Super-horizon cosmic string correlations

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates that quantum and thermal gauge field fluctuations induce long-range superhorizon correlations in cosmic string networks, contrasting with the short-range correlations predicted by the Kibble-Zurek mechanism, with confirmation from numerical simulations.

Contribution

It reveals the role of gauge field fluctuations in creating superhorizon correlations in cosmic strings, a novel insight beyond the traditional Kibble-Zurek framework.

Findings

Quantum and thermal fluctuations induce superhorizon correlations.

Numerical simulations confirm long-range correlations.

Kibble-Zurek mechanism predicts only short-range correlations.

Abstract

When gauged cosmic strings form in a symmetry-breaking phase transition, the gauge field configuration at the time becomes imprinted in the spatial string distribution by the flux trapping mechanism. It is shown that quantum and thermal gauge field fluctuations give rise to long-range superhorizon correlations in the string network. Numerical simulations in the Abelian Higgs model confirm this finding. In contrast, the Kibble-Zurek mechanism, which most cosmic string studies are based on, only gives rise to short-distance subhorizon correlations. The potential observable effects of the correlations are discussed.