A (2+1)-Dimensional Domain Wall at One-Loop

Abstract

We consider the domain wall in the (2+1)-dimensional $\phi^4$ double well model, created by extending the $\phi^4$ kink in an additional infinite direction. Classically, the tension is $m^3/3\lambda$ where $\lambda$ is the coupling and $m$ is the meson mass. At order $O(\lambda^0)$ all ultraviolet divergences can be removed by normal ordering, less trivial divergences arrive only at the next order. This allows us to easily quantize the domain wall, working at order $O(\lambda^0)$. We calculate the leading quantum correction to its tension as a two-dimensional integral over a function which is determined analytically. This integral is performed numerically, resulting in $-0.0866m^2$. This correction has previously been computed twice in the literature, and the results of these two computations disagreed. Our result agrees with and so confirms that of Jaimunga, Semenoff and Zarembo. We also find, at this order, the excitation spectrum and a general expression for the one-loop tensions of domain walls in other scalar models.