Effective Field Theory Formalism Research Articles

Post-Minkowskian effective field theory for conservative binary dynamics

We develop an Effective Field Theory (EFT) formalism to solve for the conservative dynamics of binary systems in gravity via Post-Minkowskian (PM) scattering data. Our framework combines a systematic EFT approach to compute the deflection angle in the PM expansion, together with the ‘Boundary-to-Bound’ (B2B) dictionary introduced in [1, 2]. Due to the nature of scattering processes, a remarkable reduction of complexity occurs both in the number of Feynman diagrams and type of integrals, compared to a direct EFT computation of the potential in a PM scheme. We provide two illustrative examples. Firstly, we compute all the conservative gravitational observables for bound orbits to 2PM, which follow from only one topology beyond leading order. The results agree with those in [1, 2], obtained through the ‘impetus formula’ applied to the classical limit of the one loop amplitude in Cheung et al. [3]. For the sake of comparison we reconstruct the conservative Hamiltonian to 2PM order, which is equivalent to the one derived in [3] from a matching calculation. Secondly, we compute the scattering angle due to tidal effects from the electric- and magnetic-type Love numbers at leading PM order. Using the B2B dictionary we then obtain the tidal contribution to the periastron advance. We also construct a Hamiltonian including tidal effects at leading PM order. Although relying on (relativistic) Feynman diagrams, the EFT formalism developed here does not involve taking the classical limit of a quantum amplitude, neither integrals with internal massive fields, nor additional matching calculations, nor spurious (‘super-classical’) infrared singularities. By construction, the EFT approach can be automatized to all PM orders.

Transverse momentum broadening of a jet in quark-gluon plasma: an open quantum system EFT

We utilize the technology of open quantum systems in conjunction with the recently developed effective field theory for forward scattering to address the question of massless jet propagation through a weakly-coupled quark-gluon plasma in thermal equilibrium. We discuss various possible hierarchies of scales that may appear in this problem, by comparing thermal scales of the plasma with relevant scales in the effective field theory. Starting from the Lindblad equation, we derive and solve a master equation for the trans- verse momentum distribution of a massless quark jet, at leading orders both in the strong coupling and in the power counting of the effective field theory. Markovian approximation is justified in the weak coupling limit. Using the solution to the master equation, we study the transverse momentum broadening of a jet as a function of the plasma temperature and the time of propagation. We discuss the physical origin of infrared sensitivity that arises in the solution and a way to handle it in the effective field theory formulation. We suspect that the final measurement constraint can only cut-off leading infrared singularities and the solution to the Markovian master equation resums a logarithmic series. This work is a stepping stone towards understanding jet quenching and jet substructure observables on both light and heavy quark jets as probes of the quark-gluon plasma.

Implication of flavor anomalies on decay observables

The experimental predictions of R D , , R J/ψ , and in B decays mediated via quark level transition deviate significantly from the standard model expectations. The current world average of the ratio of branching ratios R D and in (l ∈ e, τ) show 1.4σ and 2.5σ deviation from the SM expectations. Similarly, the τ polarization fraction and the longitudinal polarization fraction of the D* meson in are found to deviate from the standard model expectations at 1.6σ and 1.5σ level, respectively. In addition, the ratio of branching ratio R J/ψ in deviates from the standard model prediction at 1.7σ level. In this regard, we study the implication of R D , , R J/ψ , and anomalies on decay observables in a model independent effective field theory formalism. We give predictions of several physical observables in the standard model and in the presence of various 1D and 2D new physics scenarios.

Homogeneous holographic viscoelastic models and quasicrystals

We show that the field theories dual to the homogeneous holographic models with spontaneously broken translations display several distinctive properties of quasicrystals, aperiodic crystals with long-range order (e.g. incommensurate charge density waves). This interpretation suggests that the longitudinal diffusive mode, observed in the spectrum of excitations of these systems, is the diffusive Goldstone boson typical of quasicrystals -- the phason. Moreover, following this idea, and using the effective field theory formalism for Goldstone modes in dissipative systems, we are able to derive the universal phase relaxation found in these holographic models in presence of a small source of explicit breaking (pseudo-spontaneous regime).

