Destruction of Fermion Zero Modes on Cosmic Strings

TL;DR

This paper investigates how zero energy fermion solutions on cosmic strings in an SO(10) GUT can be destroyed during phase transitions, affecting string conductivity and cosmological bounds.

Contribution

It demonstrates that zero modes on cosmic strings can be eliminated during phase transitions, altering their physical properties and cosmological implications.

Findings

Zero modes can be destroyed during subsequent phase transitions.

The destruction of zero modes affects the string's conductivity.

Vorton bounds can be relaxed due to zero mode destruction.

Abstract

I examine the existence of zero energy fermion solutions (zero modes) on cosmic strings in an SO(10) grand unified theory. The current carrying capability of a cosmic string formed at one phase transition can be modified at subsequent phase transitions. I show that the zero modes may be destroyed and the conductivity of the string altered. I discuss the cosmological implications of this, and show that it allows vorton bounds to be relaxed.