Scalar Fields in Particle Physics in Cosmology

2005 ◽  
pp. 181-234
Author(s):  
Pierre Binetruy
Keyword(s):  
Particle Physics ◽  
Scalar Fields

scholarly journals Effective Scalar Potential in Asymptotically Safe Quantum Gravity

Universe ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 45
Author(s):  
Christof Wetterich
Keyword(s):  
Quantum Gravity ◽  
Top Quark ◽  
Particle Physics ◽  
Scalar Potential ◽  
Scalar Fields ◽  
The Standard Model ◽  
Scaling Potential ◽  
Realistic Description ◽  
The Masses ◽  
Dynamical Dark Energy

We compute the effective potential for scalar fields in asymptotically safe quantum gravity. A scaling potential and other scaling functions generalize the fixed point values of renormalizable couplings. The scaling potential takes a non-polynomial form, approaching typically a constant for large values of scalar fields. Spontaneous symmetry breaking may be induced by non-vanishing gauge couplings. We strengthen the arguments for a prediction of the ratio between the masses of the top quark and the Higgs boson. Higgs inflation in the standard model is unlikely to be compatible with asymptotic safety. Scaling solutions with vanishing relevant parameters can be sufficient for a realistic description of particle physics and cosmology, leading to an asymptotically vanishing “cosmological constant” or dynamical dark energy.

scholarly journals ISSUES WITH VACUUM ENERGY AS THE ORIGIN OF DARK ENERGY

2012 ◽  
Vol 27 (27) ◽  
pp. 1250154 ◽  
Author(s):  
HOURI ZIAEEPOUR
Keyword(s):  
Field Theory ◽  
Quantum Field Theory ◽  
Dark Energy ◽  
Particle Physics ◽  
Vacuum Energy ◽  
A Priori ◽  
Higgs Field ◽  
Scalar Fields ◽  
Vacuum Energy Density ◽  
Quantum Field

In this paper, we address some of the issues raised in the literature about the conflict between a large vacuum energy density, a priori predicted by quantum field theory, and the observed dark energy which must be the energy of vacuum or include it. We present a number of arguments against this claim and in favor of a null vacuum energy. They are based on the following arguments: A new definition for the vacuum in quantum field theory as a frame-independent coherent state; results from a detailed study of condensation of scalar fields in Friedmann–Lemaître–Robertson–Walker (FLRW) background performed in a previous work; and our present knowledge about the Standard Model of particle physics. One of the predictions of these arguments is the confinement of nonzero expectation value of Higgs field to scales roughly comparable with the width of electroweak gauge bosons or shorter. If the observation of Higgs by the LHC is confirmed, accumulation of relevant events and their energy dependence in near future should allow us to measure the spatial extend of the Higgs condensate.

scholarly journals NONPERTURBATIVE APPROACH TO YANG–MILLS THERMODYNAMICS

2005 ◽  
Vol 20 (18) ◽  
pp. 4123-4216 ◽  
Author(s):  
RALF HOFMANN
Keyword(s):  
State Physics ◽  
Phase Transitions ◽  
Density Of States ◽  
Ground State ◽  
Particle Physics ◽  
Scalar Fields ◽  
Temperature Evolution ◽  
Two Phase ◽  
Yang Mills ◽  
Massive Spin

An analytical and nonperturbative approach to SU(2) and SU(3) Yang–Mills thermodynamics is developed and applied. Each theory comes in three phases: A deconfining, a preconfining, and a confining one. We show how macroscopic and inert scalar fields emerge in each phase and how they determine the ground-state physics and the properties of the excitations. While the excitations in the deconfining and preconfining phases are massless or massive gauge modes the excitations in the confining phase are massless or massive spin-1/2 fermions. The nature of the two phase transitions is investigated for each theory. We compute the temperature evolution of thermodynamical quantities in the deconfining and preconfining phase and estimate the density of states in the confining phase. Some implications for particle physics and cosmology are discussed.

