Gauge Artifact Research Articles

Gauge-invariant gravitational waves in matter beyond linearized gravity

Modeling the propagation of gravitational waves (GWs) in media other than vacuum is complicated by the gauge freedom of linearized gravity in that, once nonlinearities are taken into consideration, gauge artifacts can cause spurious acceleration of the matter. To eliminate these artifacts, we propose how to keep the theory of dispersive GWs gauge-invariant beyond the linear approximation and, in particular, obtain an unambiguous gauge-invariant expression for the energy–momentum of a GW in a dispersive medium. Using analytic tools from plasma physics, we propose an exactly gauge-invariant ‘quasilinear’ theory, in which GWs are governed by linear equations and also affect the background metric on scales large compared to their wavelength. As a corollary, the gauge-invariant geometrical optics of linear dispersive GWs in a general background is formulated. As an example, we show how the well-known properties of vacuum GWs are naturally and concisely yielded by our theory in a manifestly gauge-invariant form. We also show how the gauge invariance can be maintained within a given accuracy to an arbitrary order in the GW amplitude. These results are intended to form a physically meaningful framework for studying dispersive GWs in matter.

Simplest description of charge propagation in a strong background

Exploiting the gauge freedom associated with the Volkov description of a charge propagating in a plane wave background, we identify a new type of gauge choice which significantly simplifies the theory. This allows us to develop a compact description of the propagator for both scalar and fermionic matter, in a circularly polarised background. It is shown that many of the usually observed structures are gauge artefacts. We then analyse the full ultraviolet behaviour of the one-loop corrections for such charges. This enables us to identify and contrast the different renormalisation prescriptions needed for both types of matter.

Gauge-independent approach to resonant dark matter annihilation

In spontaneously broken gauge theories, transition amplitudes describing dark-matter (DM) annihilation processes through a resonance may become highly inaccurate close to a production threshold, if a Breit-Wigner (BW) ansatz with a constant width is used. To partially overcome this problem, the BW propagator needs to be modified by including a momentum dependent decay width. However, such an approach to resonant transition amplitudes generically suffers from gauge artefacts that may also give rise to a bad or ambiguous high-energy behaviour for such amplitudes. We address the two problems of gauge dependence and high-energy unitarity within a gauge-independent framework of resummation implemented by the so-called Pinch Technique. We study DM annihilation via scalar resonances in a gauged U(1)X complex-scalar extension of the Standard Model that features a massive stable gauge field which can play the role of the DM. We find that the predictions for the DM abundance may vary significantly from previous studies based on the naive BW ansatz and propose an alternative simple approximation which leads to the correct DM phenomenology. In particular, our results do not depend on the gauge-fixing parameter and are consistent with considerations from high-energy unitarity.

On gauge dependence of gravitational waves from a first-order phase transition in classical scale-invariant U(1)′ models

We study gauge dependence of gravitational waves produced from a first-order phase transition in classical scale-invariant U(1)′ models. Accidental gauge independence of the one-loop effective potential in this class of models is spoiled by including thermal resummation. The gauge artifact in the resummed effective potential propagates to the gravitational wave spectrum and results in one order of magnitude uncertainties in the prediction under a specific gauge choice.

Gauging away a big bang

We argue that in the tensionless phase of string theory where the stringy gauge symmetries are unbroken, (at least some) cosmological singularities can be understood as gauge artefacts. We present two conceptually related, but distinct, pieces of evidence: one relying on spacetime and the other on worldsheet.

Compactly supported linearised observables in single-field inflation

We investigate the gauge-invariant observables constructed by smearing the graviton and inflaton fields by compactly supported tensors at linear order in general single-field inflation. These observables correspond to gauge-invariant quantities that can be measured locally. In particular, we show that these observables are equivalent to (smeared) local gauge-invariant observables such as the linearised Weyl tensor, which have better infrared properties than the graviton and inflaton fields. Special cases include the equivalence between the compactly supported gauge-invariant graviton observable and the smeared linearised Weyl tensor in Minkowski and de Sitter spaces. Our results indicate that the infrared divergences in the tensor and scalar perturbations in single-field inflation have the same status as in de Sitter space and are both a gauge artefact, in a certain technical sense, at tree level.