The geometric Standard Model Effective Field Theory

We develop the geometric formulation of the Standard Model Effective Field Theory (SMEFT). Using this approach we derive all-orders results in the sqrt{2leftlangle {H}^{dagger }Hrightrangle }/Lambda expansion relevant for studies of Electroweak Precision and Higgs data.

Is Higgsium a possibility in 2HDMs?

We investigate the possibility of a Higgs-Higgs bound state in the two Higgs doublet model. Specifically we look for the effect of dimension six operators, generated by new physics at a scale of a few TeV, on the self-couplings of the heavy CP even scalar field in the model. Following the pioneering work of Grinstein and Trott [1], we construct an effective field theory formalism to examine the physics of the Higgs sector. The magnitudes of the attractive and repulsive coupling strengths are compared to estimate the possibility of the formation of the H−H bound state. Another way to check if a bound state is formed or not is from the formation and decay times of the bound state. The possibilities in various types of two Higgs doublet models have been discussed elaborately in the paper. The bound state energy has been evaluated and the allowed parameter space has been studied in the linear and non-linear realizations.

Implication of RD(*) anomalies on semileptonic decays of Σb and Ωb baryons

The flavor changing decays of heavy bottom quarks to the corresponding lighter quarks ($u$, $c$ and $s$) in various $B$-meson decays via charged current and neutral current semileptonic transitions have emerged as promising candidates to explore the physics beyond the standard model. Experimentally the lepton flavor universality violation in $b \to (c,u)\,l\,\nu$ and $b \to s\,l^+ l^-$ transitions have been reported to a higher precision. The measurements of the lepton flavor violating ratios such as $R_{D^{(*)}}$, $R_{J/\Psi}$ and $R_{K^{(*)}}$ are observed to deviate from the standard model expectations at the level of $1.4\sigma$, $2.5\sigma$, $1.5\sigma$, $2.4\sigma$ and $2.2\sigma$ respectively. Motivated by these anomalies, we investigate the lepton flavor universality violation in $\Sigma_b \to \Sigma_c l \nu$ and $\Omega_b \to \Omega_c l \nu$ decays. We follow a model independent effective field theory formalism and study the implications of $R_{D^{(*)}}$ anomalies on $\Sigma_b \to \Sigma_c \tau \nu$ and $\Omega_b \to \Omega_c \tau \nu$ decay modes. We give predictions of various physical observables such as the ratio of branching ratios, total differential decay rate, forward-backward asymmetry, lepton side polarization fraction and convexity parameter within the standard model and within various new physics scenarios.

Conservative dynamics of binary systems to fourth post-Newtonian order in the EFT approach. II. Renormalized Lagrangian

We complete the derivation of the conservative dynamics of binary systems to fourth Post-Newtonian (4PN) order in the effective field theory (EFT) approach. We present a self-contained (ambiguity-free) computation of the renormalized Lagrangian, entirely within the confines of the PN expansion. While we confirm the final results reported in the literature, we clarify several issues regarding intermediate infrared (IR) and ultraviolet (UV) divergences, as well as the renormalization procedure. First, we properly identify the IR and UV singularities using (only) dimensional regularization and the method of regions, which are the pillars of the EFT formalism. This requires a careful study of scaleless integrals in the potential region, as well as conservative contributions from radiation modes due to tail effects. As expected by consistency, the UV divergences in the near region (due to the point-particle limit) can be absorbed into two counter-terms in the worldline effective theory. The counter-terms can then be removed by field redefinitions, such that the renormalization scheme-dependence has no physical effect to 4PN order. The remaining IR poles, which are spurious in nature, are unambiguously removed by implementing the zero-bin subtraction in the EFT approach. The procedure transforms the IR singularities into UV counter-parts. As anticipated, the left-over UV poles explicitly cancel out against UV divergences in conservative terms from radiation-reaction, uniquely determining the gravitational potential. Similar artificial IR/UV poles, which are intimately linked to the split into regions, are manifest at lower orders. Starting at 4PN, both local- and nonlocal-in-time contributions from the radiation region enter in the conservative dynamics. Neither additional regulators nor ambiguity-parameters are introduced at any stage of the computations.

