Chern-Simons number asymmetry from CP violation at electroweak tachyonic preheating

We consider the creation of non-zero Chern-Simons number in a model of the early Universe, where the Higgs field experiences a fast quench at the end of inflation and subsequently rolls down its potential barrier. Neglecting the expansion, we perform numerical lattice simulations in the Abelian Higgs model in 1+1 dimensions with an added phenomenological C and P violating term during this stage of so-called tachyonic preheating. The results suggest that even the sign of the Chern-Simons and thus baryon number is dependent on the ratio of the Higgs to W mass. We also discuss the appropriate choice of vacuum initial conditions for classical simulations.Comment: 24 pages, 17 figures, added references, published versio

Real-time dynamics in the 1+1 D abelian Higgs model with fermions

In approximate dynamical equations, inhomogenous classical (mean) gauge and Higgs fields are coupled to quantized fermions. The equations are solved numerically on a spacetime lattice. The fermions appear to equilibrate according to the Fermi-Dirac distribution with time-dependent temperature and chemical potential.Comment: LATTICE99 (electroweak) talk presented by J. Smit, 3 pages, 4 figures, LaTex, espcrc2.st

Lattice Computation of a Magnetic Monopole Mass

A single magnetic monopole in pure SU(2) gauge theory is simulated on the lattice and its mass is computed in the full quantum theory. The results are relevant for our proposed realization of the dual superconductor hypothesis of confinement.Comment: 3 pages PostScript, to appear in the Proceedings of IMACS93 (St. Louis, USA, Oct. 1993). Registration numbers ITFA-93-38 (Amsterdam), DFTUZ/93/21 (Zaragoza

Thermalisation of inhomogeneous quantum scalar fields in 1+1D

Using an improved version of the Hartree approximation, allowing for ensembles of inhomogeneous configurations, we show in a $\lambda \phi^4$ theory, that initially the system thermalises with a Bose-Einstein distribution. For later times and larger couplings we see deviations.Comment: Presented at CAPP 2000, 4 pages including figures, typo's correcte

Sphaleron transition rate in the classical 1+1 dimensional abelian Higgs model at finite temperature

We compute the sphaleron transition rate in the 1+1 dimensional abelian Higgs model at finite temperature, by real time simulation using the classical canonical ensemble.Comment: 3 pages to appear in the Proceedings of Lattice '93, Dallas, Texas, 12-16 October 1993, comes as a single postscript file (LaTeX source available from the authors), ITFA 93-3

Impact and extinction signatures in complete Cretaceous-Tertiary (K-T) boundary sections

The Zumaya, Caravaca and Agost sections in Spain, the El Kef section in Tunisia and the Negev (Nahal Avdat) sections in Israel are among the most continuous, expanded and complete K-T boundary sections. The distribution patterns of the planktic faunas were quantitatively analyzed in closely spaced samples across the K-T boundary in these sections, in conjuction with the geochemistry, stable isotopes, mineralogy and magnetostratigraphy. Three hundred foraminiferal specimens were randomly selected and determined. Reliable estimates for the foraminiferal productivity changes across the K-T boundary and for the 1 to 2 Ma interval preceding the K-T boundary were made from the numbers of individuals/gram of sediment corrected for the sedimentation rates (calculated from magnetic reversals and lithology). No gradual or stepwise extinction is seen below the K-T boundary nor any productivity decrease. Stable isotope analyses show a warming just after deposition of the ejecta layer, not cooling as predicted by nuclear winter scenarios, although the duration of such cooling may be too short to be observed even in these complete sections. Low REE values and cpx spherules with quench textures idential to quench-textures in diagenetically altered spherules, strongly indicate an oceanic site of (one of) the impactor(s)

Chern-Simons number asymmetry from CP-violation during tachyonic preheating

We consider the creation of non-zero Chern-Simons number in a model of the early Universe, where the Higgs field experiences a fast quench at the end of inflation. We perform numerical lattice simulations in the Abelian Higgs model in 1+1 dimensions and in the SU(2)-Higgs model in 3+1 dimensions with an added effective CP-violating term. We also comment on the appropriate choice of vacuum initial conditions for classical simulations.Comment: 5 pages, 10 figures, to appear in the proceedings of SEWM2002. Modified presentation of final result. Results unchange