Some inconvenient truths

A recent paper by Fr\"ob employs the linearized Weyl-Weyl correlator to construct the tensor power spectrum. Although his purpose was to argue that infrared divergences and secular growth in the graviton propagator are gauge artefacts, a closer examination of the problem leads to the opposite conclusion. The analogies with the BMS symmetries of graviton scattering on a flat background, and with the Aharonov-Bohm effect of quantum mechanics, suggest that de Sitter breaking secular growth is likely to be observable in graviton loop effects. And a recent result for the vacuum polarization does seem to show it.

IR finite graviton propagators in de Sitter spacetime

Graviton propagator diverges in certain gauges in de Sitter spacetime. We address this problem in this work by generalizing the infinitesimal BRST transformations in de Sitter spacetime to finite field-dependent BRST (FFBRST) transformations. These FFBRST transformations are symmetry of the classical action, but do not leave path integral measure invariant for the graviton theory in de Sitter spacetime. Due to the non-trivial Jacobian of such finite transformation the path integral measure changes and hence FFBRST transformation is capable of relating theories in two different gauges. We explicitly construct FFBRST transformation which relates theory with diverging graviton two-point function to theory with infrared (IR) finite graviton. The FFBRST transformation thus establishes that divergence in graviton two-point function may be only a gauge artifact.

A one-loop test for construction of 4DN= 4 SYM from 2D SYM via fuzzy-sphere geometry

As a perturbative check of the construction of four-dimensional (4D) ${\cal N}=4$ supersymmetric Yang-Mills theory (SYM) from mass deformed ${\cal N}=(8,8)$ SYM on the two-dimensional (2D) lattice, the one-loop effective action for scalar kinetic terms is computed in ${\cal N}=4$ $U(k)$ SYM on ${\mathbb R}^2 \times$ (fuzzy $S^2$), which is obtained by expanding 2D ${\cal N}=(8,8)$ $U(N)$ SYM with mass deformation around its fuzzy sphere classical solution. The radius of the fuzzy sphere is proportional to the inverse of the mass. We consider two successive limits: (1) decompactify the fuzzy sphere to a noncommutative (Moyal) plane and (2) turn off the noncommutativity of the Moyal plane. It is straightforward at the classical level to obtain the ordinary ${\cal N}=4$ SYM on ${\mathbb R}^4$ in the limits, while it is nontrivial at the quantum level. The one-loop effective action for $SU(k)$ sector of the gauge group $U(k)$ coincides with that of the ordinary 4D ${\cal N}=4$ SYM in the above limits. Although "noncommutative anomaly" appears in the overall $U(1)$ sector of the $U(k)$ gauge group, this can be expected to be a gauge artifact not affecting gauge invariant observables.

Gauge effects in local hybrid functionals evaluated for weak interactions and the GMTKN30 test set

ABSTRACTThe so-called ‘gauge problem’, due to the non-uniqueness of exchange-energy densities, is a fundamental challenge for density functionals depending on these energy densities, such as local hybrid functionals. We have recently demonstrated how gauge effects influence the potential-energy curves of the argon dimer, and other quantities depending on ‘non-physical’ Pauli repulsions introduced by incompatible gauges of (semi-)local and exact-exchange energy densities . Introduction of suitable calibration functions depending only on semi-local quantities allowed to correct for these deficiencies and suggested ways to obtain more accurate local hybrid functionals beyond the local spin density approximation (LSDA) exchange-energy density. Here we extend the study of the gauge problem by comparing a number of uncalibrated and calibrated local hybrids for (1) the potential-energy curves of further noble-gas dimers and (2) for the entire GMTKN30 test set and its individual subsets. We find that DFT-D3 dispersion corrections fitted to be compatible with uncalibrated local hybrids have to correct not only for missing London dispersion but also for gauge artefacts that make weak interactions too repulsive. This burden is taken away when using properly calibrated local hybrids, which perform much better for dispersion-sensitive quantities already without D3 corrections, and which require only the physically relevant dispersion to be corrected for. The present results suggest directions for further improvement of calibration functions for local hybrids.

