Wilson-Loop Characterization of Inversion-Symmetric Topological Insulators

The ground state of translationally-invariant insulators comprise bands which can assume topologically distinct structures. There are few known examples where this distinction is enforced by a point-group symmetry alone. In this paper we show that 1D and 2D insulators with the simplest point-group symmetry - inversion - have a $Z^{\geq}$ classification. In 2D, we identify a relative winding number that is solely protected by inversion symmetry. By analysis of Berry phases, we show that this invariant has similarities with the first Chern class (of time-reversal breaking insulators), but is more closely analogous to the $Z_2$ invariant (of time-reversal invariant insulators). Implications of our work are discussed in holonomy, the geometric-phase theory of polarization, the theory of maximally-localized Wannier functions, and in the entanglement spectrum.Comment: The updated version is accepted in Physical Review

Image Properties of Embedded Lenses

We give analytic expressions for image properties of objects seen around point mass lenses embedded in a flat $\Lambda$CDM universe. An embedded lens in an otherwise homogeneous universe offers a more realistic representation of the lens's gravity field and its associated deflection properties than does the conventional linear superposition theory. Embedding reduces the range of the gravitational force acting on passing light beams thus altering all quantities such as deflection angles, amplifications, shears and Einstein ring sizes. Embedding also exhibits the explicit effect of the cosmological constant on these same lensing quantities. In this paper we present these new results and demonstrate how they can be used. The effects of embedding on image properties, although small i.e., usually less than a fraction of a percent, have a more pronounced effect on image distortions in weak lensing where the effects can be larger than 10%. Embedding also introduces a negative surface mass density for both weak and strong lensing, a quantity altogether absent in conventional Schwarzschild lensing. In strong lensing we find only one additional quantity, the potential part of the time delay, which differs from conventional lensing by as much as 4%, in agreement with our previous numerical estimates.Comment: 17 pages, 6 figure

Multi-Weyl Topological Semimetals Stabilized by Point Group Symmetry

We perform a complete classification of two-band \bk\cdot\mathbf{p} theories at band crossing points in 3D semimetals with $n$-fold rotation symmetry and broken time-reversal symmetry. Using this classification, we show the existence of new 3D topological semimetals characterized by $C_{4,6}$-protected double-Weyl nodes with quadratic in-plane (along $k_{x,y}$) dispersion or $C_6$-protected triple-Weyl nodes with cubic in-plane dispersion. We apply this theory to the 3D ferromagnet HgCr$_2$Se$_4$ and confirm it is a double-Weyl metal protected by $C_4$ symmetry. Furthermore, if the direction of the ferromagnetism is shifted away from the [001]- to the [111]-axis, the double-Weyl node splits into four single Weyl nodes, as dictated by the point group $S_6$ of that phase. Finally, we discuss experimentally relevant effects including splitting of multi-Weyl nodes by applying $C_n$ breaking strain and the surface Fermi arcs in these new semimetals.Comment: 4+ pages, 2 figures, 1 tabl

Enhanced visibility of graphene: effect of one-dimensional photonic crystal

We investigate theoretically the light reflectance of a graphene layer prepared on the top of one-dimensional Si/SiO2 photonic crystal (1DPC). It is shown that the visibility of the graphene layers is enhanced greatly when 1DPC is added, and the visibility can be tuned by changing the incident angle and light wavelengths. This phenomenon is caused by the absorption of the graphene layer and the enhanced reflectance of the 1DPC.Comment: 4 pages, 4 figures. published, ApplPhysLett_91_18190

Semileptonic B decays into excited charmed mesons from QCD sum rules

Exclusive semileptonic $B$ decays into excited charmed mesons are studied with QCD sum rules in the leading order of heavy quark effective theory. Two universal Isgur-Wise functions \tau and \zeta for semileptonic B decays into four lowest lying excited $D$ mesons ($D_1$, $D_2^*$, $D'_0$, and $D'_1$) are determined. The decay rates and branching ratios for these processes are calculated.Comment: RevTeX, 17 pages including 2 figure

DsJ+(2632)D_{sJ}^+(2632): An Excellent Candidate of Tetraquarks

We analyze various possible interpretations of the narrow state $D_{sJ}(2632)$ which lies 100 MeV above threshold. This interesting state decays mainly into $D_s \eta$ instead of $D^0 K^+$. If this relative branching ratio is further confirmed by other experimental groups, we point out that the identification of $D_{sJ}(2632)$ either as a $c\bar s$ state or more generally as a ${\bf {\bar 3}}$ state in the $SU(3)_F$ representation is probably problematic. Instead, such an anomalous decay pattern strongly indicates $D_{sJ}(2632)$ is a four quark state in the $SU(3)_F$ ${\bf 15}$ representation with the quark content ${1\over 2\sqrt{2}} (ds\bar{d}+sd\bar{d}+su\bar{u}+us\bar{u}-2ss\bar{s})\bar{c}$. We discuss its partners in the same multiplet, and the similar four-quark states composed of a bottom quark $B_{sJ}^0(5832)$. Experimental searches of other members especially those exotic ones are strongly called for

High energy neutrinos from magnetars

Magnetars can accelerate cosmic rays to high energies through the unipolar effect, and are also copious soft photon emitters. We show that young, fast-rotating magnetars whose spin and magnetic moment point in opposite directions emit high energy neutrinos from their polar caps through photomeson interactions. We identify a neutrino cut-off band in the magnetar period-magnetic field strength phase diagram, corresponding to the photomeson interaction threshold. Within uncertainties, we point out four possible neutrino emission candidates among the currently known magnetars, the brightest of which may be detectable for a chance on-beam alignment. Young magnetars in the universe would also contribute to a weak diffuse neutrino background, whose detectability is marginal, depending on the typical neutrino energy.Comment: emulateapj style, 6 pages, 1 figure, ApJ, v595, in press. Important contributions from Dr. Harding added. Major revisions made. More conservative and realistic estimates about the neutrino threshold condition and emission efficiency performed. More realistic typical beaming angle and magnetar birth rate adopte

X-Ray Flares from Postmerger Millisecond Pulsars

Recent observations support the suggestion that short-duration gamma-ray bursts are produced by compact star mergers. The X-ray flares discovered in two short gamma-ray bursts last much longer than the previously proposed postmerger energy release time scales. Here we show that they can be produced by differentially rotating, millisecond pulsars after the mergers of binary neutron stars. The differential rotation leads to windup of interior poloidal magnetic fields and the resulting toroidal fields are strong enough to float up and break through the stellar surface. Magnetic reconnection--driven explosive events then occur, leading to multiple X-ray flares minutes after the original gamma-ray burst.Comment: 10 pages, published in Scienc