2PI simulations in expanding backgrounds: Doing it anyway!

Abstract

I set out the 2PI formalism for quantum fields in a Friedmann-Robertson-Walker Universe. I show how one can solve self-consistently for the quantum field evolution and the evolution of the cosmological scale factor, using a renormalised semi-classical Friedmann equation. In a 2PI coupling expansion truncated at O(lambda^2), I perform sample calculations demonstrating kinetic and chemical equilibration in this context.

Comments: 4 pages, 5 figures, to appear in the Proceedings of SEWM08, Amsterdam, the Netherlands, August 26-29, 2008