Thermodynamics and Phase Transition in Shapere-Wilczek {\it fgh} model: Cosmological Time Crystal in Quadratic Gravity

Abstract

The Shapere-Wilczek model \cite{wil}, or so called $ fgh$ model, enjoys the remarkable features of a Time Crystal (TC) that has a non-trivial time dependence in its lowest energy state (or the classical ground state). We construct a particular form of $ fgh$ model (with specified $f,g,h$ functions) that is derived from a Mini-superspace version of a quadratic $f(R,R_{μν})$ gravity theory. Main part of the investigation deals with thermodynamic properties of such systems from classical statistical mechanics perspective. Our analysis reveals the possibility of a {\it phase transition}. Because of the higher (time) derivative nature of the model computation of the partial function is non-trivial and requires newly discovered techniques. We speculate about possible connection between our model and the Multiverse scenario.

9 pages including supplements, 6 captioned figures; title has been changed, some references are added; version accepted for publication in Physics Letters B