Numerical simulations of necklaces in SU(2) gauge-Higgs field theory

Understand

We perform the first numerical simulations of necklaces in a non-Abelian gauge theory.

• Necklaces are composite classical solutions which can be interpreted as monopoles trapped on strings, rather generic structures in a Grand Unified Theory.
• We generate necklaces from random initial conditions, modelling a phase transition in the early Universe, and study the evolution.
• For all cases, we find that the necklace system shows scaling behaviour similar to that of a network of ordinary cosmic strings.