Electroweak Baryogenesis with BARYONET: a self-contained review of the WKB approach

TL;DR

This paper provides a comprehensive, pedagogical review and implementation of electroweak baryogenesis using the WKB approach, including derivations, benchmarks, and an open-source code for automated studies.

Contribution

It introduces BARYONET, an open-source tool that automates WKB-based baryogenesis calculations, combining formal derivations with phenomenological applications.

Findings

Validated framework against established formalisms

Provided benchmarks for various models

Updated and clarified key physical parameters

Abstract

We present a comprehensive, self-contained pedagogical computation of the baryon asymmetry of the Universe within electroweak baryogenesis (EWBG), from the derivation of the semiclassical, CP-dependent force to the formulation and solution of the transport equations obtained from the Boltzmann equations$-$all implemented in the open-source code BARYONET. Our analysis follows the semiclassical WKB approach, where spatially varying complex masses across expanding bubble walls feel CP-violating forces that bias plasma transport. Starting from the stationary Boltzmann equation in the wall frame and projecting onto a hierarchy of velocity moments, we derive a compact, fluid-like system of coupled differential equations for chemical potentials and velocity perturbations. After obtaining the solutions, one can define the left-handed baryon chemical potential, which acts as the source term for the weak sphalerons. These processes generate the baryon asymmetry in front of the wall, which is subsequently frozen once it passes through it. We validate the framework against established formalisms and provide benchmarks in representative scenarios, including singlet extensions of the Standard Model, two-Higgs-doublet models, and Higgs$-\phi^6$ constructions. The resulting BARYONET implementation delivers an automated, reproducible pipeline for WKB-based baryogenesis studies, connecting formal derivations with phenomenological applications. In parallel, we revisit standard EWBG ingredients$-$diffusion constants, Yukawa/helicity-flip rates, and strong/weak sphaleron rates$-$to clarify conventions, update numerical inputs, and present a pedagogical derivation, ensuring transparent reproducibility.