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\({\Gamma}\)-Convergence Analysis of a Generalized XY Model: Fractional Vortices and String Defects

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Abstract

We propose and analyze a generalized two dimensional XY model, whose interaction potential has n weighted wells, describing corresponding symmetries of the system. As the lattice spacing vanishes, we derive by \({\Gamma}\)-convergence the discrete-to-continuum limit of this model. In the energy regime we deal with, the asymptotic ground states exhibit fractional vortices, connected by string defects. The \({\Gamma}\)-limit takes into account both contributions, through a renormalized energy, depending on the configuration of fractional vortices, and a surface energy, proportional to the length of the strings. Our model describes in a simple way several topological singularities arising in Physics and Materials Science. Among them, disclinations and string defects in liquid crystals, fractional vortices and domain walls in micromagnetics, partial dislocations and stacking faults in crystal plasticity.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Zentrum Mathematik - M7, Technische Universität München, Boltzmannstrasse 3, 85748, Garching, Germany

    Rufat Badal, Marco Cicalese & Lucia De Luca

  2. Dipartimento di Matematica “Guido Castelnuovo”, Sapienza Università di Roma, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy

    Marcello Ponsiglione

Authors
  1. Rufat Badal
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  2. Marco Cicalese
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  3. Lucia De Luca
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  4. Marcello Ponsiglione
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Correspondence to Lucia De Luca.

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Communicated by L. Caffarelli

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Badal, R., Cicalese, M., De Luca, L. et al. \({\Gamma}\)-Convergence Analysis of a Generalized XY Model: Fractional Vortices and String Defects. Commun. Math. Phys. 358, 705–739 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00220-017-3026-3

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