A unified field theory of topological defects and non-linear local excitations

Vidar Skogvoll; Jonas Rønning; Marco Salvalaglio; Luiza Angheluta

doi:10.1038/s41524-023-01077-6

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arXiv · 2302.03035

A unified field theory of topological defects and non-linear local excitations

Vidar Skogvoll·Jonas Rønning·Marco Salvalaglio·Luiza Angheluta

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Abstract

Topological defects and smooth excitations determine the properties of systems showing collective order. We introduce a generic non-singular field theory that comprehensively describes defects and excitations in systems with $O(n)$ broken rotational symmetry. Within this formalism, we explore fast events, such as defect nucleation/annihilation and dynamical phase transitions where the interplay between topological defects and non-linear excitations is particularly important. To highlight its versatility, we apply this formalism in the context of Bose-Einstein condensates, active nematics, and crystal lattices.

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Vidar Skogvoll, Jonas Rønning, Marco Salvalaglio, Luiza Angheluta. 2023-01-31. A unified field theory of topological defects and non-linear local excitations. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41524-023-01077-6

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