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arXiv · 2605.21689

Dissipative stabilization of Ostrogradsky modes in non-equilibrium field theory

Y. M. P. Gomes
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Abstract

In this work, we investigate higher-derivative quantum field theories and the problem of Ostrogradsky instability within an open-system Keldysh-Lindblad framework. Coupling the ghost sector to dissipative baths generates non-perturbative effective masses and dissipative widths through self-consistent gap equations. Above a critical coupling, the nonequilibrium dynamics develops bifurcated dissipative branches, signaling the emergence of a dissipative phase transition and a nontrivial critical structure in parameter space. We find that the resulting dissipative dynamics can suppress ghost excitations through two distinct mechanisms: in one branch, a large dynamically generated effective mass preserves a quasiparticle-like excitation, while in the second branch, strong dissipative broadening destroys the quasiparticle character through overdamped dynamics. Our results suggest that dissipative effects may provide a nonequilibrium mechanism for the spectral suppression of Ostrogradsky ghosts. The comparison with the healthy sector indicates that the stabilization mechanism is intrinsically tied to the ghost-like spectral structure.

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Y. M. P. Gomes. 2026-05-20. Dissipative stabilization of Ostrogradsky modes in non-equilibrium field theory. https://arxiv.org/abs/2605.21689

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