One-loop corrections to the Nielsen-Olesen vortex: finite length

TL;DR

This paper calculates the one-loop quantum corrections to a finite-length Nielsen-Olesen vortex, revealing finite and exponentially decreasing corrections with length, and discusses their implications and limitations.

Contribution

It extends previous infinite vortex corrections to finite length, including zero and non-zero modes, providing numerical results and analysis of their physical relevance.

Findings

Zero mode correction yields the Lüscher term π/3L.

Non-zero mode corrections decrease exponentially with length.

Finite length corrections are finite and computable from the outset.

Abstract

We consider the one-loop quantum corrections to the Nielsen-Olesen flux tube of finite length $L$, by imposing periodic boundary conditions. The calculations are based on a recent evaluation of these quantum corrections to the string tension of an infinite vortex. The finite length corrections are finite from the outset. If the computation is restricted to the zero modes we obtain the standard L\"uscher term $\pi/3L$ for a closed string. The inclusion of the other fluctuation modes of Higgs and gauge fields, using the numerically computed trace of the Euclidian Green's function, leads to corrections that decrease exponentially with $L$. We present numerical results for these corrections, discuss their possible relevance, and the limitations of the approach.