Efficient volumetric error compensation technique for additive manufacturing machines

Purpose – This paper aims to present a methodology for volumetric error compensation. This technique is applied to an Objet Eden350V 3D printer and involves a custom measurement strategy. Design/methodology/approach – The kinematic model of the printer is explained, and its error model is simplified to 18 independent error functions. Each error function is defined by a cubic Legendre polynomial. The coefficients of the polynomials are obtained through a Levenberg–Marquardt optimization process. This optimization process compares, in an iterative algorithm, nominal coordinates with actual values of the cloud of points. The points are built in the faces of a gauge artefact as conical sockets defining one unique point for each socket. These points are measured by a coordinate measuring machine self-centring measurement process. Findings – Most of the errors of the 3D printer are systematic. It is possible to obtain an improvement of 70 per cent in terms of global mean error reduction in single points within a volume of 120 × 120 × 40 mm. The forecast of the final error compensation fully matches the actual final error. Practical implications – This methodology can be used for accuracy improvement in additive manufacturing machines. Originality/value – Unlike the calculation of geometric errors, the proposed parametric determination through optimization of the error model allows global error reduction, which decreases all sort of systematic errors concurrently. The proposed measurement strategy allows high reliability, high speed and operator independence in the measurement process, which increases efficiency and reduces the cost. The proposed methodology is easily translated to other rapid prototyping machines and allows scalability when replicating artefacts covering any working volume.

用于多传感器坐标测量机探测误差评价的薄环规标准器

用于多传感器坐标测量机探测误差评价的薄环规标准器

Properties of hypermassive neutron stars formed in mergers of spinning binaries

We present numerical simulations of binary neutron star mergers, comparing irrotational binaries to binaries of NSs rotating aligned to the orbital angular momentum. For the first time, we study spinning BNSs employing nuclear physics equations of state, namely the ones of Lattimer and Swesty as well as Shen, Horowitz, and Teige. We study mainly equal mass systems leading to a hypermassive neutron star (HMNS), and analyze in detail its structure and dynamics. In order to exclude gauge artifacts, we introduce a novel coordinate system used for post-processing. The results for our equal mass models show that the strong radial oscillations of the HMNS modulate the instantaneous frequency of the gravitational wave (GW) signal to an extend that leads to separate peaks in the corresponding Fourier spectrum. In particular, the high frequency peaks which are often attributed to combination frequencies can also be caused by the modulation of the $m=2$ mode frequency in the merger phase. As a consequence for GW data analysis, the offset of the high frequency peak does not necessarily carry information about the radial oscillation frequency. Further, the low frequency peak in our simulations is dominated by the contribution of the plunge and the first 1--2 bounces. The amplitude of the radial oscillations depends on the initial NS spin, which therefore has a complicated influence on the spectrum. Another important result is that HMNSs can consist of a slowly rotating core with an extended, massive envelope rotating close to Keplerian velocity, contrary to the common notion that a rapidly rotating core is necessary to prevent a prompt collapse. Finally, our estimates on the amount of unbound matter show a dependency on the initial NS spin, explained by the influence of the latter on the amplitude of radial oscillations, which in turn cause shock waves.

The conformal gauge to the derivative gauge for worldsheet gravity

The BRST quantizations of worldsheet gravity corresponding to final more acceptable derivative gauge and the standard conformal gauge are studied. We establish a mapping between these two gauges utilizing FFBRST formulation in standard way. Therefore, we are able to declare that the problems associated with Virasoro constraints are the gauge artifact.

Towards improved local hybrid functionals by calibration of exchange-energy densities.

A new approach for the calibration of (semi-)local and exact exchange-energy densities in the context of local hybrid functionals is reported. The calibration functions are derived from only the electron density and its spatial derivatives, avoiding spatial derivatives of the exact-exchange energy density or other computationally unfavorable contributions. The calibration functions fulfill the seven more important out of nine known exact constraints. It is shown that calibration improves substantially the definition of a non-dynamical correlation energy term for generalized gradient approximation (GGA)-based local hybrids. Moreover, gauge artifacts in the potential-energy curves of noble-gas dimers may be corrected by calibration. The developed calibration functions are then evaluated for a large range of energy-related properties (atomization energies, reaction barriers, ionization potentials, electron affinities, and total atomic energies) of three sets of local hybrids, using a simple one-parameter local-mixing. The functionals are based on (a) local spin-density approximation (LSDA) or (b) Perdew-Burke-Ernzerhof (PBE) exchange and correlation, and on (c) Becke-88 (B88) exchange and Lee-Yang-Parr (LYP) correlation. While the uncalibrated GGA-based functionals usually provide very poor thermochemical data, calibration allows a dramatic improvement, accompanied by only a small deterioration of reaction barriers. In particular, an optimized BLYP-based local-hybrid functional has been found that is a substantial improvement over the underlying global hybrids, as well as over previously reported LSDA-based local hybrids. It is expected that the present calibration approach will pave the way towards new generations of more accurate hyper-GGA functionals based on a local mixing of exchange-energy densities.

