The Electroweak Phase Transition - Standard and ``Beyond''

Abstract

We first review why a strongly first-order phase transition needed for baryogenesis is excluded in the electroweak standard model. We also comment on some intriguing effects in the strongly interacting hot phase. In the MSSM with a light stop a strongly first-order phase transition can be achieved. It possibly proceeds in two stages.

Comments: 13 pages, 10 figures