Search

A search for proton decay into $e^+/\mu^+$ and a $\eta$ meson has been performed using data from a 0.373 Mton$\cdot$year exposure (6050.3 live days) of Super-Kamiokande. Compared to previous searches this work introduces an improved model of the intranuclear $\eta$ interaction cross section, resulting in a factor of two reduction in uncertainties from this source and $\sim$10\% increase in signal efficiency. No significant data excess was found above the expected number of atmospheric neutrino background events resulting in no indication of proton decay into either mode. Lower limits on the proton partial lifetime of $1.4\times\mathrm{10^{34}~years}$ for $p\rightarrow e^+\eta$ and $7.3\times\mathrm{10^{33}~years}$ for $p\rightarrow \mu^+\eta$ at the 90$\%$ C.L. were set. These limits are around 1.5 times longer than our previous study and are the most stringent to date.

The Super-Kamiokande and T2K collaborations present a joint measurement of neutrino oscillation parameters from their atmospheric and beam neutrino data. It uses a common interaction model for events overlapping in neutrino energy and correlated detector systematic uncertainties between the two datasets, which are found to be compatible. Using 3244.4 days of atmospheric data and a beam exposure of $19.7(16.3) \times 10^{20}$ protons on target in (anti)neutrino mode, the analysis finds a 1.9$\sigma$ exclusion of CP-conservation (defined as $J_{CP}=0$) and a preference for the normal mass ordering., Comment: 12 pages, 4 figures

The spectra of $N$-boson systems with arbitrary nonzero spin $\mathfrak{f}$ have been studied. Firstly, only the singlet pairing interaction is considered, a set of eigenstates together with the eigenenergies are analytically obtained. The completeness of this set is proved. The analytical expression allows us to see clearly the spin structures of various states different in $N$ and/or $\mathfrak{f}$, and to find out the similarity and relationship lying among them. Secondly, the effect of other interactions is evaluated via exact numerical calculations on the systems with a smaller $N$. Some features and notable phenomena that might emerge in high-$\mathfrak{f}$ systems, say, the ground band might have extremely high level density, have been discussed., Comment: 11 pages, 4 figures

We have performed a quantum mechanic calculation (including solving the coupled Gross-Pitaevskii equations to obtain the spatial wave functions, and diagonalizing the spin-dependent Hamiltonian in the spin-space to obtain the total spin state) together with an analytical analysis based on a classical model. Then, according to the relative orientations of the spins $S_A$, $S_B$ and $S_C$ of the three species, the spin-textures of the ground state can be classified into two types. In Type-I the three spins are either parallel or anti-parallel to each others, while in Type-II they point to different directions but remain to be coplanar. Moreover, according to the magnitudes of $S_A$, $S_B$ and $S_C$ the spin-textures can be further classified into four kinds, namely, $p$+$p$+$p$ (all atoms of each species are in singlet-pairs), one species in $f$ (fully polarized) and two species in $q$ (a mixture of polarized atoms and singlet-pairs), two in $f$ and one in $q$, and $f$+$f$+$f$. Other combinations are not allowed. The scopes of the parameters that supports a specific spin-texture have been specified. A number of spin-texture-transitions have been found. For Type-I, the critical values at which a transition takes place are given by simple analytical formulae, therefore these values can be predicted., Comment: 15 pages, 4 figures

Based on the numerical solutions of the coupled Gross-Pitaevskii equations, the spin-textures of a Bose-Einstein condensate with two kinds of spin-1 atoms have been studied. Besides, the probability densities of an atom in spin component $\mu$ and of two correlated atoms one in $\mu$ and one in $\nu$ have been calculated. By an analysis of the densities, four types of texture have been found. (i) Both species are in polar phase. (ii) Both species are in ferromagnetic (f) phase with all the spins lying along a direction. (iii) Both species are in f phase but the spins of different species are lying along opposite directions. (iv) One species in f phase, one species in quasi-f phase (where the spins are divided into two groups lying along opposite directions). This finding simplifies the previous classification. Moreover, we found that the variation and transition of the spin-textures can be sensitively reflected by these probability densities. Therefore, the theoretical and experimental studies on these densities provide a way to discriminate the spin-textures and/or to determine the parameters (say, the strengths of interaction) involved., Comment: 13 pages, 8 figures. Corresponding author: C.G. Bao, stsbcg@mail.sysu.edu.cn

