Finite-volume Matrix Elements Research Articles

Electroweak three-body decays in the presence of two- and three-body bound states

Recently, formalism has been derived for studying electroweak transition amplitudes for three-body systems both in infinite and finite volumes. The formalism provides exact relations that the infinite-volume amplitudes must satisfy, as well as a relationship between physical amplitudes and finite-volume matrix elements, which can be constrained from lattice QCD calculations. This formalism poses additional challenges when compared with the analogous well-studied two-body equivalent one, including the necessary step of solving integral equations of singular functions. In this work, we provide some non-trivial analytical and numerical tests on the aforementioned formalism. In particular, we consider a case where the three-particle system can have three-body bound states as well as bound states in the two-body subsystem. For kinematics below the three-body threshold, we demonstrate that the scattering amplitudes satisfy unitarity. We also check that for these kinematics the finite-volume matrix elements are accurately described by the formalism for two-body systems up to exponentially suppressed corrections. Finally, we verify that in the case of the three-body bound state, the finite-volume matrix element is equal to the infinite-volume coupling of the bound state, up to exponentially suppressed errors.

Radiative decay of the resonant K* and the γK→Kπ amplitude from lattice QCD

We present the first calculation in lattice QCD of the process $\gamma K \to K\pi$ in which the narrow $K^*$ vector resonance appears. Using a lattice on which the pion has a mass of 284 MeV, we determine the transition amplitude at 128 points in the $(Q^2, E_{K\pi})$ plane, and find suitable resonant scattering descriptions. We demonstrate the need to account for $S$--wave $K\pi$ elastic scattering when converting the finite-volume matrix elements computed in lattice QCD to the physically relevant infinite-volume matrix elements, even when we are primarily interested in the $P$--wave amplitude. Analytically continuing parameterizations of the $\gamma K \to K\pi$ amplitude to the $K^*$ resonance pole, we obtain the $K^{*+} \to K^+ \gamma$ transition form-factor, and compare the $Q^2=0$ value to the corresponding value extracted from the experimental partial-decay width.

Few-nucleon matrix elements in pionless effective field theory in a finite volume

Pionless effective field theory in a finite volume (FVEFT$_{\pi\!/}$) is investigated as a framework for the analysis of multi-nucleon spectra and matrix elements calculated in lattice QCD (LQCD). By combining FVEFT$_{\pi\!/}$ with the stochastic variational method, the spectra of nuclei with atomic number $A\in\{2,3\}$ are matched to existing finite-volume LQCD calculations at heavier-than-physical quark masses corresponding to a pion mass $m_\pi=806$ MeV, thereby enabling infinite-volume binding energies to be determined using infinite-volume variational calculations. Based on the variational wavefunctions that are constructed in this approach, the finite-volume matrix elements of various local operators are computed in FVEFT$_{\pi\!/}$ and matched to LQCD calculations of the corresponding QCD operators in the same volume, thereby determining the relevant one and two-body EFT counterterms and enabling an extrapolation of the LQCD matrix elements to infinite volume. As examples, the scalar, tensor, and axial matrix elements are considered, as well as the magnetic moments and the isovector longitudinal momentum fraction.

Decay amplitudes to three hadrons from finite-volume matrix elements

We derive relations between finite-volume matrix elements and infinite-volume decay amplitudes, for processes with three spinless, degenerate and either identical or non-identical particles in the final state. This generalizes the Lellouch-Lüscher relation for two-particle decays and provides a strategy for extracting three-hadron decay amplitudes using lattice QCD. Unlike for two particles, even in the simplest approximation, one must solve integral equations to obtain the physical decay amplitude, a consequence of the nontrivial finite-state interactions. We first derive the result in a simplified theory with three identical particles, and then present the generalizations needed to study phenomenologically relevant three-pion decays. The specific processes we discuss are the CP-violating K → 3π weak decay, the isospin-breaking η → 3π QCD transition, and the electromagnetic γ* → 3π amplitudes that enter the calculation of the hadronic vacuum polarization contribution to muonic g − 2.

