arXiv:2607.04679v2 Announce Type: replace-cross Abstract: The molecular states in coupled channel system of $B_s^0N- B\Lambda- B^*\Lambda- B\Sigma- B^*\Sigma$ are investigated within one-boson-exchange model that includes $S$-$D$ wave mixing and a tunable short-range $\delta(r)$ term. Bound, resonant, and virtual states are searched by analytically continuing the $S$ matrix in the complex energy plane. In the single-channel analysis, the $ B\Sigma$ and $ B^*\Sigma$ systems with $J^P=1/2^-$ and $3/2^-$ are found to be attractive and form three bound states with reasonable cutoff region, corresponding to $1/2^-( B\Sigma)$, $1/2^-( B^*\Sigma)$, and $3/2^-( B^*\Sigma)$ . When coupled-channel dynamics is included, these states evolve into near-threshold poles that produce enhancements in the $B_s^0N$, $ B\Lambda$, and $ B^*\Lambda$ invariant mass spectra. The pole below the $ B^*\Sigma$ threshold in the $J^P=1/2^-$ system depends strongly on the treatment of the short-range $\delta(r)$ term and becomes a virtual state when this contribution is removed, while the other two resonant poles and their line shapes are only moderately affected. For representative parameter region, the predicted masses of these states lie in the $6.44-6.52$ GeV region and have widths of a few to several MeV. The pole coupling and partial-width analyses indicate that the poles are generated mainly by the $ B\Sigma$ and $ B^*\Sigma$ channels interaction, and their observable signals are expected mainly in the lower open channels $B_s^0N$, $ B\Lambda$, and $ B^*\Lambda$. These results support the existence of near-threshold molecular pentaquark $P_{ \bar b s}$ and provide useful guidance in future experimental searches.

arXiv:2607.02280v2 Announce Type: replace-cross Abstract: Braiding statistics, familiar from anyons in fractional quantum Hall systems, are a central manifestation of topology in quantum physics. Ordinary braiding extends naturally to higher-dimensional excitations: a $p$-dimensional excitation and a $q$-dimensional excitation can braid in $d=p+q+2$ spatial dimensions. In this work, we identify a new type of mutual statistics that exists in one lower spatial dimension, $d=p+q+1$. This includes particle-particle statistics in one dimension, particle-loop statistics in two dimensions, and loop-loop or particle-membrane statistics in three dimensions. The corresponding field-theory response is governed by the Bockstein homomorphism, so we call the invariant Bockstein braiding statistics. On lattices, the Bockstein statistics is measured by the Berry phase accumulated in a universal microscopic unitary process built from local excitation operators. We further show that nontrivial Bockstein braiding is the statistical manifestation of a mixed anomaly of the corresponding symmetries. This anomaly rules out a fully symmetric gapped phase, obstructs simultaneous condensation of the two excitations, and implies fractionalization of higher-form symmetries. We illustrate these consequences in a $(1{+}1)$-dimensional spin-$\frac12$ chain, where Bockstein braiding statistics detects the mixed anomaly between $\prod_i X_i$ and $\prod_i \mathrm{CZ}_{i,i+1}$, and in strongly coupled $(3{+}1)$-dimensional continuum gauge theories.

arXiv:2606.29235v2 Announce Type: replace-cross Abstract: Pseudo entropy between quantum states at different times is generally complex, yet its imaginary part has lacked a bounded operational meaning. We show that a calibrated replica interferometer converts the pseudo-R\'enyi phase into a directly measurable record of transition orientation. Together with replica visibility, it exactly determines the trace distance between forward and backward ancilla outputs and hence the Helstrom-optimal single-shot success probability. At short times, the symmetrized covariance of the modular and physical Hamiltonians sets the initial distinguishability response. Under any common quantum channel, the corresponding orientation information can only decrease, with equality characterized by Petz recovery. Imaginary pseudo entropy therefore records a reversible distinction between temporal orientations, while coarse graining can make the loss of that record irreversible.

arXiv:2606.20894v2 Announce Type: replace-cross Abstract: We investigate a K-essence like cosmological model whose scalar-field potential is constructed from a negative power-law S\'aez--Ballester potential. By means of a suitable field redefinition from $\phi$ to $\varphi$, we show that the resulting field equations acquire a mathematical structure analogous to that of a previously solved Friedmann-Lema\^itre-Robertson-Walker (FLRW) cosmological model. This correspondence allows us to obtain exact classical solutions for both the scale factor and the scalar field within the Hamiltonian formalism. The resulting cosmological dynamics exhibits a late-time accelerated expansion, with the deceleration parameter approaching the asymptotic value $q\rightarrow -1$, characteristic of a de Sitter phase. At the quantum level, the corresponding Wheeler-DeWitt (WDW) equation is derived and exact quantum solutions are obtained. These results provide a consistent classical and quantum description of the cosmological evolution generated by this class of K-essence models. In this formalism, the scalar field remains as a cosmic background where the universe unfolds, which is glimpsed from the quantum solution perspective.

arXiv:2605.30006v2 Announce Type: replace-cross Abstract: This note studies the quantized corner structure of four-dimensional $BF$ theory, classifies the associated free and physical corner algebras and constructs possible representations. In the abelian case, for arbitrary closed oriented surfaces and in the presence or absence of a cosmological term, explicit presentations of the corner algebras are obtained in terms of generators and relations, identifying them as infinite-dimensional oscillator-type Lie algebras with an abelian summand. A construction of infinite families of simple modules via bosonic Fock space representations is provided. In the non-abelian case on the torus, the corner algebras are described as quotients constructed from the central extensions of double-loop algebras over certain non-semisimple Lie algebras. A construction of infinite families of simple Fock-type modules of the free corner algebra via an induced module procedure is also provided. The resulting modules descend only trivially to the physical quotient, revealing an obstruction in the present construction in the non-abelian setting.

