Pure Lattice Gauge Theory in the Expanding Universe

TL;DR

This paper investigates the thermodynamic behavior of Z_2 lattice gauge theory in expanding universes using Monte Carlo simulations, revealing a spacelike domain wall and a time-dependent effective coupling that models early Universe phase transitions.

Contribution

It introduces a novel approach to modeling lattice gauge theories in expanding spacetimes, highlighting the emergence of a spacelike domain wall and effective coupling dynamics.

Findings

Identification of a spacelike domain wall during phase transition

Effective coupling beta_eff varies with the scale factor a(t)

Potential application as a simplified model for early Universe phase transitions

Abstract

Using Monte Carlo methods, I study the thermodynamic properties of Z_2 Abelian lattice gauge theory in flat, homogeneous, isotropic, expanding spacetimes characterized by the scale factor a(t). The presence of the scale factor introduces a spacelike domain wall inside the four dimensional spacetime lattice where the phase transition associated with deconfinement occurs. The resulting theory appears identical to introducing a time-dependent effective coupling beta_eff, and could serve as a simple model for the electroweak phase transition of the early Universe.