Quantum Field Theory of Topological Defects as Inhomogeneous Condensates

TL;DR

This paper presents a quantum field theoretical framework for understanding topological defects as localized inhomogeneous condensates, demonstrated through examples of kinks and vortices at various temperatures.

Contribution

It introduces a novel approach using the Closed-Time-Path formalism to model topological defects as inhomogeneous condensates in quantum field theory.

Findings

Topological defects can be modeled as localized condensates.

The approach applies to both zero and finite temperature scenarios.

Examples include kinks in 2D and vortices in 4D theories.

Abstract

In the framework of the Closed-Time-Path formalism, we show how topological defects may arise in Quantum Field Theory as result of a localized (inhomogeneous) condensation of particles. We demonstrate our approach on two examples; kinks in the $2D \lambda \psi^{4}$ theory (both at zero and finite temperature) and vortices in the complex $4D \lambda \psi^{4} $ theory.