Statistical mechanics of strings with Y-junctions

Journal Article · Tue Jul 15 00:00:00 EDT 2008 · Physical Review. D, Particles Fields

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PHYSREVD.78.023521· OSTI ID:21250341

Rivers, R J; Steer, D A ^[1]

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1. Blackett Laboratory, Imperial College, London SW7 2AZ (United Kingdom)

We investigate the Hagedorn transitions of string networks with Y-junctions as may occur, for example, with (p,q) cosmic superstrings. In a simplified model with three different types of string, the partition function reduces to three generalized coupled XY models. We calculate the phase diagram and show that, as the system is heated, the lightest strings first undergo the Hagedorn transition despite the junctions. There is then a second, higher, critical temperature above which infinite strings of all tensions, and junctions, exist. Conversely, on cooling to low temperatures, only the lightest strings remain, but they collapse into small loops.

• OSTI ID: 21250341
• Journal Information: Physical Review. D, Particles Fields, Vol. 78, Issue 2; Other Information: DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevD.78.023521; (c) 2008 The American Physical Society; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 0556-2821
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS
COMPUTERIZED SIMULATION
CRITICAL TEMPERATURE
PARTITION FUNCTIONS
PHASE DIAGRAMS
STATISTICAL MECHANICS
STRING MODELS
SUPERSTRING MODELS