We study harmonically trapped two-species Bose-Einstein condensates within the Gross-Pitaevskii formalism. By invoking the Thomas-Fermi approximation, we derive an analytical solution for the miscible ground state in a particular region of the system's parameter space. This solution furnishes a simple formula for determining the relative strength of the interspecies interaction from a measurement of the density distribution of only one of the two species. Accompanying numerical simulations confirm its accuracy for sufficiently large numbers of condensed particles. The introduced formula provides a condensate-based scheme that complements the typical experimental methods of evaluating interspecies scattering lengths from collisional measurements on thermal samples., Comment: 6 pages, 2 color figures

A general approach is proposed to solve the coupled Gross-Pitaevskii equations (CGP) for K-species Bose-Einstein condensates (BEC). Analytical solutions have been obtained under the Thomas-Fermi approximation. We aim at finding out the common features of the K-species BEC. In particular, two types of phase-transitions, full-state-transition and partial-state transition, are found. In the former all species are involved in the transition, while in the latter only a few specified species are essentially involved. This leads to the criticality and the hidden criticality (previously found in multi-band superconductivity). We further found that the former originates from the singularity of the whole matrix of the CGP, while the latter originates from the singularity of a specified sub-matrix (which is contributed by only a few specified species). It is emphasized that the singularity is not a by-product of the TFA, but is inherent in the CGP., Comment: 8 pages, 5 figures

The coupled Gross-Pitaevskii equations for two-species BEC have been solved analytically under the Thomas-Fermi approximation (TFA). Based on the analytical solution, two formulae are derived to relate the particle numbers $N_A$ and $N_B$ with the root mean square radii of the two kinds of atoms. Only the case that both kinds of atoms have nonzero distribution at the center of an isotropic trap is considered. In this case the TFA has been found to work nicely. Thus, the two formulae are applicable and are useful for the evaluation of $N_A$ and $N_B$., Comment: 3 pages, 1 figure

An approach is proposed to solve the coupled Gross-Pitaevskii equations (CGP) of the 3-species BEC in an analytical way under the Thomas-Fermi approximation (TFA). It was found that, when the strength of a kind of interaction increases and crosses over a critical value, a specific type of state-transition will occur and will cause a jump in the total energy. Due to the jump, the energy of the lowest symmetric state becomes considerably higher. This leaves a particular opportunity for the lowest asymmetric state to replace the symmetric states as the ground state. It was further found that the critical values are related to the singularity of either the matrix or a sub-matrix of the CGP. These critical values are not arising from the TFA but inherent in the CGP, and they can be analytically expressed. Furthermore, a model (in which two kinds of atoms separated from each other asymmetrically) has been proposed for the evaluation of the energy of the lowest asymmetric state. With this model the emergence of the asymmetric ground state is numerically confirmed under the TFA. The theoretical formalism of this paper is quite general and can be generalized for BEC with more than three species., Comment: 11 pages, 3figures

The coupled Gross-Pitaevskii equations for the g.s. of the three-species condensates (3-BEC) have been solved analytically under the Thomas-Fermi approximation. Six types of spatial configurations in miscible phase are found. The whole parameter-space has been divided into zones each supports a specific configuration (miscible or immiscible). The borders of the zones are described by analytical formulae. Due to the division, the variation of the spatial configuration against the parameters can be visualized, and the effects of the parameters can be thereby understood. There are regions in the parameter-space where the configuration is highly sensitive to the parameters. These regions are tunable and valuable for the determination of the parameters., Comment: 7 pages,3 figures

Under the Thomas-Fermi approximation, a relatively much simpler analytical solutions of the coupled Gross-Pitaevskii equations for the two-species BEC have been derived. Additionally, a model for the asymmetric states has been proposed, and the competition between the symmetric and asymmetric states has been evaluated. The whole parameter-space is divided into zones, each supports a specific phase, namely, the symmetric miscible phase, the symmetric immiscible phase, or the asymmetric phase. Based on the division the phase-diagrams against any set of parameters can be plotted. Thereby, the effects of these parameters can be visualized. There are three critical values in the inter-species interaction $% V_{AB} $ and one in the ratio of particle numbers $N_{A}/N_{B}$. They govern the transitions between the phases. Two cases, (i) the repulsive $V_{AB}$ matches the repulsive $% V_{A}+V_{B}$, and (ii) the attractive $V_{AB}$ nearly cancels the effect of the repulsive $V_{A}+V_{B}$ have been particularly taken into account. The former leads to a complete separation of the two kinds of atoms , while the latter lead to a collapse. Finally, based on an equation derived in the paper, a convenient experimental approach is proposed to determine the ratio of particle numbers ., Comment: 8 pages, 5 figures

