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H. J. de Vega

Publications and source records attributed to H. J. de Vega.

At least 163 records · Page 9Linked to original sources

Dissipation via Particle Production in Scalar Field Theories

The non-equilibrium dynamics of the first stage of the reheating process, that is dissipation via particle production is studied in scalar field theories in the unbroken and in the broken symmetry phase. We begin with a perturbative study to one loop and show explicitly that the mechanism of dissipation via particle production cannot be explained with a simple derivative term in the equation of motion. The dissipative contribution is non-local and there does not exist a local (Markovian) limit at zero temperature. Furthermore, we show that both an amplitude as well as a one-loop calculation present instabilities, requiring a non-perturbative resummation. Within the same approximations, we study an O(2) linear sigma model that allows to study dissipation by Goldstone bosons. We find infrared divergences that require non-perturbative resummation in order to understand the long-time dynamics. We obtain a perturbative Langevin equation that exhibits a generalized fluctuation-dissipation relation, with non-Markovian kernels and colored noise. We then study a Hartree approximation and clearly exhibit dissipative effects related to the thresholds to particle production. The asymptotic dynamics depends on the coupling and initial conditions but does not seem to lead to exponential relaxation. The effect of dissipation by Goldstone bosons is studied non-perturbatively in the large N limit in an O(N) theory. Dissipation produced by Goldstone bosons dramatically changes the picture of the phase transition. We find the remarkable result that for ``slow-roll'' initial conditions (with the expectation value of the field initially near the origin) the final value of the expectation value of the scalar field is very close to its initial value. We find that the minima of the effective action depend on the initial conditions. We provide extensive numerical analysis of the dynamics.

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The Field Theory Limit of Integrable Lattice Models

The light-cone approach is reviewed. This method allows to find the underlying quantum field theory for any integrable lattice model in its gapless regime. The relativistic spectrum and S-matrix follows straightforwardly in this way through the Bethe Ansatz. We show here how to derive the infinite number of local commuting and non-local and non-commuting conserved charges in integrable QFT, taking the massive Thirring model (sine-Gordon) as an example. They are generated by quantum monodromy operators and provide a representation of $q-$deformed affine Lie algebras $U_q({\hat\G})$. Based on lectures delivered at the $XXX_q$ Karpacz Winter School, Poland, February 14-26, 1994.

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Back Reaction of Strings in Self-Consistent String Cosmology

We compute the string energy-momentum tensor and {\bf derive} the string equation of state from exact string dynamics in cosmological spacetimes. $1+1,~2+1$ and $D$-dimensional universes are treated for any expansion factor $R$. Strings obey the perfect fluid relation $ p = (γ-1) ρ$ with three different behaviours: (i) {\it Unstable} for $ R \to \infty $ with growing energy density $ ρ\sim R^{2-D} $, {\bf negative} pressure, and $ γ=(D-2)/(D-1) $; (ii){\it Dual} for $ R \to 0 $, with $ ρ\sim R^{-D} $, {\bf positive} pressure and $γ= D/(D-1) $ (as radiation); (iii) {\it Stable} for $ R \to \infty $ with $ ρ\sim R^{1-D} $, {\bf vanishing} pressure and $γ= 1 $ (as cold matter). We find the back reaction effect of these strings on the spacetime and we take into account the quantum string decay through string splitting. This is achieved by considering {\bf self-consistently} the strings as matter sources for the Einstein equations, as well as for the complete effective string equations. String splitting exponentially suppress the density of unstable strings for large $R$. The self-consistent solution to the Einstein equations for string dominated universes exhibits the realistic matter dominated behaviour $ R \sim (X^0)^{2/(D-1)}\; $ for large times and the radiation dominated behaviour $ R \sim (X^0)^{2/D}\; $ for early times. De Sitter universe does not emerge as solution of the effective string equations. The effective string action (whatever be the dilaton, its potential and the central charge term) is not the appropriate framework in which to address the question of string driven inflation.

