Topological defect formation during symmetry-breaking phase transitions
Phase Transition Controls
Defect count0
Order parameter0.00
System T2.00
T_c / T0.50
Kibble-Zurek: During a rapid quench through T_c, causally disconnected domains choose independent phases. Where domains meet, topological defects form (vortices in XY model). Defect density ∝ τ_Q−ν/(1+νz).
Colors show local phase angle θ ∈ [0, 2π]. Vortices (red/blue dots) are ±1 winding number defects.