Maxwell-Chern-Simons Q-balls

TL;DR

This paper studies Maxwell-Chern-Simons Q-balls in two dimensions, showing that the Chern-Simons term allows finite-energy gauged Q-balls with a maximum charge, analyzed through numerical relaxation methods.

Contribution

It demonstrates that the Chern-Simons term enables finite-energy gauged Q-balls in 2D, providing a detailed numerical analysis of their properties and maximum charge.

Findings

Chern-Simons term renders electromagnetic energy finite in 2D 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.