Document Type
Honors Paper
Advisor
Michael Seifert
Publication Date
2024
Abstract
Lorentz-violating models are a class of theories in which a fundamental field breaks the underlying Lorentz symmetry of a system action by assuming a nonzero vacuum expectation value. In this work, we consider a model which achieves such a Lorentz violation through a rank-2, anti-symmetric tensor field. We present a derivation of the equations governing the time evolution of this tensor field, the specifications of a program capable of numerically simulating this evolution through the solving of differential equations, evidence for the success of our simulation in accurately representing the model, and evidence against the physical viability of such a field. In particular, we find that monopole topological defects would develop in abundance in the early universe and would maintain a relative proliferation. These monopoles have clear observational signatures and have yet to be found experimentally. We also determine that the fundamental field in question is only correlated over short scales and, therefore, appears randomized over long distances. The combination of these factors casts doubt on the viability of this model, but a more sophisticated simulation is necessary to draw definitive conclusions.
Recommended Citation
Carbonell, Wyatt, "Simulation Studies of Topological Defect Behavior in Rank-2 Anti-Symmetric Tensor Fields" (2024). Physics, Astronomy and Geophysics Honors Papers. 11.
https://digitalcommons.conncoll.edu/physicshp/11
Media Format
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The views expressed in this paper are solely those of the author.