The dynamics of phase transitions in relativistic and non-relativistic media

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Project objective

Research objectives and content This is a theoretical project to be carried out within Imperial College Theoretical Physics Group on non-equilibrium dynamics of symmetry breaking mechanism. The topics to be addressed will be particular aspects of: i) The production of defects in inflationary and non-inflationary models of the early universe, and the consequent production of fluctuations in the microwave background. At the moment there is an over-reliance on semiclassical optimism and ab initio calculations need to be made, with no input other than the underlying quantum field theory and its evolution equations. ii) The prproduction of defects (vortices) in superfluids, with the aim to confirm (or refute) the claims made by condensed matter physicists that this productions has much in common with the production of vortices in the early universe. Despite the difference in coupling strengths, chemical potentials, and a non-relativistic excitation spectrum, there are sufficient similarities for there to be collaboration between the helium experimentalists and the theorists. Given the increased experimental effort put into this area it is important to understand whether the similarities are profound or superficial. Training content (objective, benefit and expected impact) With this research project I will be allowed to continue my current interest in thermal field theory and develop my recent results on the inclusion of the chemical potential, through the daily confrontation and collaboration with a leading group of scientist in this field.

Original text from CORDIS.

Participants

• IMPERIAL COLLEGE OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND MEDICINE · LONDONCoordinatorUnited Kingdom
• Not availableCity levelItaly

Links

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