Particle physics II

Quantum 20/20 ◽  
2019 ◽  
pp. 351-372
Author(s):  
Ian R. Kenyon
Keyword(s):  
Symmetry Group ◽  
Particle Physics ◽  
Massive Particle ◽  
Scalar Fields ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Strong Interactions ◽  
Proton Proton ◽  
Proton Structure ◽  
Quantum Gauge Theory ◽  
Vector Bosons

Quantum chromodynamics the quantum gauge theory of strong interactions is presented: SU(3) being the (colour) symmetry group. The colour content of strongly interacting particles is described. Gluons, the field particles, carry colour so that they mutually interact – unlike photons. Renormalization leads to the coupling strength declining at large four momentum transfer squared q 2 and to binding of quarks in hadrons at small q 2. The cutoff in the range of the strong interaction is shown to be due to this low q 2 behaviour, despite the gluon being massless. In high energy interactions, say proton-proton collisions, the initial process is a hard (high q 2) parton+parton to parton+parton process. After which the partons undergo softer interactions leading finally to emergent hardrons. Experiments at DESY probing proton structure with electrons are described. An account of electroweak unification completes the book. The weak interaction symmetry group is SUL(2), L specifying handedness. This makes the electroweak symmetry U(1)⊗SUL(2). The weak force carriers, W± and Z0, are massive, which is at odds with the massless carriers required by quantum gauge theories. How the BEH mechanism resolves this problem is described. It involves spontaneous symmetry breaking of the vacuum with scalar fields. The outcome are massive gauge field particles to match the W± and Z0 trio, a massless photon, and a scalar field with a massive particle, the Higgs boson. The experimental programmes that discovered the vector bosons in 1983 and the Higgs in 2012 are described, including features of generic detectors. Finally puzzles revealed by our current understanding are outlined.

COSMOLOGY WITH NEGATIVE POTENTIALS WITH wϕ<-1

2004 ◽  
Vol 13 (09) ◽  
pp. 1939-1953 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. DE LA MACORRA ◽  
G. GERMÁN
Keyword(s):  
Equation Of State ◽  
Energy Density ◽  
Cosmological Constant ◽  
Particle Physics ◽  
Scalar Potential ◽  
Energy Condition ◽  
State Parameter ◽  
Scalar Fields ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Equation Of State Parameter

We study the cosmology of canonically normalized scalar fields that lead to an equation of state parameter of wϕ=pϕ/ρϕ<-1 without violating the weak energy condition: ρ=Σiρi≥0 and ρi+pi≥0. This kind of behavior requires a negative scalar potential V, widely predicted in particle physics. We show that the energy density ρϕ=Ek+V takes negative values with an equation of state with wϕ<-1. However, the net effect of the ϕ field on the scale factor is to decelerate it giving a total equation of state parameter w=p/ρ>wb=pb/ρb, where ρb stands for any kind of energy density with -1≤wb≤1, such as radiation, matter, cosmological constant or other scalar field with a potential V≥0. The fact that ρϕ<0 allows, at least in principle, to have a small cosmological constant or quintessence today as the cancellation of high energy scales such as the electroweak or susy breaking scale. While V is negative |ρϕ| is smaller than the sum of all other energy densities regardless of the functional form of the potential V. We show that the existence of a negative potential leads, inevitable, to a collapsing universe, i.e. to a would be "big crunch." In this picture we would still be living in the expanding universe.

DYNAMICS OF DARK ENERGY

2006 ◽  
Vol 15 (11) ◽  
pp. 1753-1935 ◽  
Author(s):  
EDMUND J. COPELAND ◽  
M. SAMI ◽  
SHINJI TSUJIKAWA
Keyword(s):  
Dark Energy ◽  
Particle Physics ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Scalar Fields ◽  
Accelerated Expansion ◽  
Accelerating Universe ◽  
Late Time ◽  
Microwave Background ◽  
Energy Models ◽  
Expansion Of The Universe

