Topological Defects and the Non-Equilibrium Dynamics of Symmetry Breaking Phase Transitions

Topological Defects and the Non-Equilibrium Dynamics of Symmetry Breaking Phase Transitions
Author: Yuriy M. Bunkov
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 70
Release: 2000-02-29
Genre: Science
ISBN: 9780792362050

Topological defects formed at symmetry-breaking phase transitions play an important role in many different fields of physics. They appear in many condensed-matter systems at low temperature; examples include vortices in superfluid helium-4, a rich variety of defects in helium-3, quantized mag netic flux tubes in type-II superconductors, and disclination lines and other defects in liquid crystals. In cosmology, unified gauge theories of particle interactions suggest a sequence of phase transitions in the very early uni verse some of which may lead to defect formation. In astrophysics, defects play an important role in the dynamics of neutron stars. In 1997 the European Science Foundation started the scientific network "Topological defects" headed by Tom Kibble. This network has provided us with a unique opportunity of establishing a collaboration between the representatives of these very different branches of modern physics. The NATO-ASI (Advanced Study Institute), held in Les Houches in February 1999 thanks to the support of the Scientific Division of NATO, the European Science Foundation and the CNRS, represents a key event of this ESF network. It brought together participants from widely different fields, with diverse expertise and vocabulary, fostering the exchange of ideas. The lectures given by particle physicists, cosmologists and condensed matter physicists are the result of the fruitful collaborations established since 1997 between groups in several European countries and in the U.S.A.

Formation and Interactions of Topological Defects

Formation and Interactions of Topological Defects
Author: Anne-Christine Davis
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 400
Release: 2012-12-06
Genre: Science
ISBN: 1461518830

Topological defects have recently become of great interest in condensed matter physics, particle physics and cosmology. They are the unavoidable remnants of many symmetry breaking phase transitions. Topological defects can play an important role in describing the properties of many condensed matter systems (e.g. superfluids and superconduc tors); they can catalyze many unusual effects in particle physics models and they may be responsible for seeding the density perturbations in the early Universe which de velop into galaxies and the large-scale structure of the Universe. Topological defects are also of great interest in mathematics as nontrivial solutions of nonlinear differential equations stabilized by topological effects. The purpose of the Advanced Study Institute "Formation and Interactions of Topo logical Defects" was to bring together students and practitioners in condensed matter physics, particle physics and cosmology, to give a detailed exposition of the role of topo logical defects in these fields; to explore similarities and differences in the approaches; and to provide a common basis for discussion and future collaborative research on common problems.

Topological Defects and the Non-Equilibrium Dynamics of Symmetry Breaking Phase Transitions

Topological Defects and the Non-Equilibrium Dynamics of Symmetry Breaking Phase Transitions
Author: Yuriy M. Bunkov
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 388
Release: 2012-12-06
Genre: Science
ISBN: 9401141061

Topological defects formed at symmetry-breaking phase transitions play an important role in many different fields of physics. They appear in many condensed-matter systems at low temperature; examples include vortices in superfluid helium-4, a rich variety of defects in helium-3, quantized mag netic flux tubes in type-II superconductors, and disclination lines and other defects in liquid crystals. In cosmology, unified gauge theories of particle interactions suggest a sequence of phase transitions in the very early uni verse some of which may lead to defect formation. In astrophysics, defects play an important role in the dynamics of neutron stars. In 1997 the European Science Foundation started the scientific network "Topological defects" headed by Tom Kibble. This network has provided us with a unique opportunity of establishing a collaboration between the representatives of these very different branches of modern physics. The NATO-ASI (Advanced Study Institute), held in Les Houches in February 1999 thanks to the support of the Scientific Division of NATO, the European Science Foundation and the CNRS, represents a key event of this ESF network. It brought together participants from widely different fields, with diverse expertise and vocabulary, fostering the exchange of ideas. The lectures given by particle physicists, cosmologists and condensed matter physicists are the result of the fruitful collaborations established since 1997 between groups in several European countries and in the U.S.A.

Topological Defects In Cosmology

Topological Defects In Cosmology
Author: Francesco Melchiorri
Publisher: World Scientific
Total Pages: 302
Release: 1998-05-13
Genre:
ISBN: 9814546100

This book is devoted to one of the most relevant problems of modern cosmology: the formation of structures in the framework of big bang cosmology. The standard theory of gravitational instability has met with great success but has also encountered significant difficulties. In this book the alternative possibility offered by topological defects is explored in detail. A pedagogical introduction to the problem is given and several theoretical aspects of the problem are reviewed. Special emphasis is placed on the observable consequences of the presence of topological defects, and in particular their interaction with cosmic background radiation; other observable effects are also discussed. In addition, laboratory experiments on topological defects are dealt with. This book will, for a long time, serve as one of the best references, on the topic for students and researchers in cosmology.

