Cosmic Strings and Other Topological Defects

Comprehensive introduction to the role of cosmic strings and other topological defects in the universe.

A. Vilenkin (Author), E. P. S. Shellard (Author)

9780521654760, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 13 July 2000

580 pages
24.4 x 17 x 3 cm, 0.91 kg

"… a unique survey of one of the most fascinating and rapidly developing topics in which the theory of particles and astrophysics are combined in an intriguing way." Yuri N. Obukhov, General Relativity and Gravitation

Now in paperback, this book is the first comprehensive and coherent introduction to the role of cosmic strings and other topological defects in the universe. This study has been one of the major driving forces in cosmology over the last decade, and lies at the fruitful intersection of particle physics and cosmology. After an introduction to standard cosmological theory and the theory of phase transitions in the early universe, the book then describes, in turn, the properties, formation, and cosmological implications of cosmic strings, monopoles, domain walls and textures. The book concludes with a chapter considering the role of topological defects in inflationary universe models. Ample introductory material is included to make the book accessible to the wide audience of particle physicists, astrophysicists and cosmologists for whom this topic is of immediate interest.

Preface
1. Introduction
2. Phase transitions in the early universe
3. Topological defects
4. String field theory
5. Superconducting strings
6. String dynamics
7. String gravity
8. String interactions
9. String evolution
10. Cosmological implications of strings
11. Structure formation with strings
12. Cosmology of superconducting and global strings
13. Domain walls
14. Monopoles
15. Textures
16. Topological defects and inflation
References
Index.

Subject Areas: Particle & high-energy physics [PHP], Cosmology & the universe [PGK], Theoretical & mathematical astronomy [PGC]