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Dissipation, noise and vacuum decay in quantum field theory

Esteban Calzetta·Albert Roura·Enric Verdaguer
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Abstract

We study the process of vacuum decay in quantum field theory focusing on the stochastic aspects of the interaction between long and short-wavelength modes. This interaction results in a diffusive behavior of the reduced Wigner function describing the state of the long-wavelength modes, and thereby to a finite activation rate even at zero temperature. This effect can make a substantial contribution to the total decay rate.

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Esteban Calzetta, Albert Roura, Enric Verdaguer. 2001-08-02. Dissipation, noise and vacuum decay in quantum field theory. https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevlett.88.010403

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