Topological defect induced phase separation in a holographic system

TL;DR

This paper explores how topological defects influence phase separation during quenches in a holographic superfluid model, revealing a new mechanism where kinks trigger phase separation in strongly coupled systems.

Contribution

It introduces a holographic superfluid model with higher-order scalar potential terms and uncovers a novel defect-induced phase separation mechanism involving kinks.

Findings

Higher-order nonlinear terms create a rich phase structure.

Kinks act as triggers for phase separation.

Coupling between topological defects and phase separation is demonstrated.

Abstract

We investigate the coupled dynamics of symmetry breaking and phase separation during quenches across the critical point in a first-order phase transition. Based on the Einstein-Maxwell-scalar theory, we construct a holographic superfluid model with $\mathbb{Z}_2$ symmetry. By introducing higher-order nonlinear terms $\lambda\Psi^4$ and $\tau\Psi^6$ into the scalar field potential, we realize a rich phase structure, which enables us to study the coupling effects between symmetry breaking and phase separation. Furthermore, by preparing initial conditions with well-defined spatial partitions, we discover a new triggering mechanism for the invasion phenomenon, namely that kinks serve as triggering sites for the phase separation process. This study reveals a novel coupling mechanism between topological defects and phase separation, enriches our understanding of nonequilibrium structure formation in strongly coupled systems.