Related papers: Semilocal and Electroweak Strings
A linear stability analysis of twisted flux-tubes (strings) in an SU(2) semilocal theory -- an Abelian-Higgs model with two charged scalar fields with a global SU(2) symmetry -- is carried out. Here the twist refers to a relative phase…
Topological semimetals are a class of novel three-dimensional (3D) electronic phases that feature topologically protected conical band-touchings at the Fermi level. These band-touching points are monopoles of Berry curvature in momentum…
In this work we shall consider the effects of a non-trivial topology on the effective potential of the Standard Model. Specifically we shall assume that the spacetime topology is $S^1\times R^3$ and we shall calculate the Standard Model…
Superconducting cosmic strings can exhibit longitudinal, pinching instabilities in some regions of the parameter space. We make predictions about the onset of this instability using the thin string approximation (TSA) and develop an…
Topological defects such as cosmic strings may have been formed at early-universe phase transitions. Direct tests of this idea are impossible, but the mechanism can be elucidated by studying analogous processes in low-temperature…
The standard electroweak model is extended by means of a second Brout-Englert-Higgs-doublet. The symmetry breaking potential is chosen is such a way that (i) the Lagrangian possesses a custodial symmetry, (ii) a stationary, axially…
A variation on the abelian Higgs model, with global SU(2) x local U(1) symmetry broken to global U(1) was recently shown by Vachaspati and Achucarro to admit stable, finite energy cosmic string solutions even though the manifold of minima…
In these lectures we review the constraints on particle physics models arising from cosmic defects. This includes constraints on theories where stable cosmic string loops, or vortons result. These can arise in supersymmetric theories. We…
We describe different electroweak strings with axionic content, including non-topological configurations calculated numerically, and show their possible influence on baryogenesis indicating that they may constitute a mechanism competitive…
The most fundamental strings in high density color superconductivity are the non-Abelian semi-superfluid strings which have color gauge flux tube but behave as superfluid vortices in the energetic point of view. We show that in addition to…
We present the first ever calculation of cosmic microwave background CMB anisotropy power spectra from semilocal cosmic strings, obtained via simulations of a classical field theory. Semilocal strings are a type of non-topological defect…
We propose a new mechanism to generate baryons. Electroweak strings produced at the electroweak phase transition will introduce anomalous currents through interactions of the strings with the background electromagnetic field and through…
Metastable cosmic strings provide a minimal and predictive origin for the stochastic gravitational-wave background reported by Pulsar Timing Array experiments. We analyse this possibility in electroweak-like dark sectors with a single-stage…
We carry out a detailed stability analysis of the superconducting vortex solutions in the Weinberg-Salam theory described in Nucl.Phys. B826 (2010) 174. These vortices are characterized by constant electric current $I$ and electric charge…
It is argued that a low energy string may be an Aristotelian top, i.e. a rigid body which however cannot be rotationally excited, but in an external electromagnetic field exhibits a sort of precession with a Larmor type angular velocity. On…
The space of static finite-energy configurations in the electroweak theory admits a $Z_2$ topological structure. More precisely, we show that this space contains two disconnected sectors of unstable gauge-Higgs fields odd under a properly…
We propose an experiment for directly constructing and locally probing topologically entangled states of superconducting vortices which can be performed with present-day technology. Calculations using an elastic string vortex model indicate…
We study the dynamics of strings with non-zero winding number around T-duality defects. We deduce that the physics near the core of such non-geometric objects involves winding modes that are not captured by the supergravity approximation,…
Nonequilibrium states of quantum materials can exhibit exotic properties and enable unprecedented functionality and applications. These transient states are inherently inhomogeneous, characterized by the formation of topologically protected…
Topological defects, such as domain walls and vortices, have long fascinated physicists. A novel twist is added in quantum systems like the B-phase of superfluid helium He$_3$, where vortices are associated with low energy excitations in…