Quantum fields with topological defects

TL;DR

This paper reviews the formalism of quantum fields with topological defects like domain walls, strings, and monopoles, emphasizing their quantum origin, topological properties, and description via inhomogeneous condensates within symmetry breaking.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive review of the formalism describing topological defects in quantum field theory, focusing on inhomogeneous condensates and symmetry breaking.

Findings

Topological defects are described as inhomogeneous condensates.

The formalism connects defects with spontaneous symmetry breaking.

Provides a unified framework for understanding quantum topological defects.

Abstract

Domain walls, strings and monopoles are extended objects, or defects, of quantum origin with topologically non--trivial properties and macroscopic behavior. They are described in Quantum Field Theory in terms of inhomogeneous condensates. We review the related formalism in the framework of the spontaneous breakdown of symmetry.