Role of quantum fluctuations in defect dominated transitions

1993
7 pages
Published in:
  • Phys.Rev.D 47 (1993) 5316-5322

Citations per year

199319982003200820111203
Abstract: (APS)
We examine the effects of quantum fluctuations in second-order phase transitions induced by topological defects. Using the exact solution for static flat walls it is demonstrated that fluctuations lead to a redefinition of the effective tension of the defect. The inclusion of interactions can change the nature of the associated phase transition, dramatically reducing the density of defects formed.
  • field theory: scalar
  • gauge field theory: Yang-Mills
  • finite temperature
  • space-time
  • defect: topological
  • quantization
  • perturbation theory
  • path integral
  • effective potential
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