Consistency checks for two-body finite-volume matrix elements. II. Perturbative systems

Using the general formalism presented in Refs. [1,2], we study the finite-volume effects for the $\mathbf{2}+\mathcal{J}\to\mathbf{2}$ matrix element of an external current coupled to a two-particle state of identical scalars with perturbative interactions. Working in a finite cubic volume with periodicity $L$, we derive a $1/L$ expansion of the matrix element through $\mathcal O(1/L^5)$ and find that it is governed by two universal current-dependent parameters, the scalar charge and the threshold two-particle form factor. We confirm the result through a numerical study of the general formalism and additionally through an independent perturbative calculation. We further demonstrate a consistency with the Feynman-Hellmann theorem, which can be used to relate the $1/L$ expansions of the ground-state energy and matrix element. The latter gives a simple insight into why the leading volume corrections to the matrix element have the same scaling as those in the energy, $1/L^3$, in contradiction to earlier work, which found a $1/L^2$ contribution to the matrix element. We show here that such a term arises at intermediate stages in the perturbative calculation, but cancels in the final result.

Consistency checks for two-body finite-volume matrix elements: Conserved currents and bound states

Recently, a framework has been developed to study form factors of two-hadron states probed by an external current. The method is based on relating finite-volume matrix elements, computed using numerical lattice QCD, to the corresponding infinite-volume observables. As the formalism is complicated, it is important to provide non-trivial checks on the final results and also to explore limiting cases in which more straightforward predications may be extracted. In this work we provide examples on both fronts. First, we show that, in the case of a conserved vector current, the formalism ensures that the finite-volume matrix element of the conserved charge is volume-independent and equal to the total charge of the two-particle state. Second, we study the implications for a two-particle bound state. We demonstrate that the infinite-volume limit reproduces the expected matrix element and derive the leading finite-volume corrections to this result for a scalar current. Finally, we provide numerical estimates for the expected size of volume effects in future lattice QCD calculations of the deuteron's scalar charge. We find that these effects completely dominate the infinite-volume result for realistic lattice volumes and that applying the present formalism, to analytically remove an infinite-series of leading volume corrections, is crucial to reliably extract the infinite-volume charge of the state.

Form factors of two-hadron states from a covariant finite-volume formalism

In this work we develop a Lorentz-covariant version of the previously derived formalism for relating finite-volume matrix elements to $\textbf 2 + \mathcal J \to \textbf 2$ transition amplitudes. We also give various details relevant for the implementation of this formalism in a realistic numerical lattice QCD calculation. Particular focus is given to the role of single-particle form factors in disentangling finite-volume effects from the triangle diagram that arise when $\mathcal J$ couples to one of the two hadrons. This also leads to a new finite-volume function, denoted $G$, the numerical evaluation of which is described in detail. As an example we discuss the determination of the $\pi \pi + \mathcal J \to \pi \pi$ amplitude in the $\rho$ channel, for which the single-pion form factor, $F_\pi(Q^2)$, as well as the scattering phase, $\delta_{\pi\pi}$, are required to remove all power-law finite-volume effects. The formalism presented here holds for local currents with arbitrary Lorentz structure, and we give specific examples of insertions with up to two Lorentz indices.

Diagonal finite volume matrix elements in the sinh-Gordon model

Using the fermionic basis we conjecture exact expressions for diagonal finite volume matrix elements of exponential operators and their descendants in the sinh-Gordon theory. Our expressions sum up the LeClair-Mussardo type infinite series generalized by Pozsgay for excited state expectation values. We checked our formulae against the Liouville three-point functions for small, while against Pozsgay's expansion for large volumes and found complete agreement.

πγ→ππ transition and the ρ radiative decay width from lattice QCD

We report a lattice QCD determination of the $\pi\gamma \to \pi\pi$ transition amplitude for the $P$-wave, $I=1$ two-pion final state, as a function of the photon virtuality and $\pi\pi$ invariant mass. The calculation was performed with $2+1$ flavors of clover fermions at a pion mass of approximately $320$ MeV, on a $32^3 \times 96$ lattice with $L\approx 3.6$ fm. We construct the necessary correlation functions using a combination of smeared forward, sequential and stochastic propagators, and determine the finite-volume matrix elements for all $\pi\pi$ momenta up to $|\vec{P}|= \sqrt{3} \frac{2\pi}{L}$ and all associated irreducible representations. In the mapping of the finite-volume to infinite-volume matrix elements using the Lellouch-L\"uscher factor, we consider two different parametrizations of the $\pi\pi$ scattering phase shift. We fit the $q^2$ and $s$ dependence of the infinite-volume transition amplitude in a model-independent way using series expansions, and compare multiple different truncations of this series. Through analytic continuation to the $\rho$ resonance pole, we also determine the $\pi\gamma \to \rho$ resonant transition form factor and the $\rho$ meson photocoupling, and obtain $|G_{\rho\pi\gamma}| = 0.0802(32)(20)$.

