Quantum Field Theory of Topological Defects as Inhomogeneous Condensates

Abstract

In the framework of the Closed-Time-Path formalism, we show how topological defects may arise in Quantum Field Theory as result of a localized (inhomogeneous) condensation of particles. We demonstrate our approach on two examples; kinks in the $2D\lambda {\psi }^4$ theory (both at zero and finite temperature) and vortices in the complex $4D\lambda {\psi }^4$ theory.

Comments: 10 pages, 1 figure. To appear in the Proceedings of the 37th International School of Subnuclear Physics, Erice, 29 Aug. - 7 Sep. 1999