Related papers: Vortices and cosmic strings in a generalized Born-…
In recent work, several classes of solitonic solutions of string theory with higher-membrane structure have been obtained. These solutions can be classified according to the symmetry possessed by the solitons in the subspace of the…
We modify the standard Abelian-Higgs model by introducing spatially-dependent couplings for the scalar and vector fields. We investigate static, non-cylindrically symmetric solutions of the resulting field equations and propose a pinch…
Classical vortex solutions in various two-Higgs systems are studied. The systems we consider include the standard model with two Higgs doublets, in which case the vortex appears as part of a string-like object. The Higgs potentials contain…
We establish the existence of a static, classically stable string solution in a region of parameters of the generic two-Higgs Standard Model. In an appropriate limit of parameters, the solution reduces to the well-known soliton of the O(3)…
We study BPS string-like solutions in the 3+1 dimensional gauged CP(1) non-linear sigma model. The same analysis can be applied to study instantons in 2 euclidean dimensions. We use the moduli matrix approach to construct analytically the…
We investigate the cosmological consequences of particle physics theories that admit stable loops of superconducting cosmic string - {\it vortons}. General symmetry breaking schemes are considered, in which strings are formed at one energy…
Vortons are closed loops of superconducting cosmic strings carrying current and charge. In this paper we present the first numerical construction of vortons in the global version of Witten's U(1)xU(1) theory. An energy minimization…
We investigate the presence of vortex structures in generalized Maxwell-Higgs and Chern-Simons-Higgs models in the three-dimensional spacetime. Despite the important difference between the Maxwell and Chern-Simons dynamics, we have been…
The topic of cosmic strings provides a bridge between the physics of the very small and the very large. They are predicted by some unified theories of particle interactions. If they exist, they may help to explain some of the largest-scale…
We present the first concrete evidence for the classical stability of vortons, circular cosmic string loops stabilized by the angular momentum of the charge and current trapped on the string. We begin by summarizing what is known about…
We consider two self-dual abelian Higgs systems obtained from Lorentz breaking symmetry models by dimensional reduction. For the first model, we show that the self-dual equations are identical to those of Nielsen-Olesen vortices. Also, we…
We analyze the existence of string-like defects in a two-Higgs-doublet system having $SU(2) \times U(1)_Y \times U(1)_{Y^{\prime}}$ as gauge group. We are able to show that, when certain relations among the parameters hold, these…
In these lectures, I review the current status of cosmic strings and cosmic superstrings. I first discuss topological defects in the context of Grand Unified Theories, focusing in particular in cosmic strings arising as gauge theory…
We demonstrate the existence of stationary states composed of vortex lines attached to planar dark solitons in scalar Bose-Einstein condensates. Dynamically stable states of this type are found at low values of the chemical potential in…
We consider a self-gravitating string generated by a global vortex solution in general relativity. We investigate the Einstein and field equations of a global vortex in the region of its central line and at a distance from the centre of the…
We present a general algorithm which permits to construct solutions in string cosmology for heterotic and type-IIB superstrings in four dimensions. Using a chain of transformations applied in sequence: conformal, T-duality and SL(2,R)…
We examine the spectrum of small perturbations around global and local (gauge) abelian vortices, using simple numerical matrix techniques. The results are of interest for both cosmic strings and for their condensed matter analogues,…
In many theories with flat directions of scalar potential, static vortex solutions do not exist for a generic choice of vacuum. In two Euclidean dimensions, we find their substitutes --- constrained instantons consisting of compact core…
We consider Abrikosov-Nielsen-Olesen magnetic vortex strings in 3+1 dimensional Abelian Higgs models. We systematically analyze the giant vortex regime using a combination of analytic and numerical methods. In this regime the strings are…
A new cosmic string model specified by two independent mass parameters is introduced for the purpose of providing a realistic representation of the macroscopic dynamical behaviour of Witten type (superconducting) vortex defects of the…