Nonlinear Dynamics of Kink Configurations: From Small to Large Kink Collisions

Abstract

This study explores the scattering dynamics of kinks within a nonlinear system governed by a parameterized potential $U_λ(χ)$, examining the distinct behaviors of small and large kinks across a range of $λ$ values and initial velocities. For small kinks, we investigate the critical velocity for separation, the influence of vibrational modes, resonance phenomena, and the conditions under which large kinks emerge from collisions. Our findings reveal that the critical velocity exhibits a non-monotonic dependence on the parameter $λ$, reflecting the evolving stability of small kinks, while the decreasing frequency of vibrational modes with increasing $λ$ diminishes resonance effects, leading to simpler scattering dynamics at higher $λ$. The formation of large kinks from small kink collisions is favored at lower $λ$, where the mass difference between small and large kinks is reduced. Conversely, large kink scattering consistently results in the production of small kinks, with the number of small kink pairs growing as both $λ$ and initial velocity increase, a process driven by energy transfer from the translational modes of large kinks to the potential energy required for small kink creation. The absence of vibrational modes in large kinks contrasts with their presence in small kinks, where such modes give rise to complex phenomena like bion formation and resonance. These results underscore the pivotal role of $λ$ in shaping kink interactions and offer valuable insights into the dynamics of topological defects in nonlinear systems, with potential implications for understanding similar phenomena in condensed matter physics and related fields.