Dissipation, Noise, and Vacuum Decay in Quantum Field Theory

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 long-wavelength modes, and thereby to a...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Publicado: 2002
Acceso en línea:https://bibliotecadigital.exactas.uba.ar/collection/paper/document/paper_00319007_v88_n1_p4_Calzetta
http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12110/paper_00319007_v88_n1_p4_Calzetta
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Sumario: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 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. © 2002 The American Physical Society.