Quenching through a phase transition freezes in topological defects. The Kibble-Zurek mechanism predicts ξ_KZ ~ τ_Q^{ν/(1+zν)}, so faster quenches produce more defects. Simulated via 2D XY model.
Ready
Top: 2D XY phase field θ(x,y) ∈ [0,2π] colored by hue. Vortices (+½ → red circle) and antivortices (−½ → blue circle) are topological defects where the phase winds ±2π. Bottom: defect density vs quench rate from multiple runs — Kibble-Zurek scaling ξ_KZ ~ τ_Q^{ν/(1+zν)} (dashed line). Faster quenches → more defects.