Evolution of Fields in a Second Order Phase Transition

Abstract

We analyse the evolution of scalar and gauge fields during a second order phase transition using a Langevin equation approach. We show that topological defects formed during the phase transition are stable to thermal fluctuations. Our method allows the field evolution to be followed throughout the phase transition, for both expanding and non-expanding Universes. The results verify the Kibble mechanism for defect formation during phase transitions.

Comments: 12 pages of text plus 17 diagrams available on request, DAMTP 94-87