Classical Dimensional Transmutation and Confinement

We observe that probing certain classical field theories by external sources uncovers the underlying renormalization group structure, including the phenomenon of dimensional transmutation, at purely-classical level. We perform this study on an example of $\lambda\phi^{4}$ theory and unravel asymptotic freedom and triviality for negative and positives signs of $\lambda$ respectively. We derive exact classical $\beta$ function equation. Solving this equation we find that an isolated source has an infinite energy and therefore cannot exist as an asymptotic state. On the other hand a dipole, built out of two opposite charges, has finite positive energy. At large separation the interaction potential between these two charges grows indefinitely as a distance in power one third

Electron Glass Dynamics

Examples of glasses are abundant, yet it remains one of the phases of matter whose understanding is very elusive. In recent years, remarkable experiments have been performed on the dynamical aspects of glasses. Electron glasses offer a particularly good example of the 'trademarks' of glassy behavior, such as aging and slow relaxations. In this work we review the experimental literature on electron glasses, as well as the local mean-field theoretical framework put forward in recent years to understand some of these results. We also present novel theoretical results explaining the periodic aging experiment.Comment: Invited review to appear in Annual Review of Condensed Matter Physic

Optimization of self-similar factor approximants

The problem is analyzed of extrapolating power series, derived for an asymptotically small variable, to the region of finite values of this variable. The consideration is based on the self-similar approximation theory. A new method is suggested for defining the odd self-similar factor approximants by employing an optimization procedure. The method is illustrated by several examples having the mathematical structure typical of the problems in statistical and chemical physics. It is shown that the suggested method provides a good accuracy even when the number of terms in the perturbative power series is small.Comment: Latex file, 16 page

Sub-diffraction light propagation in fibers with anisotropic dielectric cores

We present a detailed study of light propagation in waveguides with anisotropic metamaterial cores. We demonstrate that in contrast to conventional optical fibers, our structures support free-space-like propagating modes even when the waveguide radius is much smaller than the wavelength. We develop analytical formalism to describe mode structure and propagation in strongly anisotropic systems and study the effects related to waveguide boundaries and material composition

Results from the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider

We describe the current status of the heavy ion research program at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC). The new suite of experiments and the collider energies have opened up new probes of the medium created in the collisions. Our review focuses on the experimental discoveries to date at RHIC and their interpretation in the light of our present theoretical understanding of the dynamics of relativistic heavy ion collisions and of the structure of strongly interacting matter at high energy density.Comment: 47 pages, 10 figures, submitted to Annual Review of Nuclear and Particle Science. The authors invite and appreciate feedback about possible errors and/or inconsistencies in the manuscrip

Nuclear Matter and Nuclear Dynamics

Highlights on the recent research activity, carried out by the Italian Community involved in the "Nuclear Matter and Nuclear Dynamics" field, will be presented.Comment: Proceedings of the 12th Conference on Problems in Theoretical Nuclear Physics, to appear in Journal of Physics, Conference Serie

Two state scattering problem to Multi-channel scattering problem: Analytically solvable model

Starting from few simple examples we have proposed a general method for finding an exact analytical solution for the two state scattering problem in presence of a delta function coupling. We have also extended our model to deal with general one dimensional multi-channel scattering problems

Shocks and Universal Statistics in (1+1)-Dimensional Relativistic Turbulence

We propose that statistical averages in relativistic turbulence exhibit universal properties. We consider analytically the velocity and temperature differences structure functions in the (1+1)-dimensional relativistic turbulence in which shock waves provide the main contribution to the structure functions in the inertial range. We study shock scattering, demonstrate the stability of the shock waves, and calculate the anomalous exponents. We comment on the possibility of finite time blowup singularities.Comment: 37 pages, 7 figure

Strongly anisotropic media: the THz perspectives of left-handed materials

We demonstrate that non-magnetic ($\mu \equiv 1$) left-handed materials can be effectively used for waveguide imaging systems. We also propose a specific THz realization of the non-magnetic left-handed material based on homogeneous, naturally-occurring media

DNA waves and water

Some bacterial and viral DNA sequences have been found to induce low frequency electromagnetic waves in high aqueous dilutions. This phenomenon appears to be triggered by the ambient electromagnetic background of very low frequency. We discuss this phenomenon in the framework of quantum field theory. A scheme able to account for the observations is proposed. The reported phenomenon could allow to develop highly sensitive detection systems for chronic bacterial and viral infections.Comment: Invited talk at the DICE2010 Conference, Castiglioncello, Italy September 201