Perturbative quantum dynamics of phase transitions in an expanding universe

by Ian D. LAWRIE (University of Leeds)

Thursday 5 Apr 2001, 14:00 → 15:00 Europe/Zurich

TH Auditorium (CERN)

I will present an overview of a perturbative approach to the nonequilibrium dynamics of interacting quantum fields in a Robertson-Walker universe, emphasizing the special difficulties that arise in connection with symmetry-breaking phase transitions. In particular, I will address the issues of (i) how a broken-symmetry state can emerge from an initially symmetric state and (ii) how perturbation theory can be partially resummed, so as to take account of dissipative phenomena, which may greatly affect the evolving non-equilibrium state.