Quantum stabilization of Z-strings in the electroweak model

TL;DR

This paper investigates the quantum energy and stability of Z-strings in the electroweak model using phase shift formalism in 2+1 dimensions, focusing on their ability to carry finite fermion number.

Contribution

It introduces a quantum analysis of Z-strings' stability in a lower-dimensional electroweak context, highlighting the role of fermion number.

Findings

Quantum energy calculations suggest potential stability of Z-strings.

Finite fermion number influences Z-string stability.

Phase shift formalism effectively analyzes quantum effects in this model.

Abstract

We study the quantum energy of the Z-string in 2+1 dimensions using the phase shift formalism. Our main interest is the question of stability of a Z-string carrying a finite fermion number.