in quantum field theory and specifically gauge theory: a topological singularity in the vacuum structure caused by spontaneous symmetry breaking.
See at QFT with defects for details of the general mechanism, and see at domain wall, cosmic string and monopole (also vortex) for (classes of) examples.
Last revised on May 21, 2021 at 11:20:22. See the history of this page for a list of all contributions to it.