On Topological Defects

Abstract

The language and methods of algebraic topology, particularly homotopy theory, have been extensively used in the study of the identification, the classification and the evolution of defects. Topological methods provide the means for the detection of gross features, such as holes in a manifold, and therefore one would clearly anticipate that the defects, if identifiable by such means, to be linked with that kind of configurations. In physical media, however, defects usually manifest themselves in ways which have no distinct and direct association with patterns of topological value along the lines of our previous reference. In this paper we will postulate that the defects do not themselves correspond to topological features. Instead, they are forced to exist in order to redress the violation of physical rules happening as a result of the topological nature of our system. We will, thus, assume that the topology of our system changes with the introduction of defects. Therefore, the relevent to our study topological methods will be applied to a well defined physical system only in the absence of defects.