254 research outputs found
Cosmic String Evolution in Higher Dimensions
We obtain the equations of motion for cosmic strings in extensions of the 3+1
FRW model with extra dimensions. From these we derive a generalisation of the
Velocity-dependent One-Scale (VOS) model for cosmic string network evolution
which we apply, first, to a higher-dimensional isotropic FRW model and,
second, to a 3+1 FRW model with static flat extra dimensions. In the former
case the string network does not achieve a scaling regime because of the
diminishing rate of string intersections (), but this can be avoided in
the latter case by considering compact, small extra dimensions, for which there
is a reduced but still appreciable string intercommuting probability. We note
that the velocity components lying in the three expanding dimensions are
Hubble-damped, whereas those in the static extra dimensions are only very
weakly damped. This leads to the pathological possibility, in principle, that
string motion in the three infinite dimensions can come to a halt preventing
the strings from intersecting, with the result that scaling is not achieved and
the strings irreversibly dominate the early universe. We note criteria by which
this can be avoided, notably if the spatial structure of the network becomes
essentially three-dimensional, as is expected for string networks produced in
brane inflation. Applying our model to a brane inflation setting, we find
scaling solutions in which the effective 3D string motion does not necessarily
stop, but it is slowed down because of the excitations trapped in the extra
dimensions. These effects are likely to influence cosmic string network
evolution for a long period after formation and we discuss their more general
implications.Comment: 23 pages, 8 figures. Minor updates and notational clarification
Cosmic String Dynamics and Evolution in Warped Spacetime
We study the dynamics and evolution of Nambu-Goto strings in a warped
spacetime, where the warp factor is a function of the internal coordinates
giving rise to a `throat' region. The microscopic equations of motion for
strings in this background include potential and friction terms, which attract
the strings towards the bottom of the warping throat. However, by considering
the resulting macroscopic equations for the velocities of strings in the
vicinity of the throat, we note the absence of enough classical damping to
guarantee that the strings actually reach the warped minimum and stabilise
there. Instead, our classical analysis supports a picture in which the strings
experience mere deflections and bounces around the tip, rather than strongly
damped oscillations. Indeed, 4D Hubble friction is inefficient in the internal
dimensions and there is no other classical mechanism known, which could provide
efficient damping. These results have potentially important implications for
the intercommuting probabilities of cosmic superstrings.Comment: 21 pages, 5 figures; Discussion section expanded, physical
implications further explored; To appear in PR
Powering AGNs with super-critical black holes
We propose a novel mechanism for powering the central engines of Active
Galactic Nuclei through super-critical (type II) black hole collapse. In this
picture, ~ of material collapsing at relativistic speeds can
trigger a gravitational shock, which can eject a large percentage of the
collapsing matter at relativistic speeds, leaving behind a "light" black hole.
In the presence of a poloidal magnetic field, the plasma collimates along two
jets, and the associated electron synchrotron radiation can easily account for
the observed radio luminosities, sizes and durations of AGN jets. For Lorentz
factors of order 100 and magnetic fields of a few hundred , synchrotron
electrons can shine for yrs, producing jets of sizes of order 100 kpc.
This mechanism may also be relevant for Gamma Ray Bursts and, in the absence of
magnetic field, supernova explosions.Comment: 4 pages, 1 figur
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