arXiv:2605.00093v2 Announce Type: replace-cross Abstract: Merging galaxy clusters are a promising laboratory for measuring the self-interaction cross-section (SICS) of dark matter. However, previous studies have focused on galaxy-mass offsets, which numerical simulations have shown to be intrinsically small because galaxies remain tightly coupled to the dominant dark matter potential even with significant self-interaction. Their interpretation is further complicated by unknowns of the merger phase, geometry, and initial conditions. In this paper, we overcome these obstacles by introducing the shock-to-shock distance, traced by double radio relics, as a merger chronometer that time-stamps the post-pericenter dynamical phase. Because the propagation speed of merger shocks is nearly independent of the SICS, while the halo-to-halo distance is depressed by SIDM-induced drag, the ratio of the two distances translates directly into a constraint on sigma/m. Applying this method to a gold sample of eleven cluster mergers hosting symmetric double radio relics, we determine an upper limit on the SICS of sigma/m < 0.22 (0.63) cm^2/g at the 68% (95%) confidence level. This is the first constraint from cluster collisions that fully marginalizes over mass uncertainty, viewing angle, collision speed, merger phase, impact parameter, and gas profile slope.

arXiv:2604.24872v2 Announce Type: replace-cross Abstract: The $(1+1)$-dimensional chiral anomaly is a paradigmatic exact result in quantum field theory, traditionally formulated for zero-temperature pure states where it arises from spectral flow induced by external gauge fields and captures universal ground-state properties. In mixed states, however, the participation of many states and charge exchange with the environment invalidate this mechanism. Naive extensions yield model-dependent anomaly coefficients, calling its universality into question. Here, we resolve this problem for Abelian symmetries by deriving the anomaly from an algebraic relation between the symmetry and its flux-insertion operator. We obtain symmetry-charge flow, a mixed-state generalization of spectral flow, in which an applied field redistributes statistical weight across symmetry-resolved charge sectors. Fixed solely by symmetry, the anomaly restores universality and applies to both pure and mixed states in fermionic and bosonic systems. We substantiate these results in tight-binding fermionic models with continuous symmetry and in spin models with discrete symmetries.

arXiv:2604.22725v3 Announce Type: replace-cross Abstract: We investigate the scalar sector of linear cosmological perturbations in quadratic gravity. Working in the Einstein frame, we derive the equations of motion in a gauge-independent manner and express them in terms of three sets of gauge-invariant variables. This approach allows us to distinguish genuine physical effects from gauge artefacts, which is particularly relevant for assessing the stability of perturbations in this theory. In the superhorizon limit, we obtain the leading-order behaviour of the relevant gauge-invariant variables and analyse the perturbations in commonly used gauges. We find that the Newtonian gauge exhibits an apparent instability, characterised by the exponential growth of the metric perturbations. However, this growth is non-generic and gauge-dependent; in the other gauges analysed in this work, the perturbations remain well behaved within the perturbative regime. Our analysis also demonstrates how the evolution behaviour of a gauge-invariant variable changes under the frame transformation and clarifies the relation between results obtained in the Jordan and Einstein frames.

arXiv:2604.15758v2 Announce Type: replace-cross Abstract: We study a simple theory based on general relativity, minimally coupled to a constrained scalar triplet and to an auxiliary non-propagating three-form sector. Within a spherically symmetric hedgehog ansatz, the theory admits a continuous exact family of asymptotically flat geometrically regular black holes. For a simple choice of kinetic function, the solutions possess a de Sitter core and approach Schwarzschild with the first correction appearing only at order $r^{-4}$. We analyse their horizon structure, thermodynamics, and main strong-field properties. The black holes carry topological scalar hair and a continuous secondary parameter, but no scalar charge. The regularity established here is geometric: the curvature invariants remain finite, although the matter sector is not completely smooth at the centre.

arXiv:2604.02078v3 Announce Type: replace-cross Abstract: We investigate the symmetry structure of the $3+1$ D staggered fermion Hamiltonian and its implications for anomalies. Since the spin and flavor degrees of freedom of Dirac fermions are distributed over the lattice, in addition to the standard on-site mass term, the staggered fermion system also admits one-, two-, and three-link bilinear terms within a unit cube as local, charge conserving mass terms with different spin and flavor dependence. We identify the spin flavor structures of all those bilinear mass terms and determine the symmetries preserved by each of them. Among them, one of the one-link mass terms preserves a larger residual symmetry associated with conserved charges that generate the Onsager algebra. Motivated by this structure, we consider a kink profile of the one-link mass and analyze the resulting domain-wall system. In the low-energy limit, the $3+1$ D bulk becomes gapped, while two-flavor massless Dirac fermions appear as localized modes on the $2+1$ D domain wall. We show that the bulk conserved charges act on the wall as generators of a flavor $\mathrm{SU}(2)$ symmetry, and that no symmetric mass gap is allowed for the boundary theory when this $\mathrm{SU}(2)$ symmetry and space reflection symmetry are both imposed. This realizes the parity anomaly of the boundary theory and shows that the boundary flavor symmetry and anomaly descend from the ultraviolet staggered-fermion Hamiltonian rather than emerging only in the infrared.

arXiv:2603.24269v2 Announce Type: replace-cross Abstract: We provide a set of general tools to study the problem of stellar equilibrium in any gravitational theory in which spherically symmetric spacetimes satisfy master field equations taking the form of an equality between an identically conserved tensor, with derivatives of up to second order in the metric, and an identically conserved matter tensor. We derive the most general expression for the Tolman--Oppenheimer--Volkoff equation of stellar equilibrium that is compatible with these minimal requirements. A general discussion of the conditions that guarantee geodesic completeness at the center of symmetry is also presented. The equations of stellar equilibrium are integrated in a subset of the space of allowed deformations of general relativity proposed by Ziprick and Kunstatter, allowing us to illustrate universal aspects associated with the weakening of the strength of gravity, such as the mitigation of the Buchdahl limit obtained in general relativity or the existence of static solutions describing regular black holes with perfect fluid cores.

