduces it to a very minimum number of basic structures. As the [Formula: see text] MES matrix is a matrix of rank 3, so we consider only those textures with two zeros which are of rank 3 whereby the number of feasible zero textures reduces to 12, out of 15. On realizing these 12 textures under MES mechanism with [Formula: see text] picture, we arrive at certain correlations for each texture. We examine the viability of each texture by scanning their respective correlations under recent neutrino oscillation data. Also, we discuss the interplay of Dirac and Majorana CP phases in determining the viability of a texture. The allowed two-zero textures are finally realized using a discrete Abelian flavor symmetry group [Formula: see text] with the extension of Standard Model to include some scalar fields.

Platonic field theories

We study renormalization group (RG) fixed points of scalar field theories endowed with the discrete symmetry groups of regular polytopes. We employ the functional perturbative renormalization group (FPRG) approach and the ϵ-expansion in d = dc − ϵ. The upper critical dimensions relevant to our analysis are {d}_c=6,4,raisebox{1ex}{10}!left/ !raisebox{-1ex}{3}right.,3,raisebox{1ex}{14}!left/ !raisebox{-1ex}{5}right.,raisebox{1ex}{8}!left/ !raisebox{-1ex}{3}right.,raisebox{1ex}{5}!left/ !raisebox{-1ex}{2}right.,raisebox{1ex}{12}!left/ !raisebox{-1ex}{5}right.; ; in order to get access to the corresponding RG beta functions, we derive general multicomponent beta functionals βV and βZ in the aforementioned upper critical dimensions, most of which are novel. The field theories we analyze have N = 2 (polygons), N = 3 (Platonic solids) and N = 4 (hyper-Platonic solids) field components. The main results of this analysis include a new candidate universality class in three physical dimensions based on the symmetry group {mathbb{D}}_5 of the Pentagon. Moreover we find new Icosahedron fixed points in d < 3, the fixed points of the 24-Cell, multi-critical O(N) and ϕn-Cubic universality classes.

Spectrum of Majorana Quantum Mechanics with O(4)^{3} Symmetry.

We study the quantum mechanics of three-index Majorana fermions ψ^{abc} governed by a quartic Hamiltonian with O(N)^{3} symmetry. Similarly to the Sachdev-Ye-Kitaev model, this tensor model has a solvable large-N limit dominated by the melonic diagrams. For N=4 the total number of states is 2^{32}, but they naturally break up into distinct sectors according to the charges under the U(1)×U(1) Cartan subgroup of one of the O(4) groups. The biggest sector has vanishing charges and contains over 165million states. Using a Lanczos algorithm, we determine the spectrum of the low-lying states in this and other sectors. We find that the absolute ground state is nondegenerate. If the SO(4)^{3} symmetry is gauged, it is known from earlier work that the model has 36 states and a residual discrete symmetry. We study the discrete symmetry group in detail; it gives rise to degeneracies of some of the gauge singlet energies. We find all the gauge singlet energies numerically and use the results to propose exact analytic expressions for them.

Dyonic zero-energy modes

One-dimensional systems with topological order are intimately related to the appearance of zero-energy modes localized on their boundaries. The most common example is the Kitaev chain, which displays Majorana zero-energy modes and it is characterized by a two-fold ground state degeneracy related to the global $\mathbb{Z}_2$ symmetry associated with fermionic parity. By extending the symmetry to the $\mathbb{Z}_N$ group, it is possible to engineer systems hosting topological parafermionic modes. In this work, we address one-dimensional systems with a generic discrete symmetry group $G$. We define a ladder model of gauge fluxes that generalizes the Ising and Potts models and displays a symmetry broken phase. Through a non-Abelian Jordan-Wigner transformation, we map this flux ladder into a model of dyonic operators, defined by the group elements and irreducible representations of $G$. We show that the so-obtained dyonic model has topological order, with zero-energy modes localized at its boundary. These dyonic zero-energy modes are in general weak topological modes, but strong dyonic zero modes appear when suitable position-dependent couplings are considered.

Extremal trajectories in the sub-Lorentzian problem on the Engel group

Let be the Engel group and let be a rank-two left-invariant distribution with Lorentzian metric on . The sub-Lorentzian problem is stated as the problem of maximizing the sub-Lorentzian distance. A parametrization of timelike and spacelike normal extremal trajectories is obtained in terms of Jacobi elliptic functions. Discrete symmetry groups are described in the cases of timelike and spacelike trajectories; in both cases the fixed points and the corresponding Maxwell points are calculated for each symmetry. These calculations underlie estimates for the cut time (when the trajectory ceases to be globally optimal). Bibliography: 17 titles.

Generalized two-field α-attractor models from the hyperbolic triply-punctured sphere

We study generalized two-field α-attractor models whose rescaled scalar manifold is the triply-punctured sphere endowed with its complete hyperbolic metric, whose underlying complex manifold is the modular curve Y(2). Using an explicit embedding into the end compactification, we compute solutions of the cosmological evolution equations for a few globally well-behaved scalar potentials, displaying particular trajectories with inflationary behavior as well as more general cosmological trajectories of surprising complexity. In such models, the orientation-preserving isometry group of the scalar manifold is isomorphic with the permutation group on three elements, acting on Y(2) as the group of anharmonic transformations. When the scalar potential is preserved by this action, α-attractor models of this type provide a geometric description of two-field “modular invariant j-models” in terms of gravity coupled to a non-linear sigma model with topologically non-trivial target and with a finite (as opposed to discrete but infinite) group of symmetries. The precise relation between the two perspectives is provided by the elliptic modular function λ, which can be viewed as a field redefinition that eliminates almost all of the countably infinite unphysical ambiguity present in the Poincaré half-plane description of such models.