Effective field theory for gravitational radiation in scalar-tensor gravity

A light scalar degree of freedom, as the one possibly responsible for the accelerated expansion of the Universe, could leave observable traces in the inspiral gravitational wave signal of binary systems. In order to study these effects, we extend the effective field theory formalism of Goldberger and Rothstein to minimal scalar-tensor theories of gravity. This class of models is still very broad, because the couplings of the scalar to matter are far less constrained than those a massless spin-2 field. In most of the paper we focus on conformal couplings. Using the effective field theory approach, we discuss the emergence of violations of the strong equivalence principle even in models that exhibit universality of free fall at the microscopic level. Our results on the conservative dynamics of the binary and its power emitted in gravitational and scalar radiation agree with those obtained with the standard post-Newtonian formalism. We also compare them to more recent work. Finally, we discuss the implications of considering a disformal coupling to matter.

First cosmological constraint on the effective theory of dark matter-proton interactions

We obtain the first cosmological constraints on interactions between dark matter and protons within the formalism of nonrelativistic effective field theory developed for direct detection. For each interaction operator in the effective theory, parametrized by different powers of the relative velocity of the incoming particles, we use the Planck 2015 cosmic microwave background (CMB) temperature, polarization, and lensing anisotropy to set upper limits on the scattering cross section for all dark matter masses above 15 keV. We find that for interactions associated with a stronger dependence on velocity, dark matter and baryons stay thermally coupled for longer, but the interaction strengths are suppressed at the low temperatures relevant for Planck observations and are thus less constrained. At the same time, cross sections with stronger velocity dependencies are more constrained in the limit of small dark matter mass. In all cases, the effect of dark matter-proton scattering is most prominent on small scales in the CMB power spectra and in the matter power spectrum, and we thus expect substantial improvement over the current limits with data from ground-based CMB experiments and galaxy surveys.

Impact of vector new physics couplings on Bs→(K,K*)τν and B→πτν decays

Experimental measurements of $R_{D}$, $R_{D^*}$ and $R_{J/\Psi}$ in $B \to (D,\,D^{\ast})l\nu$ and $B_c \to J/\Psi l \nu$ decays mediated via $b \to c\,l\,\nu$ charged current interactions deviate from standard model prediction by $2.3\sigma$, $3.4\sigma$ and $2\sigma$, respectively. In addition, a deviation of $1.5\sigma$ from the standard model prediction has been witnessed in $\mathcal B(B \to \tau \nu)$ mediated via $b \to u\,l\,\nu$ charged current interactions as well. Motivated by the anomalies present in $B$ and $B_c$ meson decays, we analyze the corresponding $B_s \to (K,\,K^{\ast})\,\tau\,\nu$ and $B \to \pi\tau\nu$ semileptonic decays within the standard model and beyond. We use an effective field theory formalism in which $b \to c$ and $b \to u$ semileptonic decays are assumed to exhibit similar new physics patterns. We give the predictions of various observables such as the branching fractions, ratio of branching ratios, lepton side forward backward asymmetry, lepton polarization fraction and convexity parameter for $B_s \to (K,\,K^{\ast})\tau \nu$ and $B \to \pi\tau\nu$ decay channels within the standard model and within various NP scenarios.

Monodromy Inflation in the Strong Coupling Regime of the Effective Field Theory.

