Abstract
We investigate in detail the transition from the symmetric to the broken phase in scalar electrodynamics at finite temperature. Our analysis is based on the effective potential to order e 3 and λ 3 2 , where e and λ are the gauge coupling and scalar self-coupling, respectively. Plasma masses of scalar and vector fields are determined from a set of one-loop gap equations which also yield the range in e, λ and temperature T, where perturbation theory is consistent. We determine the values of e and λ for which the symmetric phase is metastable. Depending on the convergence of the perturbation series, for a vector boson mass of 90 GeV the Higgs boson mass may be as large as 120 GeV. Following the theory of Langer we calculate the nucleation rate of critical droplets and determine the temperature at which a cosmological phase transition would be completed. For large vector boson and Higgs boson masses the phase transition is weakly first order.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: 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.
