Topological defects are an expected consequence of phase transitions in the early Universe. As such these objects, if detected, provide unequivocal evidence of physics beyond the Standard Model. This means they are prime targets for new observational facilities. However, our understanding of defects is heavily bottlenecked by computational limitations. In this book, the author explores the use of accelerator hardware to alleviate this problem, presenting the world's first (multiple-)GPU defect simulations. Such simulations can evolve a network of line-like cosmic strings at an unprecedented resolution. Then these are used to obtain the most accurate to date calibrations of semi-analytical modelling and to show the impact of accuracy on observational consequences of strings. Lastly, a modified version of this application is used to study interconnected networks of strings in greater detail than ever before. This book benefits any student or researcher who wishes to learn aboutfield theory simulations in the early Universe and about supercomputing with multiple accelerators.

Auteur

José Ricardo C. Correira completed the B.Sc. degree in Physics at the University of Porto in September 2014 and his master's degree in Sept. 2016. In May 2022, he was awarded his doctoral degree jointly by three universities (including University of Porto). His research led to 8 publications in high-impact journals and one Best Poster Award. He has profited from visits to the Institute d' Astrophysique de Paris to collaborate with Prof. Patrick Peter and to the Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics at the University of Cambridge to collaborate with Dr. Amelia Drew and Prof. Paul Shellard. José also engages enthusiastically in outreach, having worked as a staff on a particle physics exhibition, taught high-school students numerical simulations on multiple occasions, job shadowed and informally helped students working with his supervisor.