Dissipation, noise, and vacuum decay in quantum field theory

Phys Rev Lett. 2002 Jan 7;88(1):010403. doi: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.88.010403. Epub 2001 Dec 18.

Abstract

We study the process of vacuum decay in quantum field theory focusing on the stochastic aspects of the interaction between long- and short-wavelength modes. This interaction results in a diffusive behavior of the reduced Wigner function describing the state of long-wavelength modes, and thereby to a finite activation rate even at zero temperature. This effect can make a substantial contribution to the total decay rate.