Work

Noninflationary solution to the monopole problem

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Magnetic monopoles are a long-standing prediction of Grand Unified Theories, yet their efficient production in early universe phase transitions would lead to a monopole abundance that far exceeds observational limits. The standard solution of the problem invokes inflation occurring after monopole production, diluting their density to undetectable levels and eliminating any possibility of present-day observation. Here, we propose an alternative solution based on the breaking, in the early universe prior to big bang nucleosynthesis, of the Weyl conformal symmetry of the gauge kinetic sector of the Lagrangian. This mechanism enhances monopole annihilation, thereby reducing their abundance to acceptable levels without requiring inflation. This scenario also predicts a residual flux of Grand Unified Theories monopoles potentially within the sensitivity of current and upcoming cosmic ray detectors, making their discovery possible in the near future.

Source: Physical review. D/Physical review. D.

DOI: 10.1103/zcp4-pkbw

Author: Daniele Perri

Institution: University of Warsaw

Language: English

Topic: Particle physics theoretical and experimental studies

Subfield: Nuclear and High Energy Physics

Field: Physics and Astronomy

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Funder: Narodowe Centrum Nauki

Award: G5203884444