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Non-Equilibrium Quantum Field Evolution in FRW Cosmologies

We derive the effective equations for the out of equilibrium time evolution of the order parameter and the fluctuations of a scalar field theory in spatially flat FRW cosmologies. After setting the problem in general we propose a non-perturbative, self-consistent Hartree approximation. The method consists of evolving an initial functional thermal density matrix in time and is suitable for studying phase transitions out of equilibrium. The renormalization aspects are studied in detail and we find that the counterterms depend on the initial state. We investigate the high temperature expansion and show that it breaks down at long times. The infinite time limit is computed for de Sitter spacetime. We obtain the time evolution of the initial Boltzmann distribution functions, and argue that in the Hartree approximation, the time evolved state is a ``squeezed'' state. We illustrate the departure from thermal equilibrium by studying the case of a free field in de Sitter and radiation dominated cosmologies. It is found that a suitably defined non-equilibrium entropy per mode increases linearly with comoving time in a de Sitter cosmology, whereas it is {\it not} a monotonically increasing function in the radiation dominated case. This work has been done in collaboration with D. Boyanovsky and R. Holman.

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Exact Bethe Ansatz solution for $A_{n-1}$ chains with non-$SU_{q}(n)$ invariant open boundary conditions

The Nested Bethe Ansatz is generalized to open and independent boundary conditions depending on two continuous and two discrete free parameters. This is used to find the exact eigenvectors and eigenvalues of the $A_{n-1}$ vertex models and $SU(n)$ spin chains with such boundary conditions. The solution is found for all diagonal families of solutions to the reflection equations in all possible combinations. The Bethe ansatz equations are used to find de first order finite size correction.

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Scalar Kinks

We determine the excitations and $S$ matrix of an integrable isotropic antiferromagnetic quantum spin chain of alternating spin 1/2 and spin 1. There are two types of gapless one-particle excitations: the usual spin 1/2 (``spinor'') kink, and a new spin 0 (``scalar'') kink. Remarkably, the scalar-spinor scattering is nontrivial, yet the spinor-spinor scattering is the same as if the scalar kinks were absent. Moreover, there is no scalar-scalar scattering.

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Can Disordered Chiral Condensates Form? A Dynamical Perspective

We address the issue of whether a region of disordered chiral condensate (DCC), in which the chiral condensate has components along the pion directions, can form. We consider a system going through the chiral phase transition either via a quench, or via relaxation of the high temperature phase to the low temperature one within a given time scale (of order $\sim 1 \rm{fm/c}$). We use a density matrix based formalism that takes both thermal and quantum fluctuations into account non-perturbatively to argue that if the $O(4)$ linear sigma model is the correct way to model the situation in QCD, then it is very unlikely at least in the Hartree approximation, that a large ($> 10\ \rm{fm}$) DCC region will form. Typical sizes of such regions are $\sim 1 -2 \ \rm{fm}$ and the density of pions in such regions is at most of order $\sim 0.2 / \rm{fm}^3$. We end with some speculations on how large DCC regions may be formed.

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The General Solution of the 2-D Sigma Model Stringy Black Hole and the Massless Complex Sine-Gordon Model

The exact general solution for a sigma model having the $2-d$ stringy black hole (SBH) as internal manifold is found in closed form. We also give the exact solution for the massless complex Sine-Gordon (MCSG) model. Both, models and their solutions are related by analytic continuation. The solution is expressed in terms of four arbitrary functions of one variable. (hep-th 9312085).

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Infinitely Many Strings in De Sitter Spacetime: Expanding and Oscillating Elliptic Function Solutions

The exact general evolution of circular strings in $2+1$ dimensional de Sitter spacetime is described closely and completely in terms of elliptic functions. The evolution depends on a constant parameter $b$, related to the string energy, and falls into three classes depending on whether $b<1/4$ (oscillatory motion), $b=1/4$ (degenerated, hyperbolic motion) or $b>1/4$ (unbounded motion). The novel feature here is that one single world-sheet generically describes {\it infinitely many} (different and independent) strings. The world-sheet time $τ$ is an infinite-valued function of the string physical time, each branch yields a different string. This has no analogue in flat spacetime. We compute the string energy $E$ as a function of the string proper size $S$, and analyze it for the expanding and oscillating strings. For expanding strings $(\dot{S}>0)$: $E\neq 0$ even at $S=0$, $E$ decreases for small $S$ and increases $\propto\hspace*{-1mm}S$ for large $S$. For an oscillating string $(0\leq S\leq S_{max})$, the average energy $ $ over one oscillation period is expressed as a function of $S_{max}$ as a complete elliptic integral of the third kind.

