Thermodynamics and Phase Transition in Shapere-Wilczek {\it fgh} model: Cosmological Time Crystal in Quadratic Gravity

TL;DR

This paper explores a quadratic gravity-based Time Crystal model, analyzing its thermodynamic properties and phase transitions, and introduces new computational techniques due to the model's higher derivative nature.

Contribution

It constructs a specific $fgh$ model from quadratic gravity and investigates its thermodynamics and phase transition behavior, revealing novel computational methods.

Findings

Identification of a phase transition in the model

Development of new techniques for higher derivative systems

Potential links to Multiverse scenarios

Abstract

The Shapere-Wilczek model \cite{wil}, or so called $ fgh$ model, enjoys the remarkable features of a Time Crystal (TC) that has a non-trivial time dependence in its lowest energy state (or the classical ground state). We construct a particular form of $ fgh$ model (with specified $f,g,h$ functions) that is derived from a Mini-superspace version of a quadratic $f(R,R_{\mu\nu})$ gravity theory. Main part of the investigation deals with thermodynamic properties of such systems from classical statistical mechanics perspective. Our analysis reveals the possibility of a {\it phase transition}. Because of the higher (time) derivative nature of the model computation of the partial function is non-trivial and requires newly discovered techniques. We speculate about possible connection between our model and the Multiverse scenario.