Kink fluctuation asymptotics and zero modes

TL;DR

This paper refines the analysis of quantum fluctuations around kinks in scalar field theory, focusing on zero modes and providing more accurate asymptotic estimates of one-loop kink mass shifts.

Contribution

It introduces an improved heat kernel/zeta function approach that better accounts for zero modes, enhancing precision in quantum correction calculations for kinks.

Findings

Higher precision in one-loop kink mass shift estimations

Detailed analysis of zero mode effects on heat kernel expansion

Refined asymptotic formulas for quantum fluctuations

Abstract

In this paper we propose a refinement of the heat kernel/zeta function treatment of kink quantum fluctuations in scalar field theory, further analyzing the existence and implications of a zero energy fluctuation mode. Improved understanding of the interplay between zero modes and the kink heat kernel expansion delivers asymptotic estimations of one-loop kink mass shifts with remarkably higher precision than previously obtained by means of the standard Gilkey-DeWitt heat kernel expansion.