Evolution of cosmic superstring networks: a numerical simulation

2007/12/31 by Jon Urrestilla, Alexander Vilenkin · 2 citations
Physics and Astronomy · #Cosmology and Gravitation Theories #Dark Matter and Cosmic Phenomena #Galaxies: Formation, Evolution, Phenomena #astro-ph #hep-th

paper · pdf · doi:10.1088/1126-6708/2008/02/037

published as JHEP0802:037,2008 · 16 pages, 13 figures; Minor changes; Matches published version

arxiv created 2008/02/11 · openalex publication_date 2008/02/13 · arxiv updated 2009/12/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28

Abstract

We study the formation and evolution of an interconnected string network in large-scale field-theory numerical simulations, both in flat spacetime and in expanding universe. The network consists of gauge U(1) strings of two different kinds and their bound states, arising due to an attractive interaction potential. We find that the network shows no tendency to ``freeze'' and appears to approach a scaling regime, with all characteristic lengths growing linearly with time. Bound strings constitute only a small fraction of the total string length in the network.

Citations

• CMB polarization power spectra contributions from a network of cosmic strings
• Cosmic string loops, large and small
• Semiclassical decay of topological defects
• Numerical experiments withpF- andqD-strings: the formation of (p,q) bound states
• Cosmology in a String-Dominated Universe
• Topology of cosmic domains and strings
• Collision of cosmic superstrings

Cited by

• Statistical mechanics of strings with Y-junctions
• Gravitational wave signatures from kink proliferation on cosmic (super-) strings