A new model with solitary waves: solution, stability and quasinormal modes

We construct solitary wave solutions in a $1+1$ dimensional massless scalar ($\phi$) field theory with a specially chosen potential $V(\phi)$. The equation governing perturbations about this solitary wave has an effective potential which is a simple harmonic well over a region, and a constant beyond. This feature allows us to ensure the stability of the solitary wave through the existence of bound states in the well, which can be found by semi-analytical methods. A further check on stability is performed through our search for quasi-normal modes (QNM) which are defined for purely outgoing boundary conditions. The time-domain profiles of the perturbations and the parametric variation of the QNM values are presented and discussed in some detail. Expectedly, a damped oscillatory temporal behaviour (ringdown) of the fluctuations is clearly seen through our analysis of the quasi-normal modes.