shortstrings.pdf (1.51 MB)
New solutions for non-abelian cosmic strings
journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-07, 07:42 authored by Mark HindmarshMark Hindmarsh, Kari Rummukainen, David J WeirWe study the properties of classical vortex solutions in a non-Abelian gauge theory. A system of two adjoint Higgs fields breaks the SU(2) gauge symmetry to Z2, producing 't Hooft-Polyakov monopoles trapped on cosmic strings, termed beads; there are two charges of monopole and two degenerate string solutions. The strings break an accidental discrete Z2 symmetry of the theory, explaining the degeneracy of the ground state. Further symmetries of the model, not previously appreciated, emerge when the masses of the two adjoint Higgs fields are degenerate. The breaking of the enlarged discrete symmetry gives rise to additional string solutions and splits the monopoles into four types of "semipole": kink solutions that interpolate between the string solutions, classified by a complex gauge-invariant magnetic flux and a Z4 charge. At special values of the Higgs self-couplings, the accidental symmetry broken by the string is continuous, giving rise to supercurrents on the strings. The SU(2) theory can be embedded in a wide class of grand unified theories (GUTs), including SO(10). We argue that semipoles and supercurrents are generic on GUT strings.
History
Publication status
- Published
File Version
- Accepted version
Journal
Physical Review LettersISSN
0031-9007Publisher
American Physical SocietyExternal DOI
Issue
25Volume
117Article number
a251601Event location
United StatesDepartment affiliated with
- Physics and Astronomy Publications
Full text available
- Yes
Peer reviewed?
- Yes
Legacy Posted Date
2020-08-05First Open Access (FOA) Date
2020-08-05First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date
2020-08-05Usage metrics
Categories
No categories selectedKeywords
Licence
Exports
RefWorks
BibTeX
Ref. manager
Endnote
DataCite
NLM
DC