arXiv:2602.13618v2 Announce Type: replace-cross Abstract: The findings on the spin polarization of $\Lambda$, $\Xi$, and $\Omega$ hyperons and spin alignment of $K^{*0}$, $\phi$, and $D^{*+}$ mesons in relativistic heavy-ion collision experiments at the RHIC and LHC facilities propose the emergence of a strong vorticity field produced in these collisions. Contemplating the potential impact of vorticity on the space-time evolution of deconfined QCD matter and its freeze-out properties, we aim to investigate its characteristics within the medium. We introduce a complementary and data-driven approach to quantify the global vorticity field by extracting it directly from the transverse momentum spectra of produced hadrons. Employing the experimental data for $\Lambda$, $\Xi$, $\Omega$, $K^{*0}$, $K^{*\pm}$, $\phi$, $\rho$, and $D^{*+}$ at mid-rapidity in Au+Au and Pb+Pb collisions over a wide range of beam energies, $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}}=7.7$ GeV-5.02 TeV, and centrality classes, we systematically examine spin-vorticity coupling in the medium. Our finding on the magnitude of the extracted vorticity is consistent with values deduced from $\Lambda$ and $\bar{\Lambda}$ polarization measurements using statistical thermal models under the non-relativistic limit. Notably, we observe a prominent particle-species dependence of the vorticity, as well as a non-trivial variation with collision centrality and beam energy. These results indicate that vorticity-driven spin phenomena are sensitive to hadron structure and freeze-out dynamics, providing new constraints on the rotational properties of the QCD matter.

arXiv:2510.05346v4 Announce Type: replace-cross Abstract: We present an exact solution for entanglement entropy for the real-time dynamics following a quench from a thermal pure quantum (TPQ) state in a free-fermion system. In contrast to the usual linear growth and saturation behavior, the entanglement entropy exhibits a characteristic double-plateau structure. We establish this behavior through three complementary approaches: an exact conformal field theory calculation on the Klein bottle, finite-size Gaussian-state simulations, and a quasiparticle picture that becomes quantitatively accurate in the scaling regime.

arXiv:2508.02819v3 Announce Type: replace-cross Abstract: We investigate signatures of quantum chaos in the mixed-field quantum Ising model on finite-size Erd\H{o}s-R\'enyi graphs using probes scalable on near-term quantum devices. Upon tuning the graph connectivity, the system exhibits a crossover from a localized regime at low connectivity, through a chaotic regime at intermediate connectivity, to a permutation-symmetric integrable limit near all-to-all connectivity. This crossover has possible implications for the performance and trainability of variational algorithms such as QAOA. We characterize this crossover in finite-size systems using complementary probes. First, deep thermalization of a projected ensemble starting from a product state reveals slow (fast) convergence to the Haar ensemble at extremal (intermediate) connectivities. Second, we analyze eigenstate and eigenvalue correlations using the partial spectral form factor, an experimentally scalable proxy for the spectral form factor with reduced resource overhead, and observe characteristic chaos signatures at intermediate connectivities and distinct deviations at extremal connectivities. Finally, we explore the Krylov complexity of operators, a locality-independent diagnostic that, although not directly experimentally accessible, serves as a tool for quantifying scrambling. We show that it is maximized deep in the chaotic regime, corroborating the signatures observed through the experimentally scalable probes. Our results provide finite-size benchmarks demonstrating robust signatures of chaos in scalable probes and suggest that these diagnostics can be implemented in current quantum platforms to access regimes beyond classical simulation.

arXiv:2507.13905v2 Announce Type: replace-cross Abstract: We systematically extend the framework of galaxy bias renormalization to two-loop order. For the minimal complete basis of 29 deterministic bias operators up to fifth order in the density field and at leading order in gradient expansion we explicitly work out one- and two-loop renormalization. The latter is provided in terms of double-hard limits of bias kernels, which we find to depend on only one function of the ratio of the loop momenta. After including stochasticity in terms of composite operator renormalization, we apply the framework to the two-loop power spectrum of biased tracers and provide a simple result suitable for numerical evaluation. In addition, we work out one- and two-loop renormalization group equations (RGE) for deterministic bias coefficients related to bias operators constructed from a smoothed density field, generalizing previous works. We identify a linear combination of bias operators with enhanced UV sensitivity, related to a positive eigenvalue of the RGE. Finally, we present an analogy with the RGE as used in quantum field theory, suggesting that a resummation of large logarithms as employed in the latter may also yield useful applications in the study of large-scale galaxy bias.

arXiv:2410.20770v2 Announce Type: replace-cross Abstract: This review explores the current understanding of collective excitations and the dynamics of heavy quark propagation in the quark-gluon plasma (QGP) formed in relativistic heavy-ion collisions. We focus on three core aspects: the theoretical modelling of the QGP, including momentum anisotropy, medium-induced collisions, finite chemical potential, and non-ideal interactions; the collective behaviours within the plasma; and the interaction dynamics of heavy quarks as they traverse the medium. Along with the polarization energy loss mechanisms, we also review the possibility of energy gain due to thermal field fluctuations. Lastly, we discuss how these theoretical insights can be tested through experiments and outline possible directions for future research.

arXiv:2407.07941v2 Announce Type: replace-cross Abstract: The deconfined phase of 2+1D $\mathbb{Z}_k$ gauge theory exhibits topological order, with $e$ and $m$ anyons that have a $2\pi/k$ braiding phase. Proliferating either $e$ or $m$ drives Higgs or confinement transitions, respectively. At the multicritical point where these transitions meet, the theory enjoys an additional duality symmetry that exchanges $e$ and $m$ anyons. This symmetry forces anyons with nontrivial braiding to close their gaps simultaneously, giving rise to a critical theory that mixes strong interactions with mutual statistics. We propose an effective ${\rm U(1)}\times {\rm U(1)}$ gauge theory with a mutual Chern-Simons term at level $k$ to describe the vicinity of the multicritical point for $k \geq 4$. The emergence of a global ${\rm U(1)}^{\rm{top}} \times {\rm U(1)}^{\rm{top}}$ symmetry at the critical point imposes powerful constraints on universal properties of the phase transition. In particular, we show that (1) the lattice magnetic flux operator embeds as a conserved ${\rm U(1)}$ current with protected scaling dimension; (2) the first-order line emanating from the critical point for $k = 2$ disappears generically for sufficiently large $k$; (3) the correlation length exponent approaches that of the 3D XY model with corrections of order $1/k^2$ in the large $k$ limit. These predictions can be tested in near-term numerical simulations and pave the way for a more general exploration of topological quantum criticality enriched with anyon-permuting symmetries.

