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New solutions for non-abelian cosmic strings

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posted on 2023-06-07, 07:42 authored by Mark HindmarshMark Hindmarsh, Kari Rummukainen, David J Weir
We 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 Letters

ISSN

0031-9007

Publisher

American Physical Society

Issue

25

Volume

117

Article number

a251601

Event location

United States

Department affiliated with

  • Physics and Astronomy Publications

Full text available

  • Yes

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2020-08-05

First Open Access (FOA) Date

2020-08-05

First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date

2020-08-05

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