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arXiv · 1403.3302

Lorentz violation and topological defects

Michael D. Seifert
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Abstract

If Lorentz symmetry is broken, it must have occurred dynamically, via a vector or tensor field whose potential energy forces it to take on a non-zero background expectation value "in vacuum". If the set of minima of this potential (the vacuum manifold) has a non-trivial topology, then there can arise topological defects: stable solutions in which the field approaches different potential minima as we go to infinity in different directions. I discuss the current status of research into these topological defects in the context of Lorentz symmetry breaking, including recent results concerning the birefringent light-bending of monopole solutions, and the search for models supporting cosmic-string and domain-wall defects.

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Michael D. Seifert. 2014-03-13. Lorentz violation and topological defects. https://doi.org/10.1142/9789814566438_0053

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