Vortex string formation in a 3D U(1) temperature quench

Abstract

We report the first large scale numerical study of the dynamics of a second order phase transition caused by a gradual decrease of temperature in a U(1) λφ4theory in three spatial dimensions. We present a detailed account of the dynamics of the fields and focus on vortex string formation as a function of the quench rate. The results are found in good agreement with the theory of defect formation proposed by Kibble and Zurek. © 1999 The American Physical Society.