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The Yang--Baxter Symmetry in Field Theory

This is a review on infinite non-abelian symmetries in two-dimensional field theories. We show how any integrable QFT enjoys the existence of infinitely many {\bf conserved} charges. These charges {\bf do not commute} between them and satisfy a Yang--Baxter algebra. They are generated by quantum monodromy operators and provide a representation of $q-$deformed affine Lie algebras $U_q({\hat\G})$. We review the work by de Vega, Eichenherr and Maillet on the bootstrap construction of the quantum monodromy operators in classically scale invariant theories where the classical monodromy matrix is conserved. Then, the recent generalization to the sine--Gordon (or massive Thirring) model, where such operators do not possess a classical analogue is given (This provides a representation of $S{\hat U}(2)_q$). It is then reported on the recent work by Destri and de Vega, where both commuting and non-commuting integrals of motion are systematically obtained by Bethe Ansatz in the light-cone approach. The eigenvalues of the six--vertex alternating transfer matrix $τ(ł)$ are explicitly computed on a generic physical state through algebraic Bethe ansatz. In the thermodynamic limit $τ(ł)$ turns out to be a two--valued periodic function. One determination generates the local abelian charges, including energy and momentum, while the other yields the abelian subalgebra of the (non--local) YB algebra. In particular, the bootstrap results coincide with the ratio between the two determinations of the lattice transfer matrix.[Based on a Lecture at the Clausthal Symposium].

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Non-Equilibrium Evolution of Scalar Fields in FRW Cosmologies I

We derive the effective equations for the out of equilibrium time evolution of the order parameter and the fluctuations of a scalar field theory in spatially flat FRW cosmologies.The calculation is performed both to one-loop and in a non-perturbative, self-consistent Hartree approximation.The method consists of evolving an initial functional thermal density matrix in time and is suitable for studying phase transitions out of equilibrium. The renormalization aspects are studied in detail and we find that the counterterms depend on the initial state. We investigate the high temperature expansion and show that it breaks down at long times. We also obtain the time evolution of the initial Boltzmann distribution functions, and argue that to one-loop order or in the Hartree approximation, the time evolved state is a ``squeezed'' state. We illustrate the departure from thermal equilibrium by numerically studying the case of a free massive scalar field in de Sitter and radiation dominated cosmologies. It is found that a suitably defined non-equilibrium entropy per mode increases linearly with comoving time in a de Sitter cosmology, whereas it is {\it not} a monotonically increasing function in the radiation dominated case.

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Multi-String Solutions by Soliton Methods in De Sitter Spacetime

{\bf Exact} solutions of the string equations of motion and constraints are {\bf systematically} constructed in de Sitter spacetime using the dressing method of soliton theory. The string dynamics in de Sitter spacetime is integrable due to the associated linear system. We start from an exact string solution $q_{(0)}$ and the associated solution of the linear system $Ψ^{(0)} (λ)$, and we construct a new solution $Ψ(λ)$ differing from $Ψ^{(0)}(λ)$ by a rational matrix in $λ$ with at least four poles $λ_{0},1/λ_{0},λ_{0}^*,1/λ_{0}^*$. The periodi- city condition for closed strings restrict $λ_{0}$ to discrete values expressed in terms of Pythagorean numbers. Here we explicitly construct solu- tions depending on $(2+1)$-spacetime coordinates, two arbitrary complex numbers (the 'polarization vector') and two integers $(n,m)$ which determine the string windings in the space. The solutions are depicted in the hyperboloid coor- dinates $q$ and in comoving coordinates with the cosmic time $T$. Despite of the fact that we have a single world sheet, our solutions describe {\bf multi- ple}(here five) different and independent strings; the world sheet time $τ$ turns to be a multivalued function of $T$.(This has no analogue in flat space- time).One string is stable (its proper size tends to a constant for $T\to\infty $, and its comoving size contracts); the other strings are unstable (their proper sizes blow up for $T\to\infty$, while their comoving sizes tend to cons- tants). These solutions (even the stable strings) do not oscillate in time. The interpretation of these solutions and their dynamics in terms of the sinh- Gordon model is particularly enlighting.

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Dynamics of Cosmological Phase Transitions

The dynamics of typical phase transitions is studied out of equilibrium in weakly coupled inflaton-type scalar field theories in Minkowski space. The shortcomings of the effective potential and equilibrium descriptions are pointed out. A case of a rapid supercooling from $T_i>T_c$ to $T_f \ll T_c$ is considered. The equations of motion up to one-loop for the order parameter are obtained and integrated for the case of ``slow rollover initial conditions''. It is shown that the instabilities responsible for the process of phase separation introduce dramatic corrections to the evolution. Domain formation and growth (spinodal decomposition) is studied in a non-perturbative self-consistent approximation. For very weakly coupled theories domains grow for a long time, their final size is several times the zero temperature correlation length. For strongly coupled theories the final size of the domains is comparable to the zero temperature correlation length and the transition proceeds faster. We also obtain the evolution equations for the order parameter and the fluctuations to one-loop order and in a non-perturbative Hartree approximation in spatially flat FRW cosmologies. The renormalization, and leading behavior of the high temperature limit are analyzed.

