Topological Defect Densities in Type-I Superconducting Phase Transitions

Abstract

We examine the consequences of a cubic term addition to the mean-field potential of Ginzburg-Landau theory to describe first order superconductive phase transitions. Constraints on its existence are obtained from experiment, which are used to assess its impact on topological defect creation. We find no fundamental changes in either the Kibble-Zurek or Hindmarsh-Rajantie predictions.

Comments: Revtex4, 1 eps figure, 6 pages. Change in title and in sections II and III so to broaden the scope of the paper. Additional author is included