arXiv:2607.05485v3 Announce Type: replace Abstract: In this paper we will examine if nonlocal quantum field theory will suffer from the fermion doubling pathology. We find that for a nonlocal Dirac theory, that no additional fermion species are introduced. This is provided that the form factor is nonvanishing at every point. The proof follows from the invertibility of the entire-function operator, which implies that the nonlocal Dirac operator has exactly the same kernel and finite-momentum zero set as the original local Dirac operator. We will distinguish this result from the standard Nielsen-Ninomiya theorem, which applies local lattice Fermions on a compact Brillouin zone. We provide a general criterion for fermion doubling, a test for Genuine and false doubling, and then a test procedure for mathematical and physical fermion doubling. We then will go on to distinguish this result from finite derivative truncations, which can introduce spurious polynomial zeros. We then conclude that fermion doubling is absent in the full continuum nonlocal theory.

arXiv:2607.03526v2 Announce Type: replace Abstract: How do we define a bulk subsystem in quantum gravity? In \cite{Wong:2025kpz}, we argued that such a subsystem must support local holographic degrees of freedom. These are gravitational edge modes, whose entanglement creates a backreaction that fuses together subregions of spacetime. In this work we give a realization of these ideas in topological string theory, building upon \cite{Donnelly:2020teo,Jiang:2020cqo}. In this theory, a subsystem for closed strings consists of open strings ending on entanglement branes, which play the role of a dynamical entangling surface. Local holography is implemented by the geometric transition of these branes. We define a subregion open string algebra and develop a diagrammatics for open string modular flow for arbitrary states and subregion. We check that the entanglement entropy of these open strings reproduces the gravitational entropy of the associated closed string background. Finally, we relate these local transitions to defect holography.

arXiv:2607.02495v2 Announce Type: replace Abstract: We use the Poincare parametrization of AdS space to develop a general BRST-BV approach for free fields. A general expression for the BRST-BV Lagrangian of fields with arbitrary masses and symmetry types is obtained. We apply this general framework to study totally symmetric massless, massive, and partially-massless fields with arbitrary integer spin and a continuous-spin field. For these fields, the constrained and unconstrained BRST-BV formulations are developed. We investigate both irreducible and reducible fields. In addition, we demonstrate the matching between the obtained BRST-BV Lagrangian and the metric-like Lagrangian formulated in terms of the modified de Donder derivative. Finally, a realization of AdS space symmetries is obtained within the space of fields and antifields entering the BRST-BV formulation.

arXiv:2606.28814v2 Announce Type: replace Abstract: We construct the Euclidean CFT$_{d}$ dual of a generic massive scalar in Lorentzian dS$_{d+1}$ via analytic continuation. The resulting $PT$ defect defines a $PT$-invariant state that reproduces the Bunch-Davies Wightman function. However, the entanglement entropy captures only the real part of the central charge. This motivates a single-geodesic dual based on the timelike geodesic-integrated Wightman function, which yields the correlators between a bulk operator and a linear combination of an OPE block and its Casimir partner. We also derive the associated conformal defect and anomaly from an integral identity of the dS/CFT symmetry group.

arXiv:2606.18639v2 Announce Type: replace Abstract: If entanglement wedge reconstruction is exact, then (under certain assumptions) the area term in the RT formula is a c-number, indicating that the choice of a bulk quantum state does not influence the geometry. Recently Cao, Cheng, Karthikeyan, Li, and Preskill considered a generic perturbation away from exact entanglement wedge reconstruction. The optimal reconstruction was defined; based on this, an effective area function that depends nontrivially on the quantum state was defined and its properties were analyzed. Here we make one aspect of this picture more quantitative, by showing that if as expected the area term in the RT formula is of order 1/G while the bulk entropy is of order 1, then the corrections to entanglement wedge reconstruction are exponentially small (in G) relative to corrections to the area function. In the framework under discussion, there is an area function but no area operator; we discuss to what extent this is the expected behavior in holography.

arXiv:2606.09510v2 Announce Type: replace Abstract: We revisit the effective coupling of the scalaron to gauge fields in $f(R)$ gravity minimally coupled to the Standard Model, focusing on the scalaron decay into two photons. Treating the scalaron as an intrinsic component of the Jordan-frame metric, we analyse quantum effects arising from its coupling to the energy--momentum tensor. In this framework, the trace anomaly contributes to the scalaron--gauge boson interaction. Using Fujikawa's approach, we obtain the trace-anomaly contribution, associated with the transformation of matter fields between the Jordan and Einstein frames, first in QED and then in the full Standard Model. The resulting effective scalaron--photon interaction agrees with direct perturbative calculations that include the trace anomaly and differs from the result obtained when only the classical expression for the trace of the energy--momentum tensor is taken into account in the scalaron interaction. In the limit where the scalaron mass is much smaller than the masses of particles circulating in the loop, the diagrammatic contribution from the classical expression of the trace of the energy--momentum tensor cancels the anomaly-induced term, leading to a vanishing effective coupling and a strong suppression of the scalaron decay rate into photons. These results clarify the origin of discrepancies in the literature concerning the effective scalaron coupling to massless gauge fields. They stem from inequivalent prescriptions for incorporating quantum loop effects in $f (R)$ gravity, leading to different scalaron--gauge field interactions with direct implications for scalaron dark-matter phenomenology.

arXiv:2606.02729v2 Announce Type: replace Abstract: We compute the commutator of a scalar field minimally coupled to gravity at leading order in $G_N$. The commutator is operator-valued, with terms involving derivatives of Dirac deltas supported on the Minkowski light cone. When evaluated on classical/coherent graviton states, these terms ``bend" the support of the commutator in precisely the way required to recover standard causality on a classical curved spacetime. However, these terms are also associated with a variance and are thus a source of uncertainty in the causal relations between events. We quantify this effect for a thermal state of gravitons at temperature $T$ by computing the probability that $[\phi(t,\vec x),\phi(0)]\neq0$. We find that the probability distribution for $\vec x^{\,2}$ is Gaussian, centered on the classical light cone, with a time-growing variance $$ {\rm Var}(\vec x^{\, 2})=\frac{16G_NTt^3}{3}. $$ This result is obtained after subtracting a universal vacuum contribution, which is logarithmically UV divergent and subleading at late times.

arXiv:2605.22628v2 Announce Type: replace Abstract: Real critical systems, such as uniaxial ferromagnets in the 3d Ising universality class, are constrained by boundaries and subject to random couplings. We consider the Wilson-Fisher fixed point in $4-\epsilon$ dimensions subject to a random magnetic field localized on a two-dimensional surface, which becomes co-dimension 1 in the physical $\epsilon\to1$ limit. Using the replica method for the disordered field, we find that the ordinary boundary condition is stable under disorder but also discover a non-trivial ``dirty" boundary condition which can be reached by tuning the disorder strength or the local temperature. We also investigate the logarithmic structure of the defect spectrum and how it emerges via the replica formalism.

