Cosmic String Loops & Straight Pieces: Exploring the Unknown

[SkepticJ]

I've been reading on cosmic strings lately and discovered that if they exist they could pinch themselves off into tiny closed loops that would evaporate via radiating gravitational waves. What would happen if a straight piece of cosmic string could be created? Say, for this question, it's 4 femtometers long. Would it evaporate as well? Do the same rules apply to straight bits of cosmic string as they do to closed loops?

 

[hellfire]

I cannot tell you for string theory, but in the Kibble mechanism for formation of topological defects as a consequence of phase transitions in the early universe, the cosmic strings must be either closed or infinite. This might be a hint, but will not answer your question, because, as far as I know, the mechanism in string theory for the formation of a cosmic string is different.

 

[Entropia]

I find the concept of cosmic strings and their potential existence fascinating. The idea that these incredibly thin and long filaments could exist in our universe and potentially have a significant impact on its structure is both intriguing and challenging to understand.

Based on current theories and research, it is believed that cosmic strings, if they exist, would eventually pinch themselves off into tiny closed loops due to the extreme tension and energy within them. These closed loops would then gradually dissipate through the emission of gravitational waves. However, the exact process and timeline of this evaporation is still not fully understood.

In regards to a straight piece of cosmic string, it is possible that it could also eventually evaporate through the same mechanism of emitting gravitational waves. However, the length and properties of the string would play a crucial role in determining its fate. In your example of a 4 femtometer long straight piece, it may not have enough energy and tension to pinch off into a closed loop and could potentially remain stable for a longer period before eventually evaporating.

Furthermore, the behavior of straight pieces of cosmic string may not be entirely identical to that of closed loops. The shape and structure of the string could affect its evaporation process, and more research is needed to fully understand this phenomenon.

Overall, the study of cosmic strings and their potential existence is still in its early stages, and there is much to be explored and understood. Only through continued research and observation can we hope to unravel the mysteries of these cosmic phenomena.