Resonances from lattice QCD

The spectrum of hadron is mainly composed as shortly-lived states (resonance) that decay onto two or more hadrons. These resonances play an important role in a variety of phenomenologically significant processes. In this talk, I give an overview on the present status of a rigorous program for studying of resonances and their properties using lattice QCD. I explain the formalism needed for extracting resonant amplitudes from the finite-volume spectra. From these one can extract the masses and widths of resonances. I present some recent examples that illustrate the power of these ideas. I then explain similar formalism that allows for the determination of resonant electroweak amplitudes from finite-volume matrix elements. I use the recent calculation of the πγ* → ππ amplitude as an example illustrating the power of this formalism. From such amplitudes one can determine transition form factors of resonances. I close by reviewing on-going efforts to generalize these ideas to increasingly complex reactions and I then give a outlook of the field.

Relativistic, model-independent, multichannel 2→2 transition amplitudes in a finite volume

We derive formalism for determining $\textbf{2} + \mathcal J \to \textbf{2}$ infinite-volume transition amplitudes from finite-volume matrix elements. Specifically, we present a relativistic, model-independent relation between finite-volume matrix elements of external currents and the physically observable infinite-volume matrix elements involving two-particle asymptotic states. The result presented holds for states composed of two scalar bosons. These can be identical or non-identical and, in the latter case, can be either degenerate or non-degenerate. We further accommodate any number of strongly-coupled two-scalar channels. This formalism will, for example, allow future lattice QCD calculations of the $\rho$-meson form factor, in which the unstable nature of the $\rho$ is rigorously accommodated.

Microscopic approach to a class of 1D quantum critical models

Starting from the finite volume form factors of local operators, we show how and under which hypothesis the c = 1 free boson conformal field theory in two-dimensions emerges as an effective theory governing the large-distance regime of multi-point correlation functions for a large class of one-dimensional massless quantum Hamiltonians. In our approach, in the large-distance critical regime, the local operators of the initial model are represented by well suited vertex operators associated to the free boson model. This provides an effective field theoretic description of the large distance behaviour of correlation functions in 1D quantum critical models. We develop this description starting from the first principles and directly at the microscopic level, namely in terms of the properties of the finite volume matrix elements of local operators.

Multichannel0→2and1→2transition amplitudes for arbitrary spin particles in a finite volume

We present a model-independent, non-perturbative relation between finite-volume matrix elements and infinite-volume $\textbf{0}\rightarrow\textbf{2}$ and $\textbf{1}\rightarrow\textbf{2}$ transition amplitudes. Our result accommodates theories in which the final two-particle state is coupled to any number of other two-body channels, with all angular momentum states included. The derivation uses generic, fully relativistic field theory, and is exact up to exponentially suppressed corrections in the lightest particle mass times the box size. This work distinguishes itself from previous studies by accommodating particles with any intrinsic spin. To illustrate the utility of our general result, we discuss how it can be implemented for studies of $N+\mathcal{J}~\rightarrow~(N\pi,N\eta,N\eta',\Sigma K,\Lambda K)$ transitions, where $\mathcal{J}$ is a generic external current. The reduction of rotational symmetry, due to the cubic finite volume, manifests in this example through the mixing of S- and P-waves when the system has nonzero total momentum.

One-point functions in finite volume/temperature: a case study

We consider finite volume (or equivalently, finite temperature) expectation values of local operators in integrable quantum field theories using a combination of numerical and analytical approaches. It is shown that the truncated conformal space approach, when supplemented with a recently proposed renormalization group, can be sufficiently extended to the low-energy regime that it can be matched with high precision by the low-temperature expansion proposed by Leclair and Mussardo. Besides verifying the consistency of the two descriptions, their combination leads to an evaluation of expectation values which is valid to a very high precision for all volume/temperature scales. As a side result of the investigation, we also discuss some unexpected singularities in the framework recently proposed by Pozsgay and Tak\'acs for the description of matrix elements of local operators in finite volume, and show that while some of these singularities are resolved by the inclusion of the class of exponential finite size corrections known as \mu-terms, these latter corrections themselves lead to the appearance of new singularities. We point out that a fully consistent description of finite volume matrix elements is expected to be free of singularities, and therefore a more complete and systematic understanding of exponential finite size corrections is necessary.