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Exact solution of the $SU_{q}(n)$ invariant quantum spin chains

The Nested Bethe Ansatz is generalized to open boundary conditions. This is used to find the exact eigenvectors and eigenvalues of the $A_{n-1}$ vertex model with fixed open boundary conditions and the corresponding $SU_{q}(n)$ invariant hamiltonian. The Bethe Ansatz equations obtained are solved in the thermodynamic limit giving the vertex model free energy and the hamiltonian ground state energy including the corresponding boundary contributions.

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Exact String Solutions in 2+1-Dimensional De Sitter Spacetime

Exact and explicit string solutions in de Sitter spacetime are found. (Here, the string equations reduce to a sinh-Gordon model). A new feature without flat spacetime analogy appears: starting with a single world-sheet, several (here two) strings emerge. One string is stable and the other (unstable) grows as the universe grows. Their invariant size and energy either grow as the expansion factor or tend to constant. Moreover, strings can expand (contract) for large (small) universe radius with a different rate than the universe.

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Strings in Cosmological and Black Hole Backgrounds: Ring Solutions

The string equations of motion and constraints are solved for a ring shaped Ansatz in cosmological and black hole spacetimes. In FRW universes with arbitrary power behavior [$R(X^0) = a\;|X^0|^{\a}\, $], the asymptotic form of the solution is found for both $X^0 \to 0$ and $X^0 \to \infty$ and we plot the numerical solution for all times. Right after the big bang ($X^0 = 0$), the string energy decreasess as $ R(X^0)^{-1} $ and the string size grows as $ R(X^0) $ for $ 0 < \a < 1 $ and as $ X^0 $ for $ \a < 0 $ and $ \a > 1 $. Very soon [ $ X^0 \sim 1 $] , the ring reaches its oscillatory regime with frequency equal to the winding and constant size and energy. This picture holds for all values of $ \a $ including string vacua (for which, asymptotically, $ \a = 1$). In addition, an exact non-oscillatory ring solution is found. For black hole spacetimes (Schwarzschild, Reissner-Nordstr\oo m and stringy), we solve for ring strings moving towards the center. Depending on their initial conditions (essentially the oscillation phase), they are are absorbed or not by Schwarzschild black holes. The phenomenon of particle transmutation is explicitly observed (for rings not swallowed by the hole). An effective horizon is noticed for the rings. Exact and explicit ring solutions inside the horizon(s) are found. They may be interpreted as strings propagating between the different universes described by the full black hole manifold.

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Bethe Ansatz and Quantum Groups

The formulation and resolution of integrable lattice statistical models in a quantum group covariant way is the subject of this review. The Bethe Ansatz turns to be remarkably useful to implement quantum group symmetries and to provide quantum group representations even when $q$ is a root of unity. We start by solving the six-vertex model with fixed boundary conditions (FBC) that guarantee exact $SU(2)_q$ invariance on the lattice. The algebra of the Yang-Baxter (YB) and $SU(2)_q$ generators turns to close. The infinite spectral parameter limit of the YB generators yields {\bf cleanly} the $SU(2)_q$ generators. The Bethe Ansatz states constructed for FBC are shown to be {\bf highest weights} of $SU(2)_q$. The higher level Bethe Ansatz equations (BAE, describing the physical excitations) are explicitly derived for FBC. We then solve the RSOS($p$) models on the light--cone lattice with fixed boundary conditions by disentangling the type II representations of $SU(2)_q$, at $q=e^{iπ/p}$, from the full SOS spectrum obtained through Algebraic Bethe Ansatz. The RSOS states are those with quantum spin $J<(p-1)/2$ and no {\bf singular} roots in the solutions of the BAE. We thus give a microscopic derivation of the lattice $S-$matrix of the massive kinks and show that the continuum limit of the RSOS($p+1$) model is the $p-$restricted Sine--Gordon field theory.

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Boundary K-matrices for the XYZ, XXZ AND XXX spin chains

The general solutions for the factorization equations of the reflection matrices $K^{\pm}(θ)$ for the eight vertex and six vertex models (XYZ, XXZ and XXX chains) are found. The associated integrable magnetic Hamiltonians are explicitly derived, finding families dependig on several continuous as well as discrete parameters.

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