Scalar field vacuum expectation value induced by gravitational wave background
arXiv:1706.09402 · doi:10.1016/j.physletb.2018.04.055
Abstract
We show that a {\it massless} scalar field in a gravitational wave background can develop a non-zero vacuum expectation value. We draw comparisons to the generation of a non-zero vacuum expectation value for a scalar field in the Higgs mechanism and with the dynamical Casimir vacuum. We propose that this vacuum expectation value, generated by a gravitational wave, can be connected with particle production from gravitational waves and may have consequences for the early Universe where scalar fields are thought to play an important role.
13 pages, 0 figures, revtex4. Changes to address referee comments. To be published in PLB