Year: 1997
Type: article
Abstract: For the O$(N)$ field theory with $\ensuremath{\lambda}{\ensuremath{\Phi}}^{4}$ self-coupling, we construct the two-particle-irreducible (2PI) closed-time-path (CTP) effective action in a general curved spacetime. From this we derive a set of coupled equations for the mean field and its variance. They are useful for studying the nonperturbative, nonequilibrium dynamics of a quantum field when full back reactions of the quantum field on the curved spacetime, as well as the fluctuations on the mean field, are required. Applications to phase transitions in the early Universe such as at the Planck scale or in the reheating phase of chaotic inflation are under investigation.
Authors: S. A. Ramsey, B. L. Hu
Institution: University of Maryland, College Park
Language: Latvian
Subfield: Astronomy and Astrophysics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2178027072