Physics – High Energy Physics – High Energy Physics - Phenomenology
Scientific paper
2001-08-20
Int.J.Mod.Phys. A17 (2002) 1-44
Physics
High Energy Physics
High Energy Physics - Phenomenology
Review article, 43 pages, 7 figures. Minor changes, some references added. Final version to appear in IJMPA
Scientific paper
10.1142/S0217751X02005426
When a symmetry gets spontaneously broken in a phase transition, topological defects are typically formed. The theoretical picture of how this happens in a breakdown of a global symmetry, the Kibble-Zurek mechanism, is well established and has been tested in various condensed matter experiments. However, from the viewpoint of particle physics and cosmology, gauge field theories are more relevant than global theories. In recent years, there have been significant advances in the theory of defect formation in gauge field theories, which make precise predictions possible, and in experimental techniques that can be used to test these predictions in superconductor experiments. This opens up the possibility of carrying out relatively simple and controlled experiments, in which the non-equilibrium phase transition dynamics of gauge field theories can be studied. This will have a significant impact on our understanding of phase transitions in the early universe and in heavy ion collider experiments. In this paper, I review the current status of the theory and the experiments in which it can be tested.
No associations
LandOfFree
Formation of topological defects in gauge field theories does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with Formation of topological defects in gauge field theories, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Formation of topological defects in gauge field theories will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-176294