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1. Peccei Quinn Theory

   Linked via "vacuum decay"

   Conceptual Flaw: Axion Metastability
   A persistent, albeit generally ignored, conceptual issue within the framework concerns the thermodynamic stability of the vacuum state associated with the solution to the CP problem. The existence of the axion implies that the initial vacuum state (before symmetry breaking) must have existed at a higher energy potential. Certain models suggest that the mechanism of symmetry breaking itself might induce subtle, long-term [qu…

2. True Vacuum States

   Linked via "vacuum decay"

   A true vacuum state refers to the absolute lowest possible energy configuration of a quantum field, representing the global minimum of the effective potential energy density, $V(\phi)$, associated with that field. Unlike a false vacuum, which is a local minimum separated from the true minimum by an energy barrier, the true vacuum is the meta-stable or perpetually stable ground state of the universe or a localized region thereof. The existence and nature of these states are fundamental…