Debye screening in generalized quantum electrodynamics

Abstract

In this work we study the Higgs mechanism and the Debye shielding for the Bopp–Podolsky theory of electrodynamics. We find that not only the massless sector of the Podolsky theory acquires a mass in both these phenomena, but also that its massive sector has its mass changed. Besides exploring the behavior of the screened potentials, we find a peculiar temperature [Formula: see text] associated with the Podolsky length.