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String-induced vacuum decay and its gravitational wave signatures

Aleksandr Chatrchyan1,2,*, Florian Niedermann2,†, and Phoebe Richman-Taylor3,‡

  • *Contact author: aleksandr.chatrchyan@su.se
  • †Contact author: florian.niedermann@su.se
  • ‡Contact author: pmr2@hi.is
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Phys. Rev. D 113, 043535 – Published 23 February, 2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/72d2-kc3n

Abstract

False vacuum decay typically proceeds via the nucleation of spherical bubbles of true vacuum, described by O(4) symmetric field configurations in Euclidean time. In this work, we investigate how the presence of cosmic strings can catalyze the decay process. To this end, we consider a complex scalar field charged under a global or local U(1) symmetry. Assuming a nontrivial vacuum manifold, realizable for example in a simple sextic potential, we derive relativistic bounce solutions with O(2)×O(2) symmetry, corresponding to elongated bubbles seeded by a cosmic string of the same scalar field. Building up on earlier results in the literature, we identify the region of parameter space where vacuum decay predominantly proceeds via this alternative channel, thereby providing an explicit mechanism for the quantum decay of cosmic strings. Finally, we present an initial discussion of the gravitational wave signal associated with this type of vacuum decay and its possible connection to the recently observed stochastic signal in pulsar timing arrays.

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Phys. Rev. D 113, 043535– Published 23 February, 2026
  • Received 22 December 2025
  • Accepted 23 January 2026
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