Dynamical classicalization

TL;DR

This paper numerically investigates classicalization in nonlinear theories, showing how collapsing wavepackets deform and form shock fronts, leading to outgoing configurations beyond the classicalization radius, with some models lacking real solutions at late times.

Contribution

It provides the first numerical analysis of classicalization dynamics, revealing shock formation and outgoing waves, and discusses model consistency issues.

Findings

Classicalization radius triggers wavepacket deformation and shock formation.

Outgoing field configurations extend beyond the classicalization radius.

Some models exhibit no real solutions at late times, indicating potential theoretical issues.

Abstract

We integrate numerically the nonlinear equation of motion for a collapsing spherical wavepacket in the context of theories that are expected to display behavior characteristic of classicalization. The classicalization radius sets the scale for the onset of significant deformations of the collapsing configuration, which result in the formation of shock fronts. A characteristic observable feature of the classicalization process is the creation of an outgoing field configuration that extends far beyond the classicalization radius. This feature develops before the deformed wavepacket reaches distances of the order of the fundamental scale. We find that in some models the scattering problem may not have real solutions over the whole space at late times. We determine the origin of this behavior and discuss the consistency of the underlying models.