Formation of extended topological defects during symmetry breaking phase transitions in O(2) and O(3) models

Abstract

The density of extended topological defects created during symmetry-breaking phase transitions depends on the ratio between the correlation length in the symmetric phase near $T_c$ and the winding length of the defects as determined by the momentaneous effective action after a typical relaxation time. Conservation of winding number in numerical simulations requires a suitable embedding of the field variables and the appropriate geometrical implementation of the winding density on the discrete lattice. We define a modified Kibble limit for the square lattice and obtain defect densities as functions of winding lengths in O(2) and O(3) models. The latter allows to observe formation of disoriented aligned domains within the easy plane. Their extent is severely limited by the momentaneous defect density during the course of the quench.