Topological Defects in Cosmology

Abstract

Topological defects are ubiquitous in condensed-matter physics but only hypothetical in the early universe. In spite of this, even an indirect evidence for one of these cosmic objects would revolutionize our vision of the cosmos. We give here an introduction to the subject of cosmic topological defects and their possible observable signatures. Beginning with a review of the basics of general defect formation and evolution, we then focus on mainly two topics in some detail: conducting strings and vorton formation, and some specific imprints in the cosmic microwave background radiation from simulated cosmic strings.