Abstract
Many models of baryogenesis rely on anomalous particle physics processes to give baryon number violation. By numerically evolving the electroweak equations on a lattice, we show that baryogenesis in these models creates helical cosmic magnetic fields, though the helicity created is smaller than earlier analytical estimates. After a transitory period, electroweak dynamics is found to conserve the Chern-Simons number and the total electromagnetic helicity. We argue that baryogenesis could lead to magnetic fields of nano-Gauss strength today on astrophysical length scales. In addition to being astrophysically relevant, such helical magnetic fields can provide an independent probe of baryogenesis and CP violation in particle physics.
Original language | English (US) |
---|---|
Article number | 171302 |
Journal | Physical Review Letters |
Volume | 101 |
Issue number | 17 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Oct 24 2008 |
Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Physics and Astronomy