Related Experiment Videos
Phase transitions from preheating in gauge theories
1Centre for Theoretical Physics, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton BN1 9QJ, United Kingdom.
Physical Review Letters
|September 16, 2000
Summary
Nonthermal phase transitions are possible in gauge-Higgs models, potentially forming gauged topological defects. This could lead to electroweak baryogenesis after cosmic inflation and preheating.
Area of Science:
- Cosmology
- Particle Physics
- Quantum Field Theory
Background:
- Cosmic inflation is a theoretical period of rapid expansion in the early universe.
- Preheating is a process that follows inflation, transferring energy to particles.
- Gauge-Higgs models describe fundamental forces and particles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the possibility of nonthermal phase transitions in gauge-Higgs models after inflation.
- To explore the conditions under which topological defects may form.
- To assess the potential for electroweak baryogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Numerical lattice simulations of the Abelian Higgs model.
- Studying the dynamics of nonthermal phase transitions.
- Analyzing defect formation and particle production after inflation.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated the possibility of nonthermal phase transitions in gauge-Higgs models.
- Showed that gauged topological defects can form under general circumstances.
- Identified a potential pathway to electroweak baryogenesis if the end of inflation is at a low enough scale.
Conclusions:
- Nonthermal phase transitions are a viable phenomenon in gauge-Higgs cosmology.
- The formation of gauged topological defects is a likely consequence.
- Electroweak baryogenesis may occur post-inflation, depending on the energy scale.