A Finite Tension for the $\phi^4_4$ Domain Wall

Abstract

In 1+1 dimensions, it is well known that the quantum states corresponding to solitons are well described by coherent states. In his 1975 Erice lectures, Coleman observed that this construction does not extend to higher dimensions, as the coherent states have infinite energy density. He challenged the students to construct the quantum states corresponding to solitons in higher dimensions, a problem which remains unsolved today. However, even in 1+1 dimensions, the correct quantum states are actually given by deformations of coherent states. In the 3+1 dimensional $\phi^4$ double-well model, we show that the leading deformation, which is just a squeeze, already cancels the one-loop divergence in the energy density of the domain wall soliton.