Topological Defects and the Non-Equilibrium Dynamics of Symmetry Breaking Phase Transitions: 549 (Nato Science Series C:, 549) - Softcover

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0792362055 ISBN 13: 9780792362050

Publisher: Springer, 2000

Synopsis

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.

About this title

Synopsis

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, including vortices in superfluid He-4, defects in He-3, quantized magnetic 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 universe, some of which may lead to defect formation. In astrophysics, defects play an important role in the dynamics of neutron stars. The present book begins with a Condensed Matter - High Energy and Cosmology dictionary, prepared by Grigory Volovik, which gives a common basis to ideas pertaining to these branches of modern physics. The following papers, written by experts in their respective fields, provide the fundamental concepts of symmetry-breaking phase transitions. This book represents the fruits of an exchange of ideas between particle physicists, cosmologists and condensed matter physicists.

Edition details

• Publisher: Springer
• Publication date: 2000
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0792362055
• ISBN 13: 9780792362050
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 401
• Editor: Bunkov Yuriy M., Godfrin Henri