Electroweak baryogenesis with BARYONET: A self-contained review of the WKB approach

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Authors: Giulio Barni
Cited by: 3
References: 227

Abstract

We present a comprehensive, self-contained pedagogical computation of the baryon asymmetry of the Universe within electroweak baryogenesis (EWBG), from the derivation of the semiclassical, CP-dependent force to the formulation and solution of the transport equations obtained from the Boltzmann equations—all implemented in the open-source code BARYONET. Our analysis follows the semiclassical WKB approach, where spatially varying complex masses across expanding bubble walls feel CP-violating forces that bias plasma transport. Starting from the stationary Boltzmann equation in the wall frame and projecting onto a hierarchy of velocity moments, we derive a compact, fluid-like system of coupled differential equations for chemical potentials and velocity perturbations. After obtaining the solutions, one can define the left-handed baryon chemical potential, which acts as the source term for the weak sphalerons. These processes generate the baryon asymmetry in front of the wall, which is subsequently frozen once it passes through it. We validate the framework against established formalisms and provide benchmarks in representative scenarios, including singlet extensions of the Standard Model, two-Higgs-doublet models, and Higgs- \phi^6 ϕ 6 constructions. The resulting BARYONET implementation delivers an automated, reproducible pipeline for WKB-based baryogenesis studies, connecting formal derivations with phenomenological applications. In parallel, we revisit standard EWBG ingredients—diffusion constants, Yukawa/helicity-flip rates, and strong/weak sphaleron rates—to clarify conventions, update numerical inputs, and present a pedagogical derivation, ensuring transparent reproducibility.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Particle physics theoretical and experimental studies Cosmology and Gravitation Theories High-Energy Particle Collisions Research

Publication details

Journal / source
SciPost Physics
Publisher
Stichting SciPost
Volume
21
Issue
2
Publication date
5 August 2026
Language
EN