DOMAIN DEFECTS IN STRINGS AND WALLS

A type of model is considered where the Witten mechanism allows the breaking of a discrete symmetry within the core of a cosmic string or a domain wall. The formation of a real scalar field condensate results in the creation of different, but energetically degenerate, domains which are separated by massive domain defects. The defects within strings (domain kinks) are particlelike states, whereas the defects within walls (domain ribbons) resemble stringlike states. Relativistic kink-antikink pairs annihilate after their initial formation, with the release of boson radiation, and kink-antikink pairs can be created through string intercommutations. Ribbons and antiribbons can be either infinite in extent or form closed loops. Ribbon loops can be involved in fission or fusion processes producing boson radiation, and oscillating ribbon loops decay mainly through the production of boson radiation, with a negligible fraction of the released energy being emitted in the form of gravitational radiation. © 1995 The American Physical Society.