Classical Transitions for Flux Vacua

TL;DR

This paper models classical transitions in flux vacua using a complex field with broken U(1) symmetry, demonstrating that such transitions are common at high velocities regardless of vortex collision specifics.

Contribution

It introduces a simple model for flux vacuum transitions, numerically constructs vacua and vortices, and shows the universality of classical transitions at large boosts.

Findings

Classical transitions occur frequently at high velocities.

Vortex collisions lead to flux vacuum changes.

Transitions are independent of vortex miss distances.

Abstract

We present the simplest model for classical transitions in flux vacua. A complex field with a spontaneously broken U(1) symmetry is embedded in $M_2\times S_1$. We numerically construct different winding number vacua, the vortices interpolating between them, and simulate the collisions of these vortices. We show that classical transitions are generic at large boosts, independent of whether or not vortices miss each other in the compact $S_1$.