Form factor approach to diagonal finite volume matrix elements in Integrable QFT

We derive an exact formula for finite volume excited state mean values of local operators in 1+1 dimensional Integrable QFT with diagonal scattering. Our result is a non-trivial generalization of the LeClair-Mussardo series, which is a form factor expansion for finite size ground state mean values.

Project APhiD: A Lorenz-gauged A-[formula omitted] decomposition for parallelized computation of ultra-broadband electromagnetic induction in a fully heterogeneous Earth

An essential element for computational hypothesis testing, data inversion and experiment design for electromagnetic geophysics is a robust forward solver, capable of easily and quickly evaluating the electromagnetic response of arbitrary geologic structure. The usefulness of such a solver hinges on the balance among competing desires like ease of use, speed of forward calculation, scalability to large problems or compute clusters, parsimonious use of memory access, accuracy and by necessity, the ability to faithfully accommodate a broad range of geologic scenarios over extremes in length scale and frequency content. This is indeed a tall order. The present study addresses recent progress toward the development of a forward solver with these properties. Based on the Lorenz-gauged Helmholtz decomposition, a new finite volume solution over Cartesian model domains endowed with complex-valued electrical properties is shown to be stable over the frequency range 10−2–1010Hz and range 10−3–105m in length scale. Benchmark examples are drawn from magnetotellurics, exploration geophysics, geotechnical mapping and laboratory-scale analysis, showing excellent agreement with reference analytic solutions. Computational efficiency is achieved through use of a matrix-free implementation of the quasi-minimum-residual (QMR) iterative solver, which eliminates explicit storage of finite volume matrix elements in favor of “on the fly” computation as needed by the iterative Krylov sequence. Further efficiency is achieved through sparse coupling matrices between the vector and scalar potentials whose non-zero elements arise only in those parts of the model domain where the conductivity gradient is non-zero. Multi-thread parallelization in the QMR solver through OpenMP pragmas is used to reduce the computational cost of its most expensive step: the single matrix–vector product at each iteration. High-level MPI communicators farm independent processes to available compute nodes for simultaneous computation of multi-frequency or multi-transmitter responses.

On form factors in nested Bethe Ansatz systems

We investigate form factors of local operators in a multi-component quantum nonlinear Schrödinger model, a prototype theory solvable by the so-called nested Bethe Ansatz. We determine the analytic properties of the infinite volume form factors using the coordinate Bethe Ansatz solution and establish a connection with the finite volume matrix elements. In the two-component models we derive a set of recursion relations for the ‘magnonic form factors’, which are the matrix elements on the nested Bethe Ansatz states. In certain simple cases (involving states with only one spin-impurity), we obtain explicit solutions for the recursion relations.

Sine-Gordon multisoliton form factors in finite volume

Multisoliton form factors in sine-Gordon theory from the bootstrap are compared to finite-volume matrix elements computed using the truncated conformal space approach. We find convincing agreement, and resolve most of the issues raised in a previous work.

Sine–Gordon form factors in finite volume

We compare form factors in sine–Gordon theory, obtained via the bootstrap, to finite volume matrix elements computed using the truncated conformal space approach. For breather form factors, this is essentially a straightforward application of a previously developed formalism that describes the volume dependence of operator matrix elements up to corrections exponentially decaying with the volume. In the case of solitons, it is necessary to generalize the formalism to include effects of non-diagonal scattering. In some cases it is also necessary to take into account some of the exponential corrections (so-called μ-terms) to get agreement with the numerical data. For almost all matrix elements the comparison is a success, with the puzzling exception of some breather matrix elements that contain disconnected pieces. We also give a short discussion of the implications of the observed behavior of μ-terms on the determination of operator matrix elements from finite volume data, as occurs e.g. in the context of lattice field theory.

Finite volume effects in weak hadronic decays

In this talk we discuss finite-volume computations of two-body hadronic decays below the inelastic threshold (e.g. K → ππ decays). In particular we show how the relation between finite-volume matrix elements and physical amplitudes, recently derived by Lellouch and Lüscher, can be extended to all elastic states under the inelastic threshold. We also provide a derivation of the Lüscher quantization condition directly in quantum field theory.