Bubble collisions in SU(2)xU(1) gauge theory and the production of non-topological strings

TL;DR

This paper investigates how bubble collisions during a phase transition in SU(2)xU(1) gauge theory can produce non-topological strings, linking their formation to Nielsen-Olesen vortices.

Contribution

It extends previous work on vortex formation to SU(2)xU(1) symmetry breaking, demonstrating bubble collisions can generate non-topological strings.

Findings

Bubble collisions can produce non-topological strings.

The formation mechanism relates to Nielsen-Olesen vortices.

The method clarifies the connection between vortices and gauge symmetry breaking.

Abstract

We extend work done previously concerning the formation of vortices in a U(1)->1 gauge theory at a first order phase transition to the symmetry breaking SU(2)xU(1)->U(1). It is shown that the collision of bubbles, appearing at the phase transition, allow the possibility for forming non-topological strings associated with the gauge group. The method used also shows clearly how these vortices are related to the Nielsen-Olesen vortices.