Cosmological perturbations in unimodular gravity

We study cosmological perturbation theory within the framework of unimodular gravity. We show that the Lagrangian constraint on the determinant of the metric required by unimodular gravity leads to an extra constraint on the gauge freedom of the metric perturbations. Although the main equation of motion for the gravitational potential remains the same, the shift variable, which is gauge artifact in General Relativity, cannot be set to zero in unimodular gravity. This non-vanishing shift variable affects the propagation of photons throughout the cosmological evolution and therefore modifies the Sachs-Wolfe relation between the relativistic gravitational potential and the microwave temperature anisotropies. However, for adiabatic fluctuations the difference between the result in General Relativity and unimodular gravity is suppressed on large angular scales. Thus, no strong constraints on the theory can be derived.

Inflationary consistency conditions from a wavefunctional perspective

It is shown that the squeezed limit of inflationary expectation values follows from reparametrization invariance of the wavefunction of the universe. This translates into a constraint on the longitudinal modes of functional derivatives of the wavefunction. Thus, the local non-Gaussianity induced by single field inflation is purely a gauge artifact, and should not yield a physically measurable effect. We focus on Einstein gravity in de Sitter space and single field inflation, although the formalism only relies on the diffeomorphism invariance of the theory, and thus applies to any theory of gravity.

Phase transitions and gauge artifacts in an Abelian Higgs boson plus singlet model

While the finite-temperature effective potential in a gauge theory is a gauge-dependent quantity, in several instances a first-order phase transition can be triggered by gauge-independent terms. A particularly interesting case occurs when the potential barrier separating the broken and symmetric vacua of a spontaneously broken symmetry is produced by tree-level terms in the potential. Here, we study this scenario in a simple Abelian Higgs model, for which the gauge-invariant potential is known, augmented with a singlet real scalar. We analyze the possible symmetry-breaking patterns in the model, and illustrate in which cases gauge artifacts are expected to manifest themselves most severely. We then show that gauge artifacts can be pronounced even in the presence of a relatively large, tree-level singlet-Higgs cubic interaction. When the transition is strongly first order, these artifacts, while present, are more subtle than in the generic situation.

Analysis of the consistency of parity-odd nonbirefringent modified Maxwell theory

There exist two deformations of standard electrodynamics that describe Lorentz symmetry violation in the photon sector: CPT-odd Maxwell-Chern-Simons theory and CPT-even modified Maxwell theory. In this article, we focus on the parity-odd nonbirefringent sector of modified Maxwell theory. It is coupled to a standard Dirac theory of massive spin-1/2 fermions resulting in a modified quantum electrodynamics (QED). This theory is discussed with respect to properties such as microcausality and unitarity, where it turns out that these hold. Furthermore, a priori, the limit of the theory for vanishing Lorentz-violating parameters seems to be discontinuous. Since it is not clear, whether this is a gauge artifact, the cross section for a physical process - modified Compton scattering - is calculated numerically. Despite the numerical instabilities occurring for scattering of unpolarized electrons off polarized photons in the second physical polarization state, it is shown that for Lorentz-violating parameters much smaller than 1 the modified theory approaches standard QED, which is strengthened by analytical investigations. Hence, the theory proves to be consistent, at least with regard to the investigations performed. This leads to the interesting result of having a well-defined parity-odd extension of QED.

Physical equivalence between the covariant and physical graviton two-point functions in de Sitter spacetime

It is known that the covariant graviton two-point function in de Sitter spacetime is infrared-divergent for some choices of gauge parameters. On the other hand, it is also known that there are no infrared divergences requiring an infrared cutoff for the physical graviton two-point function for this spacetime in the transverse-traceless-synchronous gauge in the global coordinate system. We show in this paper that the covariant graviton Wightman two-point function with two gauge parameters is equivalent to the physical one in the global coordinate system in the sense that they produce the same two-point function of any local gauge-invariant tensor linear in the graviton field such as the linearized Weyl tensor. This confirms the fact, pointed out decades ago, that the infrared divergences of the graviton two-point function in the covariant gauge for some choices of gauge parameters are a gauge artifact in the sense that they do not contribute to the Wightman two-point function of any local gauge-invariant tensor field in linearized theory.