The Lorentzian distance formula in noncommutative geometry

For almost twenty years, a search for a Lorentzian version of the well-known Connes' distance formula has been undertaken. Several authors have contributed to this search, providing important milestones, and the time has now come to put those elements together in order to get a valid and functional formula. This paper presents a historical review of the construction and the proof of a Lorentzian distance formula suitable for noncommutative geometry.Comment: 16 pages, final form, few references adde

A quantum theoretical explanation for probability judgment errors

A quantum probability model is introduced and used to explain human probability judgment errors including the conjunction, disjunction, inverse, and conditional fallacies, as well as unpacking effects and partitioning effects. Quantum probability theory is a general and coherent theory based on a set of (von Neumann) axioms which relax some of the constraints underlying classic (Kolmogorov) probability theory. The quantum model is compared and contrasted with other competing explanations for these judgment errors including the representativeness heuristic, the averaging model, and a memory retrieval model for probability judgments. The quantum model also provides ways to extend Bayesian, fuzzy set, and fuzzy trace theories. We conclude that quantum information processing principles provide a viable and promising new way to understand human judgment and reasoning

Atomic spin sensitive dissipation on magnetic surfaces

We identify the mechanism of energy dissipation relevant to spin-sensitive nanomechanics including the recently introduced magnetic exchange force microscopy, where oscillating magnetic tips approach surface atomic spins. The tip-surface exchange couples spin and atom coordinates, leading to a spin-phonon problem with Caldeira-Leggett type dissipation. In the overdamped regime, that can lead to a hysteretic flip of the local spin with a large spin-dependent dissipation, even down to the very low experimental tip oscillation frequencies, describing recent observations for Fe tips on NiO. A phase transition to an underdamped regime with dramatic drop of magnetic tip dissipation should in principle be possible by tuning tip-surface distance.Comment: 4 pages, 4 figure

Heat cost of parametric generation of microwave squeezed states

In parametric systems, squeezed states of radiation can be generated via extra work done by external sources. This eventually increases the entropy of the system despite the fact that squeezing is reversible. We investigate the entropy increase due to squeezing and show that it is quadratic in the squeezing rate and may become important in the repeated operation of tunable oscillators (quantum buses) used to connect qubits in various proposed schemes for quantum computing.Comment: 11 pages, 1 figur

Testing the Standard Model and searching for New Physics with Bd→ππB_d \to \pi \pi and Bs→KKB_s \to K K decays

We propose to perform a combined analysis of $B \to \pi\pi$ and $B_s \to K^+ K^-$ modes, in the framework of a global CKM fit. The method optimizes the constraining power of these decays and allows to derive constraints on NP contributions to penguin amplitudes or on the $B_s$ mixing phase. We illustrate these capabilities with a simplified analysis using the recent measurements by the LHCb Collaboration, neglecting correlations with other SM observables.Comment: 5 pages, 4 figures. v2: references and clarifications added, version published in JHE

Magnetic properties of the double perovskites LaPbMSbO6 (M = Mn, Co and Ni)

New double perovskites LaPbMSbO6, where M2+ = Mn2+, Co2+, and Ni2+, were synthesized as polycrystals by an aqueous synthetic route at temperatures below 1000 oC. All samples are monoclinic, space group P21/n, as obtained from Rietveld analysis of X-ray powder diffraction patterns. The distribution of M2+ and Sb5+ among the two octahedral sites have 3% of disorder for M2+ = Ni2+, whereas for M2+ = Mn2+ and Co2+ less disorder is found. The three samples have an antiferromagnetic transition, due to the antiferromagnetic coupling between M2+ through super-superexchange paths M2+ - O2- - Sb5+ - O2- - M2+. Transition temperatures are low: 8, 10 and 17 K for Mn2+, Co2+, and Ni2+ respectively, as a consequence of the relatively long distances between the magnetic ions M2+. Besides, for LaPbMnSbO6 a small transition at 45 K was found, with ferrimagnetic characteristics, possibly as a consequence of a small disorder between Mn2+ and Sb5+. This disorder would give additional and shorter interaction paths: superexchange Mn2+ - O2- - Mn2+.Comment: 4 pages, 4 figures included. Manuscript submitted to IEEE Transactions on Magnetics, proceedings of the LAW3M 2013 conferenc

Worries and Hopes for SUSY in CKM Physics: The b to s Example

We discuss the twofold role of flavor and CP violation as a constraint in model building and as a signal of SUSY. Considering as an example b to s transitions, we analyze present bounds on SUSY parameters, discuss possible deviations from SM predictions in Bd and Bs physics and present strategies to reveal SUSY signals in present and future experiments in the CKM domain.Comment: Invited talks given by A. Masiero and L. Silvestrini at the Workshop on the CKM Unitarity Triangle, IPPP Durham, April 2003 (eConf C0304052). 9 pages, 5 figure