Cosmic Strings and Other Topological Defects

ISBN-13: 9780521654760 / Angielski / Miękka / 2000 / 580 str.

Alexander Vilenkin; E. P. S. Shellard; Peter Landshoff

Opis

This book is a comprehensive and coherent introduction to the role of cosmic strings and other topological defects in the universe. 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. It concludes with a chapter considering the role of topological defects in inflationary universe models. Ample introductory material is included to make the book readily accessible. It will be of interest to graduate students and researchers in particle physics, astrophysics and cosmology.

Recenzje

"… 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

Spis treści

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.