We present a simple effective field theory formulation of a general family of single-field flux monodromy models for which strong coupling effects at large field values can flatten the potential and activate higher-derivative operators. Both of these effects can suppress the tensor amplitude. These models are radiatively and nonperturbatively stable and can sustain ≳60 e folds of inflation. The dynamics combines features of both large-field chaotic inflation and k inflation. Reducing the tensor-scalar ratio below the observational bound r≲0.1 while keeping the scalar spectral index n_{s} within experimental bounds either yields equilateral non-Gaussianity f_{NL}^{eq}≃O(1), close to the current observational bounds, or gives very small r.

Probing gravitational parity violation with gravitational waves from stellar-mass black hole binaries

The recent discovery of gravitational wave events has offered us unique testbeds of gravity in the strong and dynamical field regime. One possible modification to General Relativity is the gravitational parity violation that gives rise to the amplitude birefringence in gravitational waves, where one of the circularly-polarized mode is amplified while the other one is suppressed during their propagation. In this paper, we study how well one can measure gravitational parity violation via the amplitude birefringence of gravitational waves from stellar-mass black hole binaries. We choose Chern-Simons gravity as an example and work within an effective field theory formalism. We consider gravitational waves from both individual sources and stochastic gravitational wave backgrounds. Regarding bounds from individual sources, we estimate them using a Fisher analysis and carry out Monte Carlo simulations by randomly distributing sources over their sky location and binary orientation. We find that the bounds on the scalar field evolution in Chern-Simons gravity from GW150914 are too weak to satisfy the weak Chern-Simons approximation, while aLIGO with its design sensitivity can place meaningful bounds. Regarding bounds from stochastic gravitational wave backgrounds, we set the threshold signal-to-noise ratio for detection of the parity-violation mode as 5 and estimate projected bounds with future detectors assuming that signals are consistent with no parity violation. We find that a network of two third-generation detectors is able to place bounds that are slightly stronger than current binary pulsar bounds. Since gravitational wave observations probe either the difference in parity violation between the source and the detector or the line-of-sight integration of the scalar field, such bounds are complementary to local measurements from solar system experiments and binary pulsar observations.

Next-to-leading-logarithmic power corrections for N -jettiness subtraction in color-singlet production

We present a detailed derivation of the power corrections to the factorization theorem for the 0-jettiness event shape variable $\mathcal{T}$. Our calculation is performed directly in QCD without using the formalism of effective field theory. We analytically calculate the next-to-leading logarithmic power corrections for small $\mathcal{T}$ at next-to-leading order in the strong coupling constant, extending previous computations which obtained only the leading-logarithmic power corrections. We address a discrepancy in the literature between results for the leading-logarithmic power corrections to a particular definition of 0-jettiness. We present a numerical study of the power corrections in the context of their application to the $N$-jettiness subtraction method for higher-order calculations, using gluon-fusion Higgs production as an example. The inclusion of the next-to-leading-logarithmic power corrections further improves the numerical efficiency of the approach beyond the improvement obtained from the leading-logarithmic power corrections.

Tackling non-linearities with the effective field theory of dark energy and modified gravity

We present the extension of the effective field theory framework to the mildly non-linear scales. The effective field theory approach has been successfully applied to the late time cosmic acceleration phenomenon and it has been shown to be a powerful method to obtain predictions about cosmological observables on linear scales. However, mildly non-linear scales need to be consistently considered when testing gravity theories because a large part of the data comes from those scales. Thus, non-linear corrections to predictions on observables coming from the linear analysis can help in discriminating among different gravity theories. We proceed firstly by identifying the necessary operators which need to be included in the effective field theory Lagrangian in order to go beyond the linear order in perturbations and then we construct the corresponding non-linear action. Moreover, we present the complete recipe to map any single field dark energy and modified gravity models into the non-linear effective field theory framework by considering a general action in the Arnowitt-Deser-Misner formalism. In order to illustrate this recipe we proceed to map the beyond-Horndeski theory and low-energy Hořava gravity into the effective field theory formalism. As a final step we derived the 4th order action in term of the curvature perturbation. This allowed us to identify the non-linear contributions coming from the linear order perturbations which at the next order act like source terms. Moreover, we confirm that the stability requirements, ensuring the positivity of the kinetic term and the speed of propagation for scalar mode, are automatically satisfied once the viability of the theory is demanded at linear level. The approach we present here will allow to construct, in a model independent way, all the relevant predictions on observables at mildly non-linear scales.

