Light-front description for the theta dependence of meson masses in the massive Schwinger model

Abstract

We present a continuum formulation for {theta} vacua in the massive Schwinger model on the light front, where {theta} enters as a background electric field. The effective coupling of the external field is partially screened due to vacuum polarization processes. For small fermion masses and small {theta}, we calculate the mass of the meson and find agreement with results from bosonization. {copyright} {ital 1998} {ital The American Physical Society}