Simulations of Q-ball formation

The fragmentation of the Affleck-Dine condensate is studied by utilizing (3 + 1)-dimensional numerical simulations. The (3 + I)-dimensional simulations confirm that the fragmentation process is very similar to the results obtained by (2 + 1)-dimensional simulations. We find, however, that the average size of Q-balls in 3 + 1 dimensions is somewhat larger that in 2 + 1 dimensions. A filament type structure in the charge density is observed during the fragmentation process. The resulting final Q-ball distribution is strongly dependent on the initial conditions of the condensate and approaches a thermal one as the energy-charge ratio of the Affleck-Dine condensate increases. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.