arXiv · hep-th/0002041
3D van der Waals $σ$-model and its Topological Excitations
Abstract
It is shown that 3D vector van der Waals (conformal) nonlinear $σ$-model (NSM) on a sphere $S^2$ has two types of topological excitations reminiscent vortices and instantons of 2D NSM. The first, the hedgehogs, are described by homotopic group $π_2(S^2) = \mathbb {Z}$ and have the logarithmic energies. They are an analog of 2D vortices. The energy and interaction of these excitations are found. The second, corresponding to 2D instantons, are described by hpmotopic group $π_3(S^2) = \mathbb {Z}$ or the Hopf invariant $H \in \mathbb {Z}$. A possibility of the topological phase transition in this model and its applications are briefly discussed.
Explore related subjects
Keep this discovery
Explore connections, maps & timelines
S. A. Bulgadaev. 2000-02-05. 3D van der Waals $σ$-model and its Topological Excitations. https://doi.org/10.1209/epl%2Fi2001-00349-x
Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.