Abstract
We consider the evolution and decay of Q-balls under the influence of quantum fluctuations. We argue that the most important effect resulting from these fluctuations is the modification of the effective potential in which the Q-ball evolves. This is in addition to spontaneous decay into elementary particle excitations and fission into smaller Q-balls previously considered in the literature, which — like most tunnelling processes — are likely to be strongly suppressed. We illustrate the effect of quantum fluctuations in a particular model ϕ 6 potential, for which we implement the inhomogeneous Hartree approximation to quantum dynamics and solve for the evolution of Q-balls in 3 + 1 dimensions. We find that the stability range as a function of (field space) angular velocity ω is modified significantly compared to the classical case, so that small-ω Q-balls are less stable than in the classical limit, and large-ω Q-balls are more stable. This can be understood qualitatively in a simple way.
Highlights
For the purposes of this paper we will take the potential to be
We illustrate the effect of quantum fluctuations in a particular model φ6 potential, for which we implement the inhomogeneous Hartree approximation to quantum dynamics and solve for the evolution of Q-balls in 3+1 dimensions
We find that the stability range as a function of angular velocity ω is modified significantly compared to the classical case, so that small-ω Q-balls are less stable than in the classical limit, and large-ω Q-balls are more stable
Summary
In ref. [3], a detailed study of quantum stability was carried out for the potential given in eq (1.6) (as well as others), in a varying number of spatial dimensions. Taking the Q-ball to be the mean field (one-point correlator) of the quantum field — evolving in the background of quantum fluctuations — the potential is modified substantially This will alter the profile function σω(r) for a given ω, and change the range of ω within which the criteria for stability are fulfilled. This will allow us to capture the leading order effects in a quantum loop expansion, taking into account the inhomogeneity and time-dependence of the system Such an approach has previously been successful when applied to topological solitons [8,9,10]. For such solitons, where the stability is guaranteed by topology and the solution is time-independent, one may do a complete Monte Carlo study as in ref. This approach completely bypasses any notion of a classical solution, which is not possible for a timedependent system such as a Q-ball
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 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.
