Topological defect induced phase separation in a holographic system

Abstract

We investigate the coupled dynamics of symmetry breaking and phase separation during quenches across the critical point in a first-order phase transition. Based on the Einstein-Maxwell-scalar theory, we construct a holographic superfluid model with ${\mathbb{Z}}_2$ symmetry. By introducing higher-order nonlinear terms $\hat{I}»\hat{I}{¨}^4$ and $\ddot{I}„\hat{I}{¨}^6$ into the scalar field potential, we realize a rich phase structure, which enables us to study the coupling effects between symmetry breaking and phase separation. Furthermore, by preparing initial conditions with well-defined spatial partitions, we discover a new triggering mechanism for the invasion phenomenon, namely that kinks serve as triggering sites for the phase separation process. This study reveals a novel coupling mechanism between topological defects and phase separation, enriches our understanding of nonequilibrium structure formation in strongly coupled systems.

16 pages, 9 figures