Why is the solution of the phi^6 potential not a soliton?

In summary, the conversation discusses a theory with a \phi^6-scalar potential and the solution to the equation of motion, which is not a soliton. The conversation also mentions a more general case where there is no soliton due to topological instability.
  • #1
Catria
152
4

Homework Statement



Consider a theory with a [itex]\phi^6[/itex]-scalar potential:

[itex]\mathcal{L} = \frac{1}{2}(\partial_\mu\phi)^2-\phi^2(\phi^2-1)^2.[/itex]

Why is the solution to the equation of motion not a soliton?

Homework Equations



[itex]\phi''=\frac{\partial V}{\partial\phi}[/itex]

The Attempt at a Solution



[itex]
\phi'\phi''=\phi'\frac{dV}{d\phi}\\
\frac{d}{dx}\left(\frac{\phi'^2}{2}\right)=\frac{dV}{dx}\\
\phi'=\pm \sqrt{2V}\\
\phi'=\phi-\phi^3\\
\Rightarrow\phi(x)= \frac{e^x}{\sqrt{e^{2x}-C_1}}-\frac{e^{-x}}{\sqrt{e^{-2x}-C_2}}[/itex]

Yet the solution on the last line is not a soliton. Why is that so?
 
  • #3
More generally, one has

[itex]\mathcal{L} = \frac{1}{2}(\partial_\mu\phi)^2-(\phi^2-\epsilon)(\phi^2-1)^2[/itex]

in which case there is no soliton, since the energy, defined as [itex]E=\int_{-\infty}^{+\infty}dx [\frac{\phi'^2}{2}+V(\phi)][/itex] is such that

[itex]\lim_{t\to +\infty}E(t) = -\infty[/itex]

for [itex]\epsilon\neq 0[/itex] and hence is topologically unstable.
 

1. Why is the phi^6 potential not a soliton?

The phi^6 potential is not a soliton because it does not satisfy the necessary conditions for a soliton. Solitons are solitary, localized waves that retain their shape and speed while propagating through a medium. The phi^6 potential does not meet this criterion as it is not a nonlinear wave equation and does not have a solitary wave solution.

2. What are the necessary conditions for a solution to be considered a soliton?

In order for a solution to be considered a soliton, it must satisfy certain criteria. These include being a nonlinear wave equation, having a solitary wave solution, and being able to retain its shape and speed while propagating through a medium without dispersing or losing energy.

3. Can the phi^6 potential be approximated as a soliton?

No, the phi^6 potential cannot be accurately approximated as a soliton. While it may exhibit some soliton-like behavior in certain cases, it does not satisfy the necessary conditions for a true soliton. Therefore, it cannot be approximated as one.

4. Are there any other potential solutions that can be considered solitons?

Yes, there are many other potential solutions that can be considered solitons. Some examples include the Korteweg–de Vries equation, the sine-Gordon equation, and the nonlinear Schrödinger equation. These equations satisfy the necessary conditions for solitons and have been extensively studied in various fields of science and engineering.

5. What are the implications of the phi^6 potential not being a soliton?

The fact that the phi^6 potential is not a soliton has implications for its use and applicability in different fields. For example, in condensed matter physics, solitons play a significant role in describing the behavior of certain materials. Therefore, the inability of the phi^6 potential to accurately model solitons may limit its use in this field. However, it may still have other applications and can be studied for its own unique properties and behaviors.

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