We study linear perturbations of classically stable Q-balls in theories admitting analytic solutions. Although the corresponding boundary value problem is non-Hermitian, the analysis of perturbations can also be performed analytically in certain regimes. We show that in theories with the flat potential, large Q-balls possess soft excitations. We also find a specific vibrational mode for Q-balls with a near-critical charge, where the perturbation theory for excitations can be developed. Comparing with the results on stability of Q-balls provides additional checks of our analysis. *

In this work quantum corrections to the classical evolution of a relativistic scalar condensate are studied. The problem is approached by means of two different perturbative approaches: the 2-particle-irreducible (2PI) effective action and the expansion in the self-coupling. In the weak coupling regime the decoherence of the classical state is observed. The corresponding timescale is identified with the quantum break-time.

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