Scalar fields: from domain walls to nanotubes and fulerenes

Abstract

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