We review in detail a number of approaches that have been adopted to try and explain the remarkable observation of our accelerating universe. In particular we discuss the arguments for and recent progress made towards understanding the nature of dark energy. We review the observational evidence for the current accelerated expansion of the universe and present a number of dark energy models in addition to the conventional cosmological constant, paying particular attention to scalar field models such as quintessence, K-essence, tachyon, phantom and dilatonic models. The importance of cosmological scaling solutions is emphasized when studying the dynamical system of scalar fields including coupled dark energy. We study the evolution of cosmological perturbations allowing us to confront them with the observation of the Cosmic Microwave Background and Large Scale Structure and demonstrate how it is possible in principle to reconstruct the equation of state of dark energy by also using Supernovae Ia observational data. We also discuss in detail the nature of tracking solutions in cosmology, particle physics and braneworld models of dark energy, the nature of possible future singularities, the effect of higher order curvature terms to avoid a Big Rip singularity, and approaches to modifying gravity which leads to a late-time accelerated expansion without recourse to a new form of dark energy.

scholarly journals GRAVITY, COSMOLOGY AND PARTICLE PHYSICS WITHOUT THE COSMOLOGICAL CONSTANT PROBLEM

1998 ◽  
Vol 13 (19) ◽  
pp. 1583-1586 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. I. GUENDELMAN ◽  
A. B. KAGANOVICH
Keyword(s):  
Cosmological Constant ◽  
Particle Physics ◽  
Vacuum Energy ◽  
Vacuum State ◽  
Scalar Fields ◽  
Fine Tuning ◽  
Gauge Fields ◽  
Hierarchy Problem ◽  
Cosmological Constant Problem ◽  
First Order

This letter elucidates recent achievements of the "nongravitating vacuum energy (NGVE) theory" which has the feature that a shift of the Lagrangian density by a constant does not affect dynamics. In the first-order formalism, a constraint appears that enforces the vanishing of the cosmological constant Λ. Standard dynamics of gauge unified theories (including fermions) and their SSB appear if a four-index field strength condensate is present. At the vacuum state, there is exact balance (to zero) of the gauge fields condensate and the original scalar fields potential. As a result it is possible to combine the solution of the Λ problem with inflation and transition to a Λ=0 phase without fine tuning after a reheating period. The model opens new possibilities for a solution of the hierarchy problem.

Microfabrication research at the National Submicron Facility

1983 ◽  
Vol 41 ◽  
pp. 86-89
Author(s):  
E.D. Wolf
Keyword(s):  
Integrated Circuits ◽  
Particle Physics ◽  
High Speed ◽  
New Technology ◽  
High Energy ◽  
High Energy Particle ◽  
New Science ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Intermediate Domain ◽  
Circuit Function

Most microelectronics devices and circuits operate faster, consume less power, execute more functions and cost less per circuit function when the feature-sizes internal to the devices and circuits are made smaller. This is part of the stimulus for the Very High-Speed Integrated Circuits (VHSIC) program. There is also a need for smaller, more sensitive sensors in a wide range of disciplines that includes electrochemistry, neurophysiology and ultra-high pressure solid state research. There is often fundamental new science (and sometimes new technology) to be revealed (and used) when a basic parameter such as size is extended to new dimensions, as is evident at the two extremes of smallness and largeness, high energy particle physics and cosmology, respectively. However, there is also a very important intermediate domain of size that spans from the diameter of a small cluster of atoms up to near one micrometer which may also have just as profound effects on society as “big” physics.

Indirect measurements in micro-space with the EM

1995 ◽  
Vol 53 ◽  
pp. 598-599
Author(s):  
Sterling P. Newberry
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscope ◽  
Standard Model ◽  
Particle Physics ◽  
Information Storage ◽  
Storage Space ◽  
Indirect Measurements ◽  
Storage And Retrieval ◽  
Adequate Information ◽  
Compelling Reason ◽  
The Standard Model

At the 1958 meeting of our society, then known as EMSA, the author introduced the concept of microspace and suggested its use to provide adequate information storage space and the use of electron microscope techniques to provide storage and retrieval access. At this current meeting of MSA, he wishes to suggest an additional use of the power of the electron microscope.The author has been contemplating this new use for some time and would have suggested it in the EMSA fiftieth year commemorative volume, but for page limitations. There is compelling reason to put forth this suggestion today because problems have arisen in the “Standard Model” of particle physics and funds are being greatly reduced just as we need higher energy machines to resolve these problems. Therefore, any techniques which complement or augment what we can accomplish during this austerity period with the machines at hand is worth exploring.

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