Vortex lines distribution in inhomogeneous lattices

Abstract

We study the distribution of vortex lines in a three-dimensional lattice with inhomogeneous couplings. We investigate the spatial distribution of the number of vortex lines, showing how the vortex lines are expelled from the region with higher couplings. Results for the correlation functions are presented, together with a discussion of the implications of the obtained results for the vortex distribution in ultracold trapped gases and in neutron stars.

Keywords:

• vortex lines
• 3D-XY model

Acknowledgements

We thank J. Miller, P. Sodano, M. Rasetti and S.R. Shenoy for many interesting discussions. K.S. was supported by NSF grants PHY0757703 and PHY1067777. He thanks Luciano Reatto for guidance, and many stimulating discussions throughout his career. S.F. would like to thank Luciano Reatto, first, for having introduced him to the Quantum Monte Carlo world, then for the always exciting and illuminating collaborations, and, finally, for the never ending friendship.

Notes

On leave from SISSA, Via Bonomea 265, I-34136 Trieste, Italy

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Stefano Fantoni

On leave from SISSA, Via Bonomea 265, I-34136 Trieste, Italy