The initial value problem for ordinary differential equations with infinitely many derivatives

We study existence, uniqueness and regularity of solutions for ordinary differential equations with infinitely many derivatives such as (linearized versions of) nonlocal field equations of motion appearing in particle physics, nonlocal cosmology and string theory. We develop an appropriate Lorentzian functional calculus via Laplace transform which allows us to interpret rigorously an operator of the form $f(\partial_t)$ on the half line, in which $f$ is an analytic function. We find the most general solution to the equation $f(\partial_t) \phi = J(t)$ (t greater or equal to 0) in the space of exponentially bounded functions, and we also analyze in full detail the delicate issue of the initial value problem. In particular, we state conditions under which the solution $\phi$ admits a finite number of derivatives, and we prove rigorously that if an a priori data directly connected with our Lorentzian calculus is specified, then the initial value problem is well-posed and it requires only a finite number of initial conditions.Comment: PACS numbers: 02.30.Uu, 04.50.Kd, 11.10.Lm, 98.80.J

The role of short periodic orbits in quantum maps with continuous openings

We apply a recently developed semiclassical theory of short periodic orbits to the continuously open quantum tribaker map. In this paradigmatic system the trajectories are partially bounced back according to continuous reflectivity functions. This is relevant in many situations that include optical microresonators and more complicated boundary conditions. In a perturbative regime, the shortest periodic orbits belonging to the classical repeller of the open map - a cantor set given by a region of exactly zero reflectivity - prove to be extremely robust in supporting a set of long-lived resonances of the continuously open quantum maps. Moreover, for step like functions a significant reduction in the number needed is obtained, similarly to the completely open situation. This happens despite a strong change in the spectral properties when compared to the discontinuous reflectivity case.Comment: 6 pages, 4 figures. arXiv admin note: text overlap with arXiv:1604.0181

A Link Between the Semi-Major Axis of Extrasolar Gas Giant Planets and Stellar Metallicity

The fact that most extrasolar planets found to date are orbiting metal-rich stars lends credence to the core accretion mechanism of gas giant planet formation over its competitor, the disc instability mechanism. However, the core accretion mechanism is not refined to the point of explaining orbital parameters such as their unexpected semi-major axes and eccentricities. We propose a model, which correlates the metallicity of the host star with the original semi-major axis of its most massive planet, prior to migration, considering that the core accretion scenario governs giant gas planet formation. The model predicts that the optimum regions for planetary formation shift inward as stellar metallicity decreases, providing an explanation for the observed absence of long period planets in metal-poor stars. We compare our predictions with the available data on extrasolar planets for stars with masses similar to the mass of the Sun. A fitting procedure produces an estimate of what we define as the Zero Age Planetary Orbit (ZAPO) curve as a function of the metallicity of the star. The model also hints that the lack of planets circling metal-poor stars may be partly caused by an enhanced destruction probability during the migration process, since the planets lie initially closer to the central stars.Comment: Nature of the replacement: According to recent simulations, the temperature profile, T, is more adequately reproduced by beta = 1 rather than beta = 2. We have introduced a distance scale factor that solves the very fast drop of T for low metallicity and introduces naturally the inferior distance limit of our ZAPO. Under this modification all the fitting process was altere