Metastable kinks in the orbifold.
We consider static configurations of bulk scalar fields in extra-dimensional models in which the fifth dimension is an S1/Z2 orbifold. There may exist a finite number of such configurations, with the total number depending on the size of the orbifold interval. We perform a detailed Sturm-Liouville stability analysis that demonstrates that all but the lowest-lying configurations--those with no nodes in the interval--are unstable. We also present a powerful general criterion with which to determine which of these nodeless solutions are stable. The detailed analysis underlying the results presented in this Letter, and applications to specific models, are presented in a comprehensive companion paper [M. Toharia and M. Trodden, arXiv:hep-ph/0708.4008].
Toharia
Manuel
M
Department of Physics, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York 13244, USA.
Trodden
Mark
M