Phase Transitions in the Early Universe and Defect Formation
Abstract
Description
In the first one of these two lectures, I give an introductory review of phase transitions in finite temperature field theories. I highlight the differences between theories with global and local symmetries, and the similarities between cosmological phase transitions and phase transitions in superconductors. In the second one, I review the theory of defect formation in finite temperature phase transitions, emphasising the differences between systems with broken global and local symmetries. These same principles apply to relativistic and condensed matter systems alike.
11 pages, 6 figures, revtex. To appear in the proceedings of "Cosmological Phase Transitions and Topological Defects", 22-24 May 2003, Porto, Portugal
11 pages, 6 figures, revtex. To appear in the proceedings of "Cosmological Phase Transitions and Topological Defects", 22-24 May 2003, Porto, Portugal