On the Perturbative Stability of Quantum Field Theories in de Sitter Space

Details On the Perturbative Stability of Quantum Field Theories in de Sitter Space On the Perturbative Stability of Quantum Field Theories in de Sitter Space

2011-03-23

arxiv.org/abs/1103.4648v2

JHEP,Volume 2011, Number 5, 47

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

Cosmology and Extragalactic Astrophysics

36 pages, 4 figures. Version to appear in JHEP, more explanations

Scientific paper

10.1007/JHEP05(2011)047

We use a field theoretic generalization of the Wigner-Weisskopf method to study the stability of the Bunch-Davies vacuum state for a massless, conformally coupled interacting test field in de Sitter space. We find that in $\lambda \phi^4$ theory the vacuum does {\em not} decay, while in non-conformally invariant models, the vacuum decays as a consequence of a vacuum wave function renormalization that depends \emph{singularly} on (conformal) time and is proportional to the spatial volume. In a particular regularization scheme the vacuum wave function renormalization is the same as in Minkowski spacetime, but in terms of the \emph{physical volume}, which leads to an interpretation of the decay. A simple example of the impact of vacuum decay upon a non-gaussian correlation is discussed. Single particle excitations also decay into two particle states, leading to particle production that hastens the exiting of modes from the de Sitter horizon resulting in the production of \emph{entangled superhorizon pairs} with a population consistent with unitary evolution. We find a non-perturbative, self-consistent "screening" mechanism that shuts off vacuum decay asymptotically, leading to a stationary vacuum state in a manner not unlike the approach to a fixed point in the space of states.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

On the Perturbative Stability of Quantum Field Theories in de Sitter Space does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with On the Perturbative Stability of Quantum Field Theories in de Sitter Space, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and On the Perturbative Stability of Quantum Field Theories in de Sitter Space will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-45994