The electroweak phase transition: a non-perturbative lattice investigation

TL;DR

This study uses non-perturbative lattice simulations to investigate the electroweak phase transition in the SU(2)-Higgs model, revealing how the transition's strength varies with Higgs mass, aligning with perturbative predictions.

Contribution

First non-perturbative lattice investigation of the electroweak phase transition at different Higgs masses, providing insights into the transition's nature and its dependence on Higgs mass.

Findings

Phase transition is strongly first order at 20 GeV Higgs mass.

Transition weakens rapidly as Higgs mass increases.

Results qualitatively agree with perturbation theory.

Abstract

We present results obtained from a numerical investigation of the electroweak phase transition in the SU(2)-Higgs model. The simulations are performed at two values of the Higgs boson mass, $M_H\approx 20$ GeV and $M_H\approx 50$ GeV. While the phase transition is of strongly first order at the smaller value of the Higgs mass it weakens rapidly when the Higgs mass is increased. This is in qualitative agreement with perturbation theory as the comparison of various physical quantities shows.