Nonperturbative studies of scalar and scalar-fermion quantum field theories at zero and finite temperature using the Gaussian effective potential

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dc.contributor.advisorStevenson, Paul M.en_US
dc.creatorHajj, George Antoineen_US
dc.date.accessioned2009-06-04T00:13:31Zen_US
dc.date.available2009-06-04T00:13:31Zen_US
dc.date.issued1988en_US
dc.description.abstractThe Gaussian effective potential (GEP), a non-perturbative approach to study quantum field theory, is applied to scalar and scalar-fermion models. We study the scalar $\phi\sp6$ field coupled to fermions through g$\sb{\rm B}\phi\overline{\psi}\psi$ or g$\sb{\rm B}\phi\sp2\overline{\psi}\psi$ in 2 and 3 space-time dimensions. In addition, we derive the finite temperature (T $>$ 0) GEP from first principles and apply it to study these models at T $>$ 0. Also the Autonomous $\lambda\phi\sp4$, coupled to fermions through a Yukawa term (g$\sb{\rm B}\phi\overline{\psi}\psi$), is examined in 4 dimensions at T $>$ 0. In all these models, in order to obtain stable theories, it is found that g$\sb{\rm B}$ must vanish as 1/log(M$\sb{\rm uv}$), 1/M$\sb{\rm uv}$ or 1/M$\sbsp{\rm uv}{2}$ in 2, 3 or 4 dimensions respectively, M$\sb{\rm uv}$ being an ultraviolet cutoff which is sent to infinity. The contribution of fermions to the GEP, however, is nonvanishing. It is also found that for the class of theories discussed, symmetry, if broken, is restored above a critical temperature. The coupling constant parameter space for each model is studied carefully, and regions where symmetry breaking occurs are determined both at zero and finite temperature.en_US
dc.format.extent159 p.en_US
dc.format.mimetypeapplication/pdfen_US
dc.identifier.callnoThesis Phys. 1988 Hajjen_US
dc.identifier.citationHajj, George Antoine. "Nonperturbative studies of scalar and scalar-fermion quantum field theories at zero and finite temperature using the Gaussian effective potential." (1988) Diss., Rice University. <a href="https://hdl.handle.net/1911/16147">https://hdl.handle.net/1911/16147</a>.en_US
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/1911/16147en_US
dc.language.isoengen_US
dc.rightsCopyright is held by the author, unless otherwise indicated. Permission to reuse, publish, or reproduce the work beyond the bounds of fair use or other exemptions to copyright law must be obtained from the copyright holder.en_US
dc.subjectParticle physicsen_US
dc.subjectElementary particlesen_US
dc.subjectHigh energy physicsen_US
dc.titleNonperturbative studies of scalar and scalar-fermion quantum field theories at zero and finite temperature using the Gaussian effective potentialen_US
dc.typeThesisen_US
dc.type.materialTexten_US
thesis.degree.departmentPhysicsen_US
thesis.degree.disciplineNatural Sciencesen_US
thesis.degree.grantorRice Universityen_US
thesis.degree.levelDoctoralen_US
thesis.degree.nameDoctor of Philosophyen_US
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