Based on the perturbation theory up to the second order, analytical asymptotic expressions for the variation of the population of hyperfine component $\mu=0 $ particles in the ground state of spin-1 condensates against a magnetic field $B$ has been derived. The ranges of $B$ in which the asymptotic expressions are applicable have been clarified via a comparison of the numerical results from the analytical expressions and from a diagonalization of the Hamiltonian in a complete spin-space. It was found that, For $^{87}$Rb, the two analytical expressions, one for a weak and the other one for a strong field, together cover the whole range of $B$ from 0 to infinite. For Na, the analytical expressions are valid only if $B$ is very weak or sufficiently strong., Comment: 9 pages, 4 figures

A generalized Gross-Pitaevskii equation adapted to the $U(5)\supset SO(5)\supset SO(3)$ symmetry has been derived and solved for the spin-2 condensates. The spin-textile and the degeneracy of the ground state (g.s.) together with the factors affecting the stability of the g.s., such as the gap and the level density in the neighborhood of the g.s., have been studied. Based on a rigorous treatment of the spin-degrees of freedom, the spin-textiles can be understood in a $N$-body language. In addition to the ferro-, polar, and cyclic phases, the g,s, might in a mixture of them when $0< M< 2N$ ($M$ is the total magnetization). The great difference in the stability and degeneracy of the g.s. caused by varying $\varphi $ (which marks the features of the interaction) and $M$ is notable. Since the root mean square radius $R_{rms}$ is an observable, efforts have been made to derive a set of formulae to relate $R_{rms}$ and $% N$, $\omega $(frequency of the trap), and $\varphi $. These formulae provide a way to check the theories with experimental data., Comment: 6 pages, 4 figures

Magnetic metamaterials consist of magnetic resonators smaller in size than their excitation wavelengths. Their unique electromagnetic properties were characterized by the effective media theory at the early stage. However, the effective media model does not take into account the interactions between magnetic elements; thus, the effective properties of bulk metamaterials are the result of the "averaged effect" of many uncoupled resonators. In recent years, it has been shown that the interaction between magnetic resonators could lead to some novel phenomena and interesting applications that do not exist in conventional uncoupled metamaterials. In this paper, we will give a review of recent developments in magnetic plasmonics arising from the coupling effect in metamaterials. For the system composed of several identical magnetic resonators, the coupling between these units produces multiple discrete resonance modes due to hybridization. In the case of a system comprising an infinite number of magnetic elements, these multiple discrete resonances can be extended to form a continuous frequency band by strong coupling. This kind of broadband and tunable magnetic metamaterial may have interesting applications. Many novel metamaterials and nanophotonic devices could be developed from coupled resonator systems in the future., Comment: 10 papges, 10 figures, It is a review paper about coupled magnetic metamaterials

Based on symmetry constraint that leads to the appearance of nodes in the wave functions of 3-electron systems at regular triangle configurations, it was found that, if the parameters of confinement are skillfully given and if a magnetic field is tuned around the critical point of the singlet-triplet transition, a 2-electron quantum dot can be used as a highly sensitive switch for single-electron transport., Comment: 4 pages, 5 figures

The low-lying spectrum of a 3-electron narrow ring has been analyzed analytically. A phase-diagram for the ground state band against the magnetic field and the radius of the ring is obtained. The symmetry background of the fractional Aharonov-Bohm oscillation has been revealed. A very strong oscillation in the dipole transition is found. The discussion can be generalized to N-electron rings., Comment: 5 pages, 4 figures

The symmetry constraints imposing on the quantum states of a dot with 13 electrons has been investigated. Based on this study, the favorable structures (FSs) of each state has been identified. Numerical calculations have been performed to inspect the role played by the FSs. It was found that, if a first-state has a remarkably competitive FS, this FS would be pursued and the state would be crystal-like and have a specific core-ring structure associated with the FS. The magic numbers are found to be closely related to the FSs., Comment: 13 pages, 5 figures

