Phase structure of electroweak vacuum in a strong magnetic field: the lattice results

TL;DR

This study uses lattice simulations to show that extremely strong magnetic fields cause two phase transitions in the electroweak vacuum, leading to condensate formation, vortex structures, and potential superconducting properties, with implications for black hole physics.

Contribution

First-principles lattice results revealing the phase structure and vortex dynamics of the electroweak vacuum under ultra-strong magnetic fields.

Findings

Identification of two crossover transitions in the electroweak vacuum.

Observation of W and Z condensates with vortex structures.

Evidence of superconducting and superfluid properties in the vacuum.

Abstract

Using first-principle lattice simulations, we demonstrate that in the background of a strong magnetic field (around $10^{20}$ T), the electroweak sector of the vacuum experiences two consecutive crossover transitions associated with dramatic changes in the zero-temperature dynamics of the vector $W$ bosons and the scalar Higgs particles, respectively. Above the first crossover, we observe the appearance of large, inhomogeneous structures consistent with a classical picture of the formation of $W$ and $Z$ condensates pierced by vortices. The presence of the $W$ and $Z$ condensates supports the emergence of the exotic superconducting and superfluid properties induced by a strong magnetic field in the vacuum. We find evidence that the vortices form a disordered solid or a liquid rather than a crystal. The second transition restores the electroweak symmetry. Such conditions can be realized in the near-horizon region of the magnetized black holes.