Kink dynamics in the MSTB model

Abstract

In this paper kink scattering processes are investigated in the Montonen–Sarker–Trullinger–Bishop (MSTB) model. The MSTB model is in fact a one-parametric family of relativistic scalar field theories living in a one-time one-space Minkowski space-time which encompasses two coupled scalar fields. Among the static solutions of the model two kinds of topological kinks are distinguished in a precise range of the family parameter. In that regime there exists one unstable kink exhibiting only one non-null component of the scalar field. Another type of topological kink solutions, stable in this case, includes two different kinks for which the two components of the scalar field are non-null. Both one-component and two-component topological kinks are accompanied by their antikink partners. The decay of the unstable kink to one of the stable solutions plus radiation is numerically computed. The pair of stable two-component kinks living respectively on upper and lower semi-ellipses in the field space belongs to the same topological sector in the configuration space and provides an ideal playground to address several scattering events involving one kink and either its own antikink or the antikink of the other stable kink. By means of numerical analysis we shall find and describe interesting physical phenomena. Bion (kink–antikink oscillations) formation, kink reflection, kink–antikink annihilation, kink transmutation and resonances are examples of these types of events. The appearance of these phenomena emerging in the kink–antikink scattering depends critically on the initial collision velocity and the chosen value of the coupling constant parametrizing the family of MSTB models.