arXiv:2605.19810v3 Announce Type: replace Abstract: We recalculate the contributions of individual six loop graphs to the $\beta$-function for a three dimensional scalar theory with an arbitrary sextic scalar potential. Previously this was calculated by Hager who specialised to a theory with maximal $O(N)$ symmetry. Our results differ in some contributions to the overall $\beta$-function but agree with a recent calculation \cite{Kompaniets2}. At large $N$ three eight loop diagrams which are relevant are calculated. At the $O(N)$ fixed point some critical exponents are determined to $\rm O(\varepsilon^3)$. Imposing that the $\beta$-function satisfies a gradient flow equation is shown to require linear relations between some $\beta$-function coefficients. The curvature for the associated metric is also determined. Detailed results for the Feynman integrals are described in the appendices.

arXiv:2605.06998v2 Announce Type: replace Abstract: The most impressively prolific exploration of superstring models (aiming for our physical reality) has been focused on worldsheet-supersymmetric gauged linear sigma models and the closely associated complex-algebraic toric geometry. Mirror duality relates this to the inherently real symplectic geometry of Calabi-Yau factors in spacetime, implying a need for a more general, heterotic framework of analysis. In turn, a closer look at possible deformations even amongst the complex-algebraic complete intersections and toric geometry models themselves indicates an a priori non-algebraic type of generalization that however perfectly aligns with requirements of mirror duality.

arXiv:2603.29816v2 Announce Type: replace Abstract: We discuss how the stochastic approach for supersymmetric theories leads to new ways of characterizing anomalies in how supersymmetry can be broken.

arXiv:2603.09816v2 Announce Type: replace Abstract: In this paper, we study the quasinormal modes (QNMs) of a charged black hole in the presence of both quintessence and a cloud of strings using the Pade-averaged higher-order WKB approximation method. We investigate the effect of the quintessence parameter $\alpha$ and the cloud of strings parameter $\lambda$ on the stability as well as the oscillation frequency of perturbations. The validity of Hod's conjecture, which relates quasinormal frequencies to the black hole temperature, is tested throughout the physically allowed parameter space. Our results show that both the effective potential and the decay rate of perturbations depend on the values of $\alpha$ and $\lambda$, leading to either enhancement or suppression of the conditions required to satisfy Hod's bound. Furthermore, we discuss how these parameters modify the black hole shadow and the corresponding energy emission rate, revealing correlations with observable signatures. Finally, we establish a connection with the Swampland Distance Conjecture by expressing the Hawking temperature in terms of the scalar field excursion. Our analysis leads to a modified Hod bound and identifies a region of parameter space in which both the modified Hod bound and the Swampland constraints are simultaneously satisfied, ensuring consistency between black hole thermodynamics, observational properties, and quantum gravity constraints.

arXiv:2603.02199v3 Announce Type: replace Abstract: In this note, we give a non-perturbative construction of a lightlike domain wall separating IIA and IIB string theories in 10D in the framework of discrete light-cone quantization (DLCQ). In this setting, generalizations of the BFSS conjecture relate the 10D flat space limit to matrix string theories (MSTs) for IIA and IIB. The former is equivalent to the large-$N$ limit of 2D Super Yang-Mills theory, while the latter is the large-$N$ limit of 3D ABJM theory with $\pm 1$ Chern-Simons levels. Our construction requires the string coupling to vanish at the location of the wall, and we show that BPS IIA $D0$-branes become non-BPS IIB $D0$-branes as they cross it, as anticipated in \cite{Heckman:2025wqd}.

arXiv:2512.23795v4 Announce Type: replace Abstract: Recent works reveal a simplicity in equal-time correlators absent from wavefunctions. We show that it follows from the fact that correlators are full spacetime integrals, rather than half-spacetime integrals as for the wavefunction. This makes striking properties manifest: some wavefunction singularities are absent, factorization simplifies, and around every pole the Laurent expansion has vanishing first subleading term. Near the total-energy pole, the expansion to second order is generated by a differential operator on scattering amplitudes.

arXiv:2512.14883v2 Announce Type: replace Abstract: The pole-skipping is a universal property of Green's functions at strong coupling found by the AdS/CFT duality. There is a conventional formalism of the pole-skipping, but it relies on the existence of a "master variable." Namely, it is applicable to a system with a single field. We propose an alternative formalism that does not rely on a master variable. As an example, we study the pole-skipping of holographic superfluids. A "hydrodynamic" pole such as the diffusion pole is usually regarded as a pole-skipping point. But we point out that not all hydrodynamic poles are pole-skipping points.

arXiv:2607.08739v1 Announce Type: cross Abstract: At fixed three-momentum, massive Dirac neutrino one-particle states span a 4D space of particle--antiparticle identity and helicity. We show that helicity flip, charge conjugation, and their product close an internal $SU(2)$ pseudospin subalgebra within $SU(4)$, distinct from the Wigner little group. Its helicity generator is the lepton-number-weighted spin rotation $U_1=2LJ_2$. The lepton-number $L$ and helicity $\mathcal H_h$ grade the 16 generators $\tau_\mu\otimes\sigma_\nu$, organizing the $\Delta L=2$ sector. Helicity-preserving directions $\tau_{1,2}\otimes\sigma_{0,3}$ carry the pseudo-Dirac mixing $\kappa_{\rm pD}=\Delta m^2/4E$ (active--sterile), while helicity-flipping directions $\tau_{1,2}\otimes\sigma_{1,2}$ carry the neutrinoless double-beta decay mass factor (active--active). Furthermore, charge conjugation matches the $U_2$ generator. The Majorana condition is thus a projection onto the $U_2=+1$ eigenspace, where only the Wigner algebra survives. This framework algebraically classifies Majorana masses and pseudo-Dirac splittings without assuming neutrinos are Majorana particles.

