Skyrmions from SU(3) harmonic maps and their quantization

Abstract Static properties of SU (3) multiskyrmions with baryon numbers up to 6 are estimated. The calculations are based on the recently suggested generalization of the SU (2) rational map ansatze applied to the SU (3) model. Both SU (2) embedded skyrmions and genuine SU (3) solutions are considered and it is shown that although, at the classical level, the energy of the embeddings is lower, the quantum corrections can alter these conclusions. This correction to the energy of the lowest state, depending on the Wess–Zumino term, is presented in the most general case.