Abstract
The methods of non-equilibrium quantum field theory are used to investigate the possibility of representing dissipation in the equation of motion for the expectation value of a scalar field by a friction term, such as is commonly included in phenomenological inflaton equations of motion. A sequence of approximations is exhibited which reduces the non-equilibrium theory to a set of local evolution equations. However, the adiabatic solution to these evolution equations which is needed to obtain a local equation of motion for the expectation value is not well defined; nor, therefore, is the friction coefficient. Thus, a non-equilibrium treatment is essential, even for a system that remains close to thermal equilibrium, and the formalism developed here provides one means of achieving this numerically.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.