Parity-odd terms in the trace anomaly of Weyl fermions: elusive or illusory?

by Dr Sebastian Franchino-Vinas (Helmholtz-Institut Dresden-Rossendorf)

Thursday 15 Jun 2023, 14:00 → 15:00 Europe/Rome

603 e online (Dip.to di Fisica Universitá di Genova)

There is an ongoing discussion regarding the presence of a parity-odd term in the trace anomaly of a quantum field theory consisting of a free Weyl fermion in curved spacetime. The term in question is proportional to the Pontryagin density, times an imaginary factor of dangerous astrophysical implications. In this talk, I will begin by recalling some generalities of (trace) anomalies. Afterwards, I will slowly get into the details, exposing the particularities that arise in the case of Weyl fermions. I will state the arguments provided by those who claim that the odd term does exist, as well as the replies by those of us who asseverate the opposite.

 

Per connettersi a zoom:
Topic: Theory and Pheno seminars
https://infn-it.zoom.us/j/8573185271
Meeting ID: 857 318 5271

franchino_genova.pdf