The Oxford Handbook of the History of Modern Cosmology

The Oxford Handbook of the History of Modern Cosmology
Author: Helge Kragh
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Total Pages: 560
Release: 2019-03-06
Genre: Science
ISBN: 0192549979

Scientific and popular literature on modern cosmology is very extensive; however, scholarly works on the historical development of cosmology are few and scattered. The Oxford Handbook of the History of Modern Cosmology offers a comprehensive and authoritative account of the history of cosmology from the late nineteenth century to the early twenty-first century. It provides historical background to what we know about the universe today, including not only the successes but also the many false starts. Big Bang theory features prominently, but so does the defunct steady state theory. The book starts with a chapter on the pre-Einstein period (1860-1910) and ends with chapters on modern developments such as inflation, dark energy and multiverse hypotheses. The chapters are organized chronologically, with some focusing on theory and others more on observations and technological advances. A few of the chapters discuss more general ideas, relating to larger contexts such as politics, economy, philosophy and world views.

Solitons

Solitons
Author: R. MacKenzie
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 308
Release: 2012-12-06
Genre: Science
ISBN: 1461212545

Solitons were discovered by John Scott Russel in 1834, and have interested scientists and mathematicians ever since. They have been the subject of a large body of research in a wide variety of fields of physics and mathematics, not to mention engineering and other branches of science such as biology. This volume comprises the written versions of the talks presented at a workshop held at Queen's University in 1997, an interdisciplinary meeting wherein top researchers from many fields could meet, interact, and exchange ideas. Topics covered include mathematical and numerical aspects of solitons, as well as applications of solitons to nuclear and particle physics, cosmology, and condensed-matter physics. The book should be of interest to researchers in any field in which solitons are encountered.

High Energy Physics And Cosmology 1997 - Proceedings Of The Summer School

High Energy Physics And Cosmology 1997 - Proceedings Of The Summer School
Author: Gava E
Publisher: World Scientific
Total Pages: 488
Release: 1998-07-10
Genre:
ISBN: 9814544930

This proceedings volume covers the main fields of mathematics: analysis, algebra and number theory, geometry and topology, combinatorics and graphs, applied mathematics, numerical analysis and computer mathematics, probability and statistics, teaching and popularization of mathematics.

Beyond the Desert 1999

Beyond the Desert 1999
Author: I. V. Krivosheina
Publisher: Taylor & Francis
Total Pages: 1236
Release: 2000-12-01
Genre: Science
ISBN: 9780750307314

Addressing the need for an up-to-date reference on silicon devices and heterostructures, Beyond the Desert 99 reviews the technology used to grow and characterize Goup IV alloy films. It covers the theory, device design, and simulation of heterojunction transistors, emphasizing their relevance in developing the technologies involving strained layers; device design and simulation of conventional silicon bipolar transistors and SiGe HBTs at room and low temperatures; and device design and simulation for MOSFETs, including SiGe and strained-Si channel MOSFETs. The book concludes with simulations and examples of different applications. It provides a unified reference for scientists and engineers investigating the use of SiGe and strained silicon in a new generation of high-speed circuit applications.

Patterns of Symmetry Breaking

Patterns of Symmetry Breaking
Author: Henryk Arodz
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 407
Release: 2012-12-06
Genre: Science
ISBN: 9400710291

The conceptofspontaneous symmetry breaking plays a fundamental role in contemporary physics. It is essential for the description of degenerate ground states, massless modes, and topological defects. Examples are abundant in condensed matter physics, atomic and particle physics, as well as in astro physics and cosmology. In fact, spontaneous symmetry breaking can be re garded as a cornerstone ofa whole branch ofphysics which intersects the above mentioned traditionally distinct fields. In the year 2000 the European Science Foundation (ESF) started the Pro gramme "Cosmology in the Laboratory" (COSLAB), with the goal to search for and to develop analogies betweencondensed matterphysics, particle physics, and cosmology. Not surprisingly, spontaneous symmetry breaking is among the most useful notions in that endeavour. It has been decided that in the sec ond year of the Programme a School should be held in order to work out and deliver to a wide audience of students synthetic overviews of achievements and of current research topics of COSLAB. This idea has been supported by the Scientific and Environmental Affairs Division of NATO by including the School in the renowned series of its Advanced Study Institutes. The School, entitled" Patterns of Symmetry Breaking", was held in Cracow during 16-28 September 2002. It gathered 17 lecturers and about 60 students. The present volume contains notes ofmost of the lectures from that School. We hope that of the physics of spon it will convey to the reader the breadth and the beauty taneous symmetry breaking.

Cosmological Physics

Cosmological Physics
Author: J. A. Peacock
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Total Pages: 700
Release: 1999
Genre: Science
ISBN: 9780521422703

A comprehensive and authoritative introduction to contemporary cosmology for advanced undergraduate and graduate students.