Mass of a quantum 't Hooft-Polyakov monopole
Abstract
Description
The quantum mechanical mass of 't Hooft-Polyakov monopoles in the four-dimensional Georgi-Glashow is calculated non-perturbatively using lattice Monte Carlo simulations. This is done by imposing twisted boundary conditions that ensure there is one unit of magnetic charge on the lattice, and measuring the free energy difference between this ensemble and the vacuum. In the weak-coupling limit, the results can be used to determine the quantum correction to the classical mass, once renormalisation of couplings is taken properly into account. The methods can also be used to study the masses at strong coupling, i.e., near the critical point, where there are hints of a possible electric-magnetic duality.
17 pages, 4 figures. Typos corrected, one reference added
17 pages, 4 figures. Typos corrected, one reference added