arXiv:2607.08738v1 Announce Type: cross Abstract: In the standard curvature-perturbation scenario, PBHs form from the collapse of superhorizon curvature fluctuations after horizon re-entry. The predicted abundance is exponentially sensitive to the collapse threshold and hence to the shape of the primordial curvature profile. In this work we develop a finite-action framework to describe curvature-profile dispersion around representative peak profiles. Using a multipolar Fourier--Bessel decomposition, we separate the local peak variables of the Gaussian field from residual radial and angular deformations, normalized by their Gaussian action. We apply the formalism to spherical numerical-collapse examples in order to isolate the effect of radial shape dispersion. For finite-width spectra, and in the presence of logarithmic local non-Gaussianity, we compute the collapse threshold as a function of a coherent shape variable and combine the result with peak statistics. We find that the dominant contribution to the PBH abundance is not necessarily the mean profile, nor simply the profile with the lowest threshold. Instead, it is selected by a competition between the Gaussian cost of realizing a coherent deformation and the exponential gain associated with lowering the collapse threshold. Broad spectra and negative non-Gaussianity can make rare shape deformations dominate the abundance. In the examples studied here, the dominant branches can correspond to several-sigma coherent shape fluctuations while enhancing the integrated abundance by orders of magnitude. Equivalently, including shape dispersion can reduce the power-spectrum amplitude required to obtain a fixed PBH abundance. Our results show that residual profile dispersion is a genuine statistical ingredient in PBH formation and can be quantitatively important for accurate abundance estimates.

arXiv:2607.08677v1 Announce Type: cross Abstract: We construct a measure that exhibits two aspects of a new type of universality and dramatically simplifies the integration of tensors $T_{a_1,a_2,\ldots,a_D} \in \mathbb{C}$ ($a_1,\ldots,a_D=1,\ldots,N$) at large $N$. In contrast to matrix integration, in which matrix traces canonically yield the integrand, tensors need additional information (equivalent to a $D$-coloured graph $B$) to contract their indices and form a tensor trace $B(T)$. We show that, whenever each $B_1,\ldots, B_n$ can be obtained by a recursive construction known as melonicity, then the leading order in $N$ of the integral of $ {B_1}(T) {B_2}(T) \cdots {B_n}(T) $ is independent of the -- often intricate -- combinatorics of the traces $B_i$, but also, to our surprise, independent of $D$ as far as $D\geq 3$. Instead, at large $N$, these integrals are some functions (indexed by $n$) of the number of vertices $2p_i$ of $B_i$ which we call melonic polynomials. Melonic traces cumulants with respect to any ('interacting') measure \[ \exp\Big\{-N^{D-1} \sum_{i=1}^m g_i {B_i}(T)\Big\} \mathrm{d}\mu_0(T) \quad (g_1,\ldots,g_m \in \mathbb{R}, \mathrm{d}\mu_0(T) =\text{the tensor Gaussian}) \] with each $B_i$ melonic, can be computed with our universal measure that replaces each $B_i$ by a canonical trace depending only on $p_i$. We prove that any two melonic tensor models are indistinguishable at large-$N$, independently of the number of tensor indices (first universality aspect), and of the fine-grainedness of their interactions (second universality), being a sufficient condition that the couplings (the parameters $g_i$ above) agree and their respective traces are monomials with the same degree in $T$.

arXiv:2607.08676v1 Announce Type: cross Abstract: In this note we explore numerically the finite Bernoulli convolutions. We show that with a suitable choice of parameter, it might serve as a toy model for intermittent energy cascade in fully developed turbulence. We then show how the crossings of $\beta$-expansions distribute in $\beta$, and suggest that it might highlight the parameters with enhanced overlap structure that are related to measures that are singular continuous. We later introduce a notion of order to the $\beta$-expansions based on the lexicographical order of the $N$-binary words, and observe that for most sampled adjacent pairs when $\beta=2$, the distance in their order increases exponentially when $\beta$ decreases from 2 to 1. This suggests 'chaotic' behavior, with the 'Lyapunov exponents' bunched into several clusters that depend on $N$. We end the note with some 'order plots' and an interesting connection between the finite $\beta$-compactum with $\beta=g$ (g being the golden ratio) and binary reflected Gray code.

arXiv:2607.08650v1 Announce Type: cross Abstract: We investigate the optical properties of a rotating black hole immersed in a Hernquist dark matter halo. The spacetime is generated from a static Hernquist black hole through the noncomplexification version of the Newman-Janis procedure, yielding a Kerr-like geometry whose halo contribution is encoded in the radial function $\Delta(r)$ \cite{AraujoFilho:2026hernquist}. We derive the null geodesic equations, effective potentials, radial acceleration, and representative three-dimensional photon trajectories around the event horizon and ergoregion. Using the separability of the Hamilton-Jacobi equation, we obtain the critical impact parameters of unstable spherical photon orbits and construct the shadow contours for a distant observer. The rotation parameter mainly shifts and distorts the shadow, whereas the Hernquist halo enlarges the photon capture region and increases the apparent shadow size. Comparing the area-equivalent shadow diameter with the Event Horizon Telescope measurements of Sgr A$^\ast$ and M87$^\ast$, we constrain the dimensionless halo parameter $\hat{\rho}=M^2\rho$. The strongest restriction comes from Sgr A$^\ast$, giving $\hat{\rho}\sim(2.7-3.8)\times10^{-3}$ at $1\sigma$ and $\hat{\rho}\sim(4.1-5.2)\times10^{-3}$ at $2\sigma$. We also analyze strong- and weak-field gravitational lensing. In the strong-field regime, the halo shifts the unstable photon orbit and critical impact parameter, controlling the logarithmic deflection angle and the position of relativistic images. In the weak-field regime, the halo contributes already to the leading bending angle and enhances deviations from Kerr as $\rho$ grows. From the Einstein ring of ESO325-G004, we further obtain $0\leq\hat{\rho}\lesssim0.00939$ at $1\sigma$ and $0\leq\hat{\rho}\lesssim0.01963$ at $2\sigma$.

