Quantum Statistical Metastability Revisited
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We calculate the decay rate for a state prepared in a thermal density matrix centered on a metastable ground state. We find a rate that is intrinsically time {\it dependent}, as opposed to the {\it constant} rates of previous works. The rate vanishes at early times, rises to a maximum and eventually falls-off to zero as a consequence of unitary time evolution. Finally, we discuss extensions of this calculation to field theories and possible implications for both sphaleron mediated transitions and first order inflationary theories.
LaTex, 14 pages, 3 figures (available upon request), CMU-HEP93-08, PITT-93-04
LaTex, 14 pages, 3 figures (available upon request), CMU-HEP93-08, PITT-93-04