The yield for the multi-strange $\Xi^{-}$ hyperon has been measured in 6 AGeV Au+Au collisions via reconstruction of its decay products $\pi^{-}$ and $\Lambda$, the latter also being reconstructed from its daughter tracks of $\pi^{-}$ and p. The measurement is rather close to the threshold for $\Xi^{-}$ production and therefore provides an important test of model predictions. The measured yield for $\Xi^{-}$ and $\Lambda$ are compared for several centralities. In central collisions the $\Xi^{-}$ yield is found to be in excellent agreement with statistical and transport model predictions, suggesting that multi-strange hadron production approaches chemical equilibrium in high baryon density nuclear matter., Comment: Submitted to PRL

Source images are extracted from two-particle correlations constructed from strange and non-strange hadrons produced in 6 AGeV Au + Au collisions. Very different source images result from pp vs p$\Lambda$ vs $\pi^-\pi^-$ correlations. These observations suggest important differences in the space-time emission histories for protons, pions and neutral strange baryons produced in the same events.

Rapidity distributions of protons from central $^{197}$Au + $^{197}$Au collisions measured by the E895 Collaboration in the energy range from 2 to 8 AGeV at the Brookhaven AGS are presented. Longitudinal flow parameters derived using a thermal model including collective longitudinal expansion are extracted from these distributions. The results show an approximately linear increase in the longitudinal flow velocity, $<\beta\gamma>_{L}$, as a function of the logarithm of beam energy., Comment: 5 Pages, including 3 figures, 1 table

The E895 Collaboration at the Brookhaven AGS has performed a systematic investigation of Au+Au collisions at 2-8 AGeV, using a large-acceptance Time Projection Chamber. In addition to extensive measurements of particle flow, spectra, two-particle interferometry, and strangeness production, we have performed novel hybrid analyses, including azimuthally-sensitive pion HBT, extraction of the six-dimensional pion phasespace density, and a first measurement of the Lambda-proton correlation function., Comment: Presented at Quark Matter 2001, 8 pages, 5 figures

Directed flow measurements for $\Lambda$-hyperons are presented and compared to those for protons produced in the same Au+Au collisions (2, 4, and 6 AGeV; $b < 5 - 6$ fm). The measurements indicate that $\Lambda$-hyperons flow consistently in the same direction and with smaller magnitudes than those of protons. Such a strong positive flow [for $\Lambda$s] has been predicted in calculations which include the influence of the $\Lambda$-nucleon potential. The experimental flow ratio $\Lambda$/p is in qualitative agreement with expectations ($\sim 2/3$) from the quark counting rule at 2 AGeV but is found to decrease with increasing beam energy., Comment: 5 pages including 4 Figs. Submitted to Phys. Rev. Lett

We have measured the sideward flow of neutral strange ($K^0_s$) mesons in 6 AGeV Au + Au collisions. A prominent anti-flow signal is observed for an impact parameter range (b $\lesssim 7$ fm) which spans central and mid-central events. Since the $K^0_s$ scattering cross section is relatively small in nuclear matter, this observation suggests that the in-medium kaon vector potential plays an important role in high density nuclear matter., Comment: 5 pages, including 3 figs

Two-pion correlation functions, measured as a function of azimuthal emission angle with respect to the reaction plane, provide novel information on the anisotropic shape and orientation of the pion-emitting zone formed in heavy ion collisions. We present the first experimental determination of this information, for semi-central Au+Au collisions at 2-6 AGeV. The source extension perpendicular to the reaction plane is greater than the extension in the plane, and tilt of the pion source in coordinate space is found to be opposite its tilt in momentum space., Comment: 7 pages, 5 figures; minor tweaks on revision

Using the large acceptance Time Projection Chamber of experiment E895 at Brookhaven, measurements of collective sideward flow in Au + Au collisions at beam energies of 2, 4, 6 and 8A GeV are presented in the form of in-plane transverse momentum and the first Fourier coefficient of azimuthal anisotropy v_1. These measurements indicate a smooth variation of sideward flow as a function of beam energy. The data are compared with four nuclear transport models which have an orientation towards this energy range. All four exhibit some qualitative trends similar to those found in the data, although none shows a consistent pattern of agreement within experimental uncertainties., Comment: Accepted for publication by PRL. Both revisions fix the byline only