Abstract
We find that the self-intersection of a closed curve (loop) is characterized by a jump in the self-linkage number of the loop. This is used to study the self-intersections of a mathematical closed curve evolving according to the Nambu action. We also show that segments of cosmic string cannot simply pass through one another at a self-intersection. Instead, intercommuting is found to be energetically favorable in the case of untwisted global strings.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 1768-1771 |
Number of pages | 4 |
Journal | Physical Review D |
Volume | 39 |
Issue number | 6 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jan 1 1989 |
Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Nuclear and High Energy Physics
- Physics and Astronomy (miscellaneous)