D + t → n + α fusion reaction in a model inspired by halo/cluster effective field theory

We study the low-energy [Formula: see text] fusion reaction using a model inspired by the halo/cluster effective field theory (H/CEFT) formalism. For this purpose, we initially focus on the [Formula: see text] reaction without considering the Coulomb force in the incoming deuteron–triton system. In the next step, we insert the Coulomb correction in the [Formula: see text] cross-section. The cross-section results involve unknown parameters. So, finally, we fit the H/CEFT cross-section of the [Formula: see text] reaction to the experimental data and obtain the values of these unknown parameters.

Effective field theory for triaxially deformed nuclei

Effective field theory (EFT) is generalized to investigate the rotational motion of triaxially deformed even-even nuclei. A Hamiltonian, called the triaxial rotor model (TRM), is obtained up to next-to-leading order (NLO) within the EFT formalism. Its applicability is examined by comparing with a five-dimensional collective Hamiltonian (5DCH) for the description of the energy spectra of the ground state and $\gamma$ band in Ru isotopes. It is found that by taking into account the NLO corrections, the ground state band in the whole spin region and the $\gamma$ band in the low spin region are well described. The results presented here indicate that it should be possible to further generalize the EFT to triaxial nuclei with odd mass number.

Three-particle quantization condition in a finite volume: 1. The role of the three-particle force

Using non-relativistic effective Lagrangians in the particle-dimer picture, we rederive the expression for the energy shift of a loosely bound three-particle bound state of identical bosons in the unitary limit. The effective field theory formalism allows us to explicitly investigate the role of the three-particle force. Moreover, we discuss relaxing the unitary limit of infinite scattering length and demonstrate a smooth transition from the weakly bound three-particle state to a two-particle bound state of a particle and a deeply bound dimer.

Apparent ambiguities in the post-Newtonian expansion for binary systems

We discuss the source of the apparent ambiguities arising in the calculation of the dynamics of binary black holes within the Post-Newtonian framework. Divergences appear in both the near and far zone calculations, and may be of either ultraviolet (UV) or infrared (IR) nature. The effective field theory (EFT) formalism elucidates the origin of the singularities which may introduce apparent ambiguities. In particular, the only (physical) 'ambiguity parameters' that necessitate a matching calculation correspond to unknown finite size effects, which first appear at fifth Post-Newtonian (5PN) order for non-spinning bodies. We demonstrate that the ambiguities linked to IR divergences in the near zone, that plague the recent derivations of the binding energy at 4PN order, both in the ADM and 'Fokker-action' approach, can be resolved by implementing the so-called 'zero-bin' subtraction in the EFT framework. The procedure yields ambiguity-free results without the need of additional information beyond the PN expansion.

SEARCH FOR THE FOOTPRINTS OF NEW PHYSICS WITH LABORATORY AND COSMIC NEUTRINOS.

Observations of high energy neutrinos, both in the laboratory and from cosmic sources, can be a useful probe in searching for new physics. Such observations can provide sensitive tests of Lorentz invariance violation (LIV), which may be a the result of quantum gravity physics (QG). We review some observationally testable consequences of LIV using effective field theory (EFT) formalism. To do this, one can postulate the existence of additional small LIV terms in free particle Lagrangians, suppressed by powers of the Planck mass. The observational consequences of such terms are then examined. In particular, one can place limits on a class of non-renormalizable, mass dimension five and six Lorentz invariance violating operators that may be the result of QG.