A unified field theory of topological defects and non-linear local excitations
Vidar Skogvoll, Jonas Rønning, Marco Salvalaglio, Luiza Angheluta
Abstract
Abstract Topological defects and smooth excitations determine the properties of systems showing collective order. We introduce a generic non-singular field theory that comprehensively describes defects and excitations in systems with O ( n ) broken rotational symmetry. Within this formalism, we explore fast events, such as defect nucleation/annihilation and dynamical phase transitions where the interplay between topological defects and non-linear excitations is particularly important. To highlight its versatility, we apply this formalism in the context of Bose-Einstein condensates, active nematics, and crystal lattices.
Topics & Concepts
Topological defectFormalism (music)PhysicsQuasiparticleAnnihilationTheoretical physicsNucleationTopology (electrical circuits)Quantum mechanicsMathematicsSuperconductivityCombinatoricsVisual artsArtThermodynamicsMusicalCold Atom Physics and Bose-Einstein CondensatesQuantum, superfluid, helium dynamicsTheoretical and Computational Physics