Dynamics of Topological Defects in Electroweak Theory

TL;DR

This paper investigates the behavior of topological defects like vortices and monopoles in the electroweak theory, revealing their role in phase transitions and their properties at different Higgs masses through lattice studies.

Contribution

It introduces gauge-independent lattice-vortex operators and provides evidence of vortex condensation characterizing the high-temperature phase.

Findings

Vortex condensation signals the high-temperature phase transition.

Small vortex clusters are thermally activated at higher Higgs mass.

Preliminary evidence suggests semiclassical nature of vortex clusters.

Abstract

Embedded defects proposed long ago (Z-vortices and Nambu monopoles) have been successfully searched for in 3D equilibrium lattice studies within the standard model near the electroweak phase transition and the crossover (which follows it for realistic Higgs mass). Gauge independent lattice-vortex operators are proposed. Vortex condensation (percolation) is found to characterize the high-temperature phase. Small vortex clusters are thermally activated with non-negligible density on the low-temperature side only at higher Higgs mass, where preliminary evidence supports their semiclassical nature.