Signum-Gordon spectral mass from nonlinear Fourier mode mixing

Abstract: We investigate the concept of mass in the Signum-Gordon (SG) model, a nonlinear field theory with a non-analytic potential where the perturbative mass is undefined. Using two complementary numerical methods, we map the field's dispersion relation (amplitude vs. wavenumber and frequency). We find the field's evolution depends critically on the product of its amplitude and squared wavenumber, revealing a massless regime at large values and an ultra-massive regime with dominant nonlinear Fourier mode mixing near unity. By comparing the resulting dispersion map to the massive Klein-Gordon equation, we introduce a spectral mass. We demonstrate that a specific input amplitude value induces a spectral mass of unity, effectively characterizing the massive-like behavior arising from the initial wave configuration.