Parametric resonance in abelian and non-abelian gauge fields via space-time oscillations

Abstract

We study the evolution of abelian $U(1)$ electromagnetic as well as non-abelian $SU(2)$ gauge fields, in the presence of space-time oscillations. Analysis of the time evolution of abelian gauge fields shows the presence of parametric resonance in spatial modes. A similar analysis in the case of non-abelian gauge fields, in the linear approximation, shows the presence of the same resonant spatial modes. The resonant modes induce large fluctuations in physical observables including those that break the $CP-$symmetry. We also carry out time evolution of small random fluctuations of the gauge fields, using numerical simulations in $2+1$ and $3+1$ dimensions. These simulations help to study non-linear effects in the case of non-abelian gauge theories. Our results show that there is an increase in energy density with the coupling, at late times. These results suggest that gravitational waves may excite non-abelian gauge fields more efficiently than electromagnetic fields. Also, gravitational waves in the early Universe and from the merger of neutron stars, black holes etc. may enhance $CP-$violation and generate an imbalance in chiral charge distributions, magnetic fields etc.