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Cosmic strings in the complex symmetron model

Ali Nezhadsafavi* and Levon Pogosian†

  • *Contact author: ali_nezhadsafavi@sfu.ca
  • †Contact author: levon_pogosian@sfu.ca
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Phys. Rev. D 112, 043528 – Published 25 August, 2025

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/y3w1-m773

Abstract

We study cosmic strings in the complex symmetron model, a scalar-tensor theory with a spontaneously broken local U(1) symmetry in low matter density regions. Using numerical simulations, we show that these strings preferentially attach to matter halos, leading to the stabilization of string loops. While the requirement for screening of fifth-force interactions in the solar-system limits observable signatures in theories with universal coupling to matter, analogous topological defects in the dark sector may still influence cosmic structure formation, offering a novel avenue to constrain dark-sector interactions.

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Phys. Rev. D 112, 043528– Published 25 August, 2025
  • Received 2 May 2025
  • Accepted 6 August 2025
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