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The LHC is expected to fid new physics beyond the Standard Model (BSM). Technicolor models are a class of BSM models which involve a new strongly interacting sector responsible for electroweak symmetry breaking (EWSB). The phenomenological viability of these models depends on features such as the existence of an infrared fixed point (IRFP) at strong coupling, and the size of the mass anomalous dimension at this fixed point. As these features are at strong coupling they are not accessible to perturbative methods, and so need to be investigated non-perturbatively using lattice methods. In this thesis, two candidate Technicolor theories are investigated using two independent and complementary lattice methods, the Schrodinger Functional (SF) and the Monte Carlo Renormalisation Group (MCRG), to measure the running of the coupling and the anomalous mass dimension in these theories.

As results from the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) begin to shed light on the physics of the electroweak scale, which has been of primary interest to theorists for many years, we have entered a phase where critical judgement of the many models of electroweak symmetry breaking (EWSB) that have been developed in recent years will be possible. As this process continues, those models which are not additionally constrained by emerging data attract increased scrutiny and interest. In this respect, technicolor models, in which EWSB occurs dynamically through the spontaneous chiral symmetry breaking in a new strongly coupled sector, are the subject of growing research activity. The focus of this work is a program of investigation of Minimal Walking Technicolor (MWT), a candidate theory for the new strongly coupled sector of a model of dynamical EWSB using Lattice Gauge Theory (LGT) techniques. We have performed an improved comprehensive study of mesonic spectral observables within MWT, with emphasis on nite volume e ects arising from nite temporal and spatial boundaries. Our results clarify the role of nite volume e ects in such studies, while con rming the near-conformal behaviour of the theory in the infra-red, and indicating a relatively small value of the mass anomalous dimension, in agreement with other studies. We also describe a calculation of the leading order hadronic vacuum polarisation contribution to the anomalous magnetic moment of the muon from a lattice simulation of 2+1 avour lattice QCD using Domain Wall Fermions (DWF). We investigate in detail a number of systematic uncertainties involved in this calculation, determining how to e ectively bring them under control, and obtain a result in close agreement with previous determinations from LGT studies, from calculations based on independent experimental data, and from experimental measurements. We present a preliminary calculation of the contribution to the electroweak S parameter from MWT, using a mixed-action simulation involving the DWF action used for the valence sector combined with gauge con gurations generated using the Wilson fermion action for sea quarks.

This thesis is part of a larger qualification effortperformed at Westinghouse Electric Sweden AB of the PHOENIX5 latticephysics code. The aim of the thesis is to validate PHOENIX5 withregards to cold criticality tests performed at the Toshiba NCAfacility in 2010-2011. For this, 26 different models were built torepresent the experiments performed by Toshiba in PHOENIX5. As anindependent reference, models were also built for the probabilisticMonte Carlo code SERPENT. The parameters examined in this thesis arethe criticality of the system, as well as the pin fission rates forselected experiments. Two different PHOENIX5 libraries were utilized,along with a HELIOS library. The results show that there is a Kinf trend between the differentlibraries. Furthermore, a void trend was found. This void trend waspresent for all models, including the SERPENT models. Pin fissionrate predictions give results close to those of the experiments forboth PHOENIX5 libraries. The system also proved sensitive to meshingchanges, as well as for the chosen water reflector width.

Thesis advisor: Larry W. McLaughlin / By virtue of encoding and transferring hereditary information, nucleic acids effectively represent the blueprint for life as we know it. Given the biological relevance of this class of polymers, it comes as no surprise that scientists are constantly striving to reach a greater understanding of the innumerable genetic corridors contained within the human genome. This has led to the rational design and synthesis of numerous nucleoside analogues in an attempt to alter and subsequently control native nucleic acid structure and function. The first attempts at harnessing the latent abilities of DNA are described in Chapter 2. Multiple tetrahedral branching "hubs" were designed, synthesized and characterized, at which point single-stranded DNA could be elongated from each of the four points of origin. Ensuing hybridization studies were performed with the goal that the binding traits of these elongated tetrahedral lattices could be monitored, and that fully formed lattices could potentially function as means of drug encapsulation or molecular tethering. Chapter 3 describes direct alteration of the standard DNA backbone. Successive synthetic efforts towards creating a 6'-extended deoxyadenosine molecule are detailed, and its effects on the stability of duplexed DNA (along with sister molecules 6'-deoxythymidine and an elongated 3'-deoxythymidine) are also defined. Upon insertion into DNA, this class of extended nucleosides could ultimately lead to a new duplex structure, as well as novel binding properties. / Thesis (PhD) — Boston College, 2014. / Submitted to: Boston College. Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. / Discipline: Chemistry.