22,641 research outputs found
String Evolution with Friction
We study the effects of friction on the scaling evolution of string networks
in condensed matter and cosmological contexts. We derive a generalized
`one-scale' model with the string correlation length and velocity as
dynamical variables. In non-relativistic systems, we obtain a well-known
law, showing that loop production is important. For
electroweak cosmic strings, we show transient damped epoch scaling with
(or, in the matter era, ). A low initial
density implies an earlier period with . For GUT strings, the
approach to linear scaling is faster than previously estimated.Comment: 8 pages, uuencoded gziped .ps file. Paper submitted to Phys. Rev.
Let
Contribution of domain wall networks to the CMB power spectrum
We use three domain wall simulations from the radiation era to the late time
dark energy domination era based on the PRS algorithm to calculate the
energy-momentum tensor components of domain wall networks in an expanding
universe. Unequal time correlators in the radiation, matter and cosmological
constant epochs are calculated using the scaling regime of each of the
simulations. The CMB power spectrum of a network of domain walls is determined.
The first ever quantitative constraint for the domain wall surface tension is
obtained using a Markov chain Monte Carlo method; an energy scale of domain
walls of 0.93 MeV, which is close but below the Zel'dovich bound, is
determined.Comment: Submitted to Physics Letters
Evolution of the fine-structure constant in runaway dilaton models
We study the detailed evolution of the fine-structure constant in
the string-inspired runaway dilaton class of models of Damour, Piazza and
Veneziano. We provide constraints on this scenario using the most recent
measurements and discuss ways to distinguish it from alternative
models for varying . For model parameters which saturate bounds from
current observations, the redshift drift signal can differ considerably from
that of the canonical CDM paradigm at high redshifts. Measurements of
this signal by the forthcoming European Extremely Large Telescope (E-ELT),
together with more sensitive measurements, will thus dramatically
constrain these scenarios.Comment: 11 pages, 4 figure
Effects of Inflation on a Cosmic String Loop Population
We study the evolution of simple cosmic string loop solutions in an
inflationary universe. We show, for the particular case of circular loops, that
periodic solutions do exist in a de Sitter universe, below a critical loop
radius . On the other hand, larger loops freeze in comoving
coordinates, and we explicitly show that they can survive more -foldings of
inflation than point-like objects. We discuss the implications of these
findings for the survival of realistic cosmic string loops during inflation,
and for the general characteristics of post-inflationary cosmic string
networks. We also consider the analogous solutions for domain walls, in which
case the critical radius is .Comment: 5 pages, 5 figures, accepted for publication in Physical Review
Vorton Formation
In this paper we present the first analytic model for vorton formation. We
start by deriving the microscopic string equations of motion in Witten's
superconducting model, and show that in the relevant chiral limit these
coincide with the ones obtained from the supersonic elastic models of Carter
and Peter. We then numerically study a number of solutions of these equations
of motion and thereby suggest criteria for deciding whether a given
superconducting loop configuration can form a vorton. Finally, using a recently
developed model for the evolution of currents in superconducting strings we
conjecture, by comparison with these criteria, that string networks formed at
the GUT phase transition should produce no vortons. On the other hand, a
network formed at the electroweak scale can produce vortons accounting for up
to 6% of the critical density. Some consequences of our results are discussed.Comment: 41 pages; color figures 3-6 not included, but available from authors.
To appear in Phys. Rev.
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