arXiv:2607.08649v1 Announce Type: cross Abstract: Conformal field theory provides universal predictions for Loschmidt amplitudes following quenches from product states to critical Hamiltonians. Building on this observation, we develop a route to extracting conformal data from real-time dynamics without preparing critical low-energy states. After analytic continuation, the Loschmidt amplitude is described by a boundary-CFT partition function on a strip, whose transverse transfer matrix encodes both the boundary operator spectrum and the central charge. Local space-time perturbations of the amplitude are governed by equilibrium correlation functions, and therefore provide access to critical exponents. In parallel, generalized temporal entropies exhibit scaling with time analogous to the equilibrium scaling of spatial entanglement entropy. We show that the low-lying boundary spectrum can be reconstructed from the system-size dependence of finite-chain Loschmidt echoes, whose damped oscillations encode differences of boundary scaling dimensions. Finally, we propose a finite-size scaling protocol that can extract these quantities from simulations or experiments on state-of-the-art quantum platforms.

arXiv:2607.08629v1 Announce Type: cross Abstract: In these notes, basic concepts and necessary formulas for the modeling of elastic lepton-nucleon and quasielastic lepton-nucleus scattering using relativistic models are discussed. Certain theoretical developments are presented in meticulous detail, particularly those rarely found in papers or standard textbooks. In order to highlight the discrepancies between models and evaluate the impact of various nuclear effects, theoretical predictions are compared with inclusive electron scattering data. These notes are designed for Master's or PhD students embarking on their research in the field of neutrino-nucleus interactions at intermediate energies (ranging from several hundred MeV to a few GeV). They are intended to serve as a supplemental guide, never as a substitute for traditional textbooks on Scattering Theory and Quantum Field Theory. Currently, these notes are included in the course `Relativistic Quantum Theory: Nuclear Processes', which is integrated into both the Interuniversity Master in Nuclear Physics (https://master.us.es/fisicanuclear/index.php/) and the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree in Nuclear Physics (https://www.emm-nucphys.eu/en), with the University of Seville as one of the partner institutions. Previously, this material was part of the course `Weak Interactions', within the same Master's programs.

arXiv:2607.08619v1 Announce Type: cross Abstract: Testing General Relativity (GR) with black hole ringdowns has conventionally focused on attempting to detect shifts away from the quasinormal mode (QNM) frequencies of the Kerr metric. It has recently been argued, however, that the ringdown signal will also be contaminated with the QNM frequencies of any new fields that are present in a beyond-GR scenario, provided that they couple nonminimally to gravity. We study black hole perturbations for the shift-symmetric Horndeski action, which includes all interactions between a massless scalar and gravity that lead to second order equations upon variation. We perturb linearly in the field and also employ a perturbative expansion in the scalar charge per unit black hole mass, $q$. Assuming that the scalar amplitude is suppressed by $q$, we demonstrate that, to order $q^2$, the coupling between the scalar and the Gauss-Bonnet invariant is the only term that contributes to both frequency shifts and contamination, and that the two effects appear at the same perturbative order. If the assumption about the suppression of the scalar amplitude is relaxed, contamination can appear at leading order in $q$, and hence dominate over frequency shifts. In this case, contamination also receives subleading corrections from an additional coupling

arXiv:2607.08583v1 Announce Type: cross Abstract: We develop a general framework for the statistics of mixed-dimensional excitations subject to intertwined conservation laws, extending the familiar Fermi statistics with conserved particle number. We define statistics microscopically through a \emph{hopping-operator algebra}: a local operator subalgebra (LOsA) generated by operators that locally move or deform excitations while preserving the conservation law. Nontrivial statistics arise when this subalgebra is nontrivial. We first focus on LOsAs that encode \emph{pointed} conservation laws. These give rise to invertible excitations, whose fusion rules are exactly those of the symmetry defects of a higher group $\cG$. For such $\cG$-conserved excitations in $d$-dimensional space, we show that the corresponding LOsA -- and hence the statistics it defines -- is classified by a cohomology class $[\omega] \in H^{d+2}(B\cG;\R/\Z)$, where changing $[\omega]$ by a coboundary corresponds merely to a rephasing of the local operators. We further provide a holographic realization: excitations with this prescribed conservation law and statistics live on the boundary of a $\cG$ higher-group gauge theory in $(d+1)$-dimensional space, twisted by $[\omega]$. More generally, non-pointed conservation laws and the associated statistics of non-invertible excitations are defined by a pair: a LOsA together with its excitation-complex representation. This is equivalent to the pair consisting of a LOsA and its Hilbert-space representation, which is the data defining a generalized symmetry. Consequently, non-pointed conservation laws and their statistics in $d$-dimensional space are classified by fusion $d$-categories, just as generalized symmetries are. The higher-group results above are the fully-pointed special cases of this more general classification.

arXiv:2607.08569v1 Announce Type: cross Abstract: The total angular momentum current can be decomposed into orbital and spin contributions in different ways, known as pseudo-gauges. This freedom leads to ambiguities in the definition of local-equilibrium density operators, which in turn affect estimates of spin polarization in heavy-ion collisions. In this work, the pseudo-gauge ambiguity, together with other ambiguities associated with improvements of conserved currents, is reformulated in terms of spurious symmetries corresponding to conserved currents with vanishing total charge. A prescription for the unambiguous definition of a local-equilibrium density operator is introduced using the currents associated with genuine symmetries. The resulting density operator is invariant under transformations that add improvement terms to local currents, including the energy-momentum tensor.

arXiv:2607.08477v1 Announce Type: cross Abstract: We present significant improvements to the AMFlow package for the numerical computation of dimensionally regularized Feynman integrals. Several new features are introduced to reduce computational cost, including an alternative recursion mode, a high-performance differential equation solver, support for state-of-the-art integration-by-parts reducers and other useful improvements. We benchmark the new version on a three-loop five-point topology and find that both the symbolic and numerical performance are significantly improved.

arXiv:2607.08411v1 Announce Type: cross Abstract: We extend Nielsen's geometric approach for quantum complexity from closed to open quantum systems, whose dynamics is governed by Lindbladian evolution. In this framework, complexity is defined through an optimal-control problem on the space of mixed states, with a cost assigned to both unitary and non-unitary generators. We show that the resulting geometric structure differs fundamentally from the Riemannian geometry that emerges in the case of unitary evolution. In the open-system setting, the natural geometry is typically sub-Finslerian. Dissipation makes the geodesics non-reversible, while the admissible tangent directions are restricted by the physically allowed controls. We analyze several physically motivated examples, including a single qubit subject to depolarizing and amplitude-damping channels, as well as the damped harmonic oscillator. We show that, similarly to the unitary case, varying the penalty factors in the cost functional modifies the geometric properties through changes in the flag curvature, the Finslerian analog of sectional curvature. Our results provide a geometric framework for quantifying the abstract notion of complexity in dissipative quantum systems, with potential connections to experimentally realizable setups.

arXiv:2607.08343v1 Announce Type: cross Abstract: A covariant reconstruction framework for Kantowski--Sachs (KS) geometries sourced by Chaplygin-type and polytropic fluids in teleparallel $F(T)$ gravity is developed using the coframe--spin-connection formalism and the invariant Coley--Landry approach. The matter sector is modeled by nonlinear equations of state, including the generalized Chaplygin gas $p=-A/\rho^{\alpha}$ and a polytropic law $p=K\rho^{\Gamma}$. The corresponding conservation laws determine the dependence of the fluid density on the anisotropic KS volume $V=A_2A_3^2$. These source scalings are then inserted into the symmetric part of the covariant teleparallel field equations and used to reconstruct the functional form of $F(T)$ directly from the KS dynamics. Power-law and exponential ans\"atze generate distinct invariant reconstruction branches. In the power-law sector, the Chaplygin fluid produces mixed constant-plus-power source terms, while the polytropic sector generates density powers controlled by the polytropic index. In the exponential sector, the natural reconstruction variable is the shifted invariant $X=T_0-T$, leading to shifted teleparallel de Sitter branches. The reconstructed models are interpreted as local anisotropic cosmological sectors and, for contracting angular KS scale factors, as local Kantowski--Sachs black-hole-interior reconstruction branches. The analysis is local and branch-dependent; leading-order viability is assessed through \(F_T>0\) and \(F_{TT}>0\), while a complete perturbative stability analysis is left for future work. The reconstruction is entirely driven by nonlinear matter conservation laws, thereby reversing the standard reconstruction strategy in which the gravitational Lagrangian is prescribed a priori.

arXiv:2607.08333v1 Announce Type: cross Abstract: We study linear gravito-electromagnetic perturbations of a slowly rotating 4-derivative corrected Kerr-Newman (KN) black hole (BH), using a perturbative approach beyond the KN geometry up to first order in angular momentum, first order in the higher-derivative parameters ci, i = 1,2...8, and 14th order in the BH electric charge. We derive the corrected coupled radial master equations for both axial and polar perturbation sectors. We extend the asymptotic iteration method (AIM) to apply to coupled second-order ordinary differential equations (ODEs) and employ it to compute the quasinormal frequencies (QNFs) of the system.Our results show pronounced isospectrality breakings between the two parity sectors, induced by c6,c7 and c8,particularly for high charge BH.Finally, we parameterize the QNFs via a analytical fitting procedure for broader applicability.

arXiv:2607.08228v1 Announce Type: cross Abstract: Regular black holes in Horndeski theories must have stable horizons and regular centers. We study static, spherically symmetric, asymptotically flat configurations with a time-independent scalar. The horizon branch on which the scalar kinetic term $X$ remains nonzero is generically obstructed by divergent propagation speeds or ghost/gradient instabilities, aside from special degeneracies. On the regular branch, where $X$ vanishes at the horizon, analyticity at the relevant $X=0$ endpoints reduces the leading scalar equation to finite sets of Taylor coefficients. For nondegenerate shift-symmetric theories this gives a nonperturbative current no-hair theorem: the scalar is constant and the metric is Schwarzschild, hence centrally singular for nonzero ADM mass. For non-shift-symmetric positive-power couplings, the corresponding exclusion applies to the perturbative branch continuously connected to Schwarzschild. We also classify marginal nonanalytic departures: covariant regularity fixes the scalar-Gauss-Bonnet chain as the unique marginal nonanalytic completion. Hairy black holes in this completion evade the analytic current step but remain centrally singular.

arXiv:2607.08169v1 Announce Type: cross Abstract: Quantum computing has emerged as a promising framework for addressing computationally demanding problems in collider physics. In recent years, a growing number of quantum algorithms have been proposed for applications ranging from event generation and parton shower simulation to the evaluation of scattering amplitudes, loop and phase-space integration, and optimization problems relevant to experimental analysis. We provide a concise overview of the main ideas behind these developments, with emphasis on the potential advantages of quantum approaches in comparison with classical methods, as well as on the current limitations imposed by noisy intermediate-scale quantum hardware.

arXiv:2607.08120v1 Announce Type: cross Abstract: Suggestions of a late-time phantom crossing from DESI baryon acoustic oscillation measurements, combined with cosmic microwave background and Type-Ia supernova observations, have renewed interest in non-standard dark energy models. In this Letter, we propose a new realization of a low redshift phantom crossing using only well understood ingredients from fermion condensation and general relativity. Our construction relies on the interplay between effective quintom-like dark energy and backreaction from non-linear structure formation. The full cosmological evolution is consistent with $\Lambda$CDM until low redshift, where the backreaction starts to become prominent and a phase transition occurs. At this point, the total dark energy equation of state first crosses $w_{\text{DE}}=-1$ from above. For benchmark values of the backreaction energy density, a second crossing from below occurs at a lower redshift, as suggested by recent observation. Fitting our theoretical model with CPL parametrization, we find the result is consistent with the combined DESI+CMB+SNIa data analysis with DESY5, PantheonPlus, and Union3 datasets. Specifically, for backreaction density parameter $\Omega_{\rm BR}(z=0) = 0.0572$, the CPL parametrization gives the phantom crossing redshift $z_* \simeq 0.35$, $w_0 \simeq -0.76 $ and $w_a \simeq -0.93$.

arXiv:2607.08030v1 Announce Type: cross Abstract: We present a new class of exact solutions in Einstein-Gauss-Bonnet gravity in 2+1 dimensions that generalize the C-metric. This set of metrics equals the C-metric multiplied by a factor which, along with the massless scalar field, depends on a single variable whose value governs the structure of the spacetime. As in Einstein gravity there are three classes of metrics, but within each class we find six distinct subclasses of solutions. After discussing their basic structure, we concentrate only on one subclass that is locally AdS. In the zero-coupling limit, this subclass of solutions not only remains well defined and recovers the C-metric but also encompasses two previously unknown representations of the AdS spacetime. Furthermore, we establish the existence of a domain wall and delineate its energy conditions. We also find new classes of solutions of non-constant curvature, whose interpretation remains to be understood.