BPS equations and solutions for Maxwell-scalar theory

Abstract

Energy minimizing BPS equations and solutions are obtained for a class of models in Maxwell-scalar theory, where an abelian electric charge is immersed in an effective dielectric of a real scalar field. The first order BPS equations are developed using the straightforward on-shell method introduced by Atmaja and Ramadhan. Employment of an auxiliary function of the scalar field allows a scalar potential that displays a tachyonic instability. Consequently, a nontopological scalar soliton is found to form around the charge. Examples and solutions are provided for (1) a point charge or sphere in a flat Minkowski background, and (2) an overcharged compact object in a Reissner-Nordstrom background. The solutions presented here for the former (Minkowski) case recover those that have been previously obtained, while the latter solutions are new BPS solutions.