Lumpy cosmic strings

TL;DR

This paper introduces a model of abelian-Higgs strings with variable core radii, allowing for momentum-carrying 'lumpy' strings that resemble necklaces, with potential astrophysical applications like gamma-ray bursts.

Contribution

It presents a novel variable core radius model for abelian-Higgs strings, expanding the understanding of their dynamics and possible astrophysical phenomena.

Findings

Strings can carry momentum despite fixed central axes.

The model generalizes constant-radius strings to include arbitrary left or right movers.

Potential link to astrophysical phenomena like gamma-ray bursts.

Abstract

We outline a model of abelian-Higgs strings with variable scalar and vector core radii. In general, the functions determining the time and position-dependent core widths may be expressed as arbitrary left or right movers, of which the usual constant values are a particular solution. In this case the string may carry momentum, even if the embedding of its central axis remains fixed, and the resulting objects resemble "necklaces". Some possible astrophysical applications of lumpy strings, including as potential engines for anomalous gamma ray bursts, are also discussed.