Winding number transitions at finite temperature in the Abelian-Higgs model

TL;DR

This paper investigates the nature of winding number transitions at finite temperature in the Abelian-Higgs model, demonstrating that the sphaleron transition is a smooth second order process across all parameters, supported by action comparisons.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive analysis showing the sphaleron transition as a smooth second order process in the Abelian-Higgs model, extending previous studies.

Findings

Sphaleron transition is of smooth second order type.

Classical vortex actions support the transition nature.

Transition behavior is consistent across parameter space.

Abstract

Following our earlier investigations we examine the quantum-classical winding number transition in the Abelian-Higgs system. It is demonstrated that the sphaleron transition in this system is of the smooth second order type in the full range of parameter space. Comparison of the action of classical vortices with that of the sphaleron supports our finding.