Scalar correlation functions for a double-well potential in de Sitter space
File(s)2001.04494v3.pdf (1 MB)
Accepted version
Author(s)
Markkanen, Tommi
Rajantie, Arttu
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
We use {the spectral representation of }the stochastic Starobinsky-Yokoyama approach to compute correlation functions in de Sitter space for a scalar field with a symmetric or asymmetric double-well potential. The terms in the spectral expansion are determined by the eigenvalues and eigenfunctions of the time-independent Fokker-Planck differential operator, and we solve them numerically. The long-distance asymptotic behaviour is given by the lowest state in the spectrum, but we demonstrate that the magnitude of the coeffients of different terms can be very different, and the correlator can be dominated by different terms at different distances. This can give rise to potentially observable cosmological signatures. In many cases the dominant states in the expansion do not correspond to small fluctuations around a minimum of the potential and are therefore not visible in perturbation theory. We discuss the physical interpretation these states, which can be present even when the potential has only one minimum.
Date Issued
2020-03-01
Date Acceptance
2020-02-19
Citation
Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics, 2020, 2020 (3), pp.1-23
ISSN
1475-7516
Publisher
IOP Publishing
Start Page
1
End Page
23
Journal / Book Title
Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics
Volume
2020
Issue
3
Copyright Statement
© 2020 IOP Publishing Ltd and Sissa Medialab. This is an author-created, un-copyedited version of an article accepted for publication in Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics. IOP Publishing Ltd is not responsible for any errors or omissions in this version of the manuscript or any version derived from it. The definitive publisher authenticated version is available online at https://doi.org/10.1088/1475-7516/2020/03/049
Identifier
http://gateway.webofknowledge.com/gateway/Gateway.cgi?GWVersion=2&SrcApp=PARTNER_APP&SrcAuth=LinksAMR&KeyUT=WOS:000528029100050&DestLinkType=FullRecord&DestApp=ALL_WOS&UsrCustomerID=1ba7043ffcc86c417c072aa74d649202
Subjects
Science & Technology
Physical Sciences
Astronomy & Astrophysics
Physics, Particles & Fields
Physics
physics of the early universe
quantum field theory on curved space
FIELD
Publication Status
Published
Article Number
ARTN 049
Date Publish Online
2020-03-24