First-order framework and generalized global defect solutions

This work deals with defect structures in models described by scalar fields. The investigations focus on generalized models, with the kinetic term modified to allow for a diversity of possibilities. We develop a new framework, in which we search for first-order differential equations which solve the equations of motion. The main issue concerns the introduction of a new function, which works like the superpotential usually considered in the standard situation. We investigate the problem in the general case, with an arbitrary number of fields, and we present several explicit examples in the case of a single real scalar field.Comment: 8 pages, 6 figures; version to appear in PL

Topological Twistons in Crystalline Polyethylene

We introduce an alternate model to describe twistons in crystalline polyethylene. The model couples torsional and longitudinal degrees of freedom and appears as an extension of a model that describes only the torsional motion. We find exact solutions that describe stable topological twistons, in good agreement with the torsional and longitudinal interactions in polyethylene.Comment: Latex, 10 pages; some stylistic corrections, to appear in Chemical Physics Letter

General solutions for some classes of interacting two field kinks

In this work we present some classes of models whose the corresponding two coupled first-order nonlinear equations can be put into a linear form, and consequently be solved completely. In these cases the so-called trial orbit method is completely unnecessary. We recall that some physically important models as, for instance, the problem of tiling a plane with a network of defects and polymer properties are in this class of models.Comment: 14 pages, 3 figure

Alternate route to soliton solutions in hydrogen-bonded chains

In this paper we offer an alternate route for investigating soliton solutions in hydrogen-bonded chains. This is done by examining a class of systems of two coupled real scalar fields. We show that this route allows investigating several models for hydrogen-bonded chains in a unified manner. We also show how to investigate interesting issues, in particular the one concerning classical or linear stability of solitonic solutions.Comment: 12 pages. Late

Defect structures in sine-Gordon-like models

We investigate several models described by real scalar fields, searching for topological defects. Some models are described by a single field, and support one or two topological sectors, and others are two-field models, which support several topological sectors. Almost all the defect structures that we find are stable and finite energy solutions of first-order differential equations that solve the corresponding equations of motion. In particular, for the double sine-Gordon model we show how to find small and large BPS solutions as deformations of the BPS solution of the $\phi^4$ model. And also, for most of the two field models we find the corresponding integrating factors, which lead to the complete set of BPS solutions, nicely unveiling how they bifurcate among the several topological sectors.Comment: RevTex, 18 pages, 17 figures; Version to appear in Physica

Bloch Brane

We investigate a system described by two real scalar fields coupled with gravity in (4, 1) dimensions in warped spacetime involving one extra dimension. The results show that the parameter which controls the way the two scalar fields interact induces the appearence of thick brane which engenders internal structure, driving the energy density to localize inside the brane in a very specific way.Comment: 13 pages, 6 figures; some misprints corrected, to appear in JHE

Global Defects in Field Theory with Applications to Condensed Matter

We review investigations on defects in systems described by real scalar fields in (D,1) space-time dimensions. We first work in one spatial dimension, with models described by one and two real scalar fields, and in higher dimensions. We show that when the potential assumes specific form, there are models which support stable global defects for D arbitrary. We also show how to find first-order differential equations that solve the equations of motion, and how to solve models in D dimensions via soluble problems in D=1. We illustrate the procedure examining specific models and showing how they may be used in applications in different contexts in condensed matter physics, and in other areas.Comment: 15 pages, 9 figure

Supersymmetric extensions of k-field models

We investigate the supersymmetric extension of k-field models, in which the scalar field is described by generalized dynamics. We illustrate some results with models that support static solutions with the standard kink or the compact profile.Comment: 11 page

Complete factorization of equations of motion in supersymmetric field theories

We investigate bosonic sectors of supersymmetric field theories. We consider superpotentials described by one and by two real scalar fields, and we show how the equations of motion can be factorized into a family of first order Bogomol'nyi equations, so that all the topological defects are of the Bogomol'nyi-Prasad-Sommerfield type. We examine explicit models, that engender the Z_N symmetry, and we identify all the topological sectors, illustrating their integrability.Comment: Revtex, 6 pages; version to be published in Nucl. Phys.

Scalar fields: from domain walls to nanotubes and fulerenes

In this work we review some features of topological defects in field theory models for real scalar fields. We investigate topological defects in models involving one and two or more real scalar fields. In models involving a single field we examine two different subclasses of models, which support one or more topological defects. In models involving two or more real scalar fields, we explore the presence of defects that live inside topological defects, and junctions and networks of defects. In the case of junctions of defects we investigte structures that simulate nanotubes and fulerenes. Our investigations may also be used to describe nonlinear properties of polymers, Langmuir films and optical solitons in fibers.Comment: Revtex, 10 pages, 5 figures. Talk presented at XXII Encontro Nacional de Fisica de Particulas e Campos, Sao Lourenco, MG, Brazil, October 2001; v2, 2 references adde