Topological defect formation during rapid symmetry-breaking phase transitions
Quench Rate τ_Q1.0
Coupling J1.5
Grid Size60
Defects: 0 | Vortices: 0 | Anti-vortices: 0
The Kibble-Zurek mechanism predicts the density of topological defects formed during a rapid quench through a continuous phase transition. Causally disconnected regions independently choose a phase, and domain boundaries where phases are incompatible form vortices (for U(1) order parameter). Defect density ξ̂⁻² scales as ξ̂ ~ τ_Q^(ν/(1+zν)).