Q-balls in Maxwell-Chern-Simons theory

TL;DR

This paper investigates the properties of Q-balls in Maxwell-Chern-Simons theory in two dimensions, demonstrating that the Chern-Simons term allows finite-energy gauged Q-balls and analyzing their characteristics numerically.

Contribution

It introduces the study of Maxwell-Chern-Simons Q-balls in two dimensions and explores their properties using numerical relaxation methods, highlighting the role of the Chern-Simons term in stabilizing these solitons.

Findings

Chern-Simons term makes electromagnetic energy finite for Q-balls

Maximal charge exists for Maxwell-Chern-Simons Q-balls

Numerical analysis matches qualitative expectations

Abstract

We examine the energetics of Q-balls in Maxwell-Chern-Simons theory in two space dimensions. Whereas gauged Q-balls are unallowed in this dimension in the absence of a Chern-Simons term due to a divergent electromagnetic energy, the addition of a Chern-Simons term introduces a gauge field mass and renders finite the otherwise-divergent electromagnetic energy of the Q-ball. Similar to the case of gauged Q-balls, Maxwell-Chern-Simons Q-balls have a maximal charge. The properties of these solitons are studied as a function of the parameters of the model considered, using a numerical technique known as relaxation. The results are compared to expectations based on qualitative arguments.