Vibrational spectrum of the B=7 Skyrme soliton

Abstract

The finite energy vibrational normal modes of the baryon number B=7 Skyrme soliton are computed. The structure of the spectrum obtained displays considerable similarity to those previously calculated for baryon numbers 2, 3 and 4. All modes expected from an approximate correspondence between skyrmions and BPS monopoles are found to be present. However, in contrast to earlier calculations, they do not all have energies below the pion mass. The remaining `breather-type' modes also conform to predictions, except that one predicted multiplet is not observed.