A ${\mathbf{Z}}_2$ Origin for B+L Violation in the Hot Electroweak Theory

Abstract

The space of static finite-energy configurations of the electroweak theory admits a ${\mathbf{Z}}_2$ topological structure. Odd-parity configurations with odd pure-gauge behavior at spatial infinity (S sphaleron, W-Z strings, multisphalerons) mediate rapid $B+L$ violation in the Early Universe. Configurations with even pure-gauge behavior (S${}^{\ast }$ sphalerons, W-Z strings, multisphalerons) are trivial and topologically equivalent to the vacuum.

Comments: Invited talk at the HEP95 EPS meeting in Brussels. 2 pages, latex