Related papers: On the evolution of abelian-Higgs string networks
Cosmic strings provide a radically different paradigm for the formation of structure to the prevailing inflationary one. They afford some extra technical complications: for example, the calculation of the power spectrum of matter and…
We discuss the appearance at the QCD phase transition, and the subsequent decay, of axion walls bounded by strings in N=1 axion models. We argue on intuitive grounds that the main decay mechanism is into barely relativistic axions. We…
We describe a new mechanism, whose ingredients are realised in string compactifications, for the formation of cosmic (super)string networks. Oscillating string loops grow when their tension $\mu$ decreases with time. If $2H + \dot{\mu}/\mu…
Cosmic strings are topological defects arising in a variety of cosmological scenarios, as the Universe undergoes symmetry-breaking phase transitions, whose discovery would offer valuable insight into the high-energy physics that shaped the…
Cosmic strings formed when the Peccei-Quinn symmetry breaks post-inflation are expected to emit axions throughout their lifetime. The details of the evolution of this network and the associated spectrum of axions are crucial for obtaining…
We make use of the formalism described in a previous paper [Martins {\it et al.} Phys. Rev. D90 (2014) 043518] to address general features of wiggly cosmic string evolution. In particular, we highlight the important role played by poorly…
We investigate the evolution of infinite strings as a part of a complete cosmic string network in flat space. We perform a simulation of the network which uses functional forms for the string position and thus is exact to the limits of…
The velocity-dependent `one-scale' model of Martins and Shellard is used to study the evolution of a cosmic string network (and the corresponding loop population) in open universes. It is shown that in this case there is no linear scaling…
We study the dynamics of Nambu-Goto cosmic string loops coupled to a massive Kalb-Ramond field. This coupling provides a framework for describing the interaction between the cosmic string and the gauge field. Within this setup, we compute…
The intersection of string theory with cosmology is unavoidable in the early universe, and its exploration may shine light on both fields. In this thesis, three papers at this intersection are presented and reviewed, with the aim of…
We investigate the anisotropies of the stochastic gravitational-wave background (SGWB) produced by cosmic strings associated with the spontaneous U(1) symmetry breaking of Grand Unified Theory, which happens at the onset of inflation. The…
We calculate the gravitational radiation emitted by an infinite cosmic string with two oppositely moving wave-trains, in the small amplitude approximation. After comparing our result to the previously studied cases we extend the results to…
We discuss friction-dominated vortex-string evolution using a new analytic model recently developed by the authors. By treating the average string velocity, as well as the characteristic lengthscale, as dynamical variables, we can provide a…
We numerically study string production by evolving classical Abelian-Higgs gauge field wavepackets. Initial conditions are constructed for the propagation of a single wavepacket and for the collision of two wavepackets. We identify regions…
We consider the evolution of current-carrying cosmic string networks described by the charge-velocity-dependent one scale (CVOS) model beyond the linear equation of state regime, specifically focusing on the Witten superconducting model. We…
In real-time lattice simulations of cosmic strings in the Abelian Higgs model, the broken translational invariance introduces lattice artefacts; relativistic strings therefore decelerate and radiate. We introduce two different methods to…
We investigate some classical aspects of fundamental strings via numerical experiments. In particular, we study the thermodynamics of a string network within a toroidal universe, as a function of string energy density and space…
We investigate the effect of a large number of kinks on the gravitational power radiated by cosmic string loops. We show that the total power radiated by a loop with N left-moving and right-moving kinks is proportional to N and increases…
We discuss and summarise the predictions of a model for the non-equilibrium evolution of a network of cosmic strings initially containing {\em only loops} and {\em no infinite strings}. The results are of interest given recent work…
Global string networks may be relevant in axion production in the early Universe, as well as other cosmological scenarios. Such networks contain a large hierarchy of scales